Schools take extra health precautions
Various schools are taking extra steps to safeguard their teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are using temperature guns to take temperatures and make sure their staff and students are healthy. Pictured: Nadi’s Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College principal Nazerin Rafiq and other teachers take the temperatures of their students on July 6, 2020.
Rakiraki Penang Sangam High School is the first in Rakiraki to own a temperature gun.
The school, with more than 650 students, is checking for visitors’ temperature and students who are sick.
School principal Ashwinesh Sharma said this was also a good show of example to the students.
“As we deal with children, we do not want to disrupt their day because we need their full attention,” Ms Sharma said.
“Having the students back is a good show that we have defeated the virus.
“We are fortunate to say that we have 85 per cent attendance and that is a good show to the support from our parents.
“Though we understand everyone is not as fortunate, we are calling parents and guardians to check on their status of returning to school.” Ms Sharma said the board would also be assisting in the provision of free lunch three times a week to every student.
The school has more than 40 teachers, including the administration staff.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has reiterated that school heads and management should be extra vigilant and conscious about
the well-being, mental, and physical health of students.
Guidelines set
Acting-Permanent Secretary Susan Kiran, had set out guidelines to heads of school two weeks before schools opened.
These include:
■ Students who may have lost their textbooks, exercise books, stationery and uniforms during the extended break must not be humiliated but dealt with in a sensitive and practical manner.
■ Teachers should create a safe space that would encourage students to openly discuss any issues the child may be facing at home.
■ Heads of School should refrain from making disparaging remarks to teachers who worked from home during the extended school break.
■ Heads, senior teachers, and counsellors must render psychological and emotional support to children who would be facing difficulties easing into classroom-based learning.
■ All worksheets and any other resource disseminated through online platforms are not to be used as a basis for assessment when students return to school.
For boarding students:
■ No student should be permitted into a dormitory which they’re not an occupant of.
■ Students should not be allowed to leave the school unless approved by the head of school.
■ Visits by parents and guardians to schools will be strictly monitored and restricted. Parents and guardians should not be allowed beyond the designated pick up or drop off point without prior approval.