THE Education Ministry has extended the 2021 school year to March 2022, senior minister Radzi Jidin said.

Radzi said although many have asked the government to close schools until next year, it is important for students to return to classes.

“Students will remain in their respective classes (in 2021) until January and February 2022, before moving into the next class in March.

“I give an example, if a child is in standard 6, he or she will remain in standard 6 until Feb 2022 before entering high school in March 2022,” he explained.

Meanwhile, parents who want their children to be exempted from attending physical classes can do so by informing the teachers by way of a letter, Radzi said, adding that students will not be penalised for skipping school.
 
“Send a letter to inform the school that you are not sending in your children,” he said.
 
Radzi added that teachers who refuse to receive the Covid-19 vaccine will not be allowed to conduct physical classes, and that the minister will deliberate on the matter further with the relevant authorities.
 
“There are two groups of teachers, one who can’t be vaccinated because of health reasons and another one who refuses to get the jab. We will discuss this matter further but as for now, they are not allowed to teach in schools,” he said.
 
Radzi, who was an academic at a university in Australia before entering politics, said that while students are no longer required to wear school uniforms come October 3, they should still wear appropriate attire.
 
“We understand that many can’t wear their school uniforms. We will allow them to wear proper clothes to school but do not turn it into a fashion show,” he added.
 
He also said that students are also required to take their meals in classrooms as to make it easier for the teacher to monitor them.
 
“During recess, they will eat in the classroom like before. But if the classroom is air conditioned, they can take their food outside,” he said. – September 12, 2021.