Children in pre-primary and primary classes are missing out on school because of the third wave of Covid, said heads of several schools. The drop in attendance is not only because children are unwell but parents are infected and quarantined, heads of at least two schools said.
Schools and teachers have been receiving emails from parents requesting them to excuse their children because they have had to be shifted to a relative’s place. Usually in pre-primary and primary classes children are regular with attendance because it is closely monitored by parents.
But the third wave has upset family situations.
“Parents have communicated to us that either because their children are sick or they themselves are not well enough to be able to log in for the online class,” said Amita Prasad, the director of Indus Valley World School.
Under the circumstances schools are also being considerate and giving concessions. For example, activity classes are something that children look forward to.
“We have received mails where parents are quarantined and have not been able to make arrangements for the activity classes but the child still wants to attend... so we are allowing the child to attend,” said Nupur Ghosh, vice principal of Mahadevi Birla World Academy.
Schools have also been considerate on uniforms and timing as of now.
“We encourage children to have a routine but the last two years have taught us to be flexible. We are not that strict about uniform, timing or attendance especially during this third wave,” said BD Memorial director Suman Sood. The drop in attendance is noticeable during the third wave and the school has been encouraging children to join classes only when they feel up to it, Sood added.
“Parents also request that the children want to speak to their teachers. So, individual calls are also made.”