AS schools open today, learners who stay in boarding facilities returned yesterday and went through tight security checks to ensure they do not bring any contraband, particularly vapes.
Learners at Mbuluzi High School started arriving in the morning and registered with their matron.
The pupils were then searched for any foreign materials by Matron Nelisiwe Dlamini, who also asked parents if they had bought pens for their children.
She paid particular attention to pens and power banks, as there is a growing trend of pupils smuggling vapes into schools that look like these items.
She also checked whether parents had bought food for the pupils, as food is not allowed in the hostel.
Mbuluzi High School Headteacher Siza Dlamini said parents had paid a lot of money for their children to be at the boarding facility.
He said the senior hostel accommodates 65 pupils while the junior hostel had 60 pupils, giving a total of 125 learners.
“We are conducting security checks because of situations we have seen, including learners coming with contraband. Currently, there is a popular use of vapes in schools that are being smuggled by pupils. Our security is tight and we have set timelines. Those coming alone were supposed to be at school before 3pm, while those arriving later had to come with their parents,” he said.
He said they searched pupils’ bags to ensure that no prohibited products come into the school.
Dlamini said matrons and security personnel were responsible for this.
He said the school also engaged parents in a meeting, urging them to take an active role in their children’s lives and not to use the school as a dumping place.
He said the school needs cooperation from parents to be present and check their children’s bags when packing at home.
He advised pupils to focus as cellphones and gadgets are not allowed at the school.
He said day scholars should also be monitored.
He confirmed that roll calls were conducted from time to time to supervise attendance and security personnel also conducts night patrols.
“We want children to focus on their school work and be disciplined because we understand that behaviour and discipline have an impact on performance,” he said.
yesterday.
Pupils excited, determined for term III
PUPILS at Mbuluzi High School and St Mark’s High School say they are happy to return to school for the third term.
Mbuluzi High School learner Lwandzile Kunene said she was happy to be back at school. She said she was determined to improve her studies after not performing well in the second term.
Form IV pupil Aphiwe Magagula said they were back and settling in well, so they can be ready for the first day of the third term.
She said she was happy to be back and was looking forward to performing well.
Sikholiwe Dlamini added that she was excited to be back at school and appreciates God for keeping her safe during the school holidays. She said she had told herself that she was at the hostel to do better and achieve her goals, and that she was committed to studying and getting better marks.
