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At least one school, Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road), hired more guards because of the security scare, beefing up its force of 16 with an additional seven. There were added precautiions at other schools as well. SJI, for instance, has suspended all co-curricular activities involving late-night training or overnight camps. SCGS vice-principal Shermaine Tang warned students not to 'roam around'. Over at The Learning Vine Childcare centre in Goldhill Avenue, class took on a different tone yesterday morning. The centre's 45 toddlers, all under seven years old, rehearsed emergency evacuation procedures with staff. The children also practised putting their shoes on in the quickest time possible. The centre's director, who wanted to be known only as Mr Cheriyan, said: 'It is very important to make sure everyone is fully prepared, so we don't end up panicking if something happens.' Besides the security measures, staff in the schools took pains to reassure students that things would be fine. Mrs Tang had this message for her charges: 'Your teachers are here for you, and we're going to have a great day at school.' SJI principal Benjamin Lui told The Straits Times: 'It's a bit abnormal with the police here, but otherwise, we're going about our work just fine.' Despite all this, some parents were still spooked by the manhunt. At least seven were seen leaving SCGS just after assembly - with their daughters in tow. 'I feel very uneasy. Having a manhunt here is not normal,' said one jittery parent who wanted to be known only as Ms Tan. 'I can't bear leaving my daughter here when such a dangerous man is on the loose.' However, Ms Tan and other such parents were an exception: All the schools reported normal attendance, with no 'unusual absenteeism'.
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