International schools
had started online classes in August. Since then it has been questioning on
when students would be back on campus for in person classes. Education Bureau
has decided that starting from September 23, schools in Hong Kong will resume
in person classes in two periods. International schools would be following the
similar resume class schedule as other Hong Kong schools.
For the first stage,
students with following educational levels would be first back to school:
- Last year of kindergarten
- Begin primary
- Primary Five and Six
For second period, on
September 29, following students would be joining to be back on campus:
- Kindergarten of K1 & K2
- Early primary years (2 to 4)
- Secondary
Although students
are set to resume classes in these two periods, but schools still have the
flexibility to decide for make-up classes or any activities during September 16
to 22. If schools decide to have these options of starting earlier, they need
to make sure class sizes cannot be over 1/6 of the total student numbers of the
schools.
With the pandemic
situation improving, it shows to be the suitable time for schools to start
getting ready to prepare face to face classes in late September. As for worry
of the possible risk of students or faculties get infected when classes
resumed, situations would be consulting with Center for Health Protection on
case by case to determine whether if the school need to be close.
Education Bureau
is discussing with health authorities to see if guidelines need to be updated.
On the side, schools encourage their faculties, students, and parents to take
part in the voluntary universal testing scheme that government has offered.
Schools would
still take safety measure and keep desk with 1.5 meters apart, make sure there
are enough supply of masks, and hand sanitizer on campus. Some schools are
allowing some students to take university exam for next year on September 16
coordinate with the arrangement from Education Bureau.
Schools care students' and all their faculties health as main priority. Some schools would have smaller group size of students, take care of students with special education needs, and make up classes for students. For cross border students, while student in Hong Kong would have in person classes, students in China would join live streaming so they can learn at the same time. So far parents’ welcome decision made by education bureau and infection control.