Uncertainty looms over exams and events scheduled for this week in several schools in Kolkata because of the cyclone warning.
The principals of a number of schools said they would take a decision after the Met department comes up with a prediction on the path and possible landfall destination of the cyclone, to be called Mocha once it forms.
For many schools, this is the last week before they close for the summer vacation. Prize distribution ceremonies for the last academic year, Rabindra Jayanti celebrations and other programmes are lined up this week.
In some schools, tests are scheduled for this week.
“We are keeping an eye on the weather and the forecast. If the cyclone strikes this part, we will have to reschedule the tests,” said John Bagul, principal, South City International School.
St James’ School has plans for Rabindra Jayanti celebrations on Tuesday and Modern High School for Girls has a prize distribution ceremony scheduled for Thursday.
“We have not yet taken any decision (on the postponement of the prize distribution programme), but if the situation demands, we would reschedule it,” said an official at Modern High School for Girls.
Most of the school programmes are planned months in advance.
“But if a storm strikes, one cannot go ahead with a scheduled programme. Children and teachers would not be able to make it to the venue,” a schoolteacher said.
At Indus Valley World School, a Mother's Day programme is scheduled for Friday for Pre-primary to Class V.
“We fear the cyclone may impact our programme. At a meeting on Saturday, we discussed the possible impact of the cyclone. We have two options — conduct the programme in school if the weather permits or organise an online event. We should know where the cyclone is headed possibly by Thursday,” said Amita Prasad, director, Indus Valley World School.
“But an in-person programme is not the same as an online one. Mothers have planned an activity with their children and they are looking forward to performing it at the school,” Prasad said.
Mahadevi Birla World Academy is planning to switch to online classes in the event of the cyclone hitting the city.
“We have our online back-up ready. If required, we will shift to online classes,” said Anjana Saha, principal, Mahadevi Birla World Academy.
Terence Ireland, principal of St James’ School, said that since Rabindra Jayanti is towards the beginning of the week, they are going ahead with their plan to celebrate the occasion.
“The programme is to be held at the basketball court. But if it gets squally, we will move indoors,” he said.
Last updated on 08 May 2023
