Govt Looks Into Whether School Breached Covid Rules

The Education Bureau said on Wednesday it was looking into whether an international school in Kowloon Tong had violated anti-epidemic rules by extending half-day classes into the afternoon, saying the school hadn't asked them for permission to do so.

A circular issued to parents of pupils at Yew Chung International School said that, since Monday, up to two-thirds of pupils from Year 7 to 13 have been taking turns to attend face-to-face classes from 8:10am to 2:00pm.

The circular also “strongly advised" pupils to bring their own snacks from home, or buy snacks from the school canteen.

The Education Bureau told RTHK that it had not received an application from the school to extend classes, and would "continue to follow up on the matter".

It said it had pointed out to schools that they could not arrange full-day lessons, and should not make lunch arrangements for students on campus.

RTHK has approached Yew Chung International School for comment.

One of the several pupils RTHK spoke to said they can buy hot dogs and chicken drumsticks from the canteen, but not proper meals like noodles or rice.

A Year 12 pupil said the canteen was the only place they can eat, adding that partitions have been installed and teachers are on hand to ensure safety.

According to the pupils, different year groups take turns to have their breaks – two 15-minute breaks for those in primary school and an extra 45-minute lunch break for those in secondary school.

Separately, RTHK also received a purported screenshot of a circular issued by another international school in Kowloon Tong – Kingston International School – which said they would be having “extended” school days from 8am to around 2pm starting from next Monday.

It also asked parents to prepare snacks for their children.

“According to EDB guidelines, students will not be permitted to eat a full lunch during the day. Therefore we ask that parents send two snacks to school with their child starting on April 19,” it read.

RTHK has approached the school and the Education Bureau for comment.