How the school year of 2020 was saved

COVID-19 turned our world upside down. But the entire  education fraternity—teachers, staff, students, parents—came together and found ways to keep our students learning. Here, through the eyes of teachers and students – how it took a village to save this school year. By Magdeline Lee.

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Washing hands, taking temperature, keeping desks clean. Students were reminded daily to keep up with hygiene habits, and play their part to fight against the spread of the virus. (Photo credit: Lakeside Primary School)

Teaching and non-teaching staff kept a vigilant eye on the thermal scanners every morning, to look out for anyone with higher than normal temperature. (Photo credit: Kent Ridge Secondary School)

From canteen vendors to security guards to cleaners, it was all hands-on-deck to keep the schools clean and a safe place for students to learn.  [Photo credit: Geylang Methodist School (Secondary)]

Schools commemorated important occasions such as Racial Harmony Day, with safe management measures in place. Students played traditional games such as pick-up sticks during recess, masked up. (Photo credit: First Toa Payoh Primary School)

School celebrations such as National Day were quiet affairs this year, but no less significant. Thanks to technology, the school parade could be live streamed to students in their classrooms. (Photo credit: Riverside Secondary School)

Amid social distancing, students found new ways to do good.  Here, a class participated in a book drive organised by National Library. For every 10 students who had read for 15 minutes, the library would donate a book to a selected beneficiary. (Photo Credit: Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School)

Schools adapted the way they carried out some lessons, and students adapted to these changes quickly. At the Singapore Sports School, for sports like bowling, which are not strenuous, students continued to wear masks during their training. (Photo credit: Singapore Sports School)

From writing thank-you cards for medical workers to creating songs to lift the spirits of frontline workers, students stepped up to show their support and cheer the nation on. (Photo credit: Peiying Primary School)