First Bell 2.0 will ring tomorrow; will begin as digital classes, school-level online classes to begin later

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tomorrow marks the start of another academic year in which children will not be able to attend school and learn directly from teachers during the Covid period. The children will study from their homes without new clothes and colorful umbrellas and the fresh smell of books. College classes will also start online from tomorrow.

In the beginning, the KITE Victers channel will telecast the digital classes for classes 1 to 12. Last year’s classes have been made more simple and engaging. In addition to the classes called First Bell 2.0, online classes for classes 10 and 12, in which students can directly interact with teachers, will be set up from July. Authorities are yet to make a decision regarding the platform on which this will be done. The online classes for classes 1 to 9 will begin after some more weeks.

The online opening ceremony called 'Pravesanolsavam' will be conducted at the Government Cotton Hill Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram while following all Covid-related norms. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the state-level school opening ceremony at 8.30 am. Schools can hold the 'Pravesanolsavam' ceremonies at 9.30 or 10 a.m. at their convenience.

Admission
Parents can go to the schools even after the lockdown to apply for admission to class 1 and other classes. They can also apply for admission online through the Sampoorna portal (www.sampoorna.kite.kerala.gon.in). The government has instructed not to deny admission to children citing a lack of adequate documents.

Plus One exams for Plus Two students

This year, students have to appear for the Plus One exam while studying in the Plus Two class. The Plus One exam, which was scheduled to be held in March, will be held in mid-August. Meanwhile, Plus Two classes will begin on June 7. Teachers have pointed out that even if the Plus Two class starts, students will still be studying for the Plus One exam until Onam.

Education dept withdraws order to deliver CM's message at homes
The Education Department has withdrawn the order asking teachers to deliver the CM's message to class 1 students at the doorstep before the admission festival. The message shall be sent through the mail or handed over while delivering textbooks and uniforms. The order was withdrawn after teachers' unions protested against it.