'Getting The Right And Residential Faculty Is A Big Problem'

Wham, a parent look for in a residential school?
Parents should consider the following points while choosing a residential school for their children:
1.    Academic reputation of the school
2.    Opportunities for a holistic development
3.    Competency of the faculty
4.    Reputation of the school
5.    Curriculum and pedagogy (teaching methodologies)
6.    International exposure and opportunities

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?
All these myths hold strong not only for a residential school but in my view more so in a day school these days. Having been a part of a residential school as a child and for the most part of my professional life, I feel residential schools have a better control on the children. Parent – student – school all three need to work in tandem if any meaningful progress is ever going to made. The blame game does not always work.

Pedagogically, what have been the major challenges to run a residential school?
Twenty-four hours are never enough and setting a proper daily schedule which takes care of the physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being of the teacher and the students is always a big challenge in a residential school.

Do you have difficulty is finding the right faculty?
Getting the right and residential faculty, I believe is a big problem anywhere you go. It is a major challenge for us, too, but fortunately we are blessed with some very dedicated and supportive staff.

Discipline, safety, psychological balance is a problem that every residential school grapples with. What do you think of this?
Discipline, safety, psychological balance is a problem that every residential school grapples with. Having said that let me tell you that these problems have been there since time immemorial and have always needed a firm handling. Once, you are seen as a school that does not ever compromise on issues such as discipline, safety and welfare of staff and students, you are a name to reckon with. A big advantage of a residential school is that children learn to become more independent and responsible than children who go to day schools.

What are the effects of the new bills and policies on residential schools — regulation of fees, franchise, etc?
We are one of the most economical residential schools in India and are a non-profit making organisation.

How do you increase confidence of parents who are stationed far away from their children?
Parents are a very integral part of the school community and I have an open door policy for them. My staff also leaves no stone unturned to reach out to the parents. Maybe this is why AVS is so often referred to as ‘Home away from home!’

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