11 schools reopen in Lahad Datu today
LAHAD DATU: A total of 2,499 students of 11 secondary schools in this district will resume their school session with new norms today (Wednesday).
District Deputy Education Officer, Suharpi Lasuddang said preparation for the reopening of schools had been made since two weeks ago.
He said all schools had also undergone schooling simulation as ordered by the ministry.
"The school reopening in this district will only involve Form 5 and Form Six as fixed by the ministry.
"Four schools will be open for Form 5 students, namely SM Sains Lahad Datu, SMK Terusan, SM St Dominic and SMK Silabukan.
"While seven other schools will accommodate Form 5 and Form Six students, namely SMK Sepagaya, SMK Agaseh, SMK Segama, SMK Tungku, SMK Desa Kencana and Kolej Vokasional Lahad Datu," he said.
According to Suharpi, all schools involved had been supplied with face masks that would be distributed to the students.
He said hand sanitizer had also been prepared contributed by the state government.
In the meantime, Suharpi said parents should also provide full cooperation by preparing washable face masks and hand sanitizer for their children.
He said parents should also remind their children to practise social distancing at school or in the vehicles.
"Always monitor the health of our children as initial prevention step and if the children's have any symptoms, please immediately inform the schools as well as the Health Clinic.
"We should together take responsibility in this matter and get used to the practice of new normal and new norms," he added.
Meanwhile, SMK Titingan in Tawau will also resume today.
Its principal, Ahmad Rasyid Kahar they had two weeks to prepare the SOP set by the Ministry of Education.
"After receiving the ministry's instructions the first thing we did was the hold meetings on teachers' tasks in preparing the school session.
"Next, all teachers were briefed on the necessary SOPs during school and teaching sessions," he said.
Ahmad Rasyid said that 129 Form Five students would start the learning session at 7.30am until 1pm.
A total of nine classes will be opened and will seat 12 to 17 students in each classroom while desk space has been arranged for each classroom.
Ahmad Rasyid said SOP in the cafeteria was also a priority when the school opened, canteen operators were ordered to pack food as students were not allowed to eat in the cafeteria.
"The school also offers three separate breaks and students take turns, and only representatives will go to the cafeteria. All students and teachers can only eat in the classroom to facilitate monitoring by teachers," he said.