Hassan Cheruppa

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — As the scorching heat this week soared above 45 degrees Celsius, most of the international Indian schools in the city have developed emergency plans to cope with the extreme temperatures.



Some schools gave holidays for kindergarten (KG) and lower classes on Tuesday and Wednesday while others have reduced school hours.



They have also plans to bring forward the annual summer holidays by around two weeks.



A top official of the International Indian School-Jeddah (IISJ) said the school authorities are awaiting approval from the managing committee for the closure of school for the summer vacation ahead of schedule.



“We have announced a holiday for KG and lower classes of 1 and 2 on Wednesday due to extreme heat.



“We will keep a close watch on the weather condition and if the temepearture continues to be as high as today (Wednesday), we will take an appropriate decision and issue a circular on Saturday accordingly.”



Reacting to complaints from some students in the Girls’ Section about a power outrage on June 3, the official said that the main transformer on the school premises failed due to the heavy load.



“We have been assured by the Saudi Electricity Co. that the company will take extra caution and steps not to repeat such incidents.”



Girl students have also complained about some malfunctioning air-conditioners at the school. 



M. Abdul Ali, principal of Al-Noor International School, said the school has reduced working hours since last week after halting all outdoor activities.



“We gave holidays for KG section on Tuesday and Wednesday.



“Students need to attend only two or three hours from June 11 as the exams begin on that day.”



Humaira Naseem, academic director at Al-Falah International School (DPS Jeddah), said the school has brought forward the KG exam by 10 days.



“The school has also reduced the working hours of all classes.



“We will take an appropriate decision if there is any unexpected rise in temperatures next week.”



Dr. Padma Hariharan, principal of Novel International School, said the school authorities have decided to close down the school for the summer vacation on June 19, two weeks ahead of the scheduled closing date of July 4, due to the extreme heat.