Name of the Chairperson : Ms. Preeta Pillai
Name of the Core Members :
Ms. Anita Tekale (Co- ordinator of Secondary section)
Ms. Sunanda Dattatreya (Vice Chairperson)
Ms. Vidula Shah (Secretary)
Mr. Dipak Hotta (Administrative Officer)
Ms. Kalpana Unnikrishnan (Sr. Teacher)
Ms. Sanchit Shastri (Hr. Sec. Teacher)
Parent Members
Having extended a warm welcome to the parents and having exchanged pleasantries, the Principal apprised the parents about a few initiatives taken during the annual year for bringing about progressive and effective learning. With the introduction of each initiative, she discussed in detail the purpose behind it and the kind of positive impact it has brought in the learners. Some of the initiatives were discussed in detail and also the changes expected to be brought out in the next academic year. The points discussed were as follows:
- There will be a change in the uniform of the students who are core members of the student council (like tie, for the core members) and blazers for all the students. For the teachers she assured that circulars will soon be issued for the same.
- She referred to the government declaration of cutting down of fees of students to 50% which is not feasible with respect to the kind of quality education that we pledge to impart to our learners and looking into the remuneration to be paid for teachers. So requested them to percolate the same to other parents who are not members of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) council. It was at this juncture that one of the parents who is also the Deputy Treasurer of the PTA committee, Mr.Vipul Trivedi commented supporting the Principal that it was just like the markets when already flooded with smart phones, still introduces Apple phones so that the elite class enjoys its high-tech features. Parents said there is no logic in Government’s bill to be passed. They unanimously believed that quality education cannot be imparted at such mentioned low costs, moreover they all agreed that Podar World School charges a very reasonable fees.
- Ms. Vidula Vyas informed the parents about the study schedule followed in the school as per the CCE pattern with 4 cycle tests conducted at regular intervals so as to affect continuous reviewing and evaluation.
- She talked about the School Safety Act and the committee formed to look into its implementation and the training imparted to all the teachers and students (who are members of the committee) in using different fire extinguishers. At this juncture, one of the parents expressed his joy that he was very impressed on seeing his daughter helping him to operate an extinguisher. Parents were quite happy about the Mock Drill carried out to help the learners towards untoward occurrences of Natural calamities.
- Ms. Anita Tekale, the Co – ordinator of the Secondary section informed about the safety aspects taken in different laboratories in the interest of the children.
- Ms. Anita also talked about the Boost session initiated for effective intensive learning sessions and to clear the doubts of individual learners and if required to carry out Remedial teaching. Besides, she talked about the coaching imparted to Higher Secondary learners for the Competitive exams such as JEE, NEET etc. so as to do away with the customary tuition classes.
- Taking into consideration of most of the parents of Senior class students, the Principal Ms. Preeta Pillai informed that the school has decided to change the timings for Classes XI & XII. Their timings for the next academic year will be from 7.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., thus enabling them to have quality time at their disposal for preparation at home.
- Mr. Sanchit Shastri talked about the formation of the School Discipline Committee which looks into the discipline aspects and requirements of the students were put forth by them during the meetings held once in a fortnight. He also talked about the Character Badges and the ‘Privilege Brunch’ that is enjoyed by selected students based on the character counts procured by them which are issued to them by their class teachers and subject teachers.
- Ms. Sunanda Dattatreya, talked about the initiatives taken as a part of the ‘God Company,’ where our learners have been familiarized with (i) strategies taken to teach difficult calculations through Vedic Mathematics (ii) how to achieve proper postures and maintain a healthy well being (iii) how to cope up with problems encountered in Puberty among adolescents etc. through genuine resource personalities quite reputed in their fields.
The forum was then opened to discuss the queries and concerns of the parents and their aspirations for their wards from the school. Some of the concerns raised by the parents were as follows:
- School bag weight was one of the concerns though the parents did admit that the school does keep a check on it. Still the school ensured that the matter would be looked into.
- Hobby class periods to be increased so that the learners get more time to pick up the skills thoroughly. At this Principal Madam expressed her doubt that more classes would definitely increase the fees paid for the same which the parents accepted.
- Parents expressed their appreciation of the ‘Cleanliness’ initiative taken in each of the classroom which has made the children accountable for their own action of littering in the class.
- When the Principal expressed her concern as to what strategies have to be adopted to secure more admissions, almost all the parents were of the opinion that other branches of Podar get admissions under its brand name though a lot of quality work is certainly done at Sherkhi branch and so they would definitely do what is in their capacity to propagate its name. Besides one of the parents, Dr. Vishwajit Tiwari expressed that parents of wards get more options with respect to the branch they would like to send their children with respect to the proximity of their residence, as more and more schools open under the same brand name, Podar.
- Parents appreciated the communication system i.e Betweenus Portal system especially when important messages were communicated with respect to safety, communication regarding Projects, Field Trips, delay in transportation, and during outdoor activities like long tours etc.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms. Kalpana Unnikrishnan, wherein she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the parents for spending their valuable time to be a part of the meeting and ensured them that all their queries will be adhered to their satisfaction.
