<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>NDP Preview and H1N1 - MOE's conflicting messages about mass gatherings
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->RECENTLY, I received a letter from my son's school asking him to attend the National Day Parade (NDP) Preview tomorrow.
I was rather shocked that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has decided to go ahead with this event. When I checked with MOE why it was being held, I was told that 'it is an important national event for the students'. Yes, it is an important event and a lot of the Primary 5 pupils are keen to attend, but in the current climate of Influenza A (H1N1), is it an unnecessary risk?
It seems to contradict MOE's request to schools to avoid mass gatherings such as assemblies and talks, as this NDP gathering will outdo all others. Schools have diligently put in place measures such as staggered recess hours, cancelled co-curricular activities and extra classes, and for what purpose?
Later, another officer from the National Education Branch told me I should raise my concern with the school principal and the school will decide what to do. It seems to me that MOE decides, but the school bears the responsibility of answering to parents. Should this event take place, MOE should review if the measures put in place in schools are still necessary.
Would MOE care to comment on its rationale for going ahead with this event and how it will ensure that these thousands of students are not exposed to the virus?
Caroline David (Ms)
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->RECENTLY, I received a letter from my son's school asking him to attend the National Day Parade (NDP) Preview tomorrow.
I was rather shocked that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has decided to go ahead with this event. When I checked with MOE why it was being held, I was told that 'it is an important national event for the students'. Yes, it is an important event and a lot of the Primary 5 pupils are keen to attend, but in the current climate of Influenza A (H1N1), is it an unnecessary risk?
It seems to contradict MOE's request to schools to avoid mass gatherings such as assemblies and talks, as this NDP gathering will outdo all others. Schools have diligently put in place measures such as staggered recess hours, cancelled co-curricular activities and extra classes, and for what purpose?
Later, another officer from the National Education Branch told me I should raise my concern with the school principal and the school will decide what to do. It seems to me that MOE decides, but the school bears the responsibility of answering to parents. Should this event take place, MOE should review if the measures put in place in schools are still necessary.
Would MOE care to comment on its rationale for going ahead with this event and how it will ensure that these thousands of students are not exposed to the virus?
Caroline David (Ms)
