Parents, teachers confused over Kerala school reopening
Date for a high level meeting with officials will be finalised today
After the Kerala government announced that it would reopen schools for Classes 1 to 7 and Classes 10 to 12 from Nov. 1 and Classes for 8 and 9 reopening from Nov. 15, parents and teachers are confused about the decision.
While several parents have welcomed move and most feel that the bonhomie and social life of the students would be back once schools are reopened, a large number of them are also doubtful as to whether students would adhere to the Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing and wearing of masks.
Smitha Nair, from Chinnakkada in Kollam whose daughter is in Class 10 at a governmentaided school, said: “The government’s decision to reopen schools have brought mixed feelings. On one hand, I am happy that my daughter will be able to interact with her classmates and teachers physically, but on the I am worried as to how much secure are our children in going to school. As the pandemic is still evolving with both the scientific community and medical doctors not clear whether a third wave is coming up, it is to be seen whether I will send my girl to school or continue with the online classes.”
Online classes
The state government will allow students to continue in online classes as well but the finer points on the school reopening and the modus operandi to be carried out in schools would be finalised in a high-level meeting of teachers, parents and higher officials of the education department to be attended by the Chief Minister, Education Minister, and Health minister.
The date of the same would be finalised today.
Schools welcome move
Several school managements have welcomed the decision of the state government.
Indira Rajan, President, CBSE school managements of Kerala, said: “We welcome the state government decision and we have one and half months to prepare for cleaning and maintaining the schools to welcome children. I think this is a good decision and children would be happy enough to reach classes and attend it physically.”
The medical fraternity is also supportive of the government’s decision.
IMA leader Dr. Sulfi while speaking to media persons at Thiruvananthapuram said that reopening of schools is a good decision and added that the IMA welcomes the decision.
Meanwhile Kerala Education Minister, N. Sivankutty while speaking to mediapersons at the state capital said that schools would be conducted in shifts.
“The state education department has commenced preparations for the reopening of schools. Classes would be conducted in shifts.”