MUSCAT – The concerns were outlined in a letter by Dr Saji Uthuppan, a lecturer in English representing parents, who argued that reopening schools during one of the hottest periods of the year exposes children to unnecessary health risks, despite classrooms being air-conditioned.

According to the letter, students remain vulnerable to extreme heat while commuting, waiting for school buses and during arrival and dismissal, with prolonged exposure increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, fatigue and, in severe cases, heatstroke. Children, the letter noted, are particularly susceptible because they regulate body temperature less efficiently than adults.

Dr Uthuppan also cited research suggesting that excessive heat can affect concentration, attention span and overall learning outcomes, arguing that environmental conditions should be considered alongside academic objectives when determining school calendars.

He urged school management to either postpone classes, introduce online learning or adjust school timings until the end of July, describing the current reopening schedule as out of step with practices in other Gulf countries.

“I strongly recommend the school management either to cancel the classes or postpone or change the time or have online classes at least till the end of July, which is the hottest month of the year,” he said.
The letter further stated that many parents, teachers and students had requested a return to the academic calendar followed in previous years, when schools resumed after the peak summer period, and called for greater transparency over the decision-making process.

Several parents contacted by the publication expressed concern over students’ exposure to extreme heat during commuting hours and called for reopening to be delayed until temperatures moderate.
A parent of two students at an Indian school in Muscat said families had hoped the previous academic calendar would be retained. “In earlier years, schools resumed after the worst of the summer heat. We were expecting the same this year. Our concern is simply that children’s safety should come first,” the parent said.

In response to the prevailing weather conditions, the Board of Indian Schools in Oman issued a circular directing all affiliated schools to implement a series of preventive measures aimed at safeguarding students and staff.

The advisory instructed schools to suspend assemblies, sports and other outdoor activities during periods of extreme heat, ensure uninterrupted access to chilled drinking water, maintain air-conditioning systems in classrooms and school buses, and keep school clinics prepared to handle heat-related illnesses.

Schools were also directed to minimise students’ exposure to direct sunlight, closely monitor children and staff with underlying medical conditions, inspect electrical systems, and ensure transport safety by preventing students from waiting inside parked buses.
The board said school leaders, including vice-principals, supervisors, heads of department and coordinators, should personally oversee the implementation of the measures throughout the summer, stressing that the safety, health and well-being of students and staff remain the highest priority.