Some classes to resume next week, full return to schools by May 3

The full return to face-to-face classes is scheduled to commence next Monday when the August school term commences, according to a memorandum seen by the News Room.

The Memorandum from the Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcel Hutson was sent to the Principal Education Officer and the Regional Education Officers in the 10 regions.

The authenticity of the memorandum was confirmed by officials at the Ministry of Education on Wednesday.

As per the schedule outlined in this memorandum, seven grades of children will be returning to schools come Monday, April 25. That includes pupils in Year Two (nursery); pupils in Grades Five and Six (primary); and students in Grades Nine, 10, 11 and 12 (secondary).

Then on Thursday, April 28, pupils in Grades Three and Four (primary) and Grade Eight (secondary) are expected to return to school.

Finally, on Tuesday, May 3, Year One pupils (nursery); those in Grades One and Two (primary) and students in Grade Seven (secondary) will make their return to face-to-face classes.

The memorandum indicated that these learners were expected to return to school on Monday, May 2. An official, however, noted that May 2 is a public holiday and as such, these learners will return to their face-to-face classes from May 3.

Last month, Education Minister Priya Manickchand indicated that she is looking to have schools at every level fully reopen after the Easter break in April.

According to the Education Minister, this move will allow the education sector to better address the issue of learning loss. Minister Manickchand added that having children back in school fully will mean that all Guyanese have to act responsibly as it relates to COVID-19 since it is not going anywhere.

Later, she told the News Room that the ministry will not be dropping any mask requirements and the local education authorities will seek to ensure that children are kept safe.