Dear parents,
Today marks the start of phase 2 reopening. As we have communicated, centre-based classes will not resume in June.
We’re collating the results of the survey and planning the steps we should take to resume centre-base classes gradually and safely. MOE has sent us advisory on the safe resumption of tuition classes and we would like to share the main points with you:
- To reduce physical contact between individuals, telecommuting and online lessons should continue to remain the default arrangement where feasible.
- As per the nationwide safe management measures, all employees and students must undergo health checks and declarations, use SafeEntry and wear masks.
- Students must maintain safe distancing of at least 1 m at all times. If that is not possible, centres may organize students into groups of not more than 5, with strictly no physical interaction or intermingling between different groups. These groups must maintain a minimum of 1 m spacing between themselves.
- Tutors are allowed to move between groups and students but should stay in front of the class as much as possible so as to maximize the distance between the tutor and students.
- Private tuition and enrichment centres should not permit students who are placed on Leave of Absence (LOA) or Approved Absence (AA) by their schools, or students who are on a Stay Home Notice (SHN), or Home Quarantine Order (HQO) to attend lessons. In alignment with practices in MOE schools, we also advise centres to watch out for students with fever or respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing, breathlessness, runny nose, loss of smell, cough, or sore throat. Students with visible symptoms of the above should be sent home, rather than allowed to attend lessons. As a best practice, they should also check if a family member living in the same household is unwell.
In view of these restrictions, we are expecting changes to the schedule of existing classes to allow for disinfection of surfaces in between classes. We also have to provision for students who are unable to attend the lesson physically so that their learning will not be disrupted. In particular, we are worried about disruption to our graduating students who will be going for their “O” and “A” level examinations at the end of the year. All it takes is just one case among us and everyone will be placed on LOA. It will be very distressing for these groups of students because they will have to miss all tuition classes and school. At that time, some tuition centres may not have online solutions anymore. All in all, there will be changes going forward and we probably have to live with the new normal for the foreseeable future.
We care about the wellbeing of our students. We understand the anxiety parents faced when students have to travel around in public transport more than necessary to attend tuition classes. We will monitor the covid-19 situation closely so that we can welcome our students back into class safely.
Please allow us some time to plan for the gradual and safe resumption of centre-based classes.
Thank you for your attention,
Gary and Eileen
Founders, tutors, parents too.
Number Skill Learning Centre