The Grade 12s’ return to Rhenish Girls’ High was a fairly sombre occasion – quite unlike any normal return to school. They arrived in civvies and masks, for school uniforms are not the focus now, but ensuring the school gets on top of the curriculum.
The girls were greeted at the gate by Principal Helmien Slabber, who directed them to the screening station at the Ebenezer Hall, reminding them also about social distancing and telling them to observe the white markers on the way to the Ebenezer Hall.
With temperatures taken and recorded, questions answered and hands sanitised, the Grade 12s were seated 2 m apart and were then taken through instructions for safety protocols, the measures now in place as well as the programme going forward.
About 23 of the 131 Grade 12 learners did not return to school on Monday. Some of them are currently out of the province, while others are deemed “at risk”, and some parents have selected not to send their daughters back to school at this stage.
A past learner, Jeanneke Malan (2004) and her sister, Monique Malan (2006) and their mother, Tessa Malan, also handed hand-made masks over to the Grade 12s.
Jeanneke is the owner of Mia Melange in Stellenbosch, which designs and makes luxury handcrafted baskets, bowls and other homeware products. The masks were hand-made by women in the Stellenbosch community who have been upskilled through a programme run by Jeanneke.
Rhenishers, Rhenish supporters, old girls and members of the community can order a Rhenish mask through miamelange.com/products/rhenish. People can sponsor a Rhenish mask for a learner who may not be able to afford one.
The Grade 12s were very excited to see their friends again, albeit from a distance. They were keen to get back to work, to consolidate the learning that had taken place during lockdown, and get through the work that lies ahead as they prepare for the final exams.
Staff at Rhenish Girls’ High were delighted to have their learners in front of them again, although live-streamed teaching for the other grades continues.
