to have behavioural problems, poorer school performance, more days of school absence, and feelings of depression and anxiety.
In such an environment, the responsibility of a school principal is greatly enhanced. The principal has to work towards establishing reassuring school norms of non-violence and harmony by developing sincere, caring relationships with groups of students and individuals. By maintaining a high profile, walking frequently through the halls, visiting classrooms and being reassuringly accessible to students and staff, the principal can establish and sustain the normal environment the school requires.
Our cover story of the month focuses on Usha Reddy, Principal of Meridian School in Hyderabad, who does all this and more. A winner of four commendable Principal awards, Ms. Reddy talks candidly to MENTOR correspondent Tripthi Sam about her life, achievements and how the school keeps calm amid the storm.
Education is a character builder…
Most of my schooling was done in Rishi Valley, where my foundation was laid and I grew up to be the person I am today. It was the simplicity of teaching that caught my attention. We had the freedom to breathe in and breathe out the nuances of life and our teachers were more than friends. Moral training was achieved through suggestions rather than impositions.
Becoming a role player in this field was just a start of something big…
I would say that this was the focal point of my zest in playing an active part in transforming lives. I wanted to go with everything I had in my heart. Meridian School was a miracle of sorts. Back in 2001 when we started out, no one even knew about us. We follow the motto “Connecting The Heart And Mind”. My mantra was not to say “no” to anybody.
So many years in Hyderabad, I never expected the consequences of a blast...
Hyderabad is a city of peace. News of the blasts really shocked me because there was rarely such a temblor in this city before.
Self-defence is something that comes naturally…
The blasts actually taught us a lesson – especially with the experience of the children on the train. I guess there are certain things in life you cannot control or rather, you don’t have control over. How then can I explain self-defence to a child?
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