After another round of consultations was held yesterday, protocols for the reopening of schools will be released soon, Education Minister Owen Bonnici said on Wednesday.
Asked by The Malta Independent what the protocols for the reopening of schools will be and when they will be published, given that the scholastic year is scheduled to begin at the end of this month.
He said that they are in discussion with health authorities like they have been for the opening of other institutions such as SkolaSajf, childcare centres, and MATSEC exams – which are currently ongoing.
He said that they will take up the science-based advice given to them and adjust their work from the educational perspective from there.
Bonnici said that the more time passes, the more communication there will be so that people and parents can put their minds at rest and so that by the end of this month – 28th September for teachers and 30th September for students – the educational journey can continue.
Asked on whether the Ministry of Education received any type of feedback from the Union of Professional Educators (UPE) and from Malta’s Union of Teachers (MUT), Bonnici remarked that they met with UPE on Tuesday, with MUT and also with all the stakeholders concerned in order to discuss a way forward.
The work is currently ongoing as our aim is to allow our students to continue their educational journey in a safe way.
He added that all schools are opening in Europe and that the World Health Organisation stated that schools should open because students deserve their education. Therefore, “I have no doubt that we can keep going on with our lives following all the necessary precautions.”
With regards to the plan on how school transport will proceed with the current circumstances, in answer to a question on what will happen, Bonnici said that this aspect is being considered and one is to find an answer on this matter in the guidelines.
Speaking to this newsroom meanwhile, MUT President Marco Bonnici said the union is in favour of reopening schools but will want to assess the situation closer to the date.
Asked if an agreement was reached with the government with regard to the protocols, Bonnici said there was no agreement as such, since the protocols are issued by the health authorities.