Ahead of summer break, parents to be briefed as schools plan academic engagement for kids during holidays

Ahead of the summer vacation, all government schools in Punjab — from primary to senior secondary — have been directed to hold a comprehensive parent teacher meeting (PTM) on May 31. With the schools planning academic engagement during the holidays, the parents will be briefed on holiday homework, upcoming assessments and virtual academic activities under the state’s Mission Samarth.

In an official communication sent to all District Education Officers (DEOs), the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) outlined that parents must be informed about the assignments their children are expected to complete during the break. They will also be apprised of the bi-monthly tests scheduled for mid-July.

While the initiative is being seen as a progressive step towards bridging learning gaps, it has raised some practical concerns. Normally, students are advised to limit screen time during vacations. However, students from classes III to VIII will be provided with video lectures and practice papers via digital platforms to ensure continuous learning during the holidays.

Also, teachers are neither given any mobile usage allowance nor are officially considered ‘on duty’ during holidays. Despite this, they are expected to stay in constant touch with students and support them academically.

“While the intent is commendable, the government must address issues of teacher compensation and digital accessibility to ensure effective implementation of the initiative,” said Prem Chawla, a senior member of the Punjab Government School Teachers’ Union.

Punjab