Staff Reporter
The Free State Department of Education says learner registration for Grade R and Grade 1 as well as Grade 8 for the 2022 academic year has been extended to the end of August.
The initial registration period which opened at the beginning of April was due to end on July 31.
In a statement, the provincial education department said the extension of the registration period had been necessitated by the latest adjustment in the school calendar which saw schools closing earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to unforeseeable circumstances of school term dates changing emanating from the lockdown restrictions, learner registration for the 2022 academic year has been extended until end of August.
“The second school term ended sooner as schools closed earlier than expected, affecting the learner registration process,” read part of the statement.
“Not all parents had the opportunity to get learner registration forms and return them before the 31 July as previously communicated.”
The department is urging parents to finalise the registration of their children since the COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, allowing schools to reopen as well as other economic activities.
Head of department Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane encouraged parents to take advantage of the extension “bearing in mind the sooner they apply, the better” as it will allow them and their children to adequately prepare for school in the coming year.
Children eligible for admission for Grade R are those aged four-and-half years and turning five before June 30 in 2022.
Those going into Grade 1 should be five-and-half years old and turning six before the end of June next year.
The following documents are required for registration: birth certificate, immunisation card and a transfer letter or last school report card for learners who have been to school.
Foreign learners are required to have a study permit in order to be admitted at school.