By Amaka Abayomi, Laju Arenyeka & Ikenna Asomba

Many primary and secondary schools have resumed for the third term of this academic session on Monday, April 23, 2012, while others are billed to resume Monday April 30, 2012, Vanguard Learning went round town to seek the views of parents/guardians on how they have prepared for their wards.

The third term of every academic year is loaded as that is when promotion exams to the next class are written. Also, primary six pupils would be writing common entrance exams into secondary schools while JSS3 and SSS3 students would be writing junior and senior WAEC exams respectively.

Advising parents not to wait till resumption before making arrangements to pay their wards’ school fees, the Principal, Kings College, Lagos, Otunba Oladele Olapeju, said there needs to be strategic planning on the part of parents to pay their wards’ fees and ensure they have a hitch- free term.

“Aside paying their school fees early for them to get registered on time, they should  prepare their wards psychologically for resumption and also ensure they get treated for malaria and typhoid.

“The term is loaded with promotion exams, graduation ceremonies would take place, local and international excursions, so teachers ought to plan ahead for the new term. Kings College just concluded a seminar on capacity building for teachers aimed at keeping them abreast with what is expected of them as teachers and role models for these students.”

For Mrs. Favour Nnadi, a mother of one and trader, all   her daughter needs for the new term has been taken care of as she did her school shopping in January. “Even if I need purchase anything for her school, maybe like pencils and the like, they won’t cost much.”

Asked if the subsidy removal affected her daughter’s school fees, she responded by saying “my daughter attends a school run by the Catholic Church, and I thank God the school authorities deemed it worthwhile not to increase its fees.”

Expressing surprise that the holiday is almost over, Mr. Sebastine Chukwume, a civil servant and father of five, said he needs to get new pairs of school uniforms, writing materials, sandals, raincoats and umbrellas for them.

“My name is Helen Anyanwu, my son is in KG1. His name is Kevin Chidubem Anyanwu. He’s been reciting his poems, alphabets and rhymes throughout the holidays. I can’t wait for March 30th to come, that’s when he’s resuming.”

Mrs. Angela Okpowejegheri, whose daughter is in KG1 is excited her daughter would be resuming school as it gives her time to relax.

“Her holiday was both stressful and fun-filled. Though I’m glad she would be resuming, but that means I have to wake up very early to prepare her. Since this is not a new academic year, there isn’t much preparations; just to make sure her pencils and books are in order.”

Mrs. Obasi, whose four children are in SS3, SS2, SS1, and Grade 4, is saddled with the responsibility of making sure that they have all the needed books.

“I have gotten them new uniforms, their provisions, school sandals and other needed items are ready. I wish the holiday was longer because we had the time to interact.”

Excited to be going back to school and her books is Treasure Ezenanya, a Primary 2 pupil who washed plates, handkerchiefs and did other chores.

Wishing the holidays would be extended by two weeks, Precious, a JS 2 student, is not all that excited about resuming, especially as she had so much fun during the holiday.

“During the holidays, I watched television, went for birthday parties and did my share of house chores. I only wish the break was two weeks longer.”