The Government is asking all schools to be understanding of the challenges faced by those students resuming classes from today.

In a statement it says it is important for school managements, principals and staff to be flexible with children because the situation is far from normal.

Some students may not be in a position to wear uniforms and may have also lost books and other items during the cyclone.

Students must be allowed to wear casual clothes for the time being if uniforms are not available.

Teachers have also been urged to take into account the fact that for many people, Cyclone Winston may have been a traumatic event and it is important to be understanding and compassionate.

For those students of schools that have been destroyed or forced to close while essential repairs are carried out, parents are asked to make sure that alternative arrangements are made for them during the day.

It is essential for them to be under some form of adult supervision.