Like Mr Loh, most of the 19 Singaporean parents who touched down at Changi Airport on Wednesday, fresh from vacations in flu-affected countries, were surprised by their children having to take leave of absence. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
THE three Loh siblings returned from their holiday in England and Scotland on Wednesday afternoon, all set to start the new school term on Monday.
But they have since been told that they will have to wait until next Thursday to join their school mates. With Britain being flu-affected, they have each earned a week's leave of absence so they do not infect their school mates with the virus they may well be carrying.
Speaking to The Straits Times at Changi Airport following their 16-hour flight, the trio, aged 16, 14 and eight, said they were unaware of the precautionary measures implemented across the schools here.
Their father, who wanted to be known only as Mr Loh, said: 'We tried looking for information on the Internet, but did not find anything.'
He was most concerned about his son, who is due to take the common tests at his junior college next week.
'I hope the school will make arrangements for him to take the exams,' he said.
His other two children are in Secondary 2 and Primary 3.
Like Mr Loh, most of the 19 Singaporean parents who touched down at Changi Airport on Wednesday, fresh from vacations in flu-affected countries, were surprised by their children having to take leave of absence.
Most took it in their stride, saying it would not cause much disruption to the family routine. Some are parents to children old enough to take care of themselves; others have grandparents, maids or stay-at-home spouses.
But those with children taking major examinations this year were concerned about what they may miss in the coming week.
Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.
