1.When will school reopen?
As recommended by the Ministry of Education Youth and Information (MoEYI), the Academic Year 2021 - 2022 will begin on September 9, 2021.
2.What plan does the school have for reopening?
Our school plans to provide in-school instructions for all students as we are aware of the many challenges faced by our school population. However, in order to effectively facilitate physical distancing, both face-to-face and remote learning will be utilized by means of the rotation model complimented by the blended learning approach.
In the rotation model, students will be on alternate schedule. So, the days they will physically attend school will be rotated. For example, some students will attend school for a week or three days per week Monday to Wednesday, while those not attending will be having class online. Those who were online for the week will come in to school the following week or from Wednesday and Thursday
The blended learning approach integrates both face-to-face and online learning activities. Online learning will be done via the Google Suite for Education platform as recommended by the MoEYI. It will combine both Synchronous and Asynchronous learning so that students who cannot access devices while their parents are away may benefit. During Synchronous learning both teachers and students are online at the same time engaged in discussions, presentations and demonstrations at a specific prescribed time. While in Asynchronous learning students may access content, complete assignment, worksheets, activities and/or watch uploaded videos during their own time. However, they will be given a specific time frame to complete this.
3.What are advantages and disadvantages of the rotation model?
The rotation model aids in potentially reducing the spread of Covid-19 as less students will be in attendance at any given time thus both students and teachers will come in contact with less people. However, it will prove difficult for some parents who will have to ensure that their children are supervised while they are at work.
4.How will I know the days my child should attend school on the rotation schedule?
The school will duly communicate this information to parents of the week their children will physically attend school.
5.How many students are expected to be in a class and how will you maintain physical distancing with that number?
We expect to have an average of 21 students in each class.
6.I have two children at the school, will they be placed on the same time schedule?
We will try as best as possible to keep siblings on the same schedule.
7.I do not have much experience using online learning platforms. Will my child be at a disadvantage?
The school is currently planning a series of meetings which will be used as workshops to assist our parents in utilizing the online platforms that we will be using. You will also be given support by way of websites/videos you can access online. Additionally students will be given lessons so that they can help themselves.
8.I am not comfortable with sending my child back to school physically. Does he/she have to attend?
As stipulated by the MoEYI, if you do not wish for your child/ward to physically attend school, you should apply to the ministry for permission to homeschool him/her.
9.What safety measures will be employed by the school to ensure my child’s safety?
The school will implement cleaning and sanitation protocols as recommended by the MOHW daily. That is all classrooms will be sanitized. We have put up sanitation dispensers around the school. There is also a handwashing station at the school’s entrance. The requisite signs are also in place. The MOHW will also have to approve the reopening of the school plant before students and staff can be accommodated.
Everyone who requires entry to the compound MUST wear a mask and sanitize his/her hands or wash their hands upon entry. Each person will have his/her temperature checked. Individuals with elevated temperatures or flu like symptoms will be denied entry to the compound. Students with temperature over 37.4 degrees Celsius will be put in an isolation station and the requisite state officials/agency notified while simultaneously notifying their parent/guardian.
10. What will happen if a student or member of staff displays signs that are consistent with those of Covid-19?
Such student would be immediately removed to the isolation station and his/her parents contacted. Student would only be readmitted to school after presenting clearance from a medical doctor. The staff member would be required to leave the compound and follow similar protocols to return. Deep cleaning and sanitization would be done immediately and the possibility of students and/or teachers that were in direct contact with the individual be asked to go in quarantine or isolation.
11. Should a student continue to attend school while he/she awaits Covid-19 test results?
No, any student suspected of having the virus MUST remain in isolation until given clearance from a medical doctor. In such an instance a medical certificate will have to be handed in on or before admittance to school or class.
12. What happens if a student or member of staff tests positive for Covid-19?
The first step would be to assess the level of risk of the spread based on the number of persons the individual came in contact with. This will determine whether the school will be closed and for how long. If it appears that there is a potential widespread, the school building would be temporarily closed, and individuals encouraged to get tested with guidance to be quarantined or self-isolated.
13. What about students who are at increased risk because of underlying conditions, should the student still attend school?
Parents should discuss the return to school with a healthcare provider. Upon proof of this, the school will work closely with such family to provide virtual learning opportunities for the student once approved by the MoEYI.
14. Are masks required for staff, students and visitors to the school?
Yes, everyone MUST wear a mask. Masks should cover the nose and mouth.
15. My child suffers from asthma, can he/she be allowed to wear a face shield instead of a mask?
The MOHW and the MoEYI stipulate that both staff and students wear masks. However, students will be given “mask breaks” throughout the day. This will be done once students are in a controlled space and are within the stipulated physical distance.
16. My child is anxious about returning to school. What can I do to help prepare him/her?
Have frequent talks with your child about Covid-19. Remind him/her about the importance of following the protocols and keeping safe. Use language that the child will understand. You may use short videos to help. YouTube is a great place to start. Talk to your child about his/her feelings and how to relate to his/her friends upon their return to school. Additionally, the school will have lessons that will provide the psychosocial help each student needs.
17. The students are young, and they like to socialize, how will the school deal with this especially during lunchtime?
Students will be confined to their classroom for the entire day, unless they are going to the bathroom or for lessons outside of the classroom. Consequently, they will be supervised constantly to minimize close contact as far as possible.
18. Will there be any form of physical activities and how will the school ensure physical distancing is maintained during the process?
P.E will be done in a structured way to ensure physical distancing among students. The P.E teachers will ensure that students adhere to the stipulated rules. Contact sports will be minimized.
19. Will the students be engaged in group work and/or share resources?
No, there will be no group work activities while the students are physically at school. Students are required to bring their own resources and supplies to school. There will be no sharing of supplies.
20. Are teachers and other members of staff equipped with the necessary skills to ensure effectiveness of the protocols put in place?
Yes, all our staff members will have to go through training that will adequately and effectively equip them to ensure the safety of our students.
21. Will there be gatherings for devotion?
Devotions will be done via the school’s intercom on days so stipulated.
22. Will clubs resume as soon as school starts?
There will be no co-curricular activity for now. We will update you as the school year progresses.
23. Will there be changes to drop-off and pick-up in the days?
Parents are expected to drop-off students at the exact time and make pick-up outside the school gate immediately as school ends. This is to prevent students from congregating.
