Goa schools kick-started the academic year 2025-26 with an impressive 90% attendance as students returned to classrooms after an extended break due to the pandemic. The reopening of schools in Goa signifies a positive step towards normalcy in the education sector. Students, teachers, and parents have expressed happiness and relief at the resumption of physical classes, which are deemed crucial for holistic learning and development. Strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and regular sanitization measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of everyone on the school premises. The high attendance rate on the first day of the new academic year reflects the eagerness of students to resume face-to-face learning and reconnect with their peers. Goa’s education department has worked diligently to prepare schools for reopening, focusing on creating a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning. With the successful start of the academic year, authorities are hopeful that the momentum will continue throughout the year, allowing students to catch up on lost learning opportunities. The return to physical classrooms is a significant milestone for the education sector in Goa, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the education community in the face of challenges. As schools embrace the new normal, the emphasis remains on providing quality education while prioritizing the health and well-being of students and staff.