Well aware of the need for masks, sanitiser and social distancing, as students walked into Jamnabai Narsee School in Vile Parle West after about one-and-a-half years on Monday, they were pleasantly surprised to see principal Zeenat Bhojabhoy at the gate. The gesture by the “principal madam” also enthused apprehensive parents who had come to drop off their wards.

“Not only did I have full confidence in the school’s administration about ensuring safety, it also shared an extensive plan with us for the safe come-back of students. An example can be seen at the gate,” said Sunny Ambore, a parent. Ambore has told his son to not go beyond a fist bump when greeting friends.  Rekha Sharma, a parent said she was a bit apprehensive, though her daughter was excited. “It’s a situation which we have to handle and kids have to be used to it. I didn’t mind sending her because the school took a lot of efforts.” Students were thrilled to be back in real classrooms. “Many who had their cameras off during online lectures were seen in class today and engaged in various topics,” shared Meher Karnani, head-girl at the ISC section. Headboy Ishaan Dutta said hesitation by parents was obvious, “But when they read the school’s planning, they got answers to the questions they never had.” Aahaan Oza from Std X said his teachers were overjoyed to be teaching offline and missed the classic ‘good morning, ma’am’ in person.