With the announcement of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation in Singapore, Hillside World Academy quickly assembled the key personnel and formulated an action plan. The school sprang into action immediately by sanitizing the classrooms, common areas, furniture and teaching aids. A comprehensive disinfection of the school premises was completed within the week.

To safe-guard the interests of our school community, HWA had also taken extra precautions such as suspending all visiting school trips from China, enforcing online travel declarations, setting up temperature screening stations, placing additional hand rubs around the school compound, sanitizing of facilities daily and providing temperature checks by the school nurse in the afternoons.

For students who are placed on Leave of Absence (LOA) or unable to travel back to Singapore, the school made adjustments to the lessons by providing home-based learning. Academic and pastoral care support have also been stepped up during this period of time.

On 3rd February 2020, the first day of school after the Chinese New Year break, HWA staff were ready to welcome the students and parents back from the holidays. The school nurse and members of the non-academic team measured the temperature of every staff and student who reported to school. Individuals who passed the screening will be issued a sticker. Overall, the in-processing of staff and students on the first day was smooth.

In the afternoon, the school nurse proceeded with temperature taking and conducted an informative educational talk on preventive measures against the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The first day ended shortly after and students were well on the way back home.

No doubt the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) presented as a difficult challenge for many, however at Hillside World Academy, we are confident we can overcome this battle together!