By Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar- Schools in Kashmir sprung back to life on Monday after remaining closed for three months on account of winter vacations. A bright sunny day made for a perfect setting for the students to return to classrooms after a gap of three bone-chilling winter months.
The schools which were closed for winter vacation in December last year were scheduled to open on March 1. However, the winter vacations were extended by three days due to rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches, the officials said.
The students, many of whom were feeling bored and confined in their homes for such a long time, were excited to be going back to school on Monday.
Doha, a student of fifth grade at a private school, told Kashmir Observer, “I’m so happy to be back with my friends and teachers! While I had a great time at home during the holidays, there’s nothing quite like the laughter and learning I share with them in school.”
Sharing his experiences, Saqib, another student, highlighted the unique charm of school life compared to the winter break. He said, “While I attended tuition classes during the vacation, it wasn’t the same as being in school. There’s a special feeling of connection and learning that I only experience here with my classmates and teachers.”
Saqib, another student, said while he was not confined to home during the winter vacation, going back to school had a charm of its own.
“I used to attend tuition classes during the winter break but somehow it does not have the same feeling as going to school. I missed my teachers and friends,” she added.
With annual examinations slated later in the week, teachers now have a brief window to assess the preparedness of their students, said a teacher.
Farakshan Hamid, a teacher at a private school said that though schools were off during the winter vacation but she along with other teachers of her school were often connected with their students through online mode.
“During winter vacation phase we used to extend online support to our students, but it is altogether a different feeling when you are around with your students and colleagues,” she said.
Parvez Ahmad Paul, a principal at a school said that they witnessed 95% of student attendance at their school, highlighting the eagerness among the students to join back the classrooms.
“There is a vibrance in the school atmosphere, everyone is thrilled and energetic to be back at school, be it students, teachers, non-teaching staff, support staff, and everyone associated with the school”, he said
Notably, while schools in most parts of Kashmir reopened today, educational institutions in some snowbound areas of Kupwara district remained closed for an additional two days in view of the recent heavy snowfall, followed by an avalanche warning issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA).
Pertinent to mention that schools were closed for winter vacation in December last year in the valley. Schools are shut during this period as the temperatures in the region fall below freezing point. (with inputs from PTI)
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