Schools in Goa to resume offline classes for students of I-XII from Monday

Given the declining COVID cases in the state, all schools in Goa are set to welcome students of classes 1-12th back to the campus from Monday. As per the order released by the Directorate of Education (DoE) on Thursday, this is the first time since March 2020 that schools in Goa have resumed physical classes for all students.

Notably, the schools were partially reopened for higher classes last year, however, with the onset of the Omicron-led third wave of coronavirus, the schools went back to online mode for safety reasons.

All school exams to be conducted in offline mode in Goa

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As per the recommendation made by the expert committee, the DoE issued the order for reopening schools in the state. “As Covid-19 cases are reducing day by day in the state, it is decided by the competent authority to re-open all the educational institutions from Std 1 to Std XII from February 21 by following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and as per SOP guidelines enclosed,” read the order.

Going by the announcement made by the Chief Minister of Goa on Thursday, all school examinations will now be conducted in offline mode in Goa. Notably, the administration had earlier given a green signal to conduct practical exams for classes 10th and 12th in the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) in offline mode. According to the circular released on Tuesday, the examination will be conducted in offline mode from March 1-18 and March 1-25 for students of 10th & 12th, respectively.

Schools to follow strict COVID protocols

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While the schools have been granted permission to resume offline classes, the school administration has been directed to follow all the COVID-mandated protocols and guidelines stipulated by the government. Social distancing, masks and sanitisation should be carried out at school campuses to avoid the risk of COVID infection. In line with the SOPs issued by the government, if a COVID case is reported in schools, the health officials will supervise the disinfection process.

According to the SOPs laid down by the union government, schools can now conduct cultural, sports and other events on school campuses in compliance with all the pandemic-mandated rules. Additionally, the schools have been directed to conduct bridge courses to ensure a smooth transition of students back to the schools. After the completion of this course, the school administration can carry on physical classes as per their schedule.