Contradictheory: Going back to school is new, scary, and full of uncertainty

A teacher taking students’ temperatures on the first day back for students on July 15, 2020. Whether Malaysian parents choose to send their children to school or not, the writer believes the important thing to do is to be proactive and prepare for things to change at a moment’s notice. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

Do you remember what it was like when you first went to school? You might have been a bit scared and nervous, perhaps. Definitely a lot of unknowns to navigate. Funny how parents are experiencing those same feelings this week.

Schools have gradually been reopening in Malaysia in the recovery movement control order (MCO) period, although worries remain. The first students allowed to return, on June 24, 2020, were those sitting for public exams. The week beginning July 12, 2020, the rest of secondary school returned, as well as those in Year Five and Six, while on July 22, 2020, Years One to Four will return.