stock up with plenty of enthusiasm for school this year, and all the challenges it will bring, whether it’s at the dining-room table or back in the classroom. (iStock) If there’s one thing 2020 taught us, it’s to be wary of planning too far ahead, says Philippa Brinkmann, head of learning support at Rustenburg Girls Junior School in Cape Town.
It’s a worrying wrinkle in what should be a time of excitement and anticipation, as children prepare for the 2021 academic year – now starting in February, due to Covid-19-linked postponements.
First-term essentials Buy only what’s absolutely essential for getting through the first term of 2021, says Brinkmann, who’s also mother to a 12-year-old schoolgoer.
Advice to parents for a tough academic year ahead
By MaryAnne Isaac
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The year 2020 will forever be remembered as the great disruptor of plans, with 2021 looking no different. Last year forced us out of our comfort zones and had us adapt quickly to a new normal of wearing masks and social distancing.
The education sector knows all too well about disruptions and uncertainty, and according to Philippa Brinkmann, head of learning support at Rustenburg Girls Junior School in Cape Town, parents should only buy what’s absolutely essential for getting through the first term of 2021. For example, she says, don’t invest in sports clothing and equipment at the moment – schools may not be allowed to offer their usual extramural activities, and kids may grow out of their sports clothing before they even get a chance to use it.
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