Parents and teachers at Hout Bay High School are calling for the remove of its principal and dismantling of the School Governing Body.
Image: Supplied.
Hout Bay High School learners have written heartfelt letters calling for an end to violence and bullying saying all they want is a safe place to learn.
This comes after teachers, parents, and learners at the school called for the dismissal of the school’s principal and the replacement of the School Governing Body (SGB), accusing both of failing to address ongoing issues of bullying, drug use, and unsafe conditions at the school.
In the letters seen by the Weekend Argus, the children expressed concerns about their safety and well-being, stating that they do not feel safe at school.
The learners stated that they feel unhappy with the decisions being made and claim that the SGB is not supportive when they raise issues about disruptions in classrooms and on the school grounds.
They note that some learners are disruptive and disrespectful, and there are reports of unlawful activities, including smoking dagga, carrying dangerous weapons, and drug use on school premises.
Part of the letter reads: “We want a safe school. We need help and we hope that our parents can come to the table, our complaints fell on deaf ears. This is a cry out for help for a better school and for it to be more efficient”
Reports of bullying, disrespect towards teachers, and students smoking dagga on school grounds have become all too familiar, but despite repeated complaints, nothing has been done to address the issues. Parents and staff members say the principal’s leadership has only worsened the situation.
“The state of the school is the worst it’s been in years,” said one concerned parent.
Its alleged learners are smoking dagga on the school grounds.
Image: File
A staff member at the school, who asked to remain anonymous, described working conditions as unbearable. "The rest of the staff are too scared to speak up because nothing gets done," the staff member said.
"There are constant incidents of fighting, disrespect towards teachers, and even smoking dagga on school grounds. It’s incredibly difficult to work in these conditions. Just last week, some teachers downed pens in protest, but the principal made promises again, and once more, nothing has changed."
In a video obtained by the Weekend Argus, a learner is seen confronting another learner and within a few seconds, smacks him through the face.
Millicent Merton, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), responded to the concerns.
“School discipline procedures are handled by the various structures within the school. These include counselling for learners and disciplinary hearings for serious cases.
“We are aware of the concerns raised by the school community, and in light of this enquiry, we will put in place an intervention to assist the school in addressing learner behaviour.
“However, the Safe Schools office has not received any formal request for assistance from the school until now.”
Merton further clarified that staff members concerned about issues within the school should direct their requests for support to the Circuit Manager if they feel the school management is not addressing the challenges.
Andre De Bruyn, the Chairperson of the Educators Union of South Africa (EUSA), explained that teachers in South Africa are entitled to a range of rights, including a safe working environment, protection from abuse, and the right to dignity and respect.
He noted that these rights ensure that teachers can speak out and seek help when they face any form of abuse, whether from learners, colleagues, or employers.
"These rights empower educators to report issues to school management or district offices, file grievances under the Labour Relations Act, and seek legal support through their unions," De Bruyn stated. "Teachers can also access psychological support through the Employer Wellness Programme to protect their well-being."
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus