GIIS Smart Campus Balewadi welcomed students of Grades 10 and 12 when it opened its gates for offline school on 9th March 2022.

With the Covid-19 protocols in place, the students’ and teachers' temperatures were monitored as they entered the school gates with their masks on. Each class had sanitisers in place for use by students and teachers.

The students were strictly instructed to avoid crowding. Only one student per bench was allowed. Once the students and teachers left for the day, each classroom was thoroughly sanitised.

Students were elated to meet their friends and teachers in person after a long time. Sharing her experience of making it back to school Ananya Dwivedi from Grade 10 said “It was a very good experience as I got to come to school after almost 2 whole years. All the Covid-19 precautions were followed strictly and all the staff members, teachers, and students were wearing a mask at all times. I felt that offline school was very productive and interactive with the teacher unlike during online school. I got to meet my friends and teachers after a very long time and I enjoyed offline school.”

Another student Vedant Bidwe from Grade 10 added “After two years of online school, coming to school in person was a fun experience. Before the opening of the school, we were asked to fill out several consent forms and submit our vaccination certificates. This instilled a sense of security that other students and teachers were also vaccinated. As we entered school we had our temperatures checked around 3 times throughout the day. The administration process was splendid and Covid-19 precautions were in place.”

“It felt great meeting our friends after two years, many of which I had lost touch with. Learning face to face has many disguised benefits, some being greater awareness, compulsion to answer questions, and surprisingly a happier mood. The hybrid model was well planned and executed nicely. Students on zoom as well as the physical class could clearly hear and see the board, a feat not many schools have accomplished. The reopening of schools was an appropriate decision and served as a wake-up call to many, while an enjoyable and nostalgic vibe was set in the school. I prefer physical mode over offline, and certainly feel that the mysterious psychological tricks of online school are no longer there,” Vedant added.

Speaking about the school opening on offline mode Dr N. K.P. Ashok Raj, Principal, GIIS Smart Campus Balewadi said “Welcome back students. I am delighted to see students make it back to physical school and attend classes as we soon steer towards normal times. It’s going to be a fantastic time ahead which will be full of learning and growing together. We have all the Covid-19 protocols in place which are followed strictly. I would like to thank all the parents for showing their faith in us and sending their children to school. We appreciate your continued support.”