Schools have met parents or have plans to do so to address problems and doubts arising out of the transition from online sessions during the Covid pandemic to in-person classes.
In at least two schools, the principals have already conducted these meetings and reminded parents about the institutions’ rules.
The schools said such meetings have become important in the aftermath of the pandemic to apprise parents about what the transition to classroom teaching from online lectures means.
In one school, parents asked teachers why teaching materials were not being sent online. The principal explained to the parents that school was about face-to-face teaching and not sending material online.
The closure of the campuses during the pandemic forced the teachers to send the materials online but that practice need not be followed anymore.
In another school, a father asked whether his child could arrive a few minutes late because the Metro Railway timings don’t match the school’s.
The father was asked to arrange for another mode of transport for the child.
Some of the schools held these meetings before the summer vacation. Some intend to meet the parents after the schools reopen after the summer break.
“Face-to-face meetings help strengthen the lines of communication with the parents. We give an opportunity to parents to speak out,” said Aruna Gomes, principal, Loreto House.
The school has already conducted meetings with parents of the students of Nursery, and Classes VI and XI.
The Birla Bharati School authorities have met parents of the students of all classes — from Nursery to Class XII.
“The two years of the pandemic have created angst and grudge amongst parents against the school. The parents question school policies, small or big, and it is better to be transparent and interact with them rather than keep them at bay,” said Apala Dutta, principal of Birla Bharati.
During the discussions, many parents sought help in dealing with issues such as over-exposure to screenor when to approach acounsellor.
“Such meetings are a way of listening to parents and to show them that the school is concerned about the child. Most parents are scared to meet the principal or the teachers thinking that their child would be victimised in school or teachers would be spiteful. We want to tell them that it is a two-way traffic — school and parents talking to each other,” said Terence Ireland, principal, St James’ School.
The school has planned these sessions for parents of children up to Class V after the summer break.
