PETITION REGARDING THE SAFETY OF LEARNERS AND STAFF AT PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL

To: The Gauteng Department of Education, The Principal, and Relevant Education Authorities

Subject: Request for the Department of Education to Reconsider its Decision in the Interests of School Safety

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, learners, alumni and members of the Pretoria Boys High School community, respectfully submit this petition to express our serious concern regarding the decision allowing the learner concerned to return to school following the school's previous decision regarding the matter.

The safety and wellbeing of every learner, teacher and staff member should remain the highest priority. Schools should be places where children feel safe, protected and able to learn without fear or uncertainty.

We respectfully request that the Gauteng Department of Education reconsider and give proper weight to the decision made by Pretoria Boys High School, as well as the considerations and safety concerns taken into account by the school.

In addition to concerns regarding the immediate safety and emotional wellbeing of learners and staff, we are also concerned about the message and precedent this may set for other learners. Any conduct or circumstances that may reasonably create serious safety concerns within a school environment should always be treated with the utmost seriousness and should never be perceived as being taken lightly.

Children learn not only through education, but also through the examples and standards set around them. We believe it is important that schools continue to uphold a culture where the safety of learners and teachers is protected and where actions or circumstances that create fear or uncertainty are addressed responsibly and firmly.

This petition is not intended to unfairly target any individual, but rather to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of the wider school community remain the primary consideration in all decisions made.

We respectfully ask that the concerns of parents, learners and staff be heard and carefully considered.