Wesbank Grade R girl faces bullying, considers leaving school
A Wesbank Grade R learner faces emotional turmoil as bullying at school leads her to consider dropping out.
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What was supposed to be a fun start to a Wesbank Grade R learner’s school journey had turned into heartbreak for a five-year-old who no longer wants to attend school due to alleged bullying.
The learner from Wesbank No.1 school has allegedly been having an unpleasant time at school and acting out, according to her mother.
The mother explained: “My child has anxiety and is now starting to soil herself, which she never did. She is also cutting her school uniform because she doesn’t want to go to school. I am not happy with how my child is being treated.
“My daughter came home already with bubblegum in her hair, her ribbons are cut, her schoolwork is being trampled on, she is being pinched and hit, but the teacher is in the class. The teacher told me that it’s not bullying; bullying is a big word.
“I am stressed out at work because I am worried about my child, and I now have to look for her for another school, which is going to cost money," says the mother.
Millicent Merton, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, confirmed that the school met with the family, but they were ‘argumentative’.
She said: “An incident earlier this year involving the learner was attended to by the school.
“More recently, the learner’s grandmother visited the school yesterday, and the principal met with her immediately to discuss the concerns raised.
“Unfortunately, the discussion was not constructive, as the grandmother was argumentative, which made it difficult to resolve the matter meaningfully.
“This morning, the learner’s mother and grandmother returned to the school. Once again, the conversation with the principal became confrontational, and it became clear that under those circumstances, it would not be possible to reach a resolution in the learner’s best interest.
“Despite these challenges, the principal has reiterated his willingness to meet with the family again.
“The school’s priority remains the well‑being of the learner, and the principal is committed to working collaboratively with the parents to ensure that any concerns are addressed appropriately and effectively.”