Thanks to Apeejay School, Faridabad, my daughter’s confidence has soared: Vithika Sharma

Vithika Sharma has been working with Tata Consultancy Services for more than 13 years as a Senior Manager. Her four-year-old daughter Pragunn is a student of kindergarten at Apeejay School, Faridabad. In an interview with Apeejay Newsroom, she explains how the school helped her daughter become a more confident performer on stage

Why did you choose Apeejay School, Faridabad?

There are many members from my extended family who have studied in Apeejay and went on to become renowned doctors, lawyers and journalists. So, I always had an assurance about Apeejay.  No wonder, we went ahead with the nursery admission process and Pragunn got selected in the interview. We didn’t have to look anywhere else. I am also relieved that Pragunn can continue studying in the same school till class 12.

How has the school benefited your child?

Initially, Pragunn was a bit shy. Even in front of our relatives she was quite reserved and non-vocal. But over time, I have seen her confidence and communication skills grow by leaps and bounds. The credit goes to the school. Every month the school plans extracurricular activities and she benefits a lot by participating in them. In fact, she has won around 10 prizes in competitions such as dance, storytelling and Christmas decoration, among others.  Such competitions help build a child’s confidence. If I have to rate her overall improvement on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent, I would rate it at 5.

How has your experience been with teachers?

They are friendly and approachable. Whenever I have tried getting in touch with them, they have responded without fuss. Every month, during the parent-teacher meeting I get detailed feedback on my child’s progress. I have heard from my colleagues that teachers in other schools are sending video lessons to their children and asking parents to do the explanation part. We are all working. We don’t have that much time to spare. Though, in this pandemic we have helped our children setting up classes and helping them take part in extra-curricular activities. Teachers in Apeejay have ensured that all children are learning everything that’s being taught. They are not in a rush to finish the syllabus.

Can you share with us an inspiring anecdote concerning the school?

Last year, due to the pandemic, we were not sure whether the annual function would be conducted or not. Many parents requested the principal to go ahead with the function, even if it’s held online. But we knew it won’t be an easy task. One of the biggest hurdles was how to give students adequate preparation for various performances. But, where there’s a will there’s a way. Students were asked to come to the school along with their parents in a staggered manner for practice. The students and parents religiously followed all Covid protocols while preparing for the annual function. Apeejay ensures that each and every student participates in the annual functions. It’s not as if the lucky ones are allowed to showcase their skills.

Despite the limitations of online teaching, Pragunn’s class teacher, Ms. Pridhi Kataria, has worked very hard to make online learning fun and exciting. I don’t know about other schools, but my experience with Apeejay has been fantastic. The hard work that teachers put in is appreciable.

–Vithika Sharma