Primary schools open today

Strict SOPs implemented; parents rush to buy new uniforms, bags

RAWALPINDI:

The classrooms of primary schools of all public and private schools will be echoing with chatter of children after a long time on Wednesday.

Anxious young students coming to school after the extended break will be greeted with temperature checking guns and sanitiser sprays.

Schools will become fully functional with the resumption of primary classes under the third phase of reopening after the coronavirus situation.

The school staff and all other employees have been directed to ensure 100 per cent attendance. It would be mandatory for primary level students to wear a facemask, bring sanitisers, towels, lunch, and water bottles from home.

School canteens remain close for now and so do the pick and drop services to ensure social distancing. Moreover, the morning assemblies, sport periods, and lunch breaks too remain suspended to avoid gathering of children. Most of the schools have divided the classes into groups and each group will come to school on alternative days to ensure social distancing.

School managements thank govt

All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA) thanked the Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood and Punjab Education Minister Murad Ras on the decision to reopen primary schools too.

APPSMA Central President Kashif Adeeb said that the association maintained its standpoint from the very first day of the lockdown and highlighted problems of the private educational institutions during the pandemic.

APPSMA Rawalpindi President Abrar Ahmed said that the coronavirus situation had come under control to a large extent. Private educational institutions must show a positive character now and ensure that precautionary SOPs were implemented.

Rush at stationary shops

Parents were seen making last minute purchases for their children’s first day to school. From wholesale market of Urdu Bazaaar to retail stationary and bookstores in neighbourhood, people were buying school supplies for the little students excited to meet teachers and friends after six months.

Many parents will be sending off the children in sparkling new uniforms, pencil box, bag.

The shopkeepers, eager to cover the losses of the coronavirus lockdown have jacked up the prices.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2020.