The School Governing Body at Brackenfell High School is trying to prevent any future race wars by reviewing the school’s hair policy and conducting diversity training.
The school has been embroiled in a racial scandal after a matric event was held and attended by white students only. The “Masquerade Ball MX’20” event which took place on 17 October.
A statement released by the (SGB) on Friday said: “The SGB and staff of Brackenfell High School, fully commit ourselves to participate in future discussions with learners as well as parents in order to ensure a constructive way forward.
“In respect of the way forward we aim to expand and adapt in order to make the school a better place. The school has already started addressing concerns and putting various measures in place to facilitate diversity.”
Some of these measures include:
- Better communication with parents, learners and the community on a variety of platforms.
- The establishment of a Diversity Committee.
- Reviewing the girls’ hair policy after consultations with learners and grade heads as well as the input of parents. This process was concluded on 4 November.
- The school is in the process of engaging speakers and external professional consultants to conduct sensitivity and diversity training with the staff and learners next year.
- Training in diversity, sensitivity, recognising racism and discrimination etc. will also be conducted with the learners via Life Orientation as well as structured sessions.
- Processes are being put in place to create safe spaces and communication opportunities where learners can feel free to voice their concerns and report issues.
The school has also distanced itself from the violent clashes which broke out between parents and protesting members of the EFF earlier this week.
“The school unequivocally condemn and distance ourselves from the incidence of violence that transpired around our school as well as any form of hate speech expressed on social media as a result of these events.
“These unfortunate actions do not represent the values that we embrace and teach at Brackenfell High School; values like unity, respect, responsibility, citizenship, integrity and neighbourly love.”
The statement further reads: “At the moment our priority is the best interest of our learners and their right to write their final examinations without any form of disruption and in a safe environment.
“We sincerely appeal to our parents, community members as well as people from outside our community, to refrain from involvement in any form of aggression or violence at or around the school premises.
“We fully acknowledge your concern as parents for the wellbeing and safety of your children, but we are confident that the police and other policing structures are fully equipped and able to deal with any eventuality which may take place at or around the school.
“We implore you to exercise calmness and discipline as any escalation in violence will only put our learners, your children, in danger and cause them unnecessary anxiety and distract from their examinations. Please allow the school the opportunity to address concerns and to plot a course towards reconciliation and healing.”
dailyvoice@inl.co.za