Schools have resumed in Honiara, but many will have to rethink how they organize themselves - in the classrooms and outside – practices such as social distancing need to be observed.
Schools in Honiara are encouraged to observe social distancing as the country is still under state of public emergency from the threat of Covid 19.
One such school adjusting to such measures is Saint Nicholas. School principal, John Lengi says social distancing is practiced in both secondary and primary classes.
He says since the school is still working towards improving its toilet facilities, social distancing will be the main health measure carried out by the school.
“The school still lacks other essential Health Hygiene facilities like water tank and more toilets. So we are promoting social distancing. Students will take turns to come to classes. Example, for primary on Monday we will have only two classes.
"As well as kindy and secondary non-examination classes and also some senior secondary classes have divided into three separate classes with a maximum of 20 students in one class", Lengi said.
Principal Lengi says the school is also trying its best to provide hand wash sanitizer in each class for students and staffs.
"With the limited resources the school has, we have to provide wash facilities which is costly. The stock is limited unless government supports us. In some of the shops, sanitizers are quite expensive", Lengi said.
He added the school admin will not be strict on students’ fees.
“All students should be allowed to continue with their academic year classes. The school board and the ministry will decide later other matters relating to fees.”
Principal Lengi says the situation calls for cooperation and he urge parents, students and stakeholders for their support since the situation is the first of its kind time to happen in the country.