Due to the intense heat wave, the Punjab School Education Department has changed the dates for summer holidays in public and private schools across the province. Now, all government and private schools in Punjab, including Lahore, will be closed from May 25. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat shared that many private schools had requested early summer holidays due to the hot weather.
Private schools conducting exams have been allowed to open this week, but the heat is expected to worsen next week. After consulting with the PDMA, the education department decided to start the summer holidays from May 25. Initially, the minister had announced summer holidays from May 22 for all public and private educational institutions. He stressed the importance of student health and safety during the current heat wave, mentioning that 96% of parents supported starting the vacation this week.
“The wellbeing of our students is our top priority. Given the extreme temperatures, it is crucial to take preventive measures to ensure their safety,” he stated. Schools conducting exams have been granted permission to remain open solely for completing these assessments.
Previously, due to the severe heat wave, the provincial government had announced summer vacations from June 1 to August 14. Schools in Punjab will reopen on August 15, applying to both government and private schools. There was also a notification regarding changes in school hours to protect students and staff from the extreme heat. Schools were instructed to operate from 7am to 11:30am, Monday to Thursday, aiming to minimize exposure to the harsh midday sun.
My Opinion:
It’s crucial to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of students, especially during extreme weather conditions like heat waves. Adjusting the summer holiday schedule and altering school hours are necessary steps to ensure students are not exposed to dangerous temperatures. The decision reflects the government’s responsiveness to the needs of the community and their commitment to safeguarding student health.
