The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) and the education sector are very concerned about the class resumption work arrangements of non-tertiary education schools. Director Lou Pak Sang of the DSEJ, and other leaders and department heads of the Bureau convened a meeting with the representatives of the Chinese Educators Association of Macao and Macao Catholic Schools Association on 26th February, which was the third meeting with the representatives of local education groups in this month. At the meeting, the DSEJ stated that there was no specific schedule for class resumption yet, but will take into account the epidemic development in Macao and in neighbouring regions as the principles of deciding on the class resumption schedule. The attendees exchanged views on the details of school resumption work during the meeting.
At the meeting, the DSEJ reiterated that when the date of class resumption is confirmed, the Bureau will give notice at least 14 days in advance, and emphasised that the resumption day and related preparations can be flexibly adjusted according to the schools’ actual situations. The implementation of related work is school-based, as well as the work arrangements for school staff can be made appropriately according to the schools’ actual needs. At the same time, the work before and after class resumption was also discussed, such as: school campus epidemic prevention and health; moderate adjustment of curriculum and teaching; flexible handling of student assessments and grade promotion or retention; school meals, nap time, school bus arrangements; adjustments for leisure activities, physical education classes and competitions; coordination of school hours to avoid rush hours and crowd gathering; arrangements of college/university entrance examinations for senior secondary students. Director Lou Pak Sang said that all work arrangements must be in line with the principle of non-gathering as far as possible to reduce risks.
In addition, the DSEJ also emphasised that schools can provide learning contents appropriately according to actual situations and flexibly handle the learning needs of students at different educational stages during class suspension. Tests, examinations and scores will not be given for the learning contents designed for class suspension. If schools arrange students to make up the missed lessons after class resumption, schools are advised to arrange the lessons in a supplementary way to help strengthen students’ weak areas, but schools have the autonomy in dealing with that. Regarding epidemic prevention materials for schools, the DSEJ will provide some of the materials to schools and at the same time, the Bureau urged schools to make appropriate arrangements and material allocations for class resumption.
The representatives of the two education groups who attended the meeting agreed with the above work suggestions and principles, and stated that they will actively cooperate with the SAR government's class resumption work arrangements and help improve the class resumption guidelines. At the same time, the two groups will actively communicate with teachers, students and parents about the class resumption work to ensure a smooth resumption.
At the meeting, Director Lou Pak Sang urged again that the anti-epidemic work of the SAR government is not yet over. It is hoped that residents from all walks of life, teachers, students, and parents will not think that it is safe now, but should continue to comply with the SAR government's overall preventive measures such as not going out and not gathering. The epidemic should be used as educational materials to enable students to learn more about life education.
Also attending the meeting were the Deputy Directors of the DSEJ, Ms. Leong Vai Kei and Mr. Kong Chi Meng; representatives of the Chinese Educators Association--President Chan Hong, Chairperson of the Board of Directors Cheang Hong Kuong, Supervisor Kou Kam Fai, Vice President Lai Sai Kei, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors Vong Kuoc Ieng; and representatives of Macao Catholic Schools Association--President Chow Pak Fai, Chairperson of the Board of Directors Wong Piu, Supervisor Pun Chi Meng, Vice Chairpersons of the Board of Directors, Lao Lai Mui and Chan Teng Fong.
