Schools will only be open when it is safe for students to return says Permanent Secretary for Education, Heritage and Arts Anjeela Jokhan.

Ms Jokhan said the decision to reopen schools will be in close consultation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and only with their approval.

She said they were working with the Ministry of Health to ensure that when schools open, appropriate measures were in place to ensure the safe return of students to schools.

She said an earlier announcement by the Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong on May 3, outlined that schools will reopen on Monday May 24, 2021 for teachers and Tuesday May 25 for students.

She said the Ministry had made plans for possible later dates for opening and the required adjustments that it may need to consider if the situation on the ground changes.

“At this time it is critical that we avoid all unnecessary movement, students must stay home. While on extended holidays, students are encouraged to be engaged in a number of activities,” she said.

Parent’s involvement

She said parents can become more involved with their children and provide value education, engage in education games, discuss issues and provide guidance to their children.

And students should take advantage of this time to take part in activities with their parents and siblings, share their experiences with their families.

“This will not only help students learn life skills but allow them to spend the much-needed quality time together,” she said.

Supplement worksheets

Ms Jokhan said the ministry had prepared supplement worksheets in the way of revision materials from Term One and worksheets are only one page per week so students are not over-burdened.

For primary school students Year One to Seven, these are only for Literacy and Numeracy. For Year Eight to 13, there are subject-specific worksheets. These can be accessed from the ministry’s website www.education.gov.fj

“Please remember, it is important that students stay home and stay safe. They should not leave their home to engage in revision work,” she said

On May 10, there will be radio broadcasts on FBC’s Radio Fiji 1 and Radio Fiji 2 stations.

The ministry will also be airing educational videos on the educational channel via the Walesi platform for both primary and secondary students.

This would also be available on the ministry’s website and Facebook page.

Schools used for quarantine centres 

Ms Jokhan said 20 schools were ready to be used across the country if the need arises.

Schools can be used as quarantine centres, isolation centres and screening venues for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

She said at the moment four schools were used as quarantine and isolation centres: two in the West and two in the Central Division.

Three schools other schools will be used as vaccination venues over the next weeks and four schools are currently being used for screening.

She added those students enrolled in these schools will only return when it is safe for them.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

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