HCMC – The HCMC Department of Education and Training has written to the municipal government proposing allowing kindergarteners, primary-school students and sixth graders to return to school voluntarily from February 14, or after the Lunar New Year holiday.
The proposal came as the city has brought the Covid pandemic under control, while residents aged over 12 have been fully vaccinated against the disease, according to the municipal department.
Besides, all kindergarteners, primary-school students and sixth graders, except for students in Thanh An Commune in the city’s outlying district of Can Gio, have yet to return to in-person classes for over six months, making it hard for parents to take care of their children and go to work.
Staying at home for a long period may also damage the mental health and spirit of the children, said the municipal department.
In addition, virtual learning can lower the quality of learning and teaching, the local media reported.
As such, under the proposal, kindergartens and primary schools will prepare to reopen their doors to students from February 7. Between February 10 and 13, schools will hold meetings with parents to announce the Covid safety measures adopted at schools and offer training courses on Covid safety for teachers and staff.
On February 14, schools will reopen their doors to kindergarteners and first-to-sixth graders, according to the proposal.
Over 90% of students from grades 7 to 12 have attended in-person classes since the city allowed schools to reopen in mid-December last year, according to the municipal department.
