By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 10: Schools will be allowed to reopen starting June 24 with students sitting for SPM, SVM, STPM and STAM as well as international examinations being the first batch of learners to return to classes.
Minister of Education Dr Radzi Jidin urged students, teachers as well as school staff to adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP) and guidelines which have been issued.
“I hope parents or guardians will ensure that only children who are healthy will be allowed to go to schools,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.
On ensuring the safety of students returning to schools, Radzi expressed confidence that with collaboration between parents, teachers and children in adhering to the guidelines issued, students will be able to attend schools and continue their studies in a safe and secure environment.
“Upon arrival at schools, their body temperature will be taken and students must follow the traffic guidance for walking paths to get to their respective classes.
“When in schools, students must observe personal hygiene especially washing hands. While in class, tables have been rearranged to meet the social distancing rule of at least one metre apart,” he explained.
In general, he continued, the maximum capacity of a class is no more than 20 students but for venues with bigger spaces like school halls, it can cater to larger groups.
Radzi added that recess period will be carried out in stages to prevent congestion in canteens.
“In the canteen, food and beverages will be pre-packed. Students will queue up according to social distancing rules while purchasing their meals. Students will eat in their respective classes under the supervision of teachers,” he said.
Noting that parents of students not sitting for public examinations will be concerned as to when their children can return to classes, he reemphasised that schools’ reopening will be carried out in phases.
“The Ministry of Education (MOE) will make the announcement from time to time.
“For the mean time, home-based learning will continue. Considering teachers have already returned to schools, the delivery mode of teaching and learning can be diversified with access to existing facilities in schools,” he added. — DayakDaily
