KUCHING: Parents and teachers welcome the announcement by the Education Ministry (MoE) that schools in the country will reopen in March next year.
The MoE announced on Nov 15 that the academic calendar for the 2022/2023 school session for states in Group A would be from March 21, 2022 to March 11, 2023.
For schools in Group B states, the school session will also begin on the same date but will end on March 12, 2023.
Group A refers to the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, while Group B comprises the states of Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and the three Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
The MoE also said that the third term of the 2021/2022 school session for the states in Group A would begin on January 2 until March 20, 2022 while for Group B, the third term would be from January 3 to March 20, 2022.
SURIANI ZAINAL
(Parent)
It is better that classes be conducted physically as they are more effective. Online classes have several limitations such as lack of internet access in some areas. I hope the ministry will provide clear guidelines on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the reopening of the schools as well as re-evaluate the rate of vaccination for students in primary and secondary schools.
CHRISTINA BAJIK
(Parent)
I am thrilled that schools will reopen next year as face-to-face education is less stressful than home-based teaching and learning (PdPR). I am also relieved that my son will be able to meet his classmates and teachers.
LORETHA HENRY YAN
(Teacher)
The reopening of schools next year will give teachers and students more time to prepare for exams. I hope schools will continue to use online approaches as part of the teaching and learning process even after the schools reopen so that all of the previous efforts and costs of providing devices and internet facilities will not be in vain.
AYSYA MARLINA WASLI
(Teacher)
The reopening of schools next year is in the best interests of the students. The additional weeks will hopefully be ample enough to assist the students to catch up on lessons. We, as teachers, support the move made by the Education Ministry.
ZOHARA SUJAL
(Parent)
I am happy to hear the news and I hope students will seize the opportunity to learn as much as they can in this new normal as they have missed out on a lot due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Teachers, I believe, should be able to teach better once physical classes are permitted.
JAMURI SUJAL
(Parent)
I believe it is time for schools to reopen. Everyone must begin adjusting to life in the new normal. I am also grateful for the vaccines as our children are protected against the virus. With strict SOPs, students and teachers should be able to return to their daily routines.
