Vista High School pupils protest for academic standards and respect

Disgruntled Vista High School pupils showed their dismay about the decline in academic standards and the conduct of the principal by protesting outside Schotsche Kloof school on Tuesday, September 2, and Wednesday, September 3.

The pupils said academic standards have dropped in recent years due to the frequent rotation of teachers, while the principal’s behaviour towards both pupils and staff has left them disappointed. They added that they turned to protest action after their emailed complaints were ignored.

The pupils put their grievances in emails to the school governing body (SGB) and to the circuit manager, but were unhappy with the response.

Pupil Aqeel Ismail said that they would like to be heard.

“We gave her (the principal) the letter but she just tore it up in front of us. We sent emails but no response,” he said.

His father, Mujaahid Ismail, told Atlantic Sun that he was aware of the protests. 

"Aqeel has been telling me about this, and I applaud what they are doing," he said.

A second email titled "formal complaint, regarding academic decline, teacher instability, and unprofessional conduct of school principal", was sent to the SGB on Tuesday, September 2.

According to the email, the pupils first apologised for damaging school property and spitting at teachers.

"We, the learners of Vista High School, are writing to express our deep concern regarding two critical issues affecting our education and well-being," read the email.

In the email, the pupils suggest ending the frequent changes of teachers; the implementation of a plan to restore and improve academic performance; and they requested academic and emotional support to recover from the "damage already caused".

They also proposed that immediate disciplinary action be taken to address the principal's unprofessional conduct; that training and support be given to ensure that school administrators treat pupils and staff with respect and dignity; and to foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes understanding. 

"If the situation does not improve, we will unfortunately have to continue with our protest. 

"We trust that you will recognise the seriousness of this matter and take immediate steps to protect the future of all learners at Vista High School," read the email signed "the learners of Vista High School".

Principal Charline Little referred all media enquiries to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond, said that district officials were at the school today, Wednesday, September 3 to address parents on the academic improvement plans and behaviour.

Grade 12 pupils were able to write examinations, while teaching and learning also continued for the other grades.

Ms Hammond said a small group of pupils refused to enter the school, adding that the pupils causing the disruption were reportedly not the same as the representative council of learners (RCL) group that had constructively engaged with the WCED about their concerns.

She said that district officials would tomorrow address pupils, grade by grade, to discuss academic interventions.

Ms Hammond said that the school was identified as an underperforming school following their Grade 12 national senior certificate (NSC) results last year. 

"An academic improvement plan has been developed to improve learner outcomes.

"This includes teacher development programmes, telematics programme, Back on Track programme and after-school, weekend and holiday tutoring programmes," she said.

The WCED is also providing counselling support.

"We expect that there will be no disruptions tomorrow. Disciplinary action will be taken against those who continue to disturb the school day,” said Ms Hammond.