‘It is great that this school celebrates all festivals’

Almost all parents will tell you that it is very important that the school be near their homes. So, if there is a good school that fits this criterion that becomes a choice for the parents. The fact that Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar in the city centre means that it is convenient for parents to pick up and drop off their kids. For Neetika and Suraj Chauhan, this was one important consideration when it came to choosing the school for the child.

“I visited every school in Jalandhar including Apeejay. But I chose the latter because Apeejay is one of the oldest schools in the city and has brand value. I came to know that this school has very experienced teachers and they put a lot of effort into the students’ welfare. We find it difficult to manage one child and these teachers manage over 40 of them regularly; hats off to them. What I also like is that this school celebrates all Indian festivals,” Neetika said whose two children Amyra (UKG) and Arav (IV) at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg.

Excerpts from an interview.

How does it help if the child learns about India’s rich culture and heritage?

I think it is very important that each citizen understands and appreciates the vastness of our country’s rich culture and heritage. Besides, the fact that children learn and know about the diverse cultures that exist in India, it also helps in developing tolerance toward other festivals. Gone are the days when families would come together to celebrate all festivals. Most of us today only celebrate two-three festivals since most of us have nuclear families. But when these are celebrated in school, it expands children’s knowledge.

What is the teaching methodology?

If I compare it with how it was during the pandemic days, things have improved. With offline classes, the teachers are always available. Today, we can call the teacher anytime and get our queries or issues addressed. The teachers on their part upload all the work to be done on the website. In case my child has forgotten, I can always check what is happening in the class.

How is your daughter’s learning?

It has been good. The good part is that she enjoys going to school and participates in whatever the teachers make them do with a lot of enthusiasm. She is always ready to learn new things and that is good enough for me; she is very young at present and as she goes into higher classes she will pick us pace.

What about participation in co-curricular activities?

Sometimes they do and other times not. My son is a bit of an introvert and shy. Usually, he wants to keep away from such events but when he sees he too gets motivated to participate. I also want him to be more active and open up. I would want the teachers to push him a bit and get him to participate as well.

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I don’t pressurise my children. Each parent must understand the limits of their kids and work around that. Not all children can score a 100 in academics; maybe they are good at something else. Parents must explore that and hone the child’s talent in that

–Neetika Chauhan, Parent of Students who study at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg

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Do you think that students should be punished?

I think that if students make a mistake they must be punished; they must be beaten if required. Yes, some parents think that the rod should be spared but the truth is that when we were younger and made mistakes we were beaten and we turned out to be good. If there are parents who have a problem it is good – I am sure their children are well-disciplined. If a child is creating problems, steps should be taken to correct those. He should not be allowed to spoil the school environment.

Have you chartered a professional career for your children?

I don’t pressurise my children; I don’t tell them that they score 100 or come first in class. I tell them that they must put in the best that they can. Each parent must understand the limits of their kids and work around that. Not all children can score a 100 in academics; maybe they are good at something else. Parents must explore that and hone the child’s talent in that.

How do you teach your child to share?

That aspect of my duty has been taken over by the teachers at Apeejay. My younger daughter every day tells me that her teachers tell her that ‘sharing is caring’.