GEORGE NEWS - Most schools in George reopened on Wednesday 13 May, following Monday's destructive storm, but Outeniqua Primary School remained closed to allow for extensive clean-up operations after severe wind damage on the school grounds.
The school's principal, Dr Nico Venter, informed the parents on Tuesday evening that the closure was necessary to ensure the safety of learners and staff while the trees and debris were being removed and relocated.
The school had suffered significant storm damage when several uprooted trees crashed into the fencing along Cathedral Street.
On Wednesday, the staff, available parents and members of the public showed up at the school, tools in hand, to help clean up the grounds and get the school ready.
Responding to George Herald's media enquiries, Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department was still assessing the full extent of the damage across the district. "Several schools in George have reported storm-related infrastructure damage. Assessments are ongoing as adverse weather conditions persist in some areas. The reported damage differs from school to school and is being addressed on a case-by-case basis," said Hammond.
She added that the incidents reported included wind damage, flooding, roof leaks, damage to access roads and other storm-related infrastructure challenges.
Hammond said the department has already implemented measures to minimise disruptions to learning.
Hendriko Nel, MC Smith, Brent Ruiters and Riaan Brink tackle a massive log during Wednesday's clean-up effort at Outeniqua Primary. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Meanwhile, despite extensive damage to mobile classrooms and several uprooted trees at George High School, teaching resumed at the school on Wednesday.
York High School also confirmed that its classes resumed as normal after only minimal damage was reported on the school grounds. Thembalethu High, Imizamo Yethu High, Thembalethu Primary, Conville Primary and Parkdene Primary also reopened on Wednesday.
New Dawn Park Primary escaped structural damage, although a tree was blown over on the school grounds. Teaching resumed as normal, but some learners and their families remain displaced after strong winds tore the roofs off their homes. They are currently being accommodated in a community hall.
Michelle Pienaar reports that Laerskool George-Suid's (LGS) principal, Sas du Plessis, said the school had suffered damage when part of the roof was blown off during the storm. "Fortunately, nobody was outside at the time. All the children were safely inside the hall, and they remained calm, orderly and disciplined throughout. The classrooms and hall were the safest places for them to be.
"Initially, I did not want to send the learners home, but their parents became anxious as trees were falling over, and many feared they would not be able to reach the school later. We then decided to dismiss the children in phases, and it worked exceptionally well.
"I am incredibly proud of every parent at LGS who co-operated with us. Within an hour and a half, all 1 200 learners were safely home, everyone having used the Laing Street gates.
“Three trees in Meade and Fichat streets fell over while the children would normally have been there, so I am very grateful we decided to use Laing Street instead."
Sections of fencing at Thembalethu Primary were destroyed. Photo: SABC Western Cape
Nicolene Koegelenberg of Van Kervel School said the school had sustained minor damage to its infrastructure during the storm. "Several trees were also damaged. Branches and trees also fell onto the school fence," she said.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
