Students trudged back to schools on Thursday as their extended winter vacations finally came to a chilly end.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 5.7°C and even though some residents enjoyed the pleasant winter sun, the mood among the students was bittersweet. Some were excited to see their friends in class and practise for Republic Day. Others found the chill aggravating.

Akshat Mishra, a Class V student of International School, had initially thought of going back but finally remained snug at home.

He said: 'I was expecting the weather to improve but it was still quite cold and I couldn't go finally. The visibility was poor in the morning because of dense fog. Few of my friends managed to turn up at school after the extended break. If the weather remains like this on Friday, too, I will resume classes from Monday.'

Pooja Singh, a mother of two, including a girl in Class II, said: 'My daughter is down with common cold for a few days. Sitting in classroom in such a state would not have been comfortable for her. I don't want her to be exposed too. So it's best she stays warm at home for a few more days. She can get her studies done at home.'

The cold weather has prompted the Patna district administration to extend school closure three times already. On Wednesday, when the minimum temperature dipped to 4.5°C, district magistrate Abhay Kumar Singh issued an order to resume academic activities in all schools from Thursday. Classes across the city started only after 9am.

Krishna Priya, a Class VI student of Patna Central School, happy to go back, said: 'I am glad the school has finally reopened. I can get together with my friends after a long time. We also started rehearsal for Republic Day. Not too many days are left for January 26.'

The school authorities are more bothered about completing the syllabus though.

Brother Satheesh, the principal of Loyola High School, said: 'The extended holiday of two weeks have hampered studies. So, the teachers have been instructed to complete the syllabus in time for the final examinations starting around mid-February. We even changed the school timings but it is sad that attendance was still short on Thursday. We will have to hurry up to finish the syllabus on time. We will concentrate more on academics now and less on extra-curricular activities.'

Tribhuvan School principal Anita Choudhary is also worried about the incomplete syllabus. She said: 'It becomes difficult for students to return to the routine of classes after a long break. But it is important to focus on studies now as the lot of the syllabi is left. Preparation of Republic Day is also due.'

The students are counting days to their examinations too, and getting worried in the process. Class IV student of St Xavier's High School Anuj Kumar said: 'I am unable to go to school because I am not well. I am worried this would hinder my studies.'

While some parents are worrying themselves with how to keep their wards occupied at home, some children are taking it easy.

Nitin Priyadarshi, a Class VII student of St Michael's High School, said: 'I have completed my syllabus at home because I do not think the school is going to cover it in time.'