A first school week that was unprecedented in many ways, punctuated by several positive Covid 19 cases in the past two days. For Preetam Mohitram, president of the Association of Rectors and Assistant Rectors of State Colleges, the appearance of Covid 19 in schools is certainly worrying, but we must not give in to panic. The educational continuity of the students must come first.
“As soon as a case appears in a school, psychosis sets in. Staff, teachers, and non-teaching staff alike, can panic to the point where some teachers wonder whether they should continue to come to work or take a leave of absence. But I do not think that when there are one or two positive cases, we should rush to close the schools because the goal is to preserve educational continuity,” says Preetam Mohitram.
He adds that “if, however, the number of cases skyrockets, another solution should be considered under the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. I know there are other people of a different school of thought who are wondering if we should go back to online courses. I think it is an easy solution. I do not hide from you that Covid-19 is like a sword of Damocles. Nevertheless, we must do it, even if it is only out of professional conscience.
The president of the Association of State College Rectors and Assistant Rectors maintains that this past week has proven the volume of work done with students. On a global level, educational continuity is not in question.
Especially since not all students can adapt to online courses, he adds. Not to mention that not all students have the proper equipment at home.
The Rector believes that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus in the school is to scrupulously respect the health protocol. “Each individual must first respect the sanitary protocol to protect himself. One must wear a mask, even in classrooms, disinfect hands regularly and maintain social distancing. This certainly does not mean that we are safe from danger. No, the risk is there, but you still must make the effort. We have heard from everyone, whether it’s the unions and some members of the press, about keeping schools open or not with the positive cases at Covid-19. I think the Minister of Education should send her advisors to reassure the public and communicate what is being done with a positive case in a school. Our goal is to preserve educational continuity and not lose a school year. We have seen how the children have suffered and the concerns of the parents.”
He also took stock after a week. A new school year that he describes as unprecedented and quite complicated. With special arrangements. “As we went along, we were able to fix certain things. For example, in some schools, the students had no teachers. We found formulas. A week of challenges and we had to improvise, create, and find solutions. Even the teachers should find their feet. Normally, a teacher has between 28 and 30 periods per week. Now with the new program, they will have to work 6 periods a week with a class, they will have to get used to completing the syllabus at the end of the term.”
