Schools re-open in Kashmir after winter break

Srinagar March 7: All the government as well recognised private educational institutions reopened on Friday after over two-month long winter vacations.

As schools reopened their doors, hustle and bustle was seen on roads with buses plying since early morning to ferry students from their homes to schools. Also, at various places, parents were seen accompanying their children, mostly kindergarten students, who had their first day at school on Friday.

The schools were closed for winter vacation from December 10 of 2024 in a phased manner and were scheduled to resume classwork on March 1 of 2025.

However the winter vacation period was extended by a few days in view of the recent snowfall and rains recorded in Kashmir.

Both government and private educational institutions were in a festive mode to welcome the students to school post winter vacation.

Special treatment was being given to the new comers who have been enrolled in Kindergarten classes - Nursery and LKG classes.

As the schools re-opened, the minister for education Sakina Itoo extended her best wishes to students.

"As Winter Zone students join their schools after winter break, I wish them success for the session and future. I appreciate support from all stakeholders, especially the teaching fraternity to make it a memorable, successful year. Best wishes to all," the education minister wrote on her official X handle.

Also, Director School Education Kashmir G N Itoo also extended best wishes to students and teachers as schools re-opened after winter break.

"It is a great occasion to celebrate the reopening of schools from today with elevated vision and enthusiasm," G N Itoo said.

He said that it was a collective responsibility to ensure that students are given a friendly atmosphere in the schools where teachers are seen as academic mentors, friends and counselors by students.

"I must appreciate teachers for showing great involvement in creating a festive atmosphere in schools to welcome the students.

Let us hope and pray that we are able to meet the expectations of stakeholders," G N Itoo said.
The Directorate of School Education Kashmir has also framed an academic planner for the school for the current academic session which stresses for providing a friendly environment to the students.

"As the schools reopen today, it must have been a period of complete academic quiescence for the children who could not afford to learn during the winter vacation period. That way the school opening day is the day when our children shall again find their knowledge spring and come to drink it," reads the contents of the academic planner.

"It is joy all over. But while we celebrate going back to school,we must make sure that we
give children also reasons to celebrate this return," it reads.

The planner further suggests that an air of festivity be created in schools during the first two days. "Let's break the ice. Pass on a message that the first two days will be more play and more fun," it reads.

As per the academic planner, the students will be divided in groups to share the winter experiences.

"Let them write small paragraphs on memories of the winter in a language of their choice
preferably Mother Tongue. Also, during the first two days let them paint and draw. Let them organise a skit, write poetry, do a field activity in science, meet and interact with the oldest man and woman of the village, town and city," it reads.