EARLY SCHOOL CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS

Following the public announcement  that  schools will close with  effect from Friday 16th July 2021 and reopen on 17th August 2021, the Ministry of  Basic Education informs  parents, teachers, pupils  and  all  relevant stakeholders that the following arrangements will apply;

1. All schools inclusive  of  private  schools and  pre-schools in  the country  will be closed with effect from Friday 16th July 2021 and reopen on Tuesday 17th August 2021.

2. All  learners  are  to   return   home  including  those  in  boarding schools.               The   Ministry   expects   school   leadership   to    make arrangements for learners that remain quarantined or isolated in hostels to be taken care of until they are released. The engaged staff in public schools can take their days off at another time.

3. It is important  for schools to give learners work to do during the

school closure period in order to keep them fully engaged to avoid poor academic performance. Please note that learners should not go to school during the period of school closure.

4. The Ministry has decided to grant all teachers and support staff in public  schools 16 free  days. Teachers and  support  staff  should report   for  work  on  Thursday   12th August  2021  while  school leadership is given 13 free days and are to report for work on Monday gth August, 2021.

5. Schools will be inspected for COVID-19 compliance from the 11th to 16th August 2021 (weekend inclusive).

6. All  planned  end  of  Term  II Examinations are  suspended  with immediate effect and will be rescheduled in the next school Term.

Learners in Boarding Schools who need to travel home and cross zones will be facilitated by school management in the usual manner.

Staff who need to travel across zones should use the current  national travel  arrangements  of  applying  for  permits  through  the  ‘Be  Safe’ application. However, everyone is reminded to avoid unnecessary travel and to strictly comply with COVID-19 protocols at all times.

SIGNED:

Oarabile Phefo

For/Permanent Secretary