本文
The decision was made to close municipal schools until May 31, 2020, and we have instituted staggered and voluntary school attendance during which no classes are held beginning May 18. However, as of May 22, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) announced the COVID-19 Hygiene Manual —Guide for a New Style of School Life— (henceforth known as Hygiene Manual) which introduces measures such as spacing students at least one meter apart in classrooms for Infection Level 1 regions (under which Hiroshima Prefecture is now classified).
Taking this into consideration, on the same date, the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education (BoE) decided to reopen prefectural schools on June 1 and notified all municipal school boards to consider measures based on those of the prefectural BoE.
Based on the MEXT Hygiene Manual, the notification from the prefectural BoE, and the infection rate of our city, the City of Hiroshima has decided to resume all educational activities, including classes based on traditional class composition, as of June 1 as listed below.
However, should Hiroshima Prefecture become Infection Level 2, or should municipal student/teacher infections be confirmed, we will change to the appropriate measures such as staggered attendance, temporary closures of schools with confirmed infections, etc, upon discussion with related organizations, such as the Hiroshima City health departments and the Hiroshima Prefecture Board of Education.
Giving full consideration to the frequency of attendance for different types of schools during the staggered voluntary attendance period, educational activities, including classes based on traditional class composition, shall resume on Monday, June 1, 2020 upon establishing a preparation period to adjust to traditional school life as necessary.
Kindergartens (19), elementary schools (141), junior high schools (63), high schools (8), the Hiroshima Municipal Secondary School (1), the special needs school (1).
Absences due to cold-like symptoms such as fever, or when the parent/guardian deems it necessary for their child to be absent to prevent the spread of infection, shall not be counted as an official absence.
Based on the MEXT Hygiene Manual and taking into full consideration factors such as the risk of infection and physical toll, club activities will gradually resume beginning June 8 (Mon) under the supervision of club instructors. Children will need permission from their parent/guardian to participate.
Based on the MEXT Hygiene Manual, we shall strictly implement basic infection prevention measures and measures which strictly avoid the 3Cs (which carry a high risk of infection).
In order to secure time for classes which could not be held due to school closings, the dates of summer and winter vacations shall be changed to the following. Please note that if this still does not provide sufficient time for missed classes to be made up, we shall review school events and find ways to secure enough time.
Category |
Previous Dates |
New Dates |
Number of days made up |
Summer vacation |
7/21-8/31 |
8/8-8/23 |
17 |
Winter vacation |
12/24-1/6 |
12/26-1/4 |
4 |
Note: it is possible to change vacation periods as long as it does not increase days off based on the circumstances of each school
Category |
Previous Dates |
New Dates |
Number of weeks of service made up |
Summer vacation |
7/20-8/31 |
7/23-8/26 |
1 week |
Winter vacation |
12/24-1/6 |
No changes |
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