KOCHI: The Government High School at Palisseri near Karukutty in Angamaly hosted the district-level ‘Pravesanotsavam’, an event organised by the Education Department to welcome first-timers to schools, on Thursday. Rogi John, MLA, inaugurated the programme.
Colourful balloons, sweets, toys, books, and timetable cards were gifted to tiny tots as teachers welcomed them to classrooms.
A colourful procession was taken out from the school junction in which students displayed ‘muthukudas’ and various art forms. The road leading to the school was decorated with ‘kurutholas’ and eco-friendly materials. Pravesanotsavam also earned appreciation from various quarters as it complied with the green protocol.
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Senior students handed over caps made of tender jackfruit leaves to the newcomers. ‘Aksharadeepams’ were lit on lamps made of plantain stems and vegetables. Parents and students also partook of a sumptuous ‘sadya’ on the occasion. Similar programmes were held at 681 schools across various educational sub-districts in Ernakulam.
Education Department officials said around 21,000 children had joined Class 1 at government and aided schools in the district as on Thursday. The enrolment rate at government schools is expected to go up this academic year. Interestingly, parents are more willing than ever to enrol their children in government schools considering the varied infrastructure and academic facilities available in the institutions, the officials added.
Maintenance work
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C.A. Santhosh, Deputy Director, Education, said that almost 75% of maintenance work was over at government schools in the district. “More than 800 schools have received maintenance grant worth ₹3 crore for the new academic year,” he added.
The Kochi city police took up a new role on Thursday when they welcomed children to schools as part of an initiative to connect with the student community. City Police Commissioner M.P. Dinesh opened the event at Government Girls High School by distributing books, toys, and sweets to the newcomers. Speaking on the occasion, he said the initiative aimed at convincing children that the police would always be their friend. “Such programmes will also boost the student-friendly image of the force,” he added. Student police cadets also joined the celebrations.
Meanwhile, a release issued by the police, quoting State Police Chief T.P. Senkumar, said the department would organise programmes to ensure the safety and security of children in the new academic year. The district police chiefs will come up with plans to check the sale of tobacco and narcotic substances near schools. Special focus will be given to ensuring the safety of girls.
Women police personnel will be deployed in schools to provide security cover to students. Besides, members of shadow police and intelligence wings will monitor schools and surrounding areas. Parents will be alerted if children are found skipping classes. Stringent action will be taken against private bus operators who refuse to ferry students. The pink patrol wing will also be part of the drive.