"This step is taken to anticipate the possibility of the transmission of the virus in the school, related to the plan to implement face-to-face teaching and learning activities, which we will start soon," head of the West Bangka district's Education, Youth, and Sports Office Rukiman said here on Saturday.
Face-to-face learning activities would be divided into two sessions every day. Each session would involve a maximum 50 percent of students, he said.
The first session will take place from 7–9.30 a.m. local time and the second session will take place from 10–12.30 a.m. local time, he added.
"The main thing to face-to-face teaching and learning activities is to apply strict health protocols. For that we will involve the monitoring team from the COVID-19 Task Force," Rukiman said.
If any student feels unwell, they must first rest at home, he urged.
All students, teachers and staff in the school environment will be required to wear masks at all times and obey the 5M health protocols, and teachers have been asked to immediately report whether they have been vaccinated or not, he added.
"We hope that everyone is healthy and can carry out this activity. And hopefully, face-to-face learning sessions can be carried out safely and smoothly," Rukiman said.
To realize the plan, a number of organizations within the West Bangka District government, along with the deputy head of district, Bong Ming Ming, all schools, and Early Childhood Education administrators in the area had held a face-to-face learning readiness meeting.
At the virtual meeting, the deputy head of district lauded teachers for the dedication they had shown so far, even though teaching and learning activities were mostly conducted online amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Their duties and responsibilities are quite heavy during online (sessions), thereby we will carry out face-to-face learning activities, but with the terms and conditions that apply according to the direction from the COVID-19 Task Force and the Education Office so as not to create new clusters. We must really pay attention to all of that," he said.
He advised educators in Early Childhood Education, Play Group, Elementary School, and Middle Schools levels to not give up and keep their spirit up.
"Teachers are tough people when it comes to caring for their students. Let's pray together and make an effort while still complying with the health protocols so that West Bangka will (be considered as) a green zone (once more)," he remarked.
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Translator: Donatus D P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
