The Department of Basic Education has issued the revised 2020 public school calendar. Changes include:

• 3rd Term:  Aug 24th  – Oct 23rd
• Holiday: Oct 26th – Oct 30th
• 4th Term : Nov 2nd – Dec 15th
• School Starts 2021: Jan 25th

Click here to download, save and print an updated 2020 School Terms Calendar for public schools  (in colour or black& white)

Matric exams and results 

• Aug 3: Matrics start school
• Jan 22 (2021): NSC Matric exams 
• Feb 23 (2021) .Matric results issued 

When Grades R-11 return to school:

Public schools: 

• Grade 7 : Aug 11
• Grades R, 1, 2, 3, 4,6 : Aug 24
• Grades 9, 10, 11: Aug 24
• Grade 5, 8 : Aug 31

Special schools: 

Alternative Schooling allowed

Parents can choose to school their children at home for several reasons:

• Anxiety and fear related to COVID-19, concern for family members over the age of 60 or with comorbidities
• Prefer to use online or virtual platforms for schooling 
• Apply for home education and deregister their children from public schools

Click here for further information and alternative schooling solutions.

COVID-19 in the Classroom

Health preventative measures

• practicing social distancing
• the use of sanitisers
• wearing masks.

Parents to inform the school:

• if a learner is either self-isolated or
• under quarantine after coming into contact with an infected person or
• is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 .

Schools to inform parents 

• when a learner has contracted Covid-19 through testing organised by the school 
• to fetch the child from school.
• to seek medical care for the child.

 

Related  useful articles:

• Mental health tips for kids and teens during Covid-19. Dr Sheri Fanaroff
• What to do when someone at home tests positive, Dr Daniel Israel

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