HOW THE YEAR HAS GONE THUS FAR/CHALLENGES
The year has been challenging in that the impact of COVID can be seen and felt in so many different areas. Except for our grade 12’s, our learners generally attend school every second day, and this clearly has a disruptive and unsettling effect on them. The ‘new normal’ has meant half-size classes, few or almost no extra-mural activities and valuable teaching time being lost. As hard as staff members are trying to mitigate the impact of COVID, the teaching-learning situation has been compromised. What is particularly worrisome is that the true negative effects of the instability and uncertainty occasioned by the COVID pandemic, may only be felt in years to come.
However, it has to be said that in spite of the points raised above, the school is functioning as normally as possible and this is as a result of the hard work, dedication and commitment of the teachers, and the wonderful work, assistance and mentorship of our Operating Partner, Common Good.
HOPE FOR THE YOUTH AS I LOOK AHEAD
I am hopeful that our learners will deal successfully with the problems brought about by the COVID pandemic. While it will not be easy, they are receiving great help, encouragement, mentorship and support from the staff of SHS. Thankfully, to the best of my knowledge, not a single learner has been infected with the virus thus far, and my obvious hope is that this state of affairs will continue. Furthermore, my hope is that they will continue to follow the safety protocols and do their very best to cope with the challenges they are facing.