Leading private schools in Assam decided to reopen on November 2

GUWAHATI: Several leading private schools have decided to reopen from November 2 to prepare students of higher classes to successfully face the boards' examinations in the early part of 2021.

Principal of Don Bosco School, Pan Bazar Father Sebastian Mathew in a recent letter to parents and students said as the Central and State Governments are coming up with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) the school is now preparing to reopen from November 2. Classes will, however, be restarted only for students of Class IX, X, XI & XII in a staggered manner, Fr. Sebastian said, adding that online classes will continue for students of KG to Class VIII.

Other leading private schools namely St Mary's HS School, Holy Child School, Delhi Public School, Maharishi Vidya Mandir and Axom Xatiya Vidyalaya are also planning to reopen for students of higher classes.

"Many parents have been telling us that mere online teaching & learning for students of higher classes will not help them to successfully face the boards' exams early next year. Formal and physical classes will help the students to clear their various doubts and queries with teachers before the boards' exams. It will also help them to mentally prepare for the exams," a teacher of another leading school said.

An official in the State Education department said the private schools are at their discretion to reopen. He, however, said all private schools will have to follow the SOPs prepared by the Assam Government, to reopen and restart classes.

The government schools, colleges and technical institutions will formally reopen from November 2. Formal physical imparting of lessons will be held for students studying from Classes VI to XII. Classes will be held in two shifts—8.30 am to 12.30 pm & 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm. The first 15 days since reopening of the schools will be devoted to orientation programmes to prepare students mentally and physically to attend classes after a gap of 8 months. Attendance will not be mandatory. Students who don't want to come to schools, will continue with their online classes from homes.

Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the schools will not conduct annual examinations for students studying in Classes VI, VII, IX & XII. These students will be promoted to their next classes in view of the current pandemic situation, he said.