21 Jul Middle to Senior Secondary PTA General Body Meeting 2016
Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give upon them, who understands the power of connections and insists they become the best they can possibly be – Dr Rita Pierson , Educator
PTA General Body meeting of the middle primary to senior secondary section was held at the school auditorium on July 21, 2016. Ms. Shwetha K T, Clinical Psychologist and Counselor was the spokesperson. The meeting began by invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song sung by a group of students of class X.
Principal Sr. Melissa A.C welcomed parents and teachers. She made the parents aware of a few important rules and regulations of the school.
Ms. Shwetha in her address to the gathering began with a simple question – As parents of a teenager, do you sometimes feel confused or misunderstood? Do you find yourself questioning why this is happening to you? She was quick in replying that teenagers are basically hard-wired to butt heads with their parents and not a reason to worry as it is a part of growing signs. “Adolescence is a time of rapid change for kids both physically and cognitively,” she added. We have all gone through this phase as teens ourselves. Now as parents, when you feel this way, take it as an opportunity for self-growth and personal evolution for becoming an even better parent.
Through presentations, discussion, and Q&A, she explored the various aspects of handling an adolescent at home as well as in school like: Teen Development & Realistic Expectations, Talking with Your Teen, Power, Independence & Identity and Parental Self-Care and Personal Growth.
It is natural to worry more as parents when the children get into teenage years, because the decisions that they makes can have a big impact on their future. When we look back on our own youth, as parents, and look at all the regrets that we have, we want better for them. But in reality it is a time when teens are trying to gain control and build their identity in the society that we live in. It’s a challenge both for the parents and the teens themselves. What we have to be really careful of is not to step in too much as parents. We have to sit down and talk to them if we see them making a decision that is proving difficult. We should talk to them about the consequences and encourage them to take up opportunities.
Ms Shwetha also highlighted the use and impact of Social Media in today’s fast growing technological world. Social media have become prominent parts of life for many young people today. Most people engage with social media without stopping to think what the effects are on our lives, whether positive or negative. So parents must be vigilant and be aware of all the latest technological developments and not be illiterate.
She concluded her talk by stressing that NO CHILD is born BAD. It is a phase, just impressionable, conflicted young people wrestling with emotions and impulses, trying to communicate their feelings and needs in the best possible way they can. So as elders, we the teachers and parents have to help them to learn from frivolous successes as well as failures. We need to make them understand that our ‘stern behaviour’ must not be misinterpreted to be ‘nasty’ but it is for their own good.
Mrs Mamatha Bhandary, Director of Dashina Kannada Academy briefed about the Integrated Technology with Learning. In her statement she said the effective technology integration must happen across the curriculum as it enhances the learning process. Apart from that she also mentions how technology helps change the student/teacher roles and relationships. “Students take responsibility for their learning outcomes, while teachers become guides and facilitators.” she said.
Education is a shared commitment between motivated students, dedicated teachers, enthusiastic parents and supportive Management to meet our expectations. Though we have Annual Parents meet and open house interactions, a strong “PTA Executive committee” will be of benefit to all the parents, guardians and teachers and will enable us to tap into a valuable network, a resource pool that helps in the overall development of the students and the progress of the school.
The election to the Executive members of the PTA was conducted by Sr. Carissima A.C., the administrator of the school. At the end, Principal Sr. Melissa kept the meeting open for queries, where the parents raised a few issues to be addressed by the school. The principal noted the views expressed and assured that these concerns will be looked into.
The meeting ended with the words of gratitude expressed by teacher Yasmin. The programme was compeered by teacher Rama Ramdas.
