Person who rings school bell, principal, other school staff wait at school gate; parents welcome reopening
Ramesh Kale, an employee at Balmohan Vidyamandir in Dadar, rings the school bell as students return to campus on Monday. Pic/Ashish Raje
Ramesh Kale was more than excited to ring the school bell and welcome students after 18 months. The 43-year-old Diva resident reached Balmohan Vidyamandir in Dadar sharp at 9 am as students resumed in-person classes. Kale, who has been ringing the school bell for the past 19 years, said he missed this part of the job the most.
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“The otherwise mundane routine of ringing the school bell suddenly felt like an integral part of my job,” he said. Kale was among the school employees along with principal Rupa Roy who welcomed Std X students on Monday. Roy said they were looking forward to the moment when students would return to schools. “They are my children. How could I not be there to welcome them,” said Roy.
Students, parents excited
On Day 1, students were allowed to wear casuals as many did not fit into their old uniforms and the notice was too short to arrange for new pairs. Dr Shefali Borkar, who came to drop her son, said she is glad he will not miss out on making memories during his last year of school, something that her daughter faced last year. “She was in Std X when the pandemic began. She did not get to have farewells. I did not want my son to miss these precious school memories. I am glad school has started,” she said.
“Children have been sensitised about Covid-19 precautions. The school, too, has been meticulous. We woke up early to pack the school bag and see if identity cards and other things were packed. I am glad that life is finally returning to normal,” said Joshi.
Students, too, were excited. “It was one of the happiest moments in the past 18 months, to finally meet our teachers and sit in the classroom,” said Mokhish Gala, a Std X student. Teachers meanwhile concentrated on light-hearted chat and touching up on some parts. “We began with a discussion on Covid-19, followed by a little learning,” said Devanshi Patankar, a Std X student.
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