#136
The 2020 - 2021 school year is here and it has, with absolutely no doubt, been the most unusual in terms of preparation and subsequent opening of school.
With the Covid-19 pandemic being a dynamic situation, there has - over the last few months - been lots of information (some of it contradictory) with regards to opening schools around the world. During these times of uncertainty it is evident - watching news reports from around the world, reading articles and speaking to parents - that there is a broad spectrum of emotions for families and faculty alike with regard to resuming face to face learning on school campuses. Many families “just want the kids back in school”. There are others who - for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to both the number of Covid-19 cases in the respective community and the local/national Covid-19 SOPs in place - are more cautious/fearful of their children leaving the confines of their home during this time. This range of emotions is hardly surprising when one recalls that, according to UNICEF, at the height of the pandemic in April 2020, “approximately 91 per cent of the world's students in more than 194 countries were out of school.”
In Malaysia, we are fortunate that the number of Covid-19 cases is on the low side. January and February saw a range of restrictions in terms of nationals from those countries most impacted (initially China, then Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Italy, and Iran) being restricted to enter Malaysia and the Ministry of Education and Immigration putting on hold student visa applications for prospective students from the countries listed above. The nationwide Restricted Movement Order (RMO) [“lockdown”] as of March 17, 2020 was extended a number of times and as of May 4, 2020 we have had various phases whereby some of the restrictions have been relaxed.
It is evident that the range of emotions accompanying the start of the school year is far, far different from the usual range. Whereas in most years, students and faculty alike may be feeling a little discombobulated with jet lag and being back in the hot and humid climates of Kuala Lumpur, yet (generally speaking) they look forward to a new school year. The first few days (and especially the first day) are usually loud and busy with a palpable energy as families congregate in common areas to catch up and the excitement of what beckons is in the air. This year is, without a doubt, different.
These are some observations from the first day of school, Tuesday August 4, 2020:
Air fives, virtual hugs and namastes in lieu of high fives and hearty hugs.
Scanners, sanitizers, and social distancing abound.
Red arrows on the ground directing us around campus and signs reminding one to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, have one’s temperature taken on arrival at campus.
It was lovely to see so many families back on campus (physical distancing was implemented by having a staggered start/departure based on the initial letter of the last name).
Campus was quieter than usual due to the staggered start/departure, the reality that some families are yet to return to KL or are back in KL, but in quarantine, and the fact that we are not - in line with government guidelines - encouraging families to stay (as is usually the case) on campus beyond the designated drop off and pick up slot.
Gone is the usual palpable excitement and euphony as friends meet up after summer.
Whilst smiles were not visible due to the mandatory mask wearing, smizes (Definition: Smiling with your eyes) were in abundance.
A number of parents (especially those with younger children) seemed most grateful to have school back in session so that their usual routines could resume.
At the end of Tuesday, our students seemed more tired than is usual for the first day. This was hardly surprising with them having been away from typical school routines since March and, perhaps, also connected to some anxiety/nervousness of the first day.
As you head back to school, be it on campus, on-line or a hybrid delivery model, I wish you Good Luck!
References:
UNICEF (2020) Heading back to school in the pandemic
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