In a direct response to the ongoing cold wave gripping the city, several prominent schools in Kolkata have taken the proactive step of rescheduling their daily start times. This move aims to shield students from the harsh and bitter early morning chill, prioritizing student health and comfort during this period of extreme weather.
Official Announcements from Leading Institutions
Calcutta Boys' School has officially issued a notice announcing a significant change in its schedule. The school will now commence at 8.55 am instead of the usual 7.55 am, effective immediately and continuing until further notice. The notice also detailed that Wednesday would function as a half-day, with student dispersal scheduled for 11.45 am. From Thursday onwards, the school will return to a full-day schedule, albeit with the new start time, concluding at 1.30 pm.
Echoing this concern for student welfare, St Augustine's Day School in Shyamnagar has implemented a similar measure. The school's Principal, Rodney Borneo, confirmed that classes would begin an hour later than usual starting Wednesday. "Considering the extreme cold for the last few days, we have decided to start an hour late from Wednesday," Borneo stated. Accordingly, the school will open its gates at 8 am instead of 7 am.
A Trend Taking Hold Across the City
The decision by these two institutions appears to be the beginning of a wider trend. Reports indicate that several other schools across Kolkata are actively considering similar measures to combat the cold wave's impact. Many of these schools are currently holding internal discussions, and formal announcements regarding adjusted timings or other protective steps are anticipated in the next day or two, potentially as early as Wednesday or Thursday.
Prioritizing Health in Harsh Weather
This collective action underscores a shift towards more flexible and responsive administrative policies in the face of environmental challenges. The primary motivation remains the well-being of the students, ensuring they are not exposed to potentially harmful early-morning temperatures that can exacerbate health issues. The move has been largely welcomed by parents and guardians who have expressed concerns about their children commuting in such conditions.
As the cold wave persists, the education community in Kolkata is demonstrating adaptability. The actions of Calcutta Boys' School and St Augustine's Day School set a precedent, and it is highly likely that more educational institutions in the region will announce schedule modifications to safeguard their students from the biting cold.
