Heatwave puts Buxar headmasters in dilemma over parent-teacher seminars

Buxar: Around 1,192 headmasters of elementary schools in Buxar have expressed concern over a directive issued by director of primary education, Vikram Virkar, on Wednesday to organise parent-teacher seminars in all schools on May 30 on the theme “Mental Health and Emotional Well-being.”The directive comes at a time when classes up to VIII remain suspended in the district due to the ongoing heatwave following orders of the district administration. As per the academic calendar, such seminars are held every month in elementary schools across Bihar. This month’s focus is on children’s mental health, emotional needs and the role of parents in creating a positive learning environment at home.The education department has directed schools to ensure maximum participation of parents and encourage regular communication with children in a supportive manner. Teachers have also been asked to discuss issues related to health, nutrition and hygiene with parents, and advise them to send children to school only after proper meals. Schools have further been asked to upload seminar details through a state-level Google Form.However, several headmasters have raised concerns over conducting the programme during severe heatwave conditions. “We support the objective of the seminar, but organising gatherings during extreme heat is risky for children, parents and teachers,” said a headmaster of an upgraded middle school in Buxar.Another headmaster said that with schools already closed due to the heatwave, holding physical seminars would be difficult. A senior headmaster suggested that the department either postpone the programme or allow online interaction with parents, especially in Buxar.Education department officials, however, maintained that the seminar is important to spread awareness about children’s mental and emotional well-being.