Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Mar 4: After remaining closed for a three-month-long winter break, private and Government-run schools across Kashmir resumed classwork today.
Early in the morning, with the sun shining bright, joyous students in queues were seen reaching their respective schools using school and private transport, warmly greeted by teachers upon arrival.
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While a number of schools were specially decorated for the day, the students who arrived at their schools at 10 in the morning expressed their eagerness for schools to reopen, mentioning their longing for attending classes, especially the morning assembly.
Burda Fatima, a fifth-grade student at Mallinson Girls’ School here, expressed her feelings, stating, “I feel happy that we are finally heading back to school. At the same time, I felt disappointed when the winter vacations were extended, especially since it didn’t even snow. During these days, I prepared for exams, but I am quite happy that I will get to meet my friends.”
It is to be noted here that the authorities implemented a phased closure of schools in the Kashmir division for the winter break, spanning from November 28, 2023, to February 29, 2024.
Primary level classes up to the eighth standard were on vacation from November 28 to February 29, 2024, while classes from the ninth standard onwards up to the twelfth standard were on vacation from December 11 to February 29, 2024.
However, teachers concluded their vacation on February 21, as they were instructed to return to their respective schools to prepare for the upcoming examinations.
Another class 1 student, Ayesha, detailed what she did during the winter vacation apart from studies and preparations for the upcoming examination for which the date sheet has already been released.
“In the winter vacation, we went to Delhi, visited places; it was quite enjoyable; we came back recently and now that the schools have reopened, I am quite excited, especially to meet teachers,” she said.
Initially, schools were scheduled to reopen on March 1, but due to heavy snowfall and rain across the valley, the winter vacation was extended by three more days until March 3, as announced on February 29.
There were also speculations regarding a possible further extension of the winter vacation. However, on Sunday evening, officials announced that schools would open on Monday, ruling out any further extensions.
Halla Wadoo, another student walking quickly towards her school, apart from expressing her happiness, noted the role of the teachers. She said that the teachers were just a call away even during the winter vacations for the help of the students.
“I cannot tell you how much I missed the school as well as the teachers; at one point the vacation got boring; now getting to meet teachers and friends, it is a great feeling,” she said.
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