MAPUSA
Despite initial resistance from parents in Calangute, schools across Bardez taluka have reported good student attendance during the first month of the new academic year, which began on April 7.
The new schedule, aligned with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) calendar, replaces the traditional June start and sparked early protests from parents.
Two prominent schools in Calangute “ St Joseph’s High School, Arpora, and Little Flower of Jesus High School “ witnessed a near boycott during the first two weeks.
Attendance was reportedly in single digits, as many parents kept their children at home in protest against the government’s sudden decision.
However, by the second week, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of St Joseph’s convened a meeting and gave parents the option to send their children to school, particularly urging attendance for students of Classes 9 and 10, who will be appearing for board exams.
Following this, attendance gradually improved, with most students in higher classes returning to school.
“Since the board exams are crucial, we left it to the parents’ discretion. Many of them eventually chose to send their children back, especially in Classes 9 and 10,” a PTA member of St Joseph’s High School said on the condition of anonymity.
At Little Flower of Jesus High School, a similar trend was observed. A parent from the school confirmed that higher-class students resumed attendance after the initial boycott.
Across the rest of Bardez, the situation was largely normal. Schools reported attendance of 80 to 90% for Classes 9 and 10, while attendance in Classes 6 to 8 hovered around 70%.
Notably, New Goa High School and St Britto’s High School recorded full attendance.
“There were minor complaints about the heat, but our classrooms are equipped with fans, so it was manageable,” said a faculty member at St Britto’s.
St Mary’s High School in Mapusa also reported good attendance.
“Higher classes saw a very good turnout, while attendance in lower classes was average. Students coped well despite the heat,” a teacher said.
For teachers, the beginning of the academic year proved to be a challenging transition. Apart from handling regular classes, faculty members were burdened with finalising results, preparing report cards, and attending mandatory workshops related to the National Education Policy (NEP) transition.
The State government’s decision to shift the academic calendar to April was met with criticism by some parents, who felt the move was rushed.
However, the education department defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to align with the CBSE’s April“March academic year.
