Post from PSHS Website

We would like the community to know the reasons behind the new 2-weeks suspension of classes. Classes were previously suspended for 3 days from July 8-10. The reason behind this is that many students were getting sick. We had 94 students who were absent the week previous to this suspension who came back and reported that the reason behind their absence is an influenza-like illness.   Of those who were present 69 consulted the school physician complaining about influenza-like symptoms. The day before the suspension we had as high as 11 students absent from one section alone. The average was 4-6 students per section. We could not impose the 10-day suspension for Influenza A(H1N1) then because we had no confirmed case as of July 7. We suspended classes to decontaminate the school and allow those with influenza-like illnesses to get better. (see related article below).   The school learned of two confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) only this Monday July 13, 2009. Although rumours of the first confirmed case started to float on Saturday, July 11 we had to make sure that it was not a prank by verifying actual laboratory test results. Click below to read more. One of the confirmed cases got sick on June 30 and was sent home. The parents brought the student to a doctor on July 3 and was diagnosed as having acute bronchitis, still they had the student take the swab test for A(H1N1). The student reported to school on July 6 and 7 and since there was a medical certificate indicating recovery from acute bronchitis by their doctor the student was admitted by the school.   The two cases are dormers. One is a third year student staying at the BRH Main and the other is a fourth year student staying at the GRH Main. Thus, if we would apply selective suspension we have to suspend 2 sections and 2 dormitories totalling 246 students. We therefore opted for the 2-week suspension to force everyone to stay home. Why not 10 calendar days? If we follow the 10-day suspension, classes should resume on the 24th, a Friday. In consideration of the dormers we are instead resuming classes on July 27.   We tried to be strict by banning anyone who had influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough and colds) from coming to class on July 13 so as not to infect others. Around 65 did not report to school because they were sick. However, at least 23 students with these symptoms reported to school. We also had students who fell ill last week but felt better over the weekend reporting to class.  12 of our teachers were also sick during the weekend.    To help alleviate the academic pressure we will have one grading period covering both the first and the second quarter. This means that there will be no periodic exams for the first quarter. All academic requirements given since June will be computed as part of the second quarter. The grade for the second quarter will also be reflected as the first quarter grade on the report card. This will allow teachers to adjust their requirements which will in turn require less time and effort from the students.   We appeal to the community to cooperate with us. The purpose of the suspension is to quarantine students in their homes. Students should not go out of their homes during the suspension. Otherwise, we will have the same problem when classes resume. We appeal to parents to monitor their children. Let your children stay home and rest. We will be calling your homes during the suspension to ensure that the students are resting.   A related article explains the school's SOP for A(H1N1) related issues. The school is being monitored by the Department of Health and the Quezon City Health Office. Should you have any questions, the administration is more than willing to answer your questions. Do not shout, or call our staff names, they are doing their best to serve the community. Please direct your comments, suggestions and questions directly to us to avoid unnecessary speculations. You may call us at 9291606.   Thank you for your cooperation.