Government schools across Shivamogga reopened on Monday for the 2026-27 academic year, with teachers welcoming students with chocolates, flowers, and warm smiles, making the first day a memorable occasion.

The teaching staff at the Government Model Higher Primary School, Durgigudi, Shivamogga, were seen welcoming children with a traditional aarathi. While returning students were greeted warmly as they returned to their place of learning, the day was not without its anxious moments for the young children attending school for the first time. Teachers were seen comforting the new joiners, offering words of affection to instil confidence and a sense of belonging.

The Department of School Education had instructed schools to ensure clean premises and adequate basic facilities, including drinking water, well in advance. The schools were also directed to inspect their buildings for any structural damage caused by the recent rain and carry out necessary repairs using the available funds.

The school staff were asked to have the timetable, subject-wise action plans, school development plans, and the calendar of events in place before the reopening. The school premises were to be decorated with welcome garlands and green leaves to mark the occasion, with the department emphasising that the first day should be treated as a special celebration and not merely a routine administrative event. With effect from June, teachers are required to mark their daily attendance through the mobile-based KAAMS application.

In Chikkamagaluru, H.D. Thammaiah, MLA, and S.L. Bhoje Gowda, MLC, visited the Government Higher Primary and high schools at Basavanahalli in the city and welcomed the students by offering them roses and sweets.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Thammaiah said that the government schools in the State had well-trained teachers, besides basic infrastructure facilities. The government schools, despite stiff competition from the private schools, had recorded high pass percentages in SSLC and PU examinations.

Mr. Gowda said that every year he would join the school teachers in welcoming students on the first day of the academic year. The government schools would require sufficient staff and facilities, and the government should fulfil the requirements.