CBSE schools to step up safety measures: Syed Masood

Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The 25th annual conference of the principals of CBSE schools decided to step up measures to ensure the safety and security of students, according to Syed Masood Ahmed, principal of International Indian School-Jeddah (IISJ), the host school. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Ahmed said the conference underscored the need for taking all necessary precautions in this respect. “Safety drills will be routinely conducted. The staff members will be trained, SMS service to be used for absentees, apart from conducting awareness programs for both parents and students,” he said. “Another decision was to establish coordination between educational institutions and media to bring about positive changes. After the interactive session with Saudi Gazette Editor-in-Chief Somayya Jabarti, it was acknowledged that a better coordination and cooperation of these two entities is the most influencing factor regarding the society’s future.” Ahmed said the principals have agreed to conduct capacity enhancement program for teachers to improve their capabilities and skills, and special routine programs to train them in imparting value education. According to the new calendar, all schools may close by Ramadan 20 and re-open in the third week of August, 2016 for the summer vacation. The schools have also been told to comply with the 200-work day directive. The board-related matters like online registration of students, money transfers to the board, and renewal of affiliation were discussed, in addition to the exchange of best practices in different schools. The Eastern Province will host the next Cluster Meet, he added.