Schools in Kolkata look at hybrid mode for reopening

KOLKATA: Private schools in the city are all awaiting government SOP for reopening, while many of them are looking at a hybrid mode of teaching so that a limited number of students—mostly of classes IX to XII—can take turns to come to the campus after November 16, while the rest can attend online classes from home.
Expressing relief that chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced campus reopening, principals said they could not return to campuses without a formal government nod and that going back to school before the CISCE and CBSE first semester board exams in November-end boards was necessary for all the arrangements required.
Last time schools had reopened amid pandemic, which was in February, the government had allowed only 50% physical attendance in a class .
Several schools have convened meeting on Tuesday to discuss the various options, while some plan to seek parents’ feedback. Some principals have pointed out their priority is the first-semester board exam rather than physical classes for other students. Mahadevi Birla World Academy principal Anjana Saha said, “Five-hundred-and-fifty students in our school are going to take offline board exams and we are preparing for that now. We plan the blended mode of teaching.”
The Heritage School principal Seema Sapru said, “Based on government instructions, we may divide students of classes IX to XII into small groups who can attend in-person classes twice or thrice a week. We are waiting for the detailed notification.”
St Xavier’s Collegiate School principal Father M Thamacin Arulappan has called a meeting on Tuesday. “We will finalize the procedure of conducting physical classes. Moreover, we need to know the details on classes and seating arrangements, which I’m sure the government will send shortly.” Modern High School director Devi Kar said, “We are waiting for the final government instructions. Once we get it, we can plan the modalities in detail.”
DPS Ruby Park principal Joyoti Chaudhuri said, “We look forward to welcoming students back to campus. The sanitization guidelines will be implemented strictly.”
Krishna Damani, South Point High School trustee, said, “We have started sanitizing the premises. We are waiting for more clarity from the government on the Covid-safety protocol to conduct physical classes.” He pointed out they took health declarations from students when schools had reopened briefly in February. “We may ask for it this time, too,” he added.