Fairways Primary has an on-site Social Worker. Ms van Rensburg is available to both parents and learners during the school day.
The purpose of the social worker is to supply the parents with immediate support regarding private matters such as divorce, robberies, hi-jacking etc. All which are an unfortunate reality of life in South-Africa.
Ms van Rensburg does trauma debriefing as well as short term intervention with learners. The Social Worker’s office often serves as a safe place for learners as well as parents to come and speak to somebody confidentially.
The role of the Social worker is also to provide a holistic service to the school that is in line with the Curriculum. Ms van Rensburg does preventative workshops with all learners from Gr R-7. These workshops include the Schools Code of Conduct, Anti-Bullying as well as numerous workshops on much needed skills such as making good choices and stress management. All workshops are adjusted to be age appropriate.
During the run of the year there are also several workshops for parents to assist in raising well balanced, holistic children that can cope with the pressures that society throws at them.
Ms van Rensburg also serves as a liaison between the school and the community, interacting with organisations such as SAP and Child Welfare, should the need arise.
Having a Social Worker based at a school has become a necessity due to the stressors that society is currently experiencing as well as due to the needs that families experience. Hopefully, every school in South Africa will soon have the assistance of an on-site Social Worker.
