‘This school has brought out the best in my daughter’

Her daughter joined Apeejay School, Nerul, in Class II. “My husband is in the Indian Navy, so his job involves frequent transfers. As my daughter grew older, I felt she needed greater stability in her schooling. My parents live in Belapur, while my husband’s parents are in Nerul, Mumbai. Since we had family support here, I decided to make Belapur our base,” shares Swati Tiwari, whose daughter, Ira Prasad, is now in Class VII.

She chose this school because it has long been regarded as one of the prestigious schools in Navi Mumbai, the mother says in a candid interview, among other things.

What positive changes have you seen in Ira since she joined the school?

The school has played a significant role in Ira’s overall growth. Since she was a new student, the teachers and her classmates made a real effort to help her settle in. She soon became comfortable and began participating actively in school life. Over the years, every teacher, from the primary to the secondary section, has supported her.

What about her academic and personal growth at the school?

Ira is doing well academically, but what makes me happier is the confidence she has gained beyond the classroom. She is a good communicator and regularly participates in speeches and other activities, both within and outside the school. She is also a classical dancer. The school encouraged her to perform Kathak at the NCPA, where her group won first prize. She plays tennis as well and will represent Apeejay at the DSO competition.

How do the teachers support her?

Her teachers never allow her to remain in her comfort zone. Even when she feels tired or hesitant, they encourage her to participate and give her best. I am truly thankful for the way the school has brought out her abilities. Since both my husband and I are working, the support Ira receives from her teachers is extremely important to us. They pay close attention to her progress and step in whenever they feel she needs additional help.

How does the school keep you involved in Ira’s learning and activities?

The school maintains regular and personal communication with me. When Ira had Dengue during her exams, her teachers were extremely understanding and supportive. Ira did not want to miss her papers or stay away from school, but her teacher assured us that her exams could be managed according to her recovery. She also missed a few activity selections during that period. Her housemaster personally contacted me and said she would be given another opportunity once she returned.

What is the greatest advantage of this school for your daughter?

The greatest advantage has been the confidence the school has instilled in her. Earlier, Ira had stage fright and was hesitant to stand before an audience and speak or perform on her own. The different platforms offered by the school gradually helped her overcome that fear. Today, she can speak confidently and perform solo before a large audience. She is willing to try, and that change in her attitude means a great deal to me.