Berakas Secondary School implemented a range of strategies to ensure consistent student attendance and adherence to the Compulsory Education Act, with active involvement from school leadership and stakeholders.
These measures were shared by the school’s Principal Alexandar Bandang, during the first day of the 2025 academic year yesterday.
The principal explained that collaboration with parents and guardians plays a pivotal role in achieving this. “Parents of Year 7 students are actively involved during orientation sessions, fostering a cooperative relationship between the school and home,” he said.
The school’s Career and Counselling Unit also conducts tailored activities and motivational talks to emphasise the importance of education and reduce absenteeism.
Regular attendance is closely monitored by teachers and assistant teachers during morning assemblies and roll calls. Any absenteeism is promptly addressed, with follow-up actions taken in collaboration with parents. A clean, safe, and well-prepared learning environment is also maintained through cleaning campaigns and classroom enhancements.
In preparation for the 2025 academic year, Berakas Secondary School outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure a smooth and engaging start for students.
On the first day of school, students and teachers gathered for morning assemblies, which included the singing of the national anthem, prayers, and briefings about the day’s activities. Year 9 and Year 10 students participated in a STEM-based Roller Coaster Challenge designed to introduce engineering and physics concepts. The hands-on activity fostered teamwork and critical thinking while exploring principles such as gravity, friction, and momentum. Year 8 and Year 11 students underwent RIASEC and VAK tests to help identify their career interests and learning styles. Meanwhile, orientation programmes for Year 7 students and their parents included administrative and academic briefings, introductions to class teachers and school facilities, motivational talks, and growth mindset sessions.
Berakas Secondary School is set to welcome 169 Year 7 students to the school on Saturday. The first school term for the 2025 academic year commenced yesterday for all government and private primary and secondary schools, colleges, and sixth form centres under the Ministry of Education (MoE), as well as religious and Arabic schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. – James Kon
