Classes 1 to 5 were originally scheduled to resume on June 5, with classes 6 to 12 starting on June 1 (Representative Image)
CM M. K. Stalin’s directive led to the decision of pushing back the school reopening date to protect students from extreme heat in different parts of the state
After the long summer break, schools in Tamil Nadu have reopened for Classes 6 to 12 on Monday. The School Education Department delayed the reopening of schools earlier this month because of the heat and rising temperatures across the state. The revised timetable states that Classes 6 to 12 have begun, while Classes 1 and 5 will resume on June 14.
To protect students from the extreme heat in different parts of the state, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s directive led to the decision of pushing back the reopening date. Meanwhile, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the Minister of School Education of Tamil Nadu emphasised the necessity of maintaining student safety amidst the rising temperature.
Initially, schools were supposed to reopen on June 7. The School Education Department had to change the schedule, though, due to worries about the weather and high temperatures. Classes 1 to 5 were originally scheduled to resume on June 5, with classes 6 to 12 starting on June 1.
Following the recent declaration, chief educational authorities in districts like Chennai and Chengalpattu issued circulars directing all schools, whether public, aided, or private, to abide by the announced reopening dates. Strict mechanisms were put in place to ensure compliance and district-level officials were in charge of keeping an eye on the issue and taking appropriate action.
Schools in the Chengalpattu district were specifically told not to hold senior school special classes before the scheduled reopening dates, and any infractions would result in departmental repercussions, according to reports. The government of Tamil Nadu said that it is dedicated to putting students’ needs first and upholding a safe learning environment despite adverse weather circumstances when schools resume operations there.
Doctors have urged people to take precautions as schools get ready to welcome students so that they can stay safe in the heat. “Children should not be exposed to direct sunlight, and it will help if schools schedule PT periods at the end of the day, avoiding 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is important that students are seated in well-ventilated classrooms that aren’t very crowded,” Rema Chandramohan, Director, Institute of Child Health said as per The Hindu.