Inter schools want nod to open classes

Inter schools want nod to open classes

Promise 'to adhere to safety conditions'

ISAT president Usa Somboon says that children's safety is her main priority. (Photo: Apichit Jinakul)
ISAT president Usa Somboon says that children's safety is her main priority. (Photo: Apichit Jinakul)

The non-profit International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) has urged the government to allow schools to reopen under strict safety conditions as soon as possible, its president Usa Somboon said.

"The safety of our children is our main priority. We will strictly follow the regulations and guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health to ensure schools are safe and minimise all possible health risks," Ms Usa recently told the Bangkok Post.

Schools have been closed for almost six months since April 18 during the onset of the third wave of the Covid-19 outbreak, a longer period than last year's closures which lasted about four months.

The ministries recently announced school safety measures requiring at least 85% of teachers and staff to be vaccinated. Schools must limit class sizes to 25 students in the 29 dark-red provinces including Bangkok. The authorities also require schools to randomly conduct Covid-rapid tests on staff and students by using antigen test kits every two weeks.

Ms Usa, who is the head of the International School Bangkok in Nonthaburi, said that ISAT member schools have adopted stricter rules than the government's guidelines. All teachers and staff at international schools under the ISAT's care are fully vaccinated.

The schools will limit the number of students in classes by half to allow social distancing. They will also introduce a hybrid programme to segment students for on-site and online classes, Ms Usa said.

Students aged 12-17 years old who are vaccinated will be among the first to return to schools. For younger kids, ATKs will be provided to parents to test their kids weekly before school.

Children will need to wear masks at all times while schools will prepare mental health experts to help them cope with any anxiety and tension issues, she said.

Ms Usa said each school must have isolation units and partnerships with nearby private hospitals to take care of students if they test positive.

"Children thrive best in a school environment as face-to-face learning offers the best outcomes in attainment, as well as nurturing relationships, group and team activities which also benefit a child's development," Ms Usa said.

Some ISAT member schools conducted a survey asking if parents wanted their kids to return to school.

They found that 90% of parents of kindergarten students wanted their children to be in school while about 70% of parents of older kids agreed to let their children return.

"We are more than ready to welcome our students back," she said.

The final process before students are allowed in school is an inspection by a team of the local health department. Ms Usa hopes her school will get the green light soon.

"We will live with Covid-19 for a while. We can not just stop activities, because the long-term closure of schools has affected the growth and development of our kids," she said. "We ask that the government allow schools to open under strict safety conditions as soon as possible."

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