Independent School leads by example |04 May 2020

Cleaning in full swing at the Independent School on Saturday (Photo: Joena Meme)

Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting is an important part of reopening public spaces especially schools. With the gradual easing of the lockdown starting today and the country going back to a somewhat normal state, schools are gearing up to reopen their doors.

Independent School, which is planning to resume normal classes next week, is taking the necessary steps to make sure that the Ile du Port and Union Vale campuses are disinfected and cleaned before welcoming back its students.

R Dynasty (Your End Solution), a local cleaning service who specialises in high pressure cleaning, spent most of Saturday morning pressure cleaning the school rails, stairs and any access points that the students will come in contact with when they return.

Rody Philoe, the owner of the company, said that the solutions they use are eco-friendly and will not leave a chemical smell behind once completed.

Mr Philoe also stated that he has offered his services to the Mayor of Victoria who in turn has referred them to the Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA) which oversees the cleaning of Market Street among other areas.

He also told Seychelles NATION that the company has offered its services to the Ministry of Education but it has not received any feedback.

Zotique Pragassen, the director of Independent School, noted that the school will reopen its doors on May 11. He added that during the week leading up to the reopening they will be meeting with teachers and heads of department to decide on sitting arrangements in classes.

“We will also be welcoming our S5 and A-level students a week early, on Wednesday May 6, due to the fact that they will be sitting for their international exams soon,” said Mr Pragassen.

The principal also noted that they have two nurses at the school who will meet with teachers and students once studies resume to remind them about the necessary precautions they must take.

As for public schools, Dr Odile de Comarmond principal secretary for Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education, said that the public health department will be cleaning professional centres starting Tuesday May 5 as they will be the ones welcoming students first, after which they will move to crèche, primary and secondary schools.

Christophe Zialor