CHENNAI: Around 20 lakh students of Classes X and XII across the state are set to return to schools on Tuesday, after a gap of nearly 10 months.
While adjusting to the new normal, including entering in specified time slots, getting temperature checks, sanitizing hands and wearing masks, occupying designated seats and not gathering during breaks, is expected to be tough, many schools plan to hold counselling sessions on the first day.
Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School in Saidapet has allotted a five-minute time slot for every 20 students. “The 572 students will enter from 8.45am to 9.30am, with separate gates for students of Classes X and XII. The same procedure will be followed when they leave,” said headmistress R Padmaja, adding that students have been told to bring spoons to avoid crowding at washbasins and to bring their own water.
Vana Vani Matriculation Higher Secondary School on the IIT Madras campus expects less than 50% strength initially. “We are pasting stickers with names of students willing to come on the desks to ensure they use the same desks throughout the year,” said principal M Sathish Kumar.
K John, the headmaster of Thiru Vi Ka Higher Secondary School in Shenoy Nagar, said there would be no regular classes for the first two days. “We plan to conduct outdoor classes and story sessions,” he said. Teachers and alumni have collected money and will give one uniform and six notebooks, for free, to each student.
V Shanthi, the headmistress of Vidyodaya Girls Higher Secondary School in T Nagar, said separate blocks were allotted for students of Classes X and XII. “The lunch space and restrooms will also be separated.”
MCC Higher Secondary School in Chetpet has issued kits with face shield, reusable masks and gloves for teachers and will use a bronze bell for Class X students and electric bell for those in Class XII to avoid confusion about breaks.
At Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Ashok Nagar, students of Class X will be divided into 22 rooms, with 25 per room, while those in Class XII will be place in 29 rooms. Headmistress R C Saraswathi said teachers will be present in the rooms during lunch to ensure food and snacks are not shared. CBSE schools plan practical training and model tests to prepare students for board exams. Chennai Public School in Anna Nagar has issued a day-wise academic plan till March 15 to instill confidence among parents about what students will do in school, said principal Asha Nathan.
The school education department has deputed directors and joint directors to districts to monitor schools. “Schools should give counselling to students in the first few days instead of taking classes,” said school education director S Kannappan.