Singapore schools relax uniform rules due to heat

In an earlier notice to parents, Henry Park Elementary School said that the student uniform policy would be adjusted from May 5 to May 26.

Specifically, students do not need to button up their polo shirts in school. Female students can also wear shirts with gym shorts instead of school skirts.

"We want students to be comfortable. But parents should also help their children stay tidy," the notice said.

At Raffles Girls' Primary School, students are told they do not need to wear pinafores after physical education if they feel too hot.

Methodist Girls' School also allows students to wear gym uniforms instead of regular uniforms.

Meanwhile, a few years ago, St Joseph’s Academy allowed students to wear regular uniform on all school days except Mondays. At the beginning of each week, students at this school are required to wear a tuxedo and tie. The regular uniform of students at this school consists of a polo shirt, shorts, skirt or trousers.

Singapore's Ministry of Education said schools have been given guidance to ensure the safety and health of students and staff during the hot weather.

Accordingly, schools limit outdoor physical activities between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., when temperatures and UV levels are highest.

“Schools are also exploring ways to help students better cope with the heat, such as allowing students to wear the PE uniform or school T-shirts, depending on their specific needs,” said the Singapore Ministry of Education.

Students are encouraged to drink enough water during and after physical activities, the ministry said. “The ministry and schools will continue to closely monitor the heatwave situation and the health of students and staff, especially those who may be vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures,” the ministry said.

Daily maximum temperatures exceeded 34 degrees Celsius for most of April in Singapore, with the hottest day being April 14 with a daily maximum temperature of 36.1 degrees Celsius, the Singapore Meteorological Department said.

“May is typically the hottest month of the year. The first half of May 2023 is forecast to be hot and humid, with daily maximum temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius most afternoons,” the agency said.

On clear days, daily maximum temperatures can reach 35 degrees Celsius, according to the Singapore Meteorological Department. The average daily maximum temperature during this period from 1991 to 2020 was 32.3 degrees Celsius, the agency said.

Singapore has yet to experience a heatwave despite experiencing high temperatures recently. “Singapore is more vulnerable to heatwaves when a strong El Nino brings hotter temperatures in Singapore,” the statement said.

Minh Hoa (t/h according to Lao Dong, Zing)

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