As the air turns cold and the mountains begin to wear their white winter caps, a sense of achievement and renewal spreads across the schools in the winter zone. Students up to class 9th have successfully completed their examinations, marking the end of one academic journey and the beginning of another. With the conclusion of exams, the new academic session 2025–26 has officially commenced from November 2025 across all government and private schools of winter zones in J&K. This timely transition marks a period of renewal — a bridge between accomplishment and aspiration. While the region gradually prepares for the harshness of winter, schools have opened their doors once again to welcome students into new classes, ensuring that the rhythm of learning continues uninterrupted until the winter vacations commence in a few weeks. Significance of Beginning the New Session Before Winter Break: The educational calendar in the winter zone differs from that of Summer zones. Severe winters, snowbound roads, and freezing temperatures make it impossible for schools to function from late December to early March. To ensure that the learning process remains continuous, the Department of School Education has wisely introduced a system where the new academic session begins in November, shortly after the completion of final examinations. This strategic move is not merely administrative — it is pedagogically vital. Beginning classes immediately after exams keeps students academically engaged, minimizes the post-exam lethargy, and provides them with an early orientation to their new syllabus. It is during these few weeks that students adapt to their new subjects, teachers identify learning gaps, and a foundation for the next phase of education is laid. The period from November to mid-December thus serves as an invaluable academic bridge — one that connects the accomplishments of the past year to the aspirations of the upcoming one. A Message to Students: A New Session, A New Beginning Dear students, the end of your examination does not mark the end of your learning journey; rather, it marks the beginning of a new voyage toward growth and excellence. Each new session is a fresh canvas — an opportunity to rewrite your story with greater dedication, discipline, and determination. Attend your new classes regularly, engage with your teachers, and approach your lessons with curiosity and enthusiasm. The topics introduced now will serve as a head start when you return after the winter break. These few weeks, if used wisely, can make a remarkable difference in your understanding and confidence. When the schools close for the winter vacation, let learning continue at home. Read newspapers, magazines, improve your general knowledge, revise lessons, practice handwriting, improve your skills and help Mohd Abdul Hai Teacher MS Ahama Zone Khari Ramban J&K your parents in household chores — for every act of learning adds value to your growth. Remember, true education is not confined to classrooms; it lives in experiences, observations, and reflections. Role of Parents: The Pillars of Support and Guidance Behind every successful student stands a parent who believes in the power of education. As schools reopen for the new session, parents are urged to send their children regularly to attend classes during these initial weeks. Often, some parents assume that these early classes before the winter break are less significant — a misconception that must be corrected. Each day of schooling counts. These weeks are not a formality; they are a foundation. Missing them means missing essential introductions to new subjects, learning strategies, and classroom engagement that can shape the rest of the academic year. Parents are therefore requested to show active involvement — by ensuring punctual attendance, checking notebooks, communicating with teachers, and motivating children to take interest in studies. During the long winter break, this role becomes even more vital. Parents should create a learning- friendly environment at home, encouraging their children to read, write, and revise. Simple actions — like reading together or discussing daily events — can keep the spark of learning alive. An Appeal to Civil Society and Responsible Citizens: Education thrives best when it becomes a collective responsibility. Therefore, an earnest appeal is extended to civil society members, local leaders, and community organizations to spread awareness about the importance of attending school during this pre-winter phase. Many families, particularly in remote or economically weaker areas, may still be unaware of the academic value of these early weeks. It is the duty of every responsible citizen to advocate for education, to visit schools, and to encourage children and parents alike to participate actively in learning. Community elders, religious leaders, and social volunteers can play an instrumental role in promoting regular attendance and discouraging absenteeism. Awareness campaigns, village meetings, and parent interactions can greatly help in reinforcing the message that education is not seasonal — it is continuous and lifelong. Education: A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future The success of any educational system depends not on individual effort alone, but on the collective commitment of schools, parents, and the community. The early start of the academic session 2025–26 is an opportunity to strengthen this partnership. When schools function with dedication, parents support with sincerity, and society contributes with awareness, the foundation of a strong and enlightened future is built. We must remember that education is not merely a process of academic instruction; it is the shaping of human character and civic consciousness. The time between November and March, though marked by cold weather, can become a season of intellectual warmth — a period of reflection, reading, and renewal. As students across the winter zone transition from examinations to new beginnings, the message is clear — learning must never pause. The early commencement of the new session ensures that students remain engaged, motivated, and ready for the academic challenges ahead. Let us, therefore, as teachers, parents, and citizens, come together to make this initiative meaningful. Let us encourage every child to attend school, every parent to guide, and every community member to advocate for education. The snow may soon cover the landscape, but let it not freeze the spirit of learning. Let the warmth of curiosity, cooperation, and commitment light every home and every heart for education is not only the path to knowledge but the pathway to progress, peace, and a brighter tomorrow
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