Chennai: Agitated over the school management’s decision to operate two shifts – which, they said, affected the schooling of young children – parents of students admitted to St John’s senior secondary school (Mandaveli), staged a protest in front of the CBSE regional office on Thursday. They alleged that the shift system was designed by the school to make more money and fails to take into account the progress of a young pupil.
St John’s senior secondary school, established in 1968, is affiliated to CBSE, New Delhi. A couple of years ago, the management decided to operate two shifts from the same campus. While the morning shift is from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm, the second shift functions from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
This measure has now earned the wrath of parents like R. Chandrasekhar, who is worried that the education being imparted is taking a hit.“There is no ground for our children to play and, worse, the teachers are forced to take classes for both the shifts. My son has already had more than five science teachers changed. If this is the case, how will the children have continuity in education?” Chandrasekhar wondered.
He demanded that the school be made to regularise its timings and abolish the shift system. When contacted, a CBSE official (Chennai office) said they have forwarded the complaint to their Delhi office. “It is the headquarters which handles matters related to affiliated schools. They will look into this issue,” said an official.
