Steven Klukowski
KEETMANSHOOP – Acting //Kharas chief regional officer Benedictus Diergaardt said teacher absenteeism negatively affects the quality of teaching and impacts learners in the process. He lashed out at teachers of Krönlein Primary School when delivering his speech during the educational institute’s50th anniversary last Friday in Keetmanshoop. “The absenteeism of some teachers at this school is worrying – and most of the time, it can be attributed to alcohol abuse,” Diergaardt said.
He continued that other factors such as a lack of commitment and loyalty of some teachers are also detrimental towards the provision of quality education. “Some of them are not team players, do not participate in events that the school is planning and extramural activities such as sport,” said the acting CRO.
He added that teachers at the school have a negative attitude and do not even appreciate the KPS’ milestone – like its semi-centennial anniversary. Diergaardt, in addition, called on management and stakeholders to monitor these detrimental activities and implement the necessary corrective measures accordingly.
“These members in charge of the affairs at Krönlein Primary School should be in the forefront in leading other staff members and work together as a team towards its common goals and objectives,” he advised. He furthermore warned teachers that learners’ parents are monitoring the situation at the school and will not hesitate to take matters into their own hands for their children’s sake if needed.
“This school is having an impeccable reputation laid down by former principals and teachers, so we need to jealously protect its previous status,” he said.
He also instructed the school board to report any staff member if they are not giving their full support and opt to continue with their negative trajectory so that the respective authorities can get rid of them, accordingly.
Another burning issue, according to Diergaardt, is the delayed completion of the school hall. “Since the departure of the school board that was serving during my time as its chairperson, this project came to a standstill,” he said.
He also raised concerns regarding plans to finish the project, as well as vandalism (broken windows and doors) at the structure. “It is not fair that people work so hard, bringing the project up to its current status, and nobody cares now to complete the school hall,” he said.
He also called on those involved with the project to liaise and engage with those stakeholders taking education to heart to complete the project. Krönlein Primary School opened its doors for the first time on 23 June 1972 with former principals, including the late Billy Phillips and David Smith as well as Peter Visser.
It has delivered proud products in public office and business, among others: McDonald Hanse (Keetmanshoop mayor), Percy McNally (prominent lawyer), Zenatha Coleman (international women soccer player) and Lesley Klim (international rugby player).