MUMBAI: Most schools in Mumbai have not reopened since the March 2020 lockdown, but the foreign-run ones have begun to welcome students back into the physical classroom.
American School of Bombay at BKC on Monday welcomed grade 4 and 5 students to the campus. It was the first in the city to get permission for in-person learning in January. Two others—Deutsche Schule Bombay, a German school with campuses at Breach Candy and Lower Parel, and Lycée Francais International de Mumbai, a French school in Lower Parel—have also got approvals from the BMC for physical classrooms.
Educationists have been demanding reopening of all schools in a phased manner, citing the limitations of online teaching. The 45-odd Cambridge International board schools, which have maximum classroom strength of 20, have been vocal on the issue. The state, however, is reluctant due to fears of a third wave.
ASB on Monday tweeted pictures of students being welcomed to the campus. Students were in masks and were checked for temperature before entering the premises.
BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said schools for children of diplomatic staff were granted permission in January 2021. "Not a single positive case has been reported from these schools. We have informed them that all Covid norms must be strictly followed," said Chahal.
BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said schools for children of diplomatic staff were granted permission in January 2021. "Not a single positive case has been reported from these schools. We have informed them that all Covid norms must be strictly followed," said Chahal.
ASB’s website said all Covid-19 protocols were being followed for the reopening, while teachers, other staff and older students had been vaccinated. The younger lot had to produce a negative report to be physically present in the classroom. ASB head Johnson Craig did not respond to calls and messages.
In Mumbai, schools have been shut since the March 2020 lockdown. The state cancelled SSC and HSC exams this year due to the second wave. Questioning its reluctance to allow more latitude to their institutions, the principal of a Cambridge International school said, “There has to be fairness in reopening schools. Why should only a handful of schools have physical classes?”
Over 45 Cambridge schools in Mumbai had written to BMC for permission to resume in-person teaching in January. While the request was turned down, Cambridge schools did get permission to conduct offline exams for classes 9 to 12 in February-March. “The board exams were held by following all Covid protocols. We are ready with our plan for physical school too. Online learning is not working beyond a point,” said Dr Hanif Kanjer, director, Rustomjee Cambridge International School, Dahisar.
Students are missing out on key aspects like practical training and social learning, which is not possible in digital education, said Kavita Chatterjee, Principal, Orchids The International School, Kurla. They should be allowed the hybrid model of offline-online classes for the next few months by adhering to Covid protocols, she said. While aided schools have a class strength of more than 40-50 students, international schools have a maximum of 20 per class, which allows them to enforce social distancing more effectively. A senior officer in the BMC education department argued that foreign schools have ensured their teachers and support staff are vaccinated. International schools, however, contend that over 80% of their staff are also vaccinated. In state board schools, barely 50% staff are vaccinated.
Of the three schools reopening in the city, LFIM opens its gates on September 1. The students have been on summer vacation since June 26. Prior to that, the school held physical classes. DSB International school principal Howard Gee did not comment on the reopening.
Reference: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/3-city-foreign-schools-open-gates-to-students/articleshow/85415356.cms
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