The rapid increase in cases is worrying the educational organizations OELMEK, OLTEK and PDOED and they are particularly concerned about the issue of the operation of schools, as members of their leadership told CNA.
OELMEK: The question of whether or not to open schools should be closed as soon as possible
[/P]OELMEK President Kostas Hadjisavas, in a statement to CNA, said that the rapid increase in cases is of great concern to them.
"We ourselves are really wondering how it is possible that while until 22-23 December before the schools closed, we had a limited number of cases in schools and in Cyprus in general, within 10-12 days there is this frightening increase of cases, so that there are increased concerns from the side of everyone in general", he said.
"What we are particularly concerned about is the issue of the operation of schools. We all know that on January 10, i.e. next Monday, teachers and students will attend schools as usual," he added.
In response to a question, Hatzisavas said that so far there is no new information, "but it is certainly disturbing what we hear every day, various rumours, whether or not schools will be opened and distance learning will be implemented."
What is important, continued the President of OELMEK, on this issue and those who make such statements must be very careful, "because we must say that especially for the Lyceum this year, our students will sit for the first time all three classes in central examinations and especially the senior students of the third grade, which these examinations concern their diploma".
"So, this issue of whether or not to open (SS schools) should be closed as soon as possible. Everyone should be informed of where they are going," he noted.
According to him, "the senior students right now need to understand that they are preparing for their graduation exams and this debate that is going on and in my opinion should be ended, a decision should be made as soon as possible."
According to him, "the senior students right now need to understand that they are preparing for their graduation exams and this debate that is going on and in my opinion should be ended, a decision should be made as soon as possible. All it is doing is harming the graduating students themselves." "We must stop playing with the psychology of our students, especially the seniors, and a decision must be taken," he added.
Hadjisavas pointed out that especially for the high school, and this should definitely be taken into consideration by the experts, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, that on January 14 , that is next Friday, students will sit for the main exams.
"Senior students will start with the Modern Greek course and according to the laws that have been passed the children of the first, second and third grade will come to school only during the exams and then return home. On the issue of high school, let the experts decide what is to be done," he added.
Asked if they will have a meeting with the Minister of Education, Hajisavas said they have requested a meeting with the Minister of Education since last Monday to discuss various issues, including issues related to the pandemic.
"The exams will actually start from January 14 and will end on January 28. The Ministry of Education itself, especially for high school students in case of the first quarter examinations, should make all provisions for all students without exception, including those who may be outbreaks or even close contacts and make appropriate preparations," he said.
OLTEK: We are awaiting the recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Health
Secretary General of OLTEK Lenos Loizou, in a statement to CNA, said that unfortunately, we are going through the worst period since the beginning of the pandemic.
"Like the whole world, Cyprus is in the worst period," he said.
In response to a question, Mr Loizou said that according to the circular sent by the Ministry of Education, students and teachers will return to school on January 10.
"Unfortunately, however, the rapid increase in cases may bring about some changes. We are awaiting the decisions of the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education as soon as possible."
Unfortunately, he noted, "this situation victimizes all students but especially seniors, who have perhaps the most difficult school year, which will mark the later course of their lives."
He also said that OLTEK is awaiting the recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Health.
As an organization, he added, "we will follow all the protocols of the Ministries of Health and Education and in case it is decided not to open schools, the Ministry of Education will start the procedures for the preparation of quarterly exams," expressing the wish that "this pandemic will end soon."
Asked whether they will have a meeting with the Minister of Education in the new year, Mr. Loizou said they are expected to have a meeting next Monday with the Minister of Education, during which they will discuss quarterly exams, various issues related to technical education, as well as issues related to the pandemic.
"The agenda may change due to the Minister's decisions," he noted.
PDED: Important for schools to reopen with physical presence
PDED President Myria Vassiliou, in a statement to CNA said that they are closely following the development of the pandemic and especially the large number of cases which is worrying everyone.
"It is important for schools to reopen with the physical presence of children and teachers, but always in safety conditions and with full staffing of our schools. After all, the WEDO has often pointed out that the physical presence of children and teachers offers the maximum in terms of education and development of children in all areas: cognitive, social, emotional, etc.", she added.
Mrs. Vassiliou recalled that before the closure of schools for the Christmas holidays, "there was an understaffing of our school units, due to increased needs for substitutions, as a number of colleagues were justifiably absent", she said.
"The Ministry of Education should therefore take those actions so that there is no new understaffing of schools, especially now that the need for substitutions seems to be increased," she said.
"It is therefore necessary for the Ministry of Education to take those actions so that there is no new understaffing of schools, especially now that the need for substitutions seems to be increased," she said.
In addition, she added, "I reiterate and emphasise the opposition of the PDED to any differentiation of the measures concerning the date of reopening of schools after the Christmas holidays."
Vassiliou said that Primary, Nursery and Special Schools should be reopened with physical presence on the same day and any differentiation, which is both unnecessary and contradictory, should be avoided.
"I recall that on at least two occasions when there was segregation (for example in May 2020 and January 2021), several issues arose that affected the proper functioning of the school units," he concluded.
Source: CNA
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