September 4, 2020 5:05 PM
Schools across the world are grappling with disruptions, but the situation for international schools in China is particularly challenging as swathes of staff and students left the country for Lunar New Year holidays just as the coronavirus spread and many are still stranded overseas due to travel restrictions.
“This is probably the biggest issue that we have faced as an organisation since SARS in 2003,” said Tom Ulmet, executive director at the association, adding that schools were trying to cope with the lack of teachers by increasing class sizes and moving lessons online. When travel restrictions might ease further and whether there will be a lasting impact on student numbers and international school budgets also remains to be seen.One such school, YK Pao, has shifted some lessons online as seven out of 19 new primary school staff would not be physically at school for the start of the academic year, according to a text message sent to parents. YK Pao did not respond to requests for comment.