Restructuring Recess and Lunch Breaks

Contributed by LIM LAM ENG

Present Situation:

The timetable in Sem 1 of 2020 had recess and lunch breaks at different times for different classes on each day of the week. When the COVID-19 Safe Management Measures require the school to allocate fixed seating in the canteen for classes, it was very difficult to arrange, as within a day different classes were having recess and lunch at the same time; which means 20 seating permutations in a 2-week timetable. The interim solution was to allow half the class to eat in the classrooms, which is not ideal, as there are concerns of hygiene and safe-distancing when the girls are by themselves.

Improvement:

With the timetable revision for Sem 2, it was proposed that recess and lunch timings be structured so that the same classes are having recess/lunch at the same time every day. Besides making for easier seat allocation, the arrangement is also good for the well-being of the girls as they have fixed timings for their meals everyday and also a fixed 2.5hr break between recess and lunch. (Some parents have given feedback that their daughters have gastric problems if they eat at different timing every day.) The revised schedule: Recess 9.30 to 10.00 - Sec 1 and 201 to 206 10.30 to 11.00 - Sec 3 and 207 to 212 11.30 to 12.00 - Sec 4 Lunch 12.00 to 12.30 - Sec 1 and 201 to 206 1.00 to 1.30 - Sec 3 and 207 to 212 2.00 to 2.30 - Sec 4 To meet the SMM, additional seating was added (another IdEa).