'A Day School Management Is Rather Easier Than That Of A Residential School'

What are the elements to be considered in looking for a right residential school?
A student, at least up to class X, must stay with his/ her parents. Only if the parents are not in a position to keep the child with them, they should think of a residential school. Home is a better place for a student to grow. The care of the parents, their timely guidance and interactions in the growth of a child is essential for their personality development. Parents should carefully evaluate the standard of the students studying in the school. They should also collect the feedback from the parents, and the alumni of the said institution. The concern of the parents should not always be the posh-well-furnished infrastructure with all modern facilities.

Sexual Abuse, loneliness, safety, health measures, psychological tortures, distancing from parents are some of the innumerable apprehensions of a parent when s/he thinks about admitting his/her child to a residential school. Do these myths still hold strong?
Of course, sexual abuse, loneliness, safety, health measures, psychological tortures etc are not mere myths in the residential schools. These problems are actually possible in residential schools if there is lack of attention and care on the part of the authorities. The authority of a residential school must reach every corner and observe the students every place. The school can arrange regular parents meeting, psychological counseling sessions, parent-student online communication etc.

Pedagogically, what have been the major challenges in running a residential school?
A day school management is rather easier than that of a residential school. Round-the-clock attention is mandatory in a residential school. There must be properly-trained wardens and teachers to look after the students at all the times. It is a challenge to run a residential school in the present scenario. Adjustment problem for a child is also a serious challenge in a residential school.

Do you have difficulties in getting the right faculty for your school?
We are getting qualified and talented faculty members in the teaching and residential sections. We have to do a selection process to identify the quality of the staff.

Discipline, safety, psychological balance is a problem that every residential school grapples with. What do you think of this?
All schools should have a ‘Guidance and Counselling Cell’. It will help the students who are disturbed psychologically, socially, emotionally or due to situational issues. It enables them to modify and enhance their mental strength.

What are the effects of the new Bills and policies on residential schools in regulation of fees, franchise, etc?
Normally, the Bills and policies proposed by the government may not be much favouring the residential school management. To meet all the ends and necessities of an institution, fund is a main factor. Too much restrictions and regulations on fee collection and management of institutions will definitely affect the smooth running of any institution.

How do you increase confidence of parents who are stationed far away from their children?
The healthy communication and interactions between children and their parents can increase the confidence level of the children. The children should spend at least an hour a day engaging in a healthy communication with their parents and siblings.

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