School reopening: Parents reluctant, institutions in Bengaluru opt to wait

BENGALURU: While most government schools resumed on-campus classes for grades 1 to 5 on Monday, many private schools, especially those affiliated to ICSE and CBSE boards, are reluctant to restart regular classes.
Several private schools have deferred reopening primary sections, given reservations many parents have regarding sending their children to crowded places and the current lack of transport options because school vans are not operating.
Many private schools are thinking of reopening after the Deepavali holidays to get more time to put safety measures in place on campuses and take parents into confidence. Others have decided on a wait-and-watch policy after receiving a cold response from parents. This is despite educationists warning parents of serious learning gaps, and doctors and other medical experts allaying fears of children contracting the virus.
“We made two attempts to get senior children to campuses. However, parents protested and escalated the issue to department officials, following which we had to retract circulars. When senior students are not coming, we have no hope of parents sending smaller children,” said a school principal.
Last week, following parents’ protest at an international school on Sarjapur Road, the school decided to continue to offer students the choice of both online and regular classes.
So why are some parents so reluctant?
Some parents are unhappy about schools shirking their responsibility using consent forms. “Every consent form has a clause which says that the school will not be responsible if the child falls ill. Why should we take the risk then?” another parent asked.
Mohamed Shakeel, president of Voice of Parents, said: “The minute the government allows reopening, some schools show highhandedness and stop online classes without discussing the move with parents. This naturally provokes parents.”
Some principals said parents were in a comfort zone at home. “Online classes are running smoothly. Parents are in a comfort zone. Some of them are in their hometowns. Online classes also save them from the hassle of a tight morning schedule, and many are finding time for extra-curricular activities,” said one principal.
No hurry to catch up
However, one parent countered the argument about learning. “I do not deny that my child has already lost out on social skills. But that does not mean that she will unlearn all of it next week. We can wait for another two months until the vaccinescome,” he said.
Transportation is a serious concern among some others. “The school has said if only a few students are opting for the school van, the fares will be hiked. It is impossible to drop and pick up children every day,” said a parent in South Bengaluru.