Prioritising education is crucial especially after the substantial loss of hours of face-to-face learning, says Education Minister Premila Kumar.
She said invigorating the interest of children on the importance of learning and resuming face-to-face classes would no longer be deferred.
She said countries all over the world had encouraged their students to return to classes amidst observance of clearly defined COVID-safety protocols.
“I have visited a number of schools in the country over the past one month and am impressed to see the high level of preparedness by heads of schools, teachers and the school management and the eagerness of teachers to welcome students back to classes,” she said.
“As schools reopen, teachers and other school staff can play a key role in protecting and supporting their students. Teachers and other ancillary staff are the first contact for children outside of their family after months of home confinement, allowing children to report if they are not feeling well.
“I am delighted to see our school family back together, however, we must not lose sight of the fact that COVID-19 is still very much in our midst, numbers of cases are still detected on a daily basis and this is likely to continue. Therefore, we all need to do what we can to keep our students safe at school.”
Mrs Kumar said between home and school, students would inevitably get in contact of others such as the travelling public, bus drivers, public service vehicle workers, and shop and office workers.
She said it was incumbent upon every individual to exercise caution and adhere to all COVID-safe measures.
“Laxity by anyone (including students and parents) can present a risk to the students.”
Mrs Kumar said she would soon announce the reopening of classes for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) up to Year 7.
