Schools reopen with hopes of infinite possibilities

In a relatively calm atmosphere, after the rain subsided, about three lakh children entered the first class wearing new uniforms and carrying new bags filled with new books. About 36 lakh students from classes I to X entered the new academic year in all schools across Kerala. The state-level inauguration of the school reopening ceremony was performed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Government Higher Secondary School in Kalavur, Alappuzha. The Chief Minister said that students should gain more wisdom than knowledge from schools. Education Minister V Sivankutty, while welcoming the first-class students, said that the children are starting a step towards the infinite possibilities of knowledge and growth on this day.

The new academic year will see an increase in study hours by half an hour in government and aided high schools in Kerala. The increase will be 15 minutes each in the morning and evening. With this, the school hours will be from 9.45 am to 4.15 pm. This is also the year in which the textbook change will be fully implemented.

All textbooks for classes I to X have been modified in accordance with the curriculum framework. The Education Minister has announced that arrangements have been completed to deliver textbooks to all children at the beginning of the school year itself. The distribution of textbooks for class X was completed in March this year, as the children finished writing the class IX exams. It is commendable that the constant complaint of late textbooks has been eliminated.

The reform of minimum marks is conducive to a major change in assessment. For this, teachers need to focus on getting to know each child and identifying their strengths and weaknesses in studies at the beginning of the school year. Counselling to relieve children of exam anxiety and other pressures and tensions should be made a part of the academic program. Similarly, the Motor Vehicles Department should not make any lapse in ensuring the safety of school buses. There is also a need to restrict the number of children who can be carried in a bus. School authorities should also ensure that the standards imposed on motor vehicles are strictly followed.

The responsibility of saving children from falling into the trap of drugs and other bad habits should not be left to the police alone. For this, school authorities and PTA committees should work in coordination. Student police cadets can also play a good role in the fight against drugs. The first week is not devoted to teaching textbooks. This time period is aimed at instilling good habits and civic awareness. It is possible to consider dedicating at least two days to instilling such things every three months.

School authorities should also take strong steps to nip and discourage the growing habit of violence among children in the bud. Kerala Kaumudi wishes that the new academic year will be a time to create an environment where children can study without pressure.