KUCHING: The 2022-2023 academic session resumes today with students eager to attend face-to face lessons after a sustained period of lockdowns and online classes, due primarily to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the last few years, each “back to school” has been radically different.
Due to the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, school operations were disrupted and for the first time in the country’s schooling history, primary one pupils will only begin their new term in March 2023 instead of January.
For many, the re-opening of the school session today would be their first time attending face-to-face lessons since the lockdown in 2019.
Mother of four, Hamizah Abdullah, 43, was with her daughter, who will be in primary three in the coming schooling period.
“Alhamdulillah, I am happy that they can go to school and get proper studying.
“When she (her daughter) was in primary one, she only went to school for a few months and then the lockdown was announced and (finally) this will be a full schooling year for her,” she said when met at India Street on Monday (Jan 2).
The mother of four also expressed her delight that her eldest and second children who are both in secondary school will be attending normal lessons.
Her daughter is delighted to go back to school because of the rewards that she would receive when she goes back to school.
Elnisa Hasbi, 31 who works as a salesperson with four children conveyed her gratitude to the government for providing financial welfare.
Elnisa has children who were studying in Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tabuan Jaya and a local Tahfiz school in Kuching.
“I am thrilled because for the longest time during the pandemic, education for my children has been uncertain,” she said.
A father of three, Mohd Zulkarnain, 38 who lives in Tabuan Jaya and works in a private sector company was clearly delighted that the schooling period will start in March.
“As long as it was the end of the year, we would prepare for the school period because in March, Hari Raya celebration will be coming as well.
“As the head of the family, I don’t wish to burden my family so I have to plan financially for my family,” he explained as to why he decided to shop early despite the new schooling period starting in March.
Zulkarnain expressed his delight that he could spend time with his son, Mohd Zulfahmi, 10, who currently studies in Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kenyalang.
The boy also shared his happiness and delight that he could finally participate in a full schooling session.
“I am excited and I can’t wait to finally go to school,” he added.
New Sarawak Tribune also had the opportunity to interview Sharon, who works as a shopkeeper at an outlet at India Street Pedestrian, and explained that the crowd and number of parents who were heading to buy school clothes were plenty.
“Certainly in March there will be many more families shopping for school shoes and clothings.
“However, this week has been hectic perhaps due to the New Year celebration,” she added.
