Kingswood’s response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address made on Sunday, 15 March 2020.

Kingswood College cares deeply about the well-being of our pupils, staff, friends and family of the college as well as the greater Makhanda community and our nation at large.

As a country we are facing a very uncertain time, but we trust that the decisions made last night by our government will help us to try and curb the spread of COVID-19.

We need to work together, and remember that this affects us all.

“We support the President in urging all citizens to remain calm, to stay informed and to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. We know matters will change from day to day and we will keep in close contact with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) – to remain on top of the latest health news. We understand that closing of schools seems to cause a bit of uncertainty, but we support this measure to ensure families can be at home until more clarity is obtained about the way forward. We are hoping to keep our educational program alive, by either starting school two weeks early or by allowing our pupils to learn via e-learning”

Dr Colleen Vassiliou – College Head

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM KINGSWOOD COLLEGE

Dear Kingswoodians

President Ramaposa announced on Sunday 15 March just after 20h00 that gatherings larger than 100 people are discouraged. He went on to say that all schools in South Africa should close by 18 March 2020.

Even though we are an Independent School we are following the various restrictions placed by our President.

Therefore, we will be closing school on Wednesday 18 March 13h00. Travel day will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, but if travel arrangements are needed prior to Wednesday, parents can book according to availability.

We will be communicating the date of the start of Term 2 later in the week, our priority at the moment is to ensure all arrangements are in place for this week.

We thank you for your understanding in this situation, knowing that this is not only a National crisis, but a global Pandemic.

We remind you of the following: 

  • General principles of hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
  • Washing hands often, particularly after using public transport;
  • Covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue;
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell;
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces; if soap and water are not available, using an alcohol-based sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol;
  • Not sharing water-bottles or making use of communal drinking facilities at sports.

Just some notes from the President’s address:

  1. National state of disaster has been declared. Rapid effective response system will be put in place.
  2. Limit contact with those infected.
  3. Travel ban on foreigners from high risk countries as of 18th March. Visas will be cancelled.
  4. SA residents to avoid travel to high risk countries.
  5. Travel alerts will be issued based on risk level.
  6. SA citizens returning from high risk area must self-quarantine.
  7. Travel to medium risk countries – will be subjected to testing.
  8. 72 ports of entry, 35 land entries will be shut down. Two sea ports to be closed.
  9. Domestic travel discouraged.
  10. Gathering of more than 100 prohibited.
  11. Small gatherings – organizers must present a plan.
  12. Schools to close on Wednesday 18 March until after Easter holidays.
  13. Higher education institutions to be consulted.
  14. All businesses to ensure they intensify measures re hygiene control.
  15. Shopping malls to ensure hygiene control.measures.
  16. Increase capacity of hospitals.
  17. Monitoring system to be put in place.
  18. Mass campaign to educate community members.
  19. Minimize physical contact.
  20. Funding available to reinforce the systems introduced.
  21. National emergency task team to meet three times per week.

President Cyril Ramaposa 15 March 2020

We wish to assure you that we will ensure the continuity of education as best possible.

The Leadership of the school will review continuity plans, including plans for the non-interuption of teaching and learning.

We will look at implementing feasible e-learning plans, including digital and distance learning options appropriate accordingly. Converting face-to-face classes into online lessons will be a priority.

Thank you for your continued support with this matter.

As the information changes from day to day, new updates will be sent during the school holidays when necessary.

Please do continue to educate your children on aspects of hygiene over the holiday period.

Thank you in advance.

Dr CP Vassiliou

COLLEGE HEAD