When excited students, thrilled teachers ‘faced off’

Today, being the first day, there were a few classes with just three to four students but teachers still had to teach offline. Pics/Anurag Ahire

Well aware of the need for masks, sanitiser and social distancing, as students walked into Jamnabai Narsee School in Vile Parle West after about one-and-a-half years on Monday, they were pleasantly surprised to see principal Zeenat Bhojabhoy at the gate. The gesture by the "principal madam" also enthused apprehensive parents who had come to drop off their wards.

"Not only did I have full confidence in the school's administration about ensuring safety, it also shared an extensive plan with us for the safe come-back of students. An example can be seen at the gate," said Sunny Ambore, a parent. Ambore has told his son to not go beyond a fist bump when greeting friends. Rekha Sharma, a parent said she was a bit apprehensive, though her daughter was excited. "It's a situation which we have to handle and kids have to be used to it. I didn't mind sending her because the school took a lot of efforts." Students were thrilled to be back in real classrooms. "Many who had their cameras off during online lectures were seen in class today and engaged in various topics," shared Meher Karnani, head-girl at the ISC section. Headboy Ishaan Dutta said hesitation by parents was obvious, "But when they read the school's planning, they got answers to the questions they never had." Aahaan Oza from Std X said his teachers were overjoyed to be teaching offline and missed the classic ‘good morning, ma'am' in person.

Meher Karnani, head-girl at the ISC section

For Std XII students, coming to school was an added incentive because 70 per cent of their batch consisted of people they had never met. The teaching and non-teaching staff ensured that the students sanitised hands at the main gate and there was no crowding at any spot. Students were systematically guided to their respective classes. The principal allowed one student without proper socks since it was the first day. "Since the day of permission, we have been focused on preparing a foolproof plan. My staff has worked on the weekend along with me to ensure a safe welcome back for students. We, teachers, are equally excited to welcome students," said Bhojabhoy as she turned to instruct a student entering the gate to maintain social distance.

Zeenat Bhojabhoy, principal, Jamnabai Narsee School

The principal also made sure that the first day was interaction heavy, rather than teaching. Manan Doshi, a parent representative on the PTA, was happy that the school has given the liberty to parents to select from the offline and online options. "With time, more will see that it is safe to be back on campus," said Doshi, an alumnus of the school. The school has prepared several batches to ensure not more than 15 students in one class. "What a teacher is teaching in class will also be available for the online class," said Bhojabhoy, adding that even as the school was expecting around 50 per cent attendance, it didn't cross 30 per cent on Monday.

30%
Approx attendance at Jamnabai on Day 1