Welham Boys School

Dear Parent,

 Today is the first day of the new term, and I felt that this was the appropriate moment to write to you on an issue over which I have been agonizing over the last two months. As a matter of fact, we the staff, spent two days recently in the forest at Chilla where we had an opportunity to analyze in great depth the various issues facing our school and to discuss ways and means by which we could take the school forward.

 One of the issues that came through loud and clear during our deliberations (and which indeed has been bothering me for a while now), is the apparently huge gap that exists between school and parents. It seems that there is almost no agreement between the two parties (if I may call them that), on what we are trying to do with the child. The school seems to be giving one message- and the parents another. The result- a thoroughly confused child.

 Before we embark upon a more detailed examination of the issues involved, I think both school and parents ought to be clear on one issue- the parents choose the school after (presumably), a thorough evaluation of the choices available in the market to them. The school, in no way, pressurizes a parent to make the choice. Neither does the school, hide in any way, what it stands for in terms of its philosophy and ethos, and what its expectations are in terms of parental support. One therefore assumes that the parent has made a thorough assessment of all these parameters before taking the decision to commit the child to the school’s care.

 And yet we find ourselves speaking two different languages. Where are we going wrong? A closer look seems to reveal that the primary area of disagreement (and perhaps the biggest one) is that relating to the way we are bringing up the children. Here in school we insist on punctuality on a “no-mobile”, “no-cash” policy, on “no leave for weddings of relatives”, and a host of other such regulations. Why are these necessary? It is because we, the staff who run the school, feel that discipline is the bedrock on which any success, whether of the individual or the institution, is based. One has only to look around at what is going on in this country, to appreciate this point of view. And yet we find parents constantly giving children money, mobiles, tuck, false medical certificates-applying for permission for weddings and festivals when the school rules are very clear on this subject, overstaying at home after a break, and what-have-you.

 And what is the result of this? The child gets the message that the school rules have no sanctity and that they are, in fact, a gross violation of his “freedom”. The teachers are seen as “enemies” in making their lives hell. School is seen as a “jail”. In fact that is how I have heard many parents describe it. Now can you expect any learning to take place in this atmosphere? And yet you expect us to teach your children, and in a manner that learning becomes a joyous process. Tell me, is that possible in circumstances where there is such a divide between teachers and taught? And the bottom line is that you chose the school after a thorough study of its rules, regulations and philosophy. And now you choose to disagree with the fundamental values that the school stands for!

This gap must be bridged. It is our firm belief that progress can only be made through a genuine partnership. Parents will have to appreciate that having chosen this particular school; they cannot be selective about what they agree with. They will have to learn to trust our judgement, particularly in matters relating to rules and discipline and more importantly, believe in the fact that our lives are dedicated to your children’s welfare. Every single decision we take is aimed at bettering the quality of life this school has to offer its children. And please also remember that whilst a parents thinks only of one (or perhaps two or three) of his/her own children, we have over 500 children to worry about.

What we do must be fair to all concerned, and must cater to the needs of the individual as well as the institution. It sure is one tall order!

 On our part we feel that we must keep you better informed about your child. We have, therefore, decided that each teacher in his/her capacity as a “tutor” will communicate with you directly, as and when the need arises.  You, in turn, must reciprocate. This we hope , will be the first step towards a fruitful and enduring partnership- a partnership that will produce a bright and enquiring mind, brimming with optimism and hope, and eager to make this world a better place to live in.

Warm regards

 Yours sincerely,

Dev Lahiri

Ps: In order to improve telecommunication between your ward and you, we have decided to issue mobile phones to each House. The individual House numbers and the timings (class-wise) at which you can call these Houses are given below. Please note that outside these timings mobiles will be kept switched off.

SCHEDULE FOR RECEIVING CALLS

In case of an emergency kindly contact the Housemaster.