Some will stay shut after Thursday's ruling failed to make it clear that they may reopen next week
School principals and parents yesterday criticised the government for failing to make it clear that international primary schools and kindergartens could resume classes next week.
Amid the confusion, many primary school and kindergarten principals took the decision to remain closed when they had planned to reopen. And yesterday they accused the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) of ineffective leadership and management. 'The government has been indecisive and it is leading from behind. I don't think they know what leadership is about,' said William May, principal of the English section of the Korean International School in Sai Wan Ho.
The school had decided to remain closed when it heard Thursday's announcement by Secretary for Education and Manpower Arthur Li Kwok-cheung that primary, special and kindergarten schools would remain closed until further notice.
But last night, after receiving an e-mail from the bureau clarifying its position, it decided to resume classes for Primary Four to Six children on Monday.
Graham Ranger, secondary education officer with the English Schools Foundation (ESF), said: 'The bureau has thrown schools into a state of confusion.'