Editor’s note:
Here’s a concern of a dedicated parent. We warmly welcome such contributions (appreciations, concerns or even criticism) because this a platform for Parents to air their True Concerns. We are pleased to convey that among our regular visitors are Principals, Secretaries and even top politicians.
We are driven by only one goal - to make RC the cleanest school in the Island.
And for us we neither have Superiors or Inferiors.
Enjoy reading. Let’s learn from others who have far better practices!
----------------------
I would like to respectfully highlight certain aspects of how one of the country’s leading and well-established Colombo-based girls’ schools, with a student population comparable to Royal College, conducted its Grade 1 welcome ceremony, as it may offer useful perspective.
Despite having a very large student population, the school followed a simple, well-organised, and clearly child-centred approach:
• There was no large-scale ceremony or elaborate event.
• Grade 2 students were requested to attend only briefly, wearing their previous year’s concert dress, with no makeup or embellishments, after which they changed back into their normal school uniform.
• Grade 1 students were welcomed in a calm and orderly manner and were taken directly to their classrooms, without being kept for long periods in halls.
There were no hall programmes, no formal meetings, no early attendance requirements, and no private photo sessions. The day followed regular school hours.
• Parents handed over their children and returned to work, with no extended waiting periods or unnecessary delays.
• There were no long speeches or formalities, ensuring that the focus remained on the comfort, emotional wellbeing, and smooth adjustment of the children.
This approach demonstrates how even a large, leading institution can uphold discipline, culture, values, and tradition while still ensuring that a child’s first day of school remains calm, dignified, and developmentally appropriate.
I am raising this comparison respectfully because, based on my own experience at Royal College Colombo, Grade 1 parents and children were required to remain for long hours in halls, attend multiple programmes, experience heavy crowding, and participate in extended photo sessions, which resulted in young children becoming visibly tired.
It is also important to note—though I mention this with hesitation—that Royal College is widely recognised as a leading Sinhala Buddhist institution (While Royal College is a secular institution by foundation, it is sometimes perceived by current parent groups as a Buddhist school. This appears to stem from a limited awareness of the school’s historical origins and its long-standing secular character.) with a long and respected history. However, the girls’ school referred to above likewise has a long-standing heritage and strong cultural foundation, demonstrating that simplicity and child-centred practice can comfortably coexist with tradition and history, without diminishing either.
Comments
Post a Comment