When 1 + 1 = 11

Want to gauge the power of a book? Gift it to someone for whom it is a luxury and marvel at the wondrous excitement that bubbles forth. Especially a child. We recently conducted a book drive at Billabong High International School, Santacruz on the lines of the theme of our concert - ‘Power of One’. Our students thought it would be a wonderful idea to donate books - across genres - to children who don’t have access to such a basic necessity. Inspired and celebrating the spirit of the child hero Brandon Keefe, who in 1991 had initiated a book donation drive and made it into a nationwide movement in the U.S.

The book drive in our school with the interact club brought a million smiles on the faces of 600 students and 40 teachers of Chinchale Ashramshala (3,000 books donated) a municipal village school in Dahanu, Vile Parle West Municipal School (200 books donated)and Eklavya Balwadi run by Sona Sarovar Trust.  Through our PTA members, and active student campaigning, we were able to collect  3,200 books in English/Hindi fiction, textbooks, dictionaries, color books for 5-14 years and stationery which was given to Eklavya Balwadi. Perhaps, one of the most striking moments is when the principal of the Vile Parle school, Roasrio Sir  thanked our students efforts and mentioned that the school will now have a library. It was so moving that tears welled up the eyes of our children too.  The Ashramalaya library was inaugurated last week and we are told that the children can’t seem to stop beaming about it. (any other feedback shared by principal).

As most know, municipal schools in our country are riddled with day-to-day challenges in terms of lack of teachers,  teacher absenteeism, lack of special educators, poor infrastructure etc. Can one imagine though how it would be to go to a school without books? Sadly, this is one of the starkest realities in municipal and public schools in India. In February, a media report highlighted how until the end of the last academic session, students in a Delhi Municipal school had not got any books. It was only after a petition was moved by a student of an East Delhi Municipal Corporation school in the high court that the civic authorities woke up to the grim reality.

If such apathy continues where students need to sprawl around school corridors to be accommodated and not even be provided with stationery and books, how then do we plan to improve child literacy across the country? Can the importance of books in imparting knowledge be emphasized any more in a country that they say is on threshold of becoming an economic superpower? How can anyone really buy that growth story when there are children who crave to lay their hands on a book, and worse still, not even know how to read one.

What if each private school adopted a municipal or public school nearby and donated certain essentials/resources to it? Why blame the government alone? I am proud to share that the idea of conducting a book-donation drive was recommended by our students! Surely we as educators can come together and commit to do our best to promote and establish 100%child literacy in the country. The Power of One is a marvelous thing. A single germane idea or inspired thought can influence hundreds and thousands. Towards the end of an academic year, we were humbled by the thoughtfulness of our students and the little sparks of brilliance waiting to be tapped and set free upon discovery. There is great power in One and in its Collaboration!

To Be or Not To Be - Parental Involvement in Child Education

I am often asked – “How involved must parents be in their children’s education?” As an educationist, I have realised this confounds not just those whose kids study in kindergarten but those also studying in the primary, secondary and higher school education. Whilst different approaches are required across various stages of education, there is no questioning the fact that parents must be involved in whatever best way possible to whatever extent possible. For good reason.

Several studies undertaken have pointed to undeniable linkages in stellar student learning outcomes and the intricate involvement of parents within the education system. For e.g. a study conducted in 2010 by researchers at the University of Leicester and University of Leeds concluded that ‘parents' effort is more important for a child's educational attainment than the school's effort, which in turn is more important than the child's own effort’.

In other words, parents' efforts towards their child's educational achievement is very important, as it plays a more significant role than that of the school or child. Researchers derived that since a child whose parents put more effort into his/her education does better at school, regardless of the socio-economic standing of the family, policies aiming at ‘enhancing parental effort might be effective in strengthening educational attainment’. 

From my personal experience as an educator of so many years I have known this to be true. For us at Kangaroo Kids preschools and Billabong High International School, it is an adage that we have lived by – there is no substitute for parental involvement. Our curriculum framework in fact is uniquely designed in such a way so as to encourage parental interaction and involvement.  This typically happens across these three stages -

·         The school engages students and parents in creating a collaborative culture based on a shared vision shared responsibility and a sense of belonging.

·         Opportunities are provided for parents to learn about the schools educational aims, programmes, and pedagogical approaches so that they can support student learning.

·         The school creates student learning opportunities by effectively using the skills of its own community members and by building partnerships with external agencies such as local businesses and professional organizations.

It is keeping this above framework in mind that we gave a further impetus to the entire parent-child-teacher methodology and launched ‘Empowered Strategies’, a unique parent-teacher-student workshop held every week, taking the parent-orientation sessions a step further in Billabong High International School, Santacruz. Every week, Tuesday – Thursday, we hold such workshops per grade from Primary to Secondary, covering per level each week.  Teachers moderate the session with parents forming random groups with students and understanding a particular topic in a particular subject. Parents hence get to know first hand the way curriculum is introduced to the student. We have begun with subjects Business Management for grade 9, Mathematics, English and EVS for grade 2, 6 and 7. Going forward, we plan to involve parents to conduct and moderate the workshops.

The initial response to the workshops have been overwhelmingly positive though we have staggered through some due to time constraint on the part of parents but we hope to get there when parents, students and teachers are on the same page. We have already gotten to learn remarkable perspectives of both the students as well as the parents. For instance, parents have asked us to open it across levels of pedagogy from methodology, learning styles and tips strategies on multiple intelligences. We working around a way with the timings so that working parents can also attend and contribute.  What matters is that we have begun a journey now we need to make it a successful one too!

All said and done, however, would like to conclude with a disclaimer – that as with everything else, there needs to be a fine balance in terms of limit of parental involvement so that it doesn’t transgress to over-involvement. Doing a child’s homework, obsessively manoeuvring their free time, over-involvement in home assignments etc. will only hamper a child’s true progress.  Ultimately, loving a child is always about doing what’s best for them and not that which might feel convenient for us.

Of Jammu and its SuperHeroes

Have you imagined, how it would feel to sing our national anthem at the LoC at dawn? Or how it would be to gaze at the stars across that ‘border’? Walk across what perhaps seems like just a piece of terrain and yet feel a palpable connection with it that leaves you teary-eyed? These are just some of the amazing moments I had the privilege of experiencing with my Billlabongers last week.

Billabong High International (Santacruz) was among the nine schools in Mumbai that had participated in a first-of-its-kind, seven-day national integration trip on ‘Know your Army’, based on the theme of “Kashmir: The crown of India – Paradise of India”. Conducted by Nagrota based White Knight Corps, the tour was sponsored by the Indian Army under its Sadbhavana Project to showcase the sacrifice and commitment undertaken by its soldiers in the state.  It saw 186 students from Grade VI to X, teachers and Principals participating and witnessing a series of planned activities aimed at motivating students to join the Armed Forces and displaying the humanitarian efforts of the Army in uniting people.

In-line with the theme, students from diverse schools across the city were randomly segregated into various contingents, bonding as a team. We watched spellbound, as the army showcased combat power, slithering, various technical aspects and air mobility capabilities of the Armed Forces. Students not only had the privilege of interacting with their counterparts from schools at Rajgouri, but also witnessed the spirit of camaraderie and Espirit de Corps of our gallant forces on the border. They got to witness first-hand the importance of having your buddy’s back through the camaraderie, trust, faith every soldier shared with the other.

In fact our learnings began even before we reached Jammu, right from the train journey we undertook - for all students it was the first one; learning about each state as they passed through - it was like a field experience, crossing many states and seeing so many different types of people, cultures, dresses, food, dialect etc. referring to maps and charting their journey!

We reached Jammu station in the dark wee hours of the morning and yet were given such a warm welcome by the soldiers who were there to escort us in a 'convoy' to our first base camp about two hours away. We felt extremely secure. Watching our jawans leading from the front showed how important it was to not only 'overcoming your own fears and demons but also a life lesson to students that as a leader you first assess and experience before you ask others to take the plunge.. of course after safely considering the calculated risks!

The tour was a spectacular experience for us. We were mesmerised by the various addresses and orientations by the different commanding officers. Every army personnel had the same passion, vigour, core values and one couldn't differentiate between their commitments. This speaks truly of the Army culture that we took back with us - every student, teacher, parent aligning to the same vision, goal & philosophy of any school thus defining A ' School culture' with its attitudes! 

Personally, I take with me a moment that will stay with me forever. I had almost quit in the last 500 meters of a 9000-feet trek. My legs hurt so much that I couldn’t think of taking another step. A soldier approached me, lent me his hand and said, "the Goal seems visible, so why would you give it up? this is just like winning at the end of it; your students look up to you for this kind of Inspiration!!”. His words motivated me to plod on and the feeling of having completed the trek, it is indescribable. I shall always be indebted to that young soldier.

I was also amazed and humbled to see the depth of character and perspectives that all students displayed during this trip. From helping each other, leading teams, eagerly soaking up all experiences, interacting with the jawans etc., our Billabongers made us proud. I am certain that just as we left a bit of our hearts at the various places we went to, each of us had brought in that much more to dwell in our hearts as well, experiences that will last for a lifetime.  My personal

For any educator, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing our students have gotten wealthier with such invaluable experiences. 

While it was fascinating to hear them tell you as to how being a principal is an equivalent of being the Army Commanding Officer or have them approach you with some conscientious work they would like to do at school, a particular remark will stay with me forever. A young one remarked profoundly that if only control for power, greed and biasedness of some people across the world could be done away with, we wouldn’t have to send so many of our men patrolling the borders, away from their families, anticipating war and brutality. Rather, we would have hundreds of such dedicated personnel focussed on building solutions to make lives better, safer. Throughout the world! I marvelled at its profundity, and wished it true upon a star that fell…even if it was one across that border. 

Reflecting What We Choose to Reflect

There is hardly any school event that matches the splendour of annual concerts for the multitude of emotions it evokes. In both - parents and academicians. . It is difficult to articulate the feeling of getting to watch each one of your students work as a team while expressing themselves individually on the stage. It is also an immensely proud moment experiencing the moments crafted tirelessly by your teams with the minutest of planning and attention to detail. To watch your teachers and students transform magically into directors, choreographers, light & sound technicians, videographers, digital engineers, script and dialogue writers AND turning an auditorium lobby into a business studies zone with marketing, branding & accounting and so on..

 I was enraptured by the performances put up by my students of Billabong High International School (BHIS) Santacruz recently. This year’s theme was ‘Reflections’. It entailed the journey of the story’s protagonist, an extraordinary boy Johnny, who is thrown head first into a land he has no desire to be. Johnny is one of a kind but doesn’t realise his potential. He is plagued by his insecurities and doesn’t believe in himself even though other characters in the play consider him as their saviour. He encounters the story’s antagonist the wicked witch Elphaba who feeds on negativity and fear and uses Johnny’s negative opinion of himself as the source of her power. At the end, we reflect the essence of a true ‘hero’ – how actions and intent override physical strength as the pre-requisite.

I believe this story has a powerful message. Its theme presupposes empathy and understanding of people and events in their life, which lies at the core of great performances impacting them not only as a person but also preparing them for the real world tomorrow. 

Undoubtedly, the paradigm shift in skills required for the success in 21st century warrants a change in how we educators, facilitate learning. We strive to provide a stimulating culture to our children; aspiring to foster a sense of reasoning, a desire to learn, grow & evolve. We must acknowledge though that while as educators and parents we remain the facilitators, ultimately it is children who are the makers of their own lives.

We need to have them believe in themselves right from when they are children. And at time it may also mean believing in them first before they get to believe in themselves. However, it wouldn’t mean pushing one to be a replica of the other. We need to understand what our child loves, what he is all about. Both parents and educators,  we accept all their little individualities, the embarrassments, and all the wonderful and magnificent things they do so well and a few that they may not do so well, accepting the whole package of our children with love - Unconditionally.

It isn’t just about academics or topping an exam, it is the values we exhibit and that they derive from. We have a huge responsibility as academia, as parents, as policy makers. We need to be at par – ideologically, purposefully - to be an indomitable community. The main pillar of this community being Inclusion. One that safeguards the interests and future of every child regardless of the community s/he may belong to. That each child believes in self and is able to charter his/her course even if he may have to challenge a few status-quos. So that through strife, we progress much further than we would have. So that we create, share, live fearlessly with joy. So that no negative forces may derive power from the insecurities of a young mind, battered by societal inadequacies and inequalities and use it as ammunition to burn any university,  community, society or nation.

It will do much good if we take some time to reflect upon what and how we choose to reflect what defines us – our ideology, our values, our actions, our intent – to the world around us.

Celebrating Vis-à-Vis ‘Tolerating’ Differences

It isn’t every day that you have the honour of watching your students marching in a republic day parade alongside 4000 other students from 25 city schools in the esteemed presence of a Vice Admiral, Commanding Officer and  other high ranking officials from the Indian Army, Navy and the AirForce;  And that is the reason this Republic Day shall remain one of my most spectacular experiences as a Principal and an Educator. One hundred students from grade 3 to 9 of Billabong High International School (BHIS), Santacruz marched from Bandstand towards Taj Lands End at 7 a.m. The entire parade was cheered on by parents, teachers and onlookers; the atmosphere, rife with patriotic fervour reminiscent of the Delhi Republic Day parade. (Read more here)

The entire concept captivated me when it was first presented by BIRD (Brihanmumbai Inter-school Republic Day) Committee, which has been organising the parade since the past two years. This year, the floats made by schools, represented the Indian culture, Unity In diversity, Save the Environment, Make in India theme and Compassion towards Animals. There were spectacular displays of Fire Brigade equipment, Natural Disaster Response Force Equipment and kiosks with Defence artillery. It was the first time that BHIS had participated. Singling out any particular standout moment will be difficult but I was mesmerised with the display of missiles by air defence unit of army, the fire brigade display, truck floats which carried messages of animals and habitats and not being cruel to animal. There were horse riders, cyclists, marchers, bands and cultural float teams spreading eco-friendly messages as a synchronised team. Stalls from army, navy, air forces, were set up to showcase armed forces of the country.

Along with army and other series the NCC boys and girls inspired our students. For the first time, they were reviewed by a 3 star admiral. They went to INS Hamla for watching their parade, arranged by the BIRD committee to inspire them and one man, the convenor, Mr. Peter D'souza, needs a special mention, who was tireless and on the move, bringing this mammoth event its grand finale! Our students had one of the most enriching experiences with the long marching practices by Army (NCC wing) officers collaborating with other school children from 24 schools and playing the band. We showcased unity in diversity through our cultural float. Varied dance forms from diverse regions of the wonderful kaleidoscope of colours that is India were showcased with fusion of Kashmiri, Marathi, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Manipuri, Bengali and Mohini Aattam dances, culminating in joyous tribute to motherland.

The objective of this parade was to create a sense of patriotism amongst all students and to create an awareness of our Armed Forces, the ultimate protectors of our Nation.

This year’s focus was also on being resolute citizens standing up to evil forces that intend to disrupt the progress and peace of our country. 

The theme of the parade was aptly coined ‘Proud to be an awakened Indian’. Never before has it been so imperative to stress the importance of being an ‘awakened citizen’. To acknowledge our shortfalls, work together at resolving them and to strive together in raising a generation that celebrates differences as much as it tolerates them! That is when we will truly bring about Unity in Diversity – when each is groomed to lead conscientiously across communities. We need to start young and use as many such opportunities to celebrate aberrations, our peculiarities to not only give the confidence to our youth to stay true to themselves but also reciprocate empathetically when they go on to lead in the future.

NEARLY ALL MEN CAN STAND ADVERSITY, BUT IF YOU WANT TO TEST A MAN"S CHARACTER, GIVE HIM POWER - Abraham Lincoln

Of a ‘Shubh Sitambar’…

September was a ‘shubh’ month, personally, both in terms of commencement and renewal. Billabong High International School, (BHIS) Santacruz remains among the Kangaroo Kids Education Ltd. schools I have been associated with, perhaps, since its inception.  So, when I was recently entrusted with its reins, it was a resumption of what I have always loved to do, especially within the Kangaroo Kids ethos of making learning fun across grades and not just in the kindergarten.

There is little that can match the enthusiasm, freshness and brilliance that young minds infuse into projects, especially when channelled precisely.  Therefore this month’s celebration of Hindi Diwas was a double celebration for me. At one end, it meant watching my young tots at Kangaroo Kids Kandivali, delighted to discover and explore Hindi, its words and ‘akshars’ and on the other hand , also experience the fluency, knowledge and attachment one forms with a language as exemplarily demonstrated by students from Grade I to Grade IX of BHIS Santacruz.

As the school principal, I had the privilege of meeting with the chief guest of honour, Mr. Nalin Saraf, a writer and novelist who has written many biographies in Hindi. The recent ones being ‘sajan re jhooth mat bolo’ and ‘suhana safar aur ye mausam haseen’ on lyricist Shailendra Kesarilal. The cultural programme which commenced post lunch saw children across grades participating eagerly. Students from Grade 1 and 2 shared their Hindi poems while grade 3 put up a funny skit; grade 4 participated in a crossword puzzle and so on! Mr. Saraf, was enthralled with the participation and shared some great advice which I believe every educationist and parent must heed to. Every child should be introduced to the mother tongue, the local language (which could be the mother tongue), the national language and English at an early age.

I believe proficiency in any language could be attributed to the exposure of the language early on. Kangaroo Kids preschools are among the very few preschools that introduces Hindi to children right since nursery and the success of the model is proof enough of language education being integrated within the curriculum!  Studies have proved that pre-schoolers can grasp up to 21 languages! And language education is critical not just for language proficiency or literature, but also for critical thinking, emotional intelligence development, communication skills and also sharpening analytical skills! Indians are lucky that our children are exposed to at least three different languages on an average since birth.

The journey of Hindi, from the pre-Independence era, then being identified as the national language post-Independence till its current form where we hope to see Hindi recognised as an official language of the United Nations, has been long and intricate. While it is important that no language is politicised, let’s leverage the gift our national diversity offers us and ensure it remains so for generations to come. And ironically, we needn't have a ‘day’ to celebrate our national language then.. No excuses.. It should be entrenched within, for it’s a firm part of our cultural identity. While our minds continue to evolve with and shape this rapid age of globalisation, our hearts will after all be rooted and the language that connects both the mind and heart is the mother tongue!