‘My children have bought their uniforms and are eagerly awaiting resumption of physical classes’

Dr Aparna Bansal holds a PhD in Chemistry. She is an assistant professor at Hansraj College, Delhi University. Her husband Mr. Ashwani Jain is a Project Manager with Kyndryl IT Service Management Company. They are proud parents of Yathharth Jain and Ritvick Jain, class 3 and 7 students at Apeejay School, Noida. In an informal interview, Mrs. Jain mentions how excited her children are about re-joining physical classes next week and also appreciates the Herculean effort that teachers put in during the online classes. Edited excerpts:

Why did you choose Apeejay Noida ahead of other schools for the admission of both your children?

 I was looking for a good school for the admission of my eldest son. I had initially enrolled him in a day boarding school in Delhi. But I was always on the lookout for a school that would provide him the best possible education. It was at that time that I came across Apeejay School, Noida. I chose Apeejay because I had heard great reviews about the school. Everyone praised it saying that it is a very good school for a child’s development. The school also focuses well on the extra-curricular and sports activities. My elder son took the entrance exam and he was able to clear the test. So, he secured admission at Apeejay Noida. At the time of Yathharth’s admission, we went ahead with Apeejay Noida again since it becomes easy to focus on the academic progress of both the children if they are studying in the same school. I wanted both my children to study in the same school. Also, I was satisfied with the Apeejay Noida as a school, so I again chose it for my younger son.

Please tell us about Ritvick and Yathharth and take us through their progress at school?

Due to the pandemic all the classes have been online since the past two years. Yathharth has attended all his classes in the online mode so far. Ritvick got the opportunity to attend the school physically and he enjoyed it a lot. He got the opportunity to attend the swimming lessons in the school and the lawn tennis practice as well. There were so many extra-curricular activities that he participated in. In Ritvick’s case, I felt that he has become more confident after joining Apeejay School, Noida. He speaks very well and can express his views confidently and clearly. He can talk fluently on any topic in front of others. Now that Yathharth will start school properly from third standard, I wish that he enjoys the experience and transforms gradually, like Ritvick.   

Are the teachers engaging well with the students?

I really appreciate the efforts put in by the school teachers. I was wondering how the teachers are taking the change from offline to online classes. They effectively teach children as small as Yathharth in the online classes. They keep an eye on every child, if any child is not alert or frequently absent from the classes. The teachers are extremely engaged and very hard-working. They try to explain each and everything so nicely, I really appreciate it as a teacher myself.

All the teachers, be it the class teacher or the computer or art teacher, all of them teach the children so well. They introduced them to so many essential skills despite the classes being in the online mode.

What is the best thing about Apeejay School, Noida?

I think it is the teachers of the school. The teachers are very hard-working and cooperative. They are really good as educators. I am totally satisfied with the way both my children are being taught, on the academic as well as extra-curricular front.

Now that the schools are reopening soon, are Ritvick and Yathharth excited to go back to school?

Yes, absolutely. They are very excited. In the month of February, the Primary department at the school was open twice a week. My younger son went to school and used to come back home very happy. Both my sons have bought their uniforms and are eagerly waiting for April 4, the day of the reopening.