As students transit from home-based learning (HBL) back to their normal curriculum, parents might still have lingering concerns regarding Covid-19 safety.
Education Minister Ong Ye Kung took to Facebook on Thursday evening (21 May) to clarify some back-to-school doubts.
He explains that returning to school is compulsory and parents cannot opt their kid out of it.
However, Mr Ong assures that precautions such as safe distancing and mask-wearing are put in place, protecting returning children.
In the Facebook post, the minister explains why HBL is not an option for parents who do not want to send their kids to school amidst Covid-19.
Practically, it is not sustainable for teachers to simultaneously guide students in the classroom and at home.
It is also important for Singaporeans to gradually adapt to the new norm, factoring the presence of the pandemic.
While community transmission is low and in-check, Mr Ong believes we should “reclaim a sense of normalcy, while taking many precautions”.
That being said, there will be safety protocols in all education institutions reopening on 2 Jun, including health screenings and safe distancing rules.
Additionally, not all students are returning to school the day gates re-open.
Arrangements are being made to ensure staggering reporting times, reducing the number of people within the school compound at any one time.
Therefore, apart from special medical cases, Mr Ong firmly states that sending your kids to school is mandatory.
As we exit the ‘Circuit Breaker’ and enter Phase 1, Singaporeans need to continue staying alert.
Mr Ong urges everyone to work together by practicing good hygiene and keeping the school environment clean so that school can resume normally and safely.
We wish students and teachers all the best as they start the new term.
Featured image adapted from Facebook and Facebook.
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