Schools can only physically reopen if the current spike of Covid-19 cases is dealt with in a “proactive, responsible and effective” way, the Independent Schools Association (ISA) said in a statement.
The ISA said that plans which had been put in place for schools to reopen up until the end of July have had to be re-evaluated given the current “unexpected spike” in Covid-19 cases.
“At this point in time, the ISA wishes to add its voice to the concerns of many professional bodies, parents and students about the critical importance of reducing the RT factor in the coming weeks. This is crucial if there is to be any real possibility for schools to reopen in Malta”, the ISA said.
The RT factor is the reproduction factor of Covid-19, which is essentially the rate of transmission of the virus from person to person. Malta’s RT factor as of Sunday stood at 1.56, while the target is for the number to be below 1.
“It is the primary responsibility of Government to issue and monitor the necessary restrictions, and of all citizens and entities to fully comply”, the ISA said.
“Any school reopening can only occur if all entities and citizens of Malta realise that there is a strong correlation between decreasing the RT factor and its transmission rate within the community, and the safe reopening Schools”, they added.
“It is only by responding to the current spike in proactive, responsible and effective ways that we will be able to enjoy the return to physical schooling”, the ISA added.
The government has continued to insist that schools will open their doors and physically welcome students come the end of September and the start of next scholastic year, with the Prime Minister saying that it would be an educational catastrophe if this does not happen.
“Furthermore, the ISA has been waiting for guidelines to be issued by the National Authorities so that the individual schools may then plan the year ahead. These have, to date, not been forthcoming. We are aware that they are in process. But we are now out of time and the guidelines need to be issued immediately so that all schools in Malta can prepare effectively for the next academic year.”
“These guidelines need to stipulate whether physical distancing is recommended in classrooms, transport considerations and the composure of bubbles/clusters, if this is to be the indicated way forward. Otherwise, schools may have to take their own decisions on how to proceed.”
The ISA called upon the National Authorities to issue the said guidelines immediately so that all the stakeholders (Heads of Schools, educators and parents) may take stock of the situation and plan accordingly.
Finally, the ISA thanked all the health and other frontline workers who are doing marvellous work at this difficult time.
It also thanked all its educators, parents and students; “we are confident that this collaboration will continue in the coming months, irrespective of the scenario which the Independent Schools will be obliged to face.”
The statement is signed by members of the ISA and people from St. Catherine's High School, St. Michael School & St. Michael Foundation, Chiswick House School & St. Martin's College, St. Edward's College, San Anton School, San Andrea School, and Thi Lakin School.