Kolkata: The state on Sunday asked all state schools which have morning classes to either declare holiday, or relax attendance, due to the post-midnight start of the Fifa WC final. The order said, “In view of the fact that the Fifa World Cup 2026 between Spain and Argentina kicks off on Monday at 12.30 am, morning schools may thus relax attendance or declare holiday.”The order came in wake of several govt and pvt schools schools giving relief to football-freaks by either declaring a holiday or relaxing morning entry times. Schools like St James’ and St Joseph’s have declared a holiday, while classes for the junior sections of Calcutta Girls’ High School have been suspended.Anticipating the WC adrenaline rush could impact performance, South Point School had already postponed its exams scheduled for July 20 and 21, rescheduling them to July 29 and 30. The Heritage School, which had a test scheduled for Monday, has pushed it to Tuesday. The school will also play match highlights in the dining hall during tiffin breaks. La Martiniere schools are holding regular classes but have ensured no tests are conducted.Smita Mondal, whose son studies at a central Kolkata school, said, “The people of Kolkata are known for their passion for football, and such a day comes only once every four years. My son has regular classes, but even if he misses school, we will just write the real reason for his absence in his diary.” Ayushman Chowdhuri, class 8 student at a Park Street school, said, “I have to get up by 6am. I am ready to bear that pain, but I cannot skip the chance to see Messi playing in the finals.”South Point School principal Jaidev Ghosh said, “We felt that students should learn about team spirit. Watchingthe match with loved ones is the best way to teach them bonding and togetherness.”Terence Ireland, principal of St James’ School, granted a leave on Monday by scheduling a compensatory working day in Aug. Modern High School International has delayed its classes by 1 hour and 40 minutes, and has allowed junior students to come to school wearing their favourite team’s jersey. Rodney Borneo, principal of St. Augustine’s Day School, Shyamnagar, said, “Some of our students requested to watch the finals in the school premises. However, since it is inconvenient to host students so late at night, it is understandable if some cannot wake up on time.”St Xavier’s College has delayed its classes to 7.50 am. Principal Fr Dominic Savio said, “It would be difficult for those who have 6 am classes. Hence, the relaxation.”
