‘Pandemic created a big vacuum’

Rithu Dravid |NT

Bishop Cotton Boys’ High School Principal Dr Samuel Edwin Christopher says that the pandemic has created a big vacuum in the education system and filling that gap will take its own time. In a freewheeling chat with Kids’ Trail, he said the post-pandemic period is a big challenge to every educational institution.
He also dwelt on his leadership style, how BCBS cultivated a unique culture, post-pandemic safety measures at the campus, pros and cons of virtual learning and the mental wellbeing of students in the interview. Edited excerpts:

How will you describe your leadership style and what is your vision for the school?

My leadership style is purely democratic. I give room for every individual to make suggestions. If they are good for the institute, I will incorporate them without any hesitation.

What are the reasons for the unique BCBS culture?

We have assemblies every day all through the week. Even though it is happening in all schools, we teach the students moral values. We give students the opportunity to express views on the stage right from Grade 1 till they graduate.

We develop a concept of ‘no-fear psychosis’ among the students. A student successfully passing out from Grade 10 or Grade 12 will find the stage as a platform to explore and not to shy away.

During special days and celebrations, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, World Environmental Day, students are encouraged to exhibit their talents. This helps students overcome fear psychosis and develop confidence as they grow.

What are the post-pandemic changes in school education and how will it change education in the long run?

Pandemic has created a big vacuum. Filling the gap post-pandemic will take its own time. But certainly, the post-pandemic period is a big challenge to every educational institution.

What are the post-pandemic safety measures at the campus?

We insist students bring their own food, water bottles and maintain personal hygiene. We have automated sanitising units. We spray mosquito repellent every evening. We sanitise the entire campus weekly. We have made masks a must.
Vaccination drives are being done for students and the response has been good.

What are your thoughts on virtual learning and classroom learning?

Students who have registered in a learning programme through digital mode will not waste time running around from their houses to the learning center. They will rather save time. This will be an added advantage to them.
Students who find classroom teaching itself difficult to comprehend will not be comfortable with the digital platform.

The Learning programme (online digital mode vs classroom teaching) will depend on the kind of focused students you are addressing. We continue to use the digital mode to send assignments and homework to the students. We are doing it to incorporate technology in our learning process. Students would require online education as their next platform.
The pandemic saw a rise in mental health issues with students.

How do you help them to cope and succeed?

Children showed many behavioural changes during the pandemic. We have identified such students and counselled them with the help of our school counselors.
We have a student profile book maintained by every teacher. Regular assessment of student behavior, attitude, attendance pattern, dress code is noted down in the profile books for every student. We give repeated counselling to students to ensure that they are corrected and overcome issues. Parents are also counselled in some cases.

What is the most powerful indicator of student success?

Graduating from school is not just about high grades. It is about having a focused vision to achieve something in life.