Update from UPE below – Schools and educational institutions will open their doors to the second term of school online on their respective date and physically at schools as from the 10th of January. Childcare centres will also open on the same day.
The agreement was taken following a meeting today at the Ministry of Education and Sport, with the Working Group.
In a statement by the Education Ministry, it said that the Working Party also agreed that the situation in schools and classrooms will continue to be assessed on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the advice of the health authorities.
This group, which was set up as soon as the pandemic broke out, is made up of representatives from the three education sectors: the state, the church and independent schools, together with the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) and the health authorities.
The Ministry went on to say that in another meeting held today with the Rector and other representatives of the University of Malta together with UMASA, it was agreed that the University will open its doors normally for practical teaching sessions on the 3rd of January. While from the 10 of January, teaching will be physical or online at the discretion of the respective faculties.
Examinations at the University are scheduled to take place as already established. In the case of students caught with a medical case related to Covid, they will be given the opportunity to be assessed within a few weeks, instead of in September, the Ministry said.
Minister for Education and Sport Clifton Grima thanked all those who were involved in these cordial meetings today, as well as the educators for their commitment, dedication and work in their mission to the welfare of all students.
Update – UPE in favour of both virtual and physical reopening of schools
The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) said that it has participated in meetings regarding the current Covid-19 situation with all the stakeholders in the education (state/church/private) and public health sectors over the past few days in order to establish a viable path.
Proposals put forward by the union included:
1. School term to start with a delayed entry. However, lessons to be in the form of a virtual classroom (online learning) from the planned first day of the 2nd term.
2. Schools to open physically at a later stage. The importance of social interaction in the emotional and psychological development of our students and members is a priority.
3. A parallel system to be in place where online teaching and learning carry on. This way, vulnerable educators and students can remain shielded at home until the situation improves.
4.Heads of schools and senior management to be given the option to decide to switch to online lessons for a short period should a shortfall arise in teaching and support staff.
The Union said that ”it is difficult to know the course the pandemic will take in the long term. However, as things stand at this point in time, the UPE feels the above measures represent the best possible road map out of the present predicament.”