SED visits school on preparatory work for face-to-face class resumption (with photos)
21.9.2020

The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (September 21) visited Chiu Sheung School, Hong Kong, in Central and Western District to learn about the preparatory work for resumption of face-to-face classes. He was briefed by the Principal, Mr Chim Hon-ming, on a series of precautionary measures against COVID-19. Upon arrival at school, students are required to step on sanitised mats, have their body temperature checked and clean their hands with alcohol-based handrub, apart from wearing masks and making a health declaration. In addition, the school has stepped up cleaning and disinfection of classrooms and other places, and widened the distance between students' seats as far as possible. For special rooms with fixed seating arrangements, for example the computer room, transparent plastic partitions have been installed between seats in order to strengthen anti-epidemic measures. Since the commencement of the new school year, the school has remained open to take care of students who need to return to school due to their family situations. Mr Yeung took this opportunity to visit the computer room to learn more about how students attended online classes and encouraged them to study hard. To meet students' needs for e-learning, the Education Bureau (EDB) called on all schools in Hong Kong months ago to adopt various measures to assist students in need, such as lending out mobile computer devices and participating in the Community Care Fund (CCF)'s subsidy scheme. Mr Yeung said he was pleased to learn that the school has made good use of the support from the CCF by purchasing 120 mobile computer devices for students in need. On the other hand, the Student Finance Office under the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency and the Social Welfare Department have been disbursing subsidies under the Subsidy Scheme for Internet Access Charges (SIA) to eligible families. The rate of the SIA is adjusted regularly with reference to the prevailing market fees of Internet access services. The full rate for the new school year has been increased to $1,600 per year. All schools in Hong Kong will resume face-to-face classes in two stages, with Secondary and Primary One, Five and Six as well as Kindergarten Three starting on September 23 while those remaining will start on September 29. In addition to providing the "Health Protection Measures for Schools" guidelines, the EDB has, via its Regional Education Offices, maintained close contact with schools to provide advice and support as and when necessary with a view to helping them prepare for face-to-face class resumption. The EDB has also provided all primary and secondary schools in the public sector and schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme with spare masks for students in need. Mr Yeung thanked all principals, teachers and other school staff for making preparations for students to return to schools. He also called on students and parents to co-operate with schools, strengthen personal hygiene and stay vigilant so as not to undermine the anti-epidemic efforts and learning opportunities. He wished all students good health and every success in studies.