Chandigarh: Private schools want physical classes for younger students too

The Independent School Association, which represents around 75 private schools of the city, has taken up the matter with the Chandigarh administration

With classroom teaching now allowed for students in Class 7 and above, private schools in Chandigarh want physical classes to resume for the younger students as well.

The Chandigarh education department maintained that there is no immediate plan to call primary class students back to school.

The Independent School Association (ISA), which represents around 75 private schools of the city, has taken up the matter with the Chandigarh administration. However, the education department maintained that there is no immediate plan to call primary class students back to school.

“Globally, we have seen schools were reopened for the younger students first, as it an important age for learning. Their education is getting affected, and we want physical classes to be allowed at primary stage, though on voluntary basis,” said HS Mamik, president, ISA.

Atul Khanna, director, Strawberry Fields High School, Sector 26, said: “With new cases on a low, now is the right time to try reopening classes for younger students as well. Schools can be asked to ensure that both teaching and non-teaching staff are vaccinated, and in case there is a spike in cases, schools can be asked to shut down again.”

However, parents are divided on the issue. Nitin Goyal, president, Chandigarh Parents Association, said: “There are many parents who are still paranoid about sending their children to school. However, over the months, the number of parents who want schools to reopen has gone up.” Goyal said even if primary classes are reopened, attendance should remain voluntary and online teaching should continue, as being done for Classes 7-12.