Mixed Responses with School Re-opening soon

By Shaun Ng

The decision by the Ministry of Education to reopen schools in November has attracted different responses from parents and students.

Chaterin Abraham, a parent, said that the pandemic is getting worse everyday. “Why is the ministry now thinking of reopening schools? Don’t make me laugh, this is a very serious matter,” she said.

Her son, John, however, felt that he misses school a lot. “I want to go back to school,” he said. “I enjoy going to school because I can play with my friends, learn with my friends and talk with friends in school face to face.”

John complained that because of the pandemic, he and his friends cannot go out and play anymore. “In an online class, we can’t talk to each other nor can we have group activities as a team in science class,” he added.

Another parent, Jonathan Wong said he thinks the decision to send his son to school will be a better choice compared to online classes. “My son usually doesn't wake up on time,” he said. “Even if he does wake up on time, he doesn’t concentrate in his class.”

Like most other parents, Wong is concerned that his son plays games during class hours with his friends.

“I think many parents are worried about their children’s health, therefore they do not want to let their children become exposed to the virus,” he said. “However, I think this would have to be the new norm.”

Children, Wong added, have to be taught to follow the standard operating procedures for their own safety. “Life has to go on,” he said.

Begging to differ with Wong, another parent, Jacqueline Chong said that these children have yet to be vaccinated. “Even with vaccination, how sure are we that they will be safe in school?” she asked.

Chong said that the new norm should feature online learning. “In fact, the desire to learn depends on the children,” she said. “They can excel in their studies doing it online if they choose to pay attention in class and do their assignments.”

As for the physical interaction with friends, Chong said this can be arranged on a roster basis. “We do this at the workplace as well,” she said. “There is no reason why children cannot have a hybrid class. Maybe, they can go to the physical classes once or twice a week. The rest of the week can be online.”