Photo via The Sun Daily
Two schools in Selangor have come up with an innovative way for students to return their old textbooks in exchange for new ones without violating the Movement Control Order (MCO) - by setting up a “drive-thru”!
According to The Sun Daily, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) St Paul in Seremban introduced a drive-through system that enables parents to drop off old textbooks and pick up new ones without having to alight from the car, while a similar system is being used at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bukit Jelutong in Shah Alam.
SK St Paul headmaster A. Santhanasamy told the news portal they came up with the idea to ensure everyone observed physical distancing while the exchanges are being made.
“The old system required parents to walk into the school with the books and we realised this could raise the risk of infections (COVID-19). The safety of our staff is of utmost importance, so I thought it would be wise to introduce a drive-through system,” he said.
As you may be aware, the process of exchanging old textbooks for new ones happens every year, when students go through the standard routine of having to stack their old textbooks and bundle them up with raffia string, before collecting their new ones in the same way.
But of course, this time around, the exchange cannot be done amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Santhanasamy pointed out that the new system has been receiving positive reviews.
“Parents of school-going children are equally delighted as it reduces waiting time and they can remain in the comfort of their vehicles while waiting for the new books,” he said.
It’s understood that parent-teacher associations, as well as the state and district education departments have also given the green light.
Great idea, don’t you think?
by Kyle Roshen Jacob
