Private schools to open in phased manner
Following the public schools that opened doors for the students, private schools are also ready to open for scheduled openings adhering to strict Covid-19 vigilance.
The Indian Schools have expressed willingness to receive students in a phased manner from the first week of October, while other private and international schools are likely to follow them in coming days.
The Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, has instructed the Schools to adhere to the directives of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health regarding the safety measures to be followed in the schools.
All staff members and students above 12 years are to be vaccinated if they need to enter the campuses. This is also applicable to parents or anyone else entering the school premises.
“We are all getting ready to welcome our students to the campuses in a phased manner in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education. We are drawing a comprehensive operational guideline framework which is very important for a safe functioning,” a statement from the Board of Directors of Indian Schools said.
Since every Indian School has varied student strengths and resources, parents will be informed about the reopening plans of the schools through circulars well in advance.
“All parents are advised to follow the guidelines given by the schools for the safety and the seamless continuity of the physical classes,” it said.
Al Injaz Private School responded to the query, saying they are following all the Covid protocols strictly.
“Right from temperature checks at the gate, to random temperature checks by the health committee members, regular sanitising procedures to educating the students, staff and parents about the Covid protocols are all done by the school,” said Amita Sharma,
Director, Al Injaz Private School.
Schools are ensuring that all their staff members are fully vaccinated. They have set up systems to produce Covid vaccine certificate of a minimum of one dose for students of Grade 7 onwards. They also support parents by helping to coordinate with the health service providers for slots for vaccines for students.
“If any child shows even slightest of the symptom, we isolate them in a designated room and inform parents to take the student home. The child is permitted to join back school only with a Covid negative certificate,” she added.
Parents have a major role in the safe operation of schools. They have been asked to strictly adhere to the pandemic norms while sending their wards to schools.
Outsiders will be allowed to enter the school premises only after showing a vaccine certificate at the entrance.
“We have put the systems, machines and people to monitor the schools minute by minute, and no lapse in safety will be tolerated,” says Thasleem Khan, Director of BYPS, which opened along with the public schools.
Meanwhile, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has published guidelines for schools and other stakeholders on the safety aspect.
Accordingly, drivers should reduce speed and take caution when passing in front of schools.