Third Note to Parents/Guardians on Influenza A (H1N1)

Dear Parents/Guardians

With the upcoming June holidays, MOE has advised schools to observe any travel advisories by MOH and to continue to review their travel plans, particularly to affected areas. The well-being of students is of utmost importance to schools. Principals will also consider the views and concerns of parents when reviewing school trips. Parents’ consent is sought for all overseas school trips.

Some parents have asked about contingency plans in the event of a school closure. Although it does not seem likely at this point, if school closure should ever become necessary, schools are prepared to implement various strategies so that students can continue learning. Every school is ready to activate a weekly learning plan suitable for their students should students be unable to attend school due to closure.

Schools will deliver lessons and monitor students’ progress through various channels, such as mail, telephone, hand delivery, email and the school's learning management system. Students will be guided so that they can continue learning from textbooks, school-prepared materials or internet resources. Assignments will be set, marked and returned so that students continue to receive feedback on their learning.

In such a contingency, schools will keep parents informed of the learning activities and accompanying study schedule. This will allow parents to play a complementary role by helping to monitor their children’s progress in following the lessons prepared by the teachers.

There are currently no plans to postpone or cancel the upcoming 2009 GCE O- and A-Level Mid-Year Mother Tongue written examinations on 1 Jun 2009, and the 2009 GCE O- and A-Level Mid-Year Mother Tongue Oral and Listening Comprehension examinations scheduled in Jul/Aug 2009. As an additional precautionary measure, schools may arrange for candidates who are unwell to take their examinations in separate examination rooms.

In the event that there is a postponement of examinations, all candidates will be given due notice and sufficient time to prepare for their papers.

Our schools will continue to remain vigilant in monitoring the well-being of their staff and students. MOE is in close consultation with MOH and will activate other appropriate measures should there be a need to do so.