Kids thrilled to be able to go to school again

GEORGE TOWN: In less than a week, Year One pupil Arissa Nur Idzaara will be stepping into primary school for the first time and she could not be more excited about it.

The seven-year-old, who is entering SK Jalan Residensi here, cannot wait to see her new school and meet new friends, said her father, hotel supervisor Abu Hurairah Mohamed Ibrahim, 38.

“I think all children entering Year One would be excited to check out their new school and meet new friends. However, as parents, we cannot help but worry. Our children have been listening to us talk about the Covid-19 pandemic and standard operating procedure, so they know about them.

“But to get all pupils in schools to properly follow the SOP is another thing. In this case, teachers play an important role. They will need to supervise and guide the pupils in following the SOP.

“As parents, we can remind them to follow the SOP, but when they enter school, someone will need to make sure of that, ” he said.

It was reported that schools nationwide will be welcoming back students from March 1, beginning with preschoolers and primary school pupils.

Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin reportedly said those in preschool, Year One and Year Two will resume face-to-face classes on March 1, while Year Three to Year Six pupils will return on March 8.

Housewife Raja Mazia, 34, said her daughter Farra Medina Tasneem, seven, who is attending Year One at Methodist Girls School here is very excited to go to school.

“She knows that she will begin school soon and is excited to see new people, check out her school and learn new things. But when it comes to the Covid-19 pandemic and SOP, I do not think children understand them fully.

“When she attended kindergarten last year, we as parents can see that younger children have a harder time coping with the SOP.

“They do not understand some of the rules and tend to pull their mask down sometimes.

“If there is no supervision, it will be hard to ensure children in school are able to follow the SOP. As children like to interact with one another, it is hard to ensure they keep their physical distance, ” she said.

Meanwhile, Year Two pupil Lai Chan Tien is happy to be able to attend classes in person again.

The eight-year-old pupil from SJK (C) Chung Shan in Bayan Lepas is fully aware of the Covid-19 risks, but trusts that his school will put necessary measures in place to protect them.

“My school allows us to eat in class and for food to be brought to us by canteen operators, so I think everything should be fine.

“I look forward to returning to school, seeing my friends, new classmates and teachers. I have not seen them for a long time and I really miss them, ” he said.