Subsequent to the smooth resumption of classes of Secondary 3 (S3) to Secondary 5 (S5) on May 27, Primary 4 (P4) to Secondary 2 (S2) students will also resume classes next Monday (June 8) as scheduled. The Education Bureau (EDB) wishes to thank all principals, teachers and school personnel who have proactively put in place a series of precautionary measures to ensure the safety and hygiene of schools for students to study happily.
A spokesman for the EDB said, "Over the past week, schools in general operated smoothly. Schools have re-arranged their lesson timetables, staggering the activity times of students to avoid crowd gathering. Students have also quickly re-adjusted themselves to school life upon their return to campus."
Nonetheless, in view of the occasional confirmed cases in Hong Kong, the EDB reminds all parties to stay vigilant and be cautious. Schools should continue to implement the various anti-epidemic preventive measures, including checking body temperature upon entry into school premises, maintaining appropriate social distance and wearing masks all the time. Schools can summarise the experience gained during resumption of the senior secondary classes last week to make preparations for the second phase of class resumption (P4 to S2 students). The EDB will liaise with the Centre for Health Protection, and closely monitor the development of the epidemic. The EDB will take into account the advice of health experts and continue to follow up on class resumption arrangements.
The spokesman added, "Regarding the class resumption arrangement for cross-boundary students (CBS), it involves a series of issues, such as the immigration control between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the anti-epidemic and infection control policies as well as traffic arrangements. The EDB has been maintaining close liaison with various parties, and is discussing the transportation details with local schools in various districts. We strive to resume classes of CBS from S3 to S5 in around mid-June."
"With the implementation of class resumption arrangements of CBS from S3 to S5, we will gain experience and review the operation details. We will then consider factors such as the development of the epidemic, transportation situation of the boundary control points, manpower arrangements, etc., and explore the feasibility of resuming classes for CBS at the lower class levels."
On the arrangement for Primary 5 (P5) Internal Examinations for the purpose of Secondary School Places Allocation which is a concern of many parents, affected schools may make special arrangements with regard to their school-based circumstances, including the number of students who cannot resume classes in Hong Kong. Schools can consider postponing the assessment period for all P5 students to September, or arranging those who have resumed classes to take the assessment in July while the other affected students be assessed later. If schools decide to postpone the P5 Internal Examinations for the purpose of Secondary School Places Allocation to September, the schools concerned should submit the scores by October 20.
The EDB believes that students will treasure the opportunity of being able to go back to school, which is not easy to accomplish. The EDB hopes that students will cherish the rapport and bonding among teachers and fellow classmates, and make good use of their time in schools to study and learn.
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