At St Kabir, joy for some, disappointment for others

Tribune News Service

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Emotions ran high as St. Kabir Public School, Sector 26, went in for a draw of lots for admission to nursery classes here today. While parents whose wards got admission were seen smiling, the emotions were diverse for the others. 

Many parents were in tears as they made their way out of the school after the draw concluded, young children accompanying them looking confused and lost. There were not only tears of dejection, but of relief and joy as well.

The draw of lots was held at 3 pm on the school premises for 50 seats. Of these, 42 seats were allocated to students from the non-sibling/general category and eight to Sikh minority category. There are five candidates on the waiting list.

Apart from that, 33 seats have been allocated under the sibling quota, six under the alumni category and one under the staff category. These also include 10 candidates from Sikh minority category.

Speaking to Chandigarh Tribune, school administrator Gurpreet Bakshi, said: “The event went off well. It was very peaceful. We had over 600 parents in attendance.” 

Meanwhile, Saupin’s School, Sector 32, displayed its list of selected candidates for a total of 79 seats. One seat was allotted to a Christian applicant, three to teachers’ wards, 32 to siblings and 43 to general category. Director Amarbir Sidhu said there was no draw of lots but the process was overall peaceful.

Draw inside, chaos outside

While the draw of lots was being held inside St. Kabir Public School, there was utter chaos outside as parents started gathering around 2 pm. There was a massive swarm of cars in the ground opposite Strawberry Fields High School, which is adjacent to St. Kabir. Several parents were seen stuck in long queues in an attempt to park their vehicles in the ground as a result of which many even missed out on the draw or reached the venue late. Parents visiting Strawberry Fields High Schools were inconvenienced, too, as they struggled to reach the school amid massive traffic jam outside. 

Convents to go in for draw of lots today

All four convent schools of the city, Sacred Heart, Carmel, St. John’s and St. Anne’s will hold their draw of lots on Wednesday (January 18) on the school premises at 3 pm.