Ranchi: Frequently fluctuating minimum temperature and changing wind pattern have prompted private schools in the state capital to either reschedule class hours or consider doing so by mid-November.

Delhi Public School in Dhurwa adopted winter timings early, precisely after Diwali last month. Classes now begin from 7.50am instead of 6.50am to allow students cover against morning mist and chill. They end at 2.30pm instead of 1.30pm.

Loreto Convent, on the other hand, rescheduled classes from Monday as did Sarala Birla Public School in Mahilong. Students of Loreto can come in by 8am instead of 6.50am although they also have to stay back for an extra hour instead of earlier 1.30pm. For Sarla Birla, it is 9.30am to 2.30pm instead of 9am to 2.15pm for KG to Class V. And, 7.20am to 12.30pm instead of 6.25am to 12.15pm for Classes VI to XII.

Principal R.B. Sharma of DAV Kapil Dev Public School said winter was yet to set in officially, but there was a nip in the air till 7.30am and again after 7pm. "Our timings have been shifted forward by half an hour. For senior section (Classes VIII to XII), the new timing is 7.15am to 1.30pm while for juniors (Classes I to VII), it is 8.15am to 2.30pm. Kindergarten children now come in at 8.15am and leave by 12.30pm," Sharma said.

St Xavier's School, Doranda, said they were likely to adopt a timetable change from November 16. Classes will begin from 9am instead of 8am, but get over at 3.30pm like before.

Parents are heaving a sigh of relief. "When the sun rises late, so do we. And then, it is mad rush. Sometimes my children miss their breakfast in order to catch the bus. Good that schools have changed timings," said Anubhuti Srivastava, a teacher of computer science whose daughters Aaditri and Aadya are Class III and Class I students of Loreto.

Neelam Gupta, a homemaker and mother of Class XII girl Simron of Delhi Public School, echoed Srivastava same. "The morning rush in winter always takes a toll on your health and hygiene. I will get adequate time to prepare my daughter's breakfast and also pack her lunch," she said.

Government school timings, however, remain unchanged at 8am to 2pm for seniors and 9am to 3pm for juniors. "There is a nip in the air, but it is not that cold. We will reschedule classes once the season changes," said district education officer Ratan Mahavar.