St Xavier’s College has brought forward the last day of classes for arts and science students to May 10 from May 20 “in order to give some breathing space to the students in the present Covid-situation”.

A notice issued by Father Dominic Savio, the principal of the college, on Wednesday said: “Because of the same consideration the Last Class Day for B.Ed semester 2 is being brought forward to 10th May instead of 29th May.”

The notice was issued a day after the college deferred all online semester exams “given the increasing gravity of the pandemic situation” that has led to a scenario where students are “struggling to concentrate on classes and prepare for examinations”.

Details of the semesters for which the last day of classes has been brought forward have been given in the notice.

Father Savio told Metro that the last day was being brought forward so the students did not have to remain preoccupied with attending classes at a time when many of them were encountering health emergencies in the family following a surge in Covid-19 cases.

“Family members or parents of the students are testing positive. The students themselves are down with Covid-19 in some cases and are under a lot of strain. At a time like this, we don’t want to keep them preoccupied with attending classes and intend to give breathers to take care of other priorities,” he said.

On an average, students are required to attend four or five online classes every day.

The students also need additional time in this strenuous phase to prepare for the exams that were to begin from early May but have now been deferred, said Father Savio.

“The alternative exam schedule will be announced soon,” he said.

Does an early end to classes mean that courses would remain incomplete?

An official of the college said the courses would be covered to a sufficient extent despite bringing forward the last day.

“Ending classes early will also give some relief to the teachers, many of whom have tested positive for Covid-19 or have family members who have contracted the virus. They, too, are going through a lot of stress and need a breather,” the official said.