Schools reopen after summer break

Health, teaching and security SOP issued as schools undergo preparations

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab School Education Department has announced that all government and private schools, colleges and universities across the province will formally reopen from Monday, August 24 (today), after a three-month holiday, and has issued a 15-point teaching, health-protection and security SOP for them.

Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar will begin the teaching session by formally taking classes at government schools from August 24 or August 26. He will reportedly be the first education minister in the 79 years since the establishment of Pakistan to teach matriculation classes in schools while serving as minister.

From Monday, August 17, the holidays of teachers, heads of government schools and colleges and non-teaching staff will end, and they have been called back. Before the schools reopen, they will complete teaching, security and dengue and malaria prevention measures.

According to an official circular, school heads have been directed to ensure that all washrooms are thoroughly cleaned, water, soap and towels are available, and water leakage is completely eliminated.

Weeds and grass growing on school roofs, corridors, grounds and flowerbeds are to be removed completely, and dengue and malaria prevention sprays are to be carried out.

All fans are to be made fully functional. Coolers for drinking water are to be checked, while CCTV cameras are to be installed at main gates, corridors, classrooms and staff rooms for security. A separate waiting room for visitors and security guards are also to be ensured so that schools provide a "safe, clean and welcoming environment."

Officials have been told that complete cleaning and maintenance of all classrooms, offices, corridors, washrooms, playgrounds and lawns must be ensured. Roofs and water tanks are to be cleaned, disinfected and checked for functionality. Stagnant water must be removed to ensure the availability of clean drinking water.

"Playgrounds and outdoor areas are to be made safe for students and teachers. Adequate furniture must be provided in classrooms. Rooms should be ventilated and ready for students. The safety of all fans, lights, switches, sockets, wiring and other electrical equipment must be checked," they have been instructed.

Clean drinking water, washrooms and other basic facilities must be checked for availability and functionality.

All government and private schools must ensure implementation of the issued security protocols and SOPs. Strict implementation of security SOPs is mandatory in Category A and A-plus schools before classes begin. CCTV cameras and other security equipment must be checked and made functional, with repairs carried out where necessary.

All education officers will submit implementation reports within five days after completing the arrangements and measures. Strict departmental action will be taken in case of negligence.

With only a week left before schools reopen, families who had gone to recreational spots have started returning, while the recreational destinations are beginning to empty and the children's holidays are also coming to an end. Another week's homework has also been sent through WhatsApp calls.