‘This school has a perfect blend of academics and co-curricular activities’

Neelam Saini, a mother of twin girls who are in the nursery at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, was a bit discerning when it came to choosing the right school for her daughters. Like most parents, Neelam too asked neighbours and friends for recommendations of good schools in Jalandhar.

“Most of us depend on the recommendations of family and friends when it comes to choosing a school for children. You ask parents whose children are already studying in that school. When it was Anaha and Mannat’s time to go to school, I spoke with a lot of people and everyone said that Apeejay School in Mahavir Marg was a perfect choice,” Neelam said, who works with Oneindia News as a freelance news anchor.

Excerpts from the interview.

What were some of the things that tipped the balance in favour of Apeejay?

There were a few things. First, the school near to where we stay. Second, they have a strong focus on academics – the school each year has a good result. Three, Apeejay offers a perfect blend of academics and co-curricular activities. This aspect of this school was what attracted me the most.

Though I never went to any other school, my husband and I did a lot of online research about them, and somehow Apeejay stood out for us.

Why is it important for a school for extracurricular activities?

I have seen other parents of toddlers who don’t have such activities in their school. The parents are always rushing them from one activity to another. I want my kids to have it easy for the first few years of their lives. The fact that Apeejay offers a plethora of extracurricular activities like dance, music, and even sports means that once my kids are home, they have time to themselves. I don’t want to put pressure on my kids at present. It also means that I get to spend time with them since I am working for at least five-six hours a day.

What are some of the activities your daughters have participated in?

You name it and they have been part of that activity – be it a fancy dress competition, Teej festival, Dussehra and even Janmashtami celebration that the school had held. The school organised a drawing competition and both took part in it. Recently, Apeejay organised a Tribal Festival; the girls loved it. Such events not only help the children get over their fear of stage fright but also help them to learn about other cultures and heritage in our country. Kids tend to learn so many things in this manner.

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There were a few things that made me choose Apeejay. First, the school near to where we stay. Second, they have a strong focus on academics – the school each year has a good result. Three, the school offers a perfect blend of academics and co-curricular activities

–Neelam Saini, a mother of twin girls who are in the nursery at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg

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How has the learning curve been for your daughters?

Academically, they know the alphabet, and how to write 1-20. They can identify major colours and reciter names of the months; though sometimes they mix up the order. They can identify different shapes as well. They love to draw as well. The toddlers are also taught about the different festivals that are celebrated in our country and their significance. The teachers also talked about various dance forms.

How are the teachers at this school?

They are all very nice and cooperative. While the parent-teacher meeting was held only once last year, I do get regular feedback via text. The teachers are extremely friendly and listen to parents’ grievances and try to resolve them as soon as possible.  

How does a parent open a channel of communication?

It all starts by talking about their day-to-day activity in school. Ask them what they have learnt that day or how their day was. If they are participating in an activity, ask them if you can help with something. One has to do this exercise right from the time the children are toddlers. By the time they are in a senior class, it has become a habit.