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SMI schools are allowed to collect charges from students for specific purposes such as air-conditioning in the school hall or instructors' fees for various cultural activities. They can also act on their own in staffing, funding and school operation.

Mr Poon said: "Schools joining the SMI scheme are expected to start in the first year drafting a formal constitution for the School Management Committee, formulate mission and school goals; and introduce formal procedures for planning, budgeting and evaluating school activities leading to the production of the annual School Plan for the next school year.

"In the second year, schools are given greater flexibility in managing resources under the Block Grant. They have to distribute a summary of the School Plan to parents, start developing a School Policy and Procedure Manual and compile data and information for the preparation of a School Profile and prepare the next School Plan.

"Furthermore, they are expected to start developing a staff appraisal system according to individual circumstances."

Mr Poon reminded those interested in participating in the sixth phase of the SMI to return their reply forms to the Education Department on or before June 25.

Further enquiries can be made at the SMI office on 2892 6656.

End

Placement service for teachers

The Education Department will start a placement service tomorrow (Wednesday) to assist redundant teachers in aided primary schools in obtaining new teaching posts.

"These teachers were usually made redundant by the drop in enrolment in their schools, or reduction of classes due to redevelopment of housing estates and people moving from urban areas to new towns," a Senior Education Officer, Mr Lo Ying- choi, explained.