Pre-schoolers adapt to new normal as classes resume

GEORGE TOWN: A pre-school child bearing a small see-through pouch containing only colour pencils entered her school as early as 7.15am. She is warmly welcomed by her teachers wearing face masks and face shields.

She then had her temperature taken, placed her shoes in a designated shoe rack and washed her hands thoroughly before going to her seat in the classroom.

These practices – temperature check and washing of hands – are among the “new normal” that pre-school and kindergarten children have to adhere to before entering the classroom.

It was reported that children would not be allowed to bring their own food, water and bags.

However, the Education Ministry said exceptions to the standard operating procedure (SOP) would be given to children who had special dietary requirements and with the permission of the pre-school operators. This ruling applies to all government and private pre-schools.

There are 166 public pre-schools in Penang with 337 classes and an enrolment of 7,845 children.

“Another 17,738 children are in 465 private pre-schools in the state,” said Penang education director Abdul Rashid Abdul Samad.

“Before class, we have prepared a light breakfast for them and they will have their morning tea break at 10am before they finish class at noon.

“The state Education Department had made all preparations to ensure pupils can study in a conducive and safe environment.

“I hope the teachers who handle the classes pay attention to the pupils and make sure that they are safe from the Covid-19 virus,” he said during a visit to SK Jelutong yesterday.

Abdul Rashid added that Penang achieved a 97% attendance for secondary schools on the first day of school on June 24.

“For absentees, we have asked the principals to take the initiative and work together with counsellors to engage with parents and talk to them. We are worried about the attendance of students, especially those in Form Five.

“Schools have to be proactive and check with the parents on the absenteeism of their children. As of now, attendance is good for secondary schools and the teachers and principals are committed to starting classes again,” he said.