Tamil Nadu schools reopen today following revised schedule for Classes VI to XII

Following the conclusion of the long summer break, schools in Tamil Nadu have reopened for Classes 6 to 12 on Monday. The reopening of schools was initially delayed by the School Education Department earlier this month due to the intense heat and rising temperatures across the state. However, the revised timetable now indicates that Classes 6 to 12 have commenced, while Classes 1 and 5 will resume on June 14.
To ensure the well-being of students amidst the extreme heat in various parts of the state, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin issued a directive to postpone the reopening date. This decision was made in order to safeguard students from the adverse weather conditions. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the Minister of School Education of Tamil Nadu, emphasized the importance of prioritizing student safety in light of the rising temperatures.
Originally, schools were scheduled to reopen on June 7. However, concerns regarding the weather and high temperatures prompted the School Education Department to modify the schedule. Initially, Classes 1 to 5 were set to resume on June 5, while classes 6 to 12 were to start on June 1.
Following the recent announcement, chief educational authorities in districts like Chennai and Chengalpattu issued circulars instructing all schools, including public, aided, and private institutions, to adhere to the announced reopening dates. Strict measures were implemented to ensure compliance, with district-level officials monitoring the situation and taking appropriate action.
Reports suggest that schools in the Chengalpattu district were explicitly instructed not to hold senior school special classes prior to the scheduled reopening dates. Any violations would result in departmental consequences.
The government of Tamil Nadu has expressed its commitment to prioritizing the needs of students and maintaining a safe learning environment, even in challenging weather conditions, as schools resume operations. Doctors have advised people to take precautions as schools prepare to welcome students, encouraging measures such as minimizing direct exposure to sunlight for children and scheduling physical education periods during cooler parts of the day, avoiding the hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, it is essential for students to be seated in well-ventilated classrooms with appropriate spacing to avoid overcrowding, as stated by Rema Chandramohan, Director of the Institute of Child Health, according to The Hindu.