Sri Lanka Schools Open Dates Vacation Term End New Term starts Time Education Ministry
All schools across the island for all grades will reopen on Monday except for the schools in the Western Province, Education Minister Prof. G.L Pieris said. Grade 5, Grade 11 and A/L class will be reopened in Western Province from March 15.
He added that schools in the western province will be reopened only after the health recommendations are received.
The Minister further said that health recommendations pertaining to the Western Province will be submitted by the health officials within two days. Accordingly the schools in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara will be reopened.
Minister Pieris said that the decision on reopening schools in the western Province will be determined based on the approval of the Director General of Health Services.
Remote Learning Anxiety and How to Cope BetterHelp Advice
While many students have returned to the classroom, there are still a lot of students that are learning remotely. Even those that have returned to the classroom may be learning digitally and socially distanced. This may be causing a lot of anxiety in students from their first years in school all the way to those attending a university or college.
A good therapist can help you or your child deal with anxiety in a healthy way. However, it is important to find the right therapist for you. Read this article to learn more about finding a good therapist.
The Effect of Remote Learning
Social distancing and remote learning make social interaction difficult. This can cause feelings of despair, loneliness, and isolation. Sometimes these emotions are brand new to a student, while other times they are just strengthened in someone due to the unusual circumstances.
Teenagers already experience a high rate of anxiety, but these conditions can exasperate these emotions. Not only are students of all ages experiencing fear and anxiety about work, the economy, the virus, and their friends and family, but they also do not have the type of support system that they have grown accustomed to.
Even if our children can talk to the people we did before the pandemic, emotions are often hidden by masks. We are also not able to shake hands, hug, and high five in the way that we used to. Social touch is important for our mental health and overall wellbeing.
Education is incredibly important, but so is our mental health. A balance between the two needs to be met. If you are experiencing severe anxiety that is focused on a heavy workload, speak with your teacher.
Screen Anxiety
Screen anxiety happens when students resist or avoid participation in distance learning. Younger students may get angry or nervous, teens and older students may experience a fear like social anxiety.
Routine may be a good way to help set expectations. Things as simple as waking up and eating at the same time every day can help our minds adjust. This can be beneficial to our mental health. It is also important to work relaxation into your schedule, even if you seem too busy.
If your child is having too much anxiety to speak or appear on camera, try to get them to participate through typing messages. It is important that a student is not completely cut off because we all need social interaction. However, this type of education is new for most students and it is important to ease them into it.
You can also speak to the teacher to make sure they understand that your child has experienced anxiety because of the unusual circumstances. It may also be a good idea to ease your child into using Zoom. You can do this by allowing them to speak with people they know well virtually. Call family members or close friends virtually so that you and your child can experience the technology together. This can add comfort to the experience and help to ease a student into learning virtually or remotely.
It is important to have open communication. Speak with your child and ask open-ended questions. Find out the reasons that they are experiencing this anxiety and try to relate and empathize with them. It may be necessary to make compromises so that your child can learn what they need to without experiencing severe anxiety.
Finally, it is important to give your child as much social interaction as possible without putting them at risk of catching the virus. This means that you should allow them to play online with friends, call family members, or even get a pet. You should also interact with them as much as possible.
One of the most significant aspects of living is learning. It is how people define the life they want to live, the people you want in your life, and how you define purpose and meaning in the things you do. Learning new things takes time and patience. Many seek to improve their learning abilities to expand their knowledge and take advantage of opportunities that contribute to personal growth. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help you learn fast and effectively.
Learn and Practice How to Take Good Notes
Did you know you can learn different methods for note-taking? Taking notes is a common way to help you gain knowledge and remember important details. As you practice taking notes, you’ll improve your speed and accuracy while gaining more insight on a topic or subject. Taking notes is a learning skill with meaning. As you learn different things, you’ll establish a preference for organizing information so you can remember or summarize easier.
Learn Ways to Improve Your Memory
We learn so many different things in life, and it is incredible to know we are capable of recalling and retaining information. A significant aspect of the learning process is memory. Your memory involves different elements that help you remember methods, strategies, and other essential details. As you consider different things you want to learn, doing things like managing your time, review ways to improve your focus, avoid trying to cram too much information at once.
Take Mental Breaks
Learning new things can be a great experience, but it can also be stressful or overwhelming. Retaining information is challenging if you’re stressed, anxious, or tired. When it is hard to stay focused, your brain struggles to recall information. If you feel emotionally drained, your brain shuts down by channel away from information. For example, think about students in class listening to their college professor giving a lecture. Some get tired, bored, or stop paying attention altogether. Take a break by changing your activity, even if it is for a few minutes, to help your brain refocus.
Use Different Learning Tools
The learning experience continues to evolve with different types of resources and materials to help people learn. Specific resources may help you retain information and keep you motivated to continue learning. Some people prefer using print books over audiobooks. Others like podcasts they can take on the go or watch videos if they are visual learners. Some want to use a variety of options to keep learning interesting.
Learn with Others
Sharing your interests with others enhances learning. You grow together while helping each other. People learn differently, but sometimes you gain more insight when learning with others that can relate. Individual skills like problem-solving are learned by others sharing their experience. Also, learning with others helps with remembering information. It is an opportunity to add to the knowledge we already have. When recalling such information, people are likely able to identify details more accurately. You gain more meaning behind it while gaining a better understanding of it. Learn how a therapist can help you learn more about yourself by clicking here.
Keep Learning and Share What You Know with Others
To become effective in the process of learning, continue practicing and sharing your knowledge. It is like helping your brain get regular exercise through different methods. Using different ways to learn, including working with others and using additional resources, allows the brain to lock in the knowledge. Learning and sharing go together in different parts of life such as school, work, and home. It is essential to invest in your skills and knowledge while helping others do the same. The benefit of doing so is priceless.
O/L and A/L exams Time Table via www.doenets.lk website Timetable release
Update – 2021 A/L Exam has been postponed and will begin from October 4th – 30th. G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination for the year 2021, which was scheduled for August, has been postponed to October, says the Sri Lanka Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris. Accordingly, the examination is set to take place between October 4 and 30. 2021 A/L Exam will be held as usual in August month. The exam dates and the relevant timetable has not been released so far. The time table will release to examination department official website www.doenets.lk.
2020 A/L Exam was delayed and was held on October month due to coronavirs pandemic in the country. Results of the G. C. E. Advanced Level Examination for the year 2020 will most probably be released in 2021 April.
Meanwhile Education Ministry has proposed to amend the examination period for GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level Examinations. Ministry Secretary Professor Kapila Perera has proposed that the O/L exam to be held in August and A/L Exam to be held in December. So far government has NOT taken a final decision in this regard. Proposal to be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval next week. Officials believe this new system will reduce the academic period for school students by 9 months.
When is 2021 A/L Exam begins?
Normally, A/L exam is scheduled on August month, but last year exam was postponed due to Coronavirus outbreak. Officials believe 2021 exam can be held as usual.
A Fake / false Advanced Level A/L Time Table is circulating on social media and the examinations department is to take action against the spread of fake Time Table.
Sri Lanka Examinations Department officials requested the general public including students to act responsibly and only trust the official announcements issued by the Education Ministry and the Examination Department. 2021 A/L Exam dates and the relevant timetable has not been released so far. The time table will release to examination department official website www.doenets.lk.
Update – Sri Lanka Minister of Education, Prof. G. L. Peiris says that 2020 Advanced Level Examination A/L Exam Results will be released April end (after April Avurudu season). Examination Department officials have not so far announced the exact releasing dates. Based on the 2020 A/L examination results, steps will be taken to admit students into universities by 2021 September Minister further said.
Meanwhile 2021 A/L Exam will be held as usual in August month. The exam dates and the relevant timetable has not been released so far. The time table will release to examination department official www.doenets.lk website.
Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof Kapila Perera stated that the A/L examination for the year 2021 has been scheduled for August but said that they have not reached a final decision. “We hope to get feedback from teachers covering all schools by April 9th how far the A/L syllabus has been completed. After evaluating those factors, we will take a final decision on the 2021 A/L examination,”.
When 2021 A/L Exam begins and What happen to A/L Students ?
• Hold the exam on 2021 August month? • Hold the exam with covered syllabus on August ? • Postpone the exam date ?
Sri Lanka Education Ministry says that NO decision has been taken to postpone the GCE Advanced Level Examination (GCE A/L Exam 2021). Exam will be held in August as usual. Ministry rejecting the false claims made on social media.
How Therapy Can Help Students Get Back on Track with School Work
How Therapy Can Help Students Get Back on Track with School Work.
Setting goals as a student is essential to academic success. It is common to feel overwhelmed or frustrated while working to meet academic expectations. One area a student may have trouble with is holding themselves accountable when they don’t meet their goals. You may feel discouraged if you didn’t get a high score on your test. Some try their best to complete assignments, but you may get stuck focusing on things that don’t matter when trying to be a perfectionist.
You may agonize over things that could hold you back, leading to lower grades or performing under academic standards. Fortunately, there are ways to help students understand how their thoughts and emotions make a difference. One option includes working with a counselor or therapist. Some skilled professionals work with youth and young adults to help them focus on moving forward when feeling stuck. Professional support through therapy allows you to gain more awareness about yourself and your abilities.
Here are some ways therapy may help you regain focus so you can succeed in school.
Gain Cognitive Skills
Working with a therapist has helped many students understand how their emotions and thoughts affect their actions. Different therapy types provide a variety of skills to help you make informed decisions and improve problem-solving abilities. A common type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It is used to help people recognize and raise self-awareness of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
You can learn how to work through homework anxiety by acknowledging your anxious thoughts and challenging them. Understanding your feelings with in-depth support from a therapist may help you feel less anxious because you learn some of your ideas may not be accurate. You can learn about other types of therapy that can help with anxiety here.
Admitting to Mistakes
Trying to be perfect could have consequences because we all have flaws. If you didn’t score as well as you hoped on an exam, it is okay. If you get behind on your schoolwork, admit you’re responsible for not getting it done on time. Sometimes missing a deadline or not making the grade leaves you feeling bad, but you can and will move forward.
A student may feel less motivated to complete assignments if they recently failed a test. In this situation, it helps to focus on what you can do and focus on getting things done one at a time. Consider looking at future assignments as another chance to do better. Therapy can help with identifying thoughts and beliefs that make moving forward more difficult. You’ll be able to redirect your focus on actions to get you motivated again.
Focus on Getting It Done
Assignments for school are crucial to your grades and academic performance. Sometimes too much focus is placed on making the teacher or your parents happy. Get your work done to the best of your ability and avoid trying to be a perfectionist. If you think you’re going to miss a deadline, ask if partial credit is possible. Learn about options to help you get your work done without pressure, such as working with a tutor or classmate.
It Is Okay to Ask for Help
Holding yourself accountable is not easy, but you can learn ways to get things done without being hard on yourself. It is easy to tell someone you will get things done when doing things for them. It is different when it comes to yourself. People have a habit of letting themselves down and being okay with it. Having someone to work with you, such as a family member, friend, or therapist, can make a d difference because they can help you hold yourself accountable.
Marie Miguel – BetterHelp.com
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Sri Lanka GCE OL Exam Results Release 2021 June month
Police and Department of Examinations has instructed G. C. E. Ordinary Level candidates NOT to engage in unruly behavior at the examination centres after the exam and NOT to organize or participate any illegal After Exam Parties.
The Ordinary Level Examination for the year 2020 is set to conclude today March 10.
Issuing a statement, the Department stated that strict action will be taken against under the Examination Act if candidates engage in unruly behavior or damage public property. Further, measures can be taken to cancel the results of such candidates, emphasized the Department. The Exams Department further stated that any complaint with this regard can be relayed through the following telephone numbers:
2020 GCE O/L examination results will be released in June month says Sri Lanka Education Minister. The results of the GCE Ordinary Level Exam held from March 01 to 10 are expected to be released by June month and accordingly, plans have been made to start new A/L classes for these students from 2021 July, said Education Minister Prof. GL Peiris. GCE O/L Exam Results Release in June.
O/L exam cheating incident reported in Walasmulla area.
Participating in a media conference held at Nelum Mawatha, Minister Peiris said the government does not want to waste the children’s time waiting for exam results.
“Our main objective is not to waste the precious youth of the country’s children. We are ready to face all the challenges that come in the midst of the Covid 19 epidemic so that education can be continued,” he said.
According to the Minister, a total of 622,305 candidates from all over the country sit for the examination which held from March 1 to 10 at 4,513 centers. A total of 423,746 school candidates and 198,606 private candidates are scheduled to take the exam and 542 coordinating centers have been set up.
Two special centers have been set up in each district for Covid 19 infected candidates. Special arrangements have been made for the Colombo District as such centers may not be sufficient.
Necessary arrangements have already been made to ensure the health of the children in consultation with the principals, public health inspectors and regional health officers, the Minister said.
All applications have already been mailed to all schools. If private candidates have not received them, they can go to the Ministry of Education website and download their applications.
“This is the first time our government has taken such a step. Everything is for our children,” the Minister said.
Students of all grade levels experience some form of anxiety when it comes to homework assignments. Some students don’t like doing homework, while others don’t mind completing assignments if they can be completed fast enough to get it out of the way. Some find it stressful to complete their work making it more challenging to focus, especially with looming deadlines or fear of not meeting academic expectations. Fortunately, there are practical ways to combat homework anxiety, including establishing a homework routine and knowing who you can reach out to when you need help.
Tips for Managing Homework Anxiety
Addressing anxiety concerns includes understanding how it affects your ability to complete assignments. In some cases, students may have a mental health concern such as an anxiety disorder, learning disorder, or ADHD. Here are a few ways to manage homework anxiety others have found helpful:
* Address or acknowledge any mental health concerns. Sometimes students have trouble concentrating on homework if they fell behind in class. For younger children, parents may want to ask their child’s teacher about school issues such as bullying or if the student is having problems understanding the work.
* Make a homework routine to help you focus. Anxiety is controllable when your expectations are planned. Set a time and space that will let you focus on the work. Make your workspace comfortable with little distractions. Use your time wisely when given additional time to complete lengthy assignments.
* Set realistic expectations. Sometimes anxiety comes from pushing yourself too hard to get things done. It is okay to make mistakes, and that is how you learn.
* Establish good communication with your teacher. Parents with young children should have good communication with their child’s teacher. Older students should feel comfortable asking questions about their assignments for clarity. Your teacher could offer tips or advice for completing assignments.
* Know who to turn to when you need help. Having someone such as a parent, guardian, counselor, and peer support will make a difference. People you rely on for help should encourage, motivate, and provide the support you need. Parents with younger children should get involved with their child’s learning. Experts suggest students with moral backing perform better academically.
* Learn stress-relieving strategies. Sometimes homework is challenging to complete when you’re stressed out. Look for ways to reduce your stress, including doing activities you enjoy or gaining a new hobby that helps calm your mood. Consider a quick strategy to do before starting an assignment, such as deep breathing, stretching, or listening to music.
* Get a homework buddy or tutor. Some subjects like mathematics can be stressful when learning new problem-solving processes. Working with someone may help reduce stress while getting the direct support you need.
* Consider homework apps. Some digital apps offer tips and advice on how to complete homework while providing academic support. Use an app to schedule your work, such as making time for research.
Talk to Someone About Your Anxiety
Sometimes people need additional support dealing with anxiety. If you find your anxiety is making things beyond getting homework done more complicated, it may be time to seek professional help. Talk to your doctor about anxiety concerns. Therapy sessions for anxiety are also useful, and you can read more about that here. Therapy has helped students of all ages cope with stress.
You don’t have to dread doing homework assignments because you have options. Feeling anxious about completing schoolwork is common. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure what to do, reach out for help. Finding practical ways to deal with your anxiety can make getting future assignments done easier.
Marie Miguel – BetterHelp.com
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Secretary to the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka had advised to halt / ban all functions held at schools with immediate effect. This decision has been taken with regard to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country. Issuing a press release, the Ministry of Education further stated that the Ministry had received information on various events and functions being held in schools disregarding the current COVID-19 situation in the country.
Secretary to the Ministry of Education – Professor Kapila Perera said everyone should be careful and vigilant about the health and safety of all school children and teachers at present.
The Ministry of Education today issuing a statement clarified its order on certain events and programs that can and cannot be held in schools.
The Ministry of Education has banned the participation of large numbers of children in events held outside the school premises, such as peraheras, traffic parades and demonstrations, and the participation of students in health-hazardous activities organized in a manner that is in contact with outsiders.
However, the ban does not apply to the co-curricular activities organized in the school (such as speech competitions, debate competitions, tree planting programs), Sports events recommended by the Ministry of Health, programs to develop student attitudes and skills that do not gather a large numbers of students; official state ceremonies for school development and programs that can be organized in accordance with health guidelines while maintaining social distance.
The Covid-19 pandemic has uprooted our lives, but it has altered the lives of our kids as well. Therapy can help both children and adults significantly and if you are interested in learning more, check out this article on interpersonal therapy. The effects of quarantine, social distancing, working and schooling from home, and masks are seeping quickly into our day to day lives.
The “new normal” is here and we have to learn to cope with it. Children often have a harder time knowing how to deal with their emotions, so it is good to know how to help them as their parent or guardian.
The Pandemic and Children
Research indicates that children are developing feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fear. They are more likely now to be afraid of death and isolation. Children have less opportunity for social interaction because, as important as it is, parents do not want to put them at unnecessary risk.
Schools have been closed or operate solely online. If they are open, masks and social distancing have been implemented for safety. Children are now experiencing much of the same mental effects of the pandemic as adults. Humans are social animals, and the pandemic has made it difficult to find interaction.
Children also do not have the same stress and emotion management techniques that adults possess. Sometimes these bottled-up emotions are represented through irritability and anger.
Helping Your Child Cope
There are a lot of things you can easily do to help your child deal with their emotions and remain happy even during these tough times.
Love and Affection
One of the most important things you can do is to show your children lots of love and affection. Try to be a role model so that their perception of the environment remains positive. You may also have more time around your children if you are working from home. This is especially true if your children are learning at home too.
Structure
Children also require structure, so even if they are not going to school it is best to have a daily routine in place. Try to spend quality time with them to separate school/work life from family life. It is also important to go outside and interact with nature to deal with the isolation.
It may also be a good idea to discuss daily schedules with your children. Giving them the chance to participate and tell you their needs and desires can help them feel needed and in control.
Talk
It is important to speak with your children about their feelings as well as Covid-19. Always speak truthfully and try not to be condescending. Speak in a way that they can understand and identify with. Make sure they understand that they can talk to you at any time.
Open-ended questions can help ease your child into expressing their emotions. You can ask how they are feeling about their experiences. This is a great way to talk to any age group and you need to continue talking to them through the years because their feelings will change drastically over time.
It is important that you address the pandemic itself. Ask about their concerns, worries, and fears about the virus and the changes it has caused. You can also use this as a time to educate them about washing their hands, covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and other personal hygiene necessities.
Mindfulness
There are mindfulness techniques that are meant specifically for children. Teaching your child how to meditate can be fun and provide them with a way to cope with their stress for the rest of their lives. There are even some games and activities that can help ease them into mindfulness slowly.
In Conclusion
There is a lot you can do to help your kids deal with their emotions and manage their day to day lives during the pandemic. Always be sure to treat them as people and be aware of their age. Speak to them, show them that you love and care about them, and provide them with the support they need during the abnormal times. They, like us, have experienced strong emotions tied to the virus and need reassurance.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Sri Lanka Schools Open Dates Vacation Term End New Term starts Time Education Ministry
All schools in the Western Province will be reopened on March 15 Education Minister. The Minister of Education, Prof. GL Peiris said that all schools in all three districts of the Western Province will be opened on March 15 for all grades starting from the first grade.
Speaking further the Minister said, the Ministry has received recommendations from the Regional Coordinating Committees regarding the opening of schools in the Western Province.
“We decided that it was not appropriate for the Ministry of Education in general to make a decision as the situation varies from school to school. Accordingly the school committees led by the principals obtained the views of the committees. According to the decision of those committees, we hoped that the majority of schools in the Western Province would be able to open on February 15. However, we were of the view that the recommendations could be implemented subject to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health.”
The Minister said this morning they received the recommendation of the Director General of Health Services.
Accordingly, the Director General of Health, Dr. Asela Gunawardena has informed that it would be more appropriate to start all schools in all three districts of the Western Province on March 15, immediately after the GCE Ordinary Level Examination, which will be held from March 01 to 11.
“We, the education authorities and the health authorities all worked together to create a conducive environment for schools to start. We have been able to create a healthier environment in schools after continuing to meet and make those decisions,” the Minister said.
Accordingly, the health authorities recommend that all schools in the Western Province should start from March 15 for all grades. Schools for children entering Grade 1 in the year 2021 will also start from March 15.
This decision is valid for international schools and government approved private schools in the Western Province. Schools in other parts of the country are currently operating, and this decision does not apply to those schools, the Minister clarified.
The Grade 11 classes that have commenced their studies in the Western Province are now functioning as usual and the academic activities for that grade will be stopped two weeks before the commencement of the O / L examination.
The Minister further stated that the school attendance percentage of students in the schools which have been started in the island has increased to 72% and the attendance of teachers has increased to 88%. “It confirms the confidence of parents and students that the schools are maintained in a healthy manner,” Prof. Peiris said.
