Mitchells Plain teacher praised for keeping students calm during school shooting
The Grade R learners were told to lie on the floor during a shooting.
Image: Screenshot
A hero Grade R teacher at Yellowwood Primary School in Mitchells Plain is being applauded on social media for keeping her learners safe during a shooting.
In a video shared on TikTok, footage shows her class laying flat on the ground while listening to calming melodies as shots ring out outside the Tafelsig school.
As shots continue to ring, the scared little ones can be seen lifting their heads in shock, but are reassured by the teacher, who tells them to “close your eyes and listen to the music.”
With over 197 000 views, the video was posted by a concerned grandparent on Friday, who had nothing but praise for the teacher.
The grandmother, who does not want to be named, said: “I was just so grateful to the teacher for keeping them calm. My concern is always the babies. I can only thank our Creator that all the babies were safe and I am also very grateful for the way the teacher acted.
"Children go to school, passing by my house in the cold mornings dressed in torn clothes wearing slippers without socks. On Thursday mornings, I hand out sandwiches as they go to school, how many even had a meal the night before."
The Grade R learners are reassured by the teacher, to “close their eyes and listen to the music, while the gunshots were ringing outside.
Image: Screenshot
While the Cape Argus sister newspaper, the Daily Voice requested an interview with the teacher, Bronagh Hammond of the Western Cape Education Department responded on behalf of the school.
She said: “We confirmed with the school that there was a shooting incident that took place outside the school, in the community, on Friday.
"The school immediately implemented its safety policy protocols. In this instance, emergency procedures were initiated which required all educators to close doors, move learners away from the windows and ensure that they lie flat on the ground. This is a common safety protocol in our schools.
"The shooting incident caused concern obviously from parents within the community. The educator allegedly sent the video to reassure parents that their children were safe and calm via the class Whatsapp group.
"This was further spread on social media by a parent who was in the Whatsapp group.
This video is a sad reminder of how our children are impacted by gang violence. We must always remain vigilant. As schools, we are unfortunately not immune to criminal activity, but we can be ready to respond in the best way possible when such instances occur.
We are very grateful for our educators and staff who manage schools in these challenging environments. They are exposed to violence and trauma which can have an impact upon their own mental health, while also trying to remain positive and upbeat for their learners.
We will continue to engage with law enforcement and security agencies to ensure that we can get the best possible service in dealing with violence in and around schools.”
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