A circular, which everyone in Lebanon has seen a copy of, was issued to schools by the Ministry of Education on Saturday 22nd February 2020. This post is our initial feedback to what is contained in that document, detailing all that we will do as a response to the serious situation caused by the entrance of the coronavirus to Lebanon.
1 : On Monday 24th February 2020, as soon a students enter school, the Chapels will contain detailed instructions of the preventative measures that they can take to protect themselves as best practice.
2 : In the Infant and Junior Departments, the first part of the first lesson will also be dedicated to repeating and developing the themes that were introduced in the Chapel presentation.
3 : This is what we will stress. 1) Wash your hands all the time. Use your own private bottle of hand sanitizer (much more hygienic that using a communal bottle whose handle has been touched by every child!) at least four times a day. 2) Do NOT re-use tissue. Every tissue you use, immediately throw away. 3) Do NOT physically greet each other with handshakes or kisses. 4) Do not breathe in another person’s face.
4 : We will continue the deep cleaning program that we commenced in January 2020 when we heard about the coronavirus and we will add to it a daily sanitization of all surfaces used by students (desktops, tops of cupboards, shelves, etc.).
5 : We will provide each classroom with a bottle of hand gel but, as discussed above, we strongly recommend that each child brings their own private bottle of hand sanitizer. NOTE : Due to the logistics involved, this will not be in place before Tuesday 25th February 2020.
6 : Please DO NOT SEND YOU CHILD TO SCHOOL if they are in the least bit sick. The policy of a zero for missed tests and quizzes will be suspended in all subjects until this crisis is over.
7 : We reserve the right to send any child who has a fever home. We will require parents to arrange immediate pick up. The child will be isolated until their parents arrive.
8 : Please make sure you spend time with your child talking and helping them to understand what they are meant to do and the seriousness of the situation we are now in.
Pray with us that the Great King will be merciful to us at this time of hardship for so many. If we work together, we will be stronger.