February 21, 2018Comments Off on Minutes of PSA meeting on 10th February 2018
Parents School Alliance
Minutes of Meeting
Conference room, Deens Academy
Date: 10th February 2018
Attendees: Ms Shanthi Menon, MrVarun, Mr Ravi, Mr Rajay Aiyer, Ms Selvamari, Ms.Nivedita, Ms Deepti ,Ms Raynah and Ms Sindhu
Sr. No
Issue
Decision / Discussed points
Action by
Remarks
1.
Issues with Teachers especially attitude
Shanthi Madam explained the mentoring program that is put in place for teachers.
Any individual case of any complaint of teacher having any attitudinal issue can be brought to her notice
·Any case where teacher has hit back on any complaint should also be brought to her notice.
Nil
2.
Syllabus especially the level of Hindi in junior level
Shanthi madam explained that level is high in junior level to prepare the students for the higher level where the syllabus of Hindi is indeed tough. Hence school felt the need to keep the syllabus tough
Nil
3.
Safety Audits & security
Shanthi madam explained that Safety audits are done by external agency and every teacher is also responsible as a Safety ambassador
PSA members also brought to her notice the gaps in security set up wherein children in buses are being dropped to servants without insisting on ID card.
Shanthi madam
Security apparatus to be reviewed and tightened
4.
Expansion / construction near Basketball court
Expansion of canteen and workshop facility.
NA
5.
Audits by PSA members
PSA members can form a group or individually audit different areas like bus, canteen, security etc. They need to wear the PSA tag and carry it with them during audit. Any audit inside school premises can be informed to reception before commencing the same
PSA members
6.
Enrollment of non teaching school staff in various social security schemes
Non-teaching school staff are vulnerable and need to be made aware of various social security schemes like PMJSY, PMJJY and PMUY. PSA members will coordinate with Axis Bank and other agencies along with school to facilitate the same.
Shanthi madam to revert with a count of such non-teaching staff members who can be roped in. PSA members to liaison with her
No more trips to water theme parks will be planned.
Overnight stay planned for grade 10 only as of now.
Trip to Andaman&Nicobar Islands for grade 8/9 is initiated by an external team and it is optional.
Textbooks for science for the next academic session:
There is now a team for planning and preparing the curriculum.
Ma’am to check regarding providing additional information/reference material which would also benefit absentees who miss out on classes for a genuine reason.
Extent of portions that will be covered for grade 6 and above (for SA) as now, grade 10 will have all topics covered for the exams:
The current system of full portions of term2+50 to 75%portion of term1 for grade 6,7 for SA2 and all topics for grade 8 onwards for SA2 will be followed.
No foreign languages will be offered for grade 6 and above as the third language. Students who are currently studying foreign languages will continue to do so.
Plan for expanding infrastructure for Gunjur campus to include skating, swimming etc. as there is no space crunch there as compared to ECC road campus:
An auditorium with a seating capacity of approx. 1500 is under construction.
There is a plan for Basketball court, running track and an indoor swimming pool.
Request for uniform distribution in the ECC road campus:
Large area needed to stock up and there is no space in the whitefieldcampus for this. The logistics for YFM to pack up and move across 4 campuses is an overhead and expensive. Additionally, the logistics of parents coming in while school is in progress, poses parking issues, which is completely taken care of at the Gunjur campus.
Pre-order kit form is being issued so that parents don’t need to stand in queues, but just collect the kit, by the order already placed.
Suggestion for keeping samples of the uniform sizes at the ECC road campus was made.
Other discussion/suggestion points:
Suggestion to intimate parents regarding inter school competitions.
Request to include the answer to Question-A-Day on the same day itself instead of posting the answer on the next day.
Suggestion to include ‘search’ and ‘delete’ options in SmartWork.
Ma’am to check as to why the fee for clubs such as photography is priced too high as the students themselves should get the equipment for these clubs.
As the term for the PSA members who joined 2 years ago, has come to a closure, Ma’am has requested for recommending names of other parents to join PSA from the outgoing members.
Ma’am shared the draft holiday list and a Holiday for Varamahalakshmi has been incorporated already. The reopening day will always be the last Wednesday in May, unless this falls before the 26th of May, in which case the school will make a decision of defering the opening date to the 1st Wednesday of June
Highlight/insights for new Fee structure for 2017-18. Possibility to reduce the %fee hike:
The fee hike will be Rs.6000 for each except senior secondary, where there is nil increment. Ma’am has asked feedback from PSA regarding the fee fixation plan mooted by the government (to be paid per person by the government which is Rs.1000 p.m. (This amount is only an approximation). The average fee paid currently per person is Rs.10000 p.m.) PSA has agreed upon the fact that Rs.1000 will not suffice for the proper running of the school.
Field trip: Certain grades only have gone till now. Is there a plan for other grades:
Only grade 3 is yet to go. They will go only after the annual day.
Costume cost for annual day: Parents have expressed concern that the costs are too high:
Ma’am has conveyed that going for wholesale purchases is not feasible and that a tailor has been given the task of stitching costumes. It was requested to ma’am that all costume should be supplied by the school as certain specific types are unavailable outside and it has been requested that the quality of the costume be such that it can be reused. Ma’am has agreed to look into the requests and also asked for contacts of tailors who can take the orders at lower rates. Pots for the ‘Matka girls’ will be provided by the school.
Reason for emergency school closure (Gunjur campus) not disclosed and had many speculations from anxious parents as a result. Suggestion is to disclose reasons to reduce anxiety.
Suggestion for better boundary wall at Gunjur campus for heightened security from straying animals as it is in a woody area.
Gunjur campus has electric fencing now.
For higher grades all co-scholastic activities (western music, yoga, art, western dance, Indian dance, theatre, etc) are included apart from the choice for clubs by kids. For better focus can the children be allowed to choose the activities that they are interested in.
Ma’am has conveyed that it needs some more thought and that she would work out a solution for this.
Plan for 11th and 12th grades.
Currently following CCE pattern upto grade 10. The syllabus at grade 11/12 is a quantum jump from that of grade 10 and not every child has the aptitude to cope with this rigour. The school implements an assessment only to sift children by their ability and thereby guide them into curricula which is more in line with their aptitude and future plans.
Discontinuing with IXPOE. The school has its own integrated curriculum in place which is well suited for students appearing for CET.
The plan of inviting FIITJEE to conduct classes at Borewell road campus is being worked out currently.
All students need to take up an entrance test for admissions to 11th grade.
Ma’am interviews students to ascertain apptitude for the course chosen.
Bridge course is a procedure followed for all students entering grade 11 especailly in the math and science streams.
Projects in 6th grade are being done at home and students forming whatsapp groups for the purpose.
Ma’am has told that it would be looked into and that all projects are to be completed within the class hours.
Northstar has been quite unstable for most.
Ma’am has informed that it needs to be reported to Mr.Atiq.
Reports regarding admissions to Kideens in ECC road would be possible only if the child is admitted to Deenest was clarified.
Ma’am has informed that this was not the case and that admissions did take place without any such condition and for the grades in which there was no more space, those applicants including sibling admission applicants were asked to apply for the Gunjur/Borewell road campus.
Currently vendor supplies their own cutlery and plates. It was decided to use steel plates going forward and Ma’am will initiate the process regarding the same.
More veggies to be added as cooked food instead of salads.
Water tests were requested and it was decided that the tests be requested as part of the AMC. Food is being tasted by teachers and PSA members are welcome to taste the food at anytime and could also contact Amritha ma’am in case of any issues.
Cleaning up of water filter area will be taken up.
Strict instructions to remove all construction debris and materials on time have been given and there will be a teacher in-charge always to monitor the canteen area. In case the teacher is not found at any time the house that she/he represents would lose points as a result.
Regarding absence of textbook/reference material for EVS:
It has been decided to continue without a prescribed textbook or any reference material this year and any changes to be made would be taken up during the next academic year based on the results observed on this trial.
In English in grade 4, the practice of reading novels to be encouraged for the children to get a better hold of the language and different teaching methods like role-play etc are already being used.
Use of grammar book was suggested and Ma’am has suggested that all required and essential grammar is already being taught and that it was not necessary to make it too extensive as per the requirements and standards of CBSE.
Regarding FAs:
Ma’am has conveyed that it was ok for portions completed till previous day to be included in the FAs for grades (1-4) as it was important to check if the child has grasped what was taught verbally or through notes and for the teacher to revisit the topic with the children in case it is found that it has not been covered or conveyed well.
Specific instances of portions not being completed for FAs in higher grades were shared with Ma’am and Ma’am would check and get back and also to check the teaching methods used in history, civics and geography classes.
The standard picture size in FA and SA question paper was shared by Ma’am and it was found to be ok. But feedback was given regarding the picture size for worksheets in notebooks that required it to be more visible and clear. Ma’am has agreed to look into it and take the necessary corrective measure.
Regarding correction issues:
Specific instances of correction issues were shared with Ma’am and Ma’am has conveyed to us that feedback to respective headmistress/teacher has already been given and that random checks of notebooks of children is already taking place.
Ma’am has asked parents to send her instances of correction issues. But more methods to handle/avoid correction issues to be looked into so that these instances do not recur.
Regarding reading options in library:
Ma’am has agreed to the suggestion that the librarian can suggest to the children the books they can read that are age appropriate and useful for the child.
Regarding Gunjur campus boundary wall:
Ma’am has conveyed that fencing work was taken up and is completed.
Regarding induction of new members to PSA for more representation from parents of children going to Gunjur campus:
Ma’am has already prepared a list of members to be inducted and the parents would be contacted soon by Beethika. Ma’am has noted suggestion of names from PSA members.
Regarding reports of a grade 4 kid being pushed by PT sir:
Ma’am had already probed the issue with teachers and other children as soon as it was reported and it was found that the PT sir held the child’s hand to report him and the child immediately sat down trying to resist and that he was not pushed.
Actions points in place post the meeting:
Vegetables stepped up in meals. Some alterations in menu implemented to add on vegetables.
Grammar worksheets will be stepped up in English and Hindi across grades
Font on smaller worksheets will be synchronised to that of A4 size worksheets.
Librarian is being monitored by the senior librarian to watch how issue of books is done (age appropriate).
New parents who have confirmed membership are Ms Moumita Dalal, Mr Nishore, Ms Mohana Valli and Ms Sindhu Mahesh. I am yet to receive responses form other parents I have sent invites to.
A quick discussion on PSA functioning – what it is what it is not as laid down in the guidelines.( refer to website)
Working Hours
Working hours in ECC and Gunjur campus continue to be 8.15am to 2.40pm. Borewell is 8.30am to 2.30pm
Play Area
The play area in the ECC campus has been revamped and worn equipment is removed. To ensure monitoring on safety of such areas and equipment, Shanthi Maam has planned to appoint monitors responsible for safety and sanitation from among the student community. We welcome this step.
Toilet Hygiene
Maam has reiterated that civil work in the Primary block has completed over the vacation and the stink issue is addressed. Cleanliness is maintained in the toilets and inspections can be done at any time. Also the monitor concept to be extended to sanitation should give a realistic ongoing view.
Class Photos
Request to ensure good quality digital print of class photo is available across grades. Also, suggestion made for a photo memorabilia at the end of grade 10.
Books policy on retention in school or home
Shanthi Maam to look into this and publish the process being followed especially for Grade 1 students across ECC and Gunjur to provide clarity to parents in this matter.
Integrated course
The school is trying to help students to prepare better for competitive exams. This is going beyond the CBSE curriculum. This year onwards preparation is being taken up from 6th grade itself so that load on higher grades is reduced. In the higher grades based on student choices they are being grouped and provided extra coaching as well by the teachers. As per Maam, the results have seemed positive in terms of student success in entrance exams.
Additionally, community service and research has been added to the student activities from grade 8 and above which is aimed at helping them build their portfolio.
Life skills is an additional learning for grades 1 to 8.
EVS Textbook
This year EVS textbook has been done away with in ECC campus. Senior grade EVS teacher is designing the curriculum. Maam is personally going to monitor if this approach of not restricting learning to one textbook is working or not; especially Grade 3. She will come back to us on this in some time.
Spelling errors in Complied English book
There are many spelling errors, the texts were compiled but not proof read. As rectification teachers will give the corrections before commencing chapters.
Uniform quality
The uniform distribution in ECC this year has been appreciated by parents. Gunjur needs streamlining.
For any issues regarding quality, parents are requested to send back to vendor and get it exchanged. The uniform shop remains at Gunjur as there is no space in ECC.
Size inconsistency across years issue has been raised with mam. Last year’s sizing and this year’s sizing were entirely different. Socks quality issue has been highlighted.
On sports uniform clarity provided by Shanthi Maam – long tracks are optional only and shorts can be worn by all. Tracks were include this year based on requests from many parents
Gunjur Campus boundary wall
The boundary wall around the children’s area is much higher than an adult’s height when seen from outside (photos were shown by mam). From inside since the level of the ground has been raised it looks lesser.
Feedback on teachers
Specific concern with some faculty was shared with mam.
Handling of emergencies in school
Overall we appreciated the way in which the school has been dealing with medical emergencies at school. In certain case which was minor, input was shared with mam on what could have been done additionally.
Transport Issues
Northstar issues discussed. It was clarified that it takes 15 days for activation. Mam to look into Route 22 reaching school fairly early. Transport timings in starting month especially with Kideens starting will need some settling time.
Certificates
Suggestion put forward to mam – instead of just certificates which were given on Founder’s day, can the school give it along with a grade appropriate story book. Children might cherish them more especially in smaller grades.
Change in PSA parent co-ordinator and members
For the second year of this PSA tenure Ms. Dhalia Joseph has volunteered to act as coordinator, taking over from Ms. Bonita Narayan.
The current PSA team will also identify if certain grades are not represented in ECC and ensure inclusion of more members to represent the same as well as Gunjur campus
March 16, 2016Comments Off on Minutes of Meeting of PSA on 12th March 2016
Parents School Alliance
Minutes of Meeting
Conference room, Deens Academy
Date:12th March 2016
Attendance: Komala, Manisha, Vineeta, Reeti, Deepa, Sushila, Neelima, Arti, Dhanya, Reena, Aparna, Swati, Kavita, Bonita, Archana Chouhan mam, Shanthi mam , Atiq sir (for transport discussion)
Meeting location: Conference room, Deens Academy
Meeting started: at 10:30 a.m
Agenda& Discussion Points:
Uniform Distribution
The currently published schedule is spread over a long period and several concerns have been raised regarding this. A number of suggestions were discussed including online options, aligning it with commingle dates, option at Gunjur. Shanthi mam will check viability on what can be done in the short term for this year and also what can be done in the following year.
Combined Commingle dates for siblings
This year the school has worked on making commingle on same date for siblings. However the exercise to combine was a long process and had too many combinations and permutations making it very cumbersome and difficult for staff. It may not be possible to do so for the next year. PSA members have volunteered to help with the process to see if it can be simplified.
Fees Hike
Concerns from the parent community have been shared with the school team. However, there is no scope of any change except the installments. Mam shared broad details on spend with major component being salary and rental. Late payment by many continues to be a concern area. PSA has requested mam to look at separation of fees across grades especially higher ones which are using integrated curriculum and also component splits like Mindspark which are not across all grades.
Safety and Security at the drop and pick up times
The buses are now entering from one gate only. The cars dropping children at the gates create a chaos at the gate especially at times when buses are also entering.Overall cooperation is required for this, preferably using the road as one-way. The school has taken pictures and is trying to reach out to people to try and move a distance from the gate and drop. Atiq sir is going to be monitoring at the gate during drop hours to oversee movement.
Need to decrease Working Days
This year the number of holidays at Deens has been less compared to majority schools. Also there were many working Saturdays. The final exams are also towards the very end and commingle stretches to a week or 2 in April. This is being looked into while planning for the coming academic session.
Field Trips or Picnics
As CBSE rules do not allow picnics; the school would like to stay in compliance. However, field trips will be worked on to include all grades for the next academic session.
Printed material versus electronic material
For certain courses this year specifically Computers; a large amount of material was sent digitally. For parents to individually print them out is expensive and time consuming; instead where such material is required it may be better to give a prescribed workbook or pre-printed material. Shanthi mam is going to take some corrective steps around this.
Other Topics discussed
Clubs – there are more number of clubs being introduced in the next academic session and school has compared with other schools to ensure cost parity. The allocation process has been reworked. Clubs will continue to remain mandatory.
Toilet audits were satisfactory. Some issues with dustbin covers to be attended to. Children need to be taught and reminded on toilet usage both at school and home. School is also exploring bio-disposal options for sanitary waste.
Canteen – food shortage reported by some students. Request from mam to immediately report to school (Amruta mam).
Notebooks – these are handed over to students at the beginning. In certain cases where more than a certain number of notebooks are used up for one subject, they need to be bought on their own.
Syllabus completion – concerns were shared around this topic. Week ending March 12 was supposed to be the last week for completion and correction.
Transport Discussion:
NorthStar App Issues – The latest version of the app is working satisfactorily. Many parents have not installed it yet and hence school is unable to switch off the
There are certain issues with coverage in this area and most of it has been fixed now. One major issue with the GPS tracking is rodents destroying wires in the buses while they are parked overnight. This leads to certain routes not working on following days. Team will work during vacation time to find some mechanism to avoid this. Additional feature request shared with school.
Buses reaching early to school – adjustment on some routes will be made this year. However, given traffic conditions it remains a variability. Children reaching early are made to wait in a common area where staff will be there at all time so that they are not alone in classrooms.
Certain issues with childrens dropping – where error was found action has been taken with staff.
Children have to be discouraged from playing inside bus ( for example with water bottles) as it can cause others injury. They should maintain appropriate decorum and the bus aunties/ drivers are empowered to enforce this.
As overall feedback it was felt that Deens buses ply responsibly on the roads as compared to many others.
Parents are requested to raise any issue through email and it will be promptly responded to.
For parents not using Smartphone and hence NorthStar app, they can write in to school for refund.
Clarification to be sent by school team on NorthStar payment ; it is not double in case of siblings.
Scholastic Maths – questions framed for FA and SA require good thinking skills and are very good. It will be good if the teachers share more similar / HOTS type of questions in form of worksheets as questions in textbooks are limited.
English communication – feedback provided for teachers especially new ones.
Grade 7 – the white boards are being replaced by green boards as it has been felt it is better for visibility. Questions were raised whether this is replacement of smartboards. The response is NO ; it is only the white writing board being replaced by green . Smartboards are continuing as is.
Facilities
Toilet and hygiene concerns being raised by parents repeatedly was shared. PSA members will do random checks, at prudent intervals, without any intimation to school to assess and report.
Canteen – Shanthi mam to review on what is being sold and to direct avoiding of junk. Biscuits, etc. are fine as at times it is a convenience for some parents on a need basis. Children are to be discouraged from carrying money to buy and will be good if parents intimate the class teacher if they do and why.
Co-Scholastic
Club Activities – for coming year selection of club will be based through an app/ website. The clubs like Robotics do not have bandwidth to take larger numbers but ones which can, the intake number has been increased. Jewellery making regarding which concern was earlier raised has recently got positive feedback from parents to the principal. Also, to understand what the children are doing as part of these clubs recommendation has been made that they send initial curriculum details and a regular report similar to other subject reports.
Field Trips – this year has seen none or very few field trips across grades. This will be addressed and next year will see more field trips in the calendar. Also, Shanthi Maam clarified that the school will continue to not have any overnight stay or visit in keeping with CBSE guidelines.
Sports Day – there is repeated remarks from parents on the sports day selection and activities on the day itself. The selection dates are mentioned in the calendar and happens in the school itself; absenteeism cannot be accommodated in the process. Also due to limited time in the final sports day, all heats etc. are done beforehand in school itself.
Feedback has been shared on the time spilling for the secondary grades sports day this year and also on the costumes/ accessories being difficult to procure or not adding value. The kindergarten and junior sections sports organisation was better with good timelines.
Focus on sports – it would be desirous to see Deens doing better in inter-school competitions. The sports coverage across the months is put up in the website. Yoga is compulsory for all. Gunjur campus will not have a swimming pool.
Transport
We will have a separate discussion with the transport team present. Concerns regarding Northstar were briefly shared.
Other Points
Commingle extending to 13th April and less holidays. Request has been made to try and club the Commingle together for siblings and if it can be brought ahead. Also current session had lesser holidays in Deens compared to other schools; to be looked at in next years’ calendar.
Kindergarten teachers – specific feedback shared with Shanthi Maam. Also, Shanthi mam shared that Seema mam from Kideens and Shashi Maam from Deens has recently won an award across schools.
English curriculum change in grade 4 and 5 – Shanthi Maam shared that in the next academic session, the English curriculum will undergo some change. It will have only some compiled stories and poems instead of textbook and the grammar will be covered through the stories itself. There will also be additional stories/ books mentioned as supplementary for reading. This change has been visualised to improve the reading and comprehension skills of children, apart from improving their spelling ability
PSA members reiterated the presence of a tailoring shop adjoining the school wall as a poor impression. A letter will be addressed by PSA members to the management regarding this.
A quick discussion on PSA functioning and to be a sounding board to the school and to help with suggestions.
Road Condition
The road condition outside the school is a cause for major concern and inspite of attempts to reach out though various channels, there has been no response from government bodies. PSA to work towards mobilising parents and residents in this locality towards this goal and bring suggestions on what can be done.
Working Saturdays and Sports Day
November month has been indicated in the school calendar beginning of academic session. This needs to be reiterated. However, it is felt that Deens has very few holidays compared to other schools. The working Saturdays to compensate for unforeseen holidays should be relooked at. Suggestion has been made if only a fixed number of sudden holidays due to bandh, etc should be compensated; model needs to be worked out.
Sports day has been staggered and this should help in terms of traffic and also the entire presentation.
After school activities
Request has been put forward to provide changing room and restroom facility access for children staying back for after school activities. This will be attended to. Also, fee receipt for all after school classes should be mandatory.
Timely Correction of notebooks
There are several instances where notebooks have not been corrected in time for the exams. Parents to write in specific cases also whenever possible to Principal mam.
ID Cards quality
The printing quality on ID cards is not up to the mark and has to be reviewed.
Co-Scholastics
Club Activities – Based on earlier discussion and inputs shared, clubs for next year have been recalibrated.
Facility
Restrooms to be checked for with bins with lids.
Certain instances of missing items from classrooms discussed.
Shop outside School
It gives a very poor impression and it is not related to any school activity. Request made to Shanthi mam to take it up with management.
Transport:
Certain recurrent bus breakdowns / failuresdiscussed and will need to be
Communication Channels – improvement in phone’s being operational since last meeting.
Uniform – discussions and inputs being worked upon by school with vendor. Current decision is to continue with same vendor. School to further look into the sports T-shirt quality specifically certain house colours (yellow). Leggings will not be included as part of school uniform.
Facility review and follow up measures – Borewell and ECC – PSA members to schedule another audit to review the measures taken.
Walky parents n traffic outside school – provision for shade for waiting parents cannot be met as there is no place. Traffic continues to be an issue outside school gate and PSA members finding it difficult to garner help in face of rude behaviour. Some support from local wardens has been garnered and barricades to help traffic flow is in place. Road condition discussed and Shanthi mam will again get in touch with local authorities and seek any assistance from PSA members.
School timing –at present status quo.
Scholastic :
Faculty at ECC – Concerns and specific points have been shared with Shanthi mam for her attention. This is across several grades and challenges with regards to correction also discussed.
Test frequency in lower grades – as per Shanthi mam the students are not expected to prepare specifically for the tests and the results are for teachers to work with students on. The sending of books at home is meant for parent’s review purpose and not for studying for the test. School will review the plan of sending books home on certain days.
Amount of homework and writing in KiDeens – higher than last year brought to attention of mam. There is some inconsistency across ECC and Borewell on this. Clarification on handwriting style will be looked at by school across the sections.
Also Smartwork information is delayed for some classes. This could be a queuing issue – school to look into it.
A proposal from PSA members to include study circles / more guest lectures as a supplement to curriculum learning in higher grades to be taken up for further discussion with Maam.
Other points discussed included hurried completion of portion in time for exams, teachers should help students understand concepts in case of missing classes for events, notes sent through Smartwork increasing screen time ( school has mentioned these are covered in class and not meant for printing or studying), loss of books / projects left in the classrooms.
Co-Scholastics :
Participation and Selection for events – this continues to be a concern area and PSA has requested that the entire process should be looked at. In some grades or areas there is clear selection process; elsewhere it is lacking or not transparent. Also, shared need to include more intra- school events to enable maximum participation.
Communication regarding events to the students also can be improved.
Club Activities – PSA members have shared data points with Shanthi Maam and team regarding the existing club fees, concern with specific clubs (eg. Crafty Hands) which school has also noted. Would like a relook at the usefulness of clubs and the process of allocation of clubs.
Transport :
Mr Atiq could not join in due to unavoidable circumstances and meeting for transport will be rescheduled. Atiq Sir to give date and time options.
Shanthi mam discussed the points that were put forth (attendance register in bus, teacher’s responsibility in bus, cleanliness and seating) and some specific route issues were discussed. Also, on absence of matrons in bus – Maam’s direction is to not let children board the bus till a matron is present.
Communication Channels: The recurrent problem of phones not working was discussed. The website also is facing hacking issues. School will share all the available phone numbers again via email. Also, suggestion to use alternate providers to be looked into.
Uniform: Multiple issues with uniforms were discussed including quality difference across batches and pricing differences.
Currently, following can be done by parents – returning of items (especially belts n ties) to be exchanged to be sent across with labels of child name etc. to either office or to class teacher for lower grades.
To address this, in the long run school is looking for alternate vendors. School has no objection to parents procuring the non-school branded uniform items from outside and not from the school vendor itself.
Clarification on what to wear – ties will be worn only on Mondays and Wednesday will be shorts or track pants mandatorily. Shanti mam will share this in her communication.
Transport :
The following was brought to the school’s notice – ventilation and cleanliness issues (this may be in some specific buses), overcrowding – sometimes 4 kids in a row.
Overall issue with children reaching late.
While the school time is now changed to 3.05pm instead of earlier 3.00pm the delay in reaching seems to be much more.
Also, discussed if preponing school timing will be useful – this needs to be canvassed to seek parent’s views
Clarification from transport – bus seats are designed as 3 small kids per seat and for some are 4 small kids per seat
Action:
A separate meeting to be set up to address transport specific issues along with the transport team at a later date.
Specific route number issues as and when noticed, we will bring it to Shanti mam’s notice
Teachers travelling in the bus need to be also responsible for the safety of the children in the bus.
Facility:
Stink in toilets – school has checked and found it to be an issue with plumbing and not with the cleaning; will work with plumber to address it.
5 E classroom facing lot of noise and rain– structure is being extended there to address this issue by following week
4th fan in class A to be looked at.
Latches in toilets need to be checked.
Action: PSA parents to start conducting facility audit from following week.
Walky parents:
We have discussed the need for shade for waiting parents, guardians. There is a challenge with space and the basketball court cannot be a covered area. School will explore option of awning or temporary shade in this regard.
Bus movement during exit time needs to be adjusted to avoid congestion in the front road.
There continues to be a problem with parents disembarking in front of the gate and repeated requests from security is not adhered to.
Action: PSA parent volunteers PSA parents will help and seek other volunteers to monitor and help implement this.
Class size :
There was some concern raised around class size.
Clarification to this is all Kindergarten classes will have maximum 25 and Grade 1 onwards 30 as maximum size. Where this exceeds it is usually the case where the student has taken a break/ out of city for the year and the seat is blocked.
Security Device:
The PSA team has shared the concerns regarding the option of providing this device. The school has noted our points and also post the first orientation has not discussed more on this topic.
Co-Scholastics :
Resonart – this has been a marquee event for the school. Last year the splitting up by class for Resonart was done to help with parking issues. However, this format did not get good response.
Also, clarification provided the selection ensures that this event will provide a platform for students who are otherwise not too forthcoming to present themselves.
Club Activities – this year in order for us to know what the students are achieving out of the club events; a showcase day has been included where the clubs will be required to put forth their accomplishments for the year.
On a point of discussion for students pursuing excellence in sports, arts, etc., even outside school; mam has clarified the school is happy to support in terms of time adjustments.
Swimming in school is being kept optional only.
Scholastic :
ILP or individual learning plan. Shanti mam explained that this is strictly for one on one with teaches and student in specific areas of improvement as and when a student is assessed in need of it.
For KG classes this is done in extra time after school hours and for higher grades this is done during non-core subject periods. This could be interventions for 2 weeks or in some cases through the year.
This year certain new areas/ periods have been introduced- SP- spellings , Creative writing , Theatre ( to aid learning) , Golden period which will have different items like Sudoku, puzzles, finding differences, etc., Comprehension
Other points discussed:
In a very positive move, the school has removed the indemnity section from the dairy.
The introduction of half hourly period is currently being experimented and it will be reviewed and adjusted if not found suitable. So the current timetable is a soft one and is open to be revised.
Good Friday – as per current calendar, exam is scheduled on this day. We have requested this to be changed.
School Calendar – this is available on the website and Smartwork but some confusion exists in marking of exact dates of holidays/ festivals. Shanti mam will get this looked into and circulate the correct ones.
Deens Academy Route to Excellence
