On June 25, 2024, Principal Mr Deepak Mervyn Mathews conducted an Orientation Session to kick off the academic year after the summer break at the College. The session aimed to foster an informed and enthusiastic approach to teaching, student welfare, and the College's overall progress.
In his address on academics, Mr Mathews emphasised a focused approach to lessons and student engagement. He outlined plans to identify and support weak students, with class teachers submitting reports after 15-20 days. Case-based studies and short tests for Classes VI to XII will be introduced to assess learning and attention. There will be regular classroom inspections by Heads and Coordinators, and the CUET pattern will be implemented in Classes XI and XII. Additionally, the campus will promote spoken English, and Principal-led student counselling will be conducted during arrangement periods. Lesson plans will include learning outcomes, and open book exams will be used to evaluate understanding. Activity-based learning and interactive teaching will be stressed, along with maintaining class discipline by subject teachers.
Regarding discipline, Mr Mathews highlighted the importance of staff discipline reflecting on students. Measures will include regular rounds by Heads, Coordinators, and PTIs, punctuality of teachers in reaching classes, effective time management, organised morning assemblies led by PTIs and Sports Captains, prohibiting mobile phones in classrooms, and campus cleaning by students.
Plans for co-curricular activities were also announced, including the School Fest with literary, art, and computer activities. Additional initiatives include class-wise activities like Spell-Bee and Elocution for personality development, introducing Yoga for primary classes, organising educational excursions for senior students, and promoting NDA enrollment through NCC.
In sports, key initiatives include properly organised finals of Inter House matches with student support, duly approved player lists by House Incharges and Sports Captains, formation of Kho-Kho teams for inter-school matches, and participation in CBSE school tournaments.
In a second session on Pedagogy, Mr. Mathews emphasised the importance of connecting with students, imparting correct information effectively, and creating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) lesson plans. He concluded with a motivational advice to work for the betterment of students, teachers, and the school.
In the same line, Vice Principal Mr Sachindra Bharti suggested proper compering during assemblies, vigilance during break duty, and adherence to protocols during class exchanges. He also recommended setting up a Sports Notice Board and holding selection trials on Mondays after school for Saturday matches. Headmistress Ms Kainaat Mansoor reiterated that teachers should be observant during break duties and leave only after the grounds are cleared.
Mr Bharti concluded the session with a vote of thanks, appreciating the new initiatives and highlighting the importance of proper planning in preventing poor performance.
The inspirational sessions rejuvenated the teachers, fostering a stronger rapport with students and equipping them to apply various skills and strategies for their overall development.
The next day, Mr Bharti presented a comparative study of the board results from the past three years, and compared the current year's results with the national average using a projector. He encouraged the teachers to strive for better outcomes each year. Mr Mathews then screened motivational lectures by Nick Vujicic and Gaur Gopaldas, inspiring a positive mindset and a drive for improvement in the students.
During a session for Pre-Primary and Primary teachers, Headmistress Ms Kainaat Mansoor emphasised the importance of academic development for students. She reiterated the need for both sections to follow the prescribed lesson planning format based on the Student Centered Teaching (SCT) methodology, with a focus on the students’ overall growth.Ms. Mansoor also requested that teachers prepare a compiled report of students with weaknesses and other issues every fortnight. These reports would be reviewed and addressed regularly with the parents. Additionally, case study-based questions would be introduced in class V for Science and Mathematics, while open book questions would be incorporated into English and Social Studies.
Each teacher would be responsible for maintaining classroom cleanliness, discipline, and order. The use of spoken English within the campus would be strictly enforced, and any form of indiscipline in the section would result in strict action.
The inspirational sessions rejuvenated the teachers, fostering a stronger rapport with students and equipping them to apply various skills and strategies for their overall development.