Schools forced to suspend classes last Thursday and Friday (Nov. 27 and 28) due to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po are gradually resuming lessons in various ways today, according to the Education Bureau. However, on-site observations by a DotDotNews reporter this morning at the CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School and nearby schools revealed a slow return of students, with several institutions continuing online teaching.
A drizzle fell this morning. The main gate of CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, which had been used as a temporary shelter, remained closed during the usual morning return-to-school period, with no students seen entering.
The school's principal, Wong Wai-shan, was present at the gate this morning. She stated that the school has been implementing online classes since the fire. After receiving information last week about a potential class resumption, homeroom teachers, counseling teachers, and social workers immediately contacted all students via telephone to assess their emotional needs and provide immediate support.
Principal Wong pointed out that the government's rapid relocation of affected residents and their departure from the school last Saturday created conditions for a normal resumption. However, as online teaching arrangements were already in place, the school will continue with online classes today while monitoring student attendance and emotional well-being.
She elaborated that several steps are required before fully resuming in-person classes. First, a comprehensive review of the school's hardware facilities is necessary to ensure all equipment functions properly after cleaning. Second, continued attention must be paid to the emotional health of teachers and students, with further support to be strengthened through face-to-face interaction later. Arrangements must also consider the travel situation for cross-border students. She revealed that the school will hold a special meeting today to discuss the specific timeline for resuming in-person classes and the necessary support measures, aiming to minimize disruption to learning.
At the neighboring SKH Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School, the main gate was open, but very few students were returning. Only occasional students were seen being dropped off. School personnel indicated that online teaching would also continue today. However, some students were sent to school because their parents, for various reasons, could not care for them at home. The school confirmed it maintains communication with the police and the Education Bureau to prepare for the full resumption of classes.
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