Parents are disappointed after they received a letter from Lotus River Primary School, stating that they’ve cancelled class parties and the prom, because only 109 pupils have paid school fees.
The school has 663 pupils.
Bronagh Hammond, Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, confirmed: “All school proms/class parties have been cancelled.
“In light of the current economic climate, the school feels that having parties with a cost at this stage is not necessary. The school simply cannot afford to use funds for extracurricular events.”
The letter reads: “It is with sadness that we have 109 learners from Grades R to 7 who paid their school fees in full for 2019 out of a total of 663 learners.
“The school fees is R800 per year Grade 1 to 7, and Grade R is R1250.
“Parents, you were given every opportunity to pay your child’s fees.
“Class parties are a privilege and not a right. Unfortunately, you have deprived your child of this privilege as class parties and prom will not be taking place.”
One of the parents, Shakiena Isaacs, 37, says her 15-year-old daughter cried when she heard she won’t be attending the prom, which was set to take place this past Monday at the school.
CHOICE: Two dresses. Picture: Jack Lestrade
The mother says she spent over a R1000 on the child’s dress, jewellery and the vehicle.
“I applied for exemption (from paying school fees) in February and it was granted,” Shakiena says.
“On Monday they said I needed to reapply as there was a new rule that it had to be done every six months. On Wednesday, we received the letter from the school.”
The mom says she bought her daughter two dresses because she was "uncertain of what she was going to wear.”
The two dresses came to R500, and the transport to the school R250, while the teen’s hair, which was going to be curled for the occasion, and the jewellery would have come to about R400.
“My child was so excited,” says the angry mom.