Fr Principal: Hard lessons learnt

Friday, October 9 was indeed a ‘Black Friday' for all of us as on that day Atif Mustafa, a 2nd standard boy of our school was cruelly snatched away from us. This was done not by any professional kidnappers, but somebody who knew the boy so well and ironically that caused him his life as the kidnappers realized that Atif recognized them and so they mercilessly killed him! Our hearts go out in deep condolences to the bereaved family that lost its precious gem.

Atif, however, taught us some hard lessons with his own life - that in the present situation nobody, including the school children, is safe; that nobody can be fully trusted as it was his van driver who, instead of dropping him to the school took away and handed him over to the kidnappers; that the public administration is not concerned about the safety and security of the children as the road in front of the school has been blocked for many months in spite of repeated request to open it for the sake of school children; that none of us can afford to be recalcitrant in executing our responsibilities. A costly class indeed! But we will miss you Atif.

On Friday, October 16 after an inter-religious prayer service for the repose of the soul of Atif, the school administration along with the faculty and the staff had a long meeting to deliberate on ways and means to avoid such incidents in the future. The following are some of the important points that we discussed and I would like you to take note of them as well.

• The security at the school gates will be fortified and at 8.00 a.m. the junior school gate will be closed. Anybody who wants to come into the school campus during the school hours will have to enter their names and other details in the register at the main gate. Parents or guardians who come to pay the fees should show the fee card at the gate to come in. No vehicles will be allowed in the school campus during the school time.
• The attendance of the students will be taken in the first period as well as in the last period before the dismissal.
• It is the responsibility of the school to take care of the students once they are inside the school campus. But it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to make sure that they are safely brought in and taken away from the school. No parents/guardians should enter the school campus during the dismissal time. Our teachers will make sure that they are safely brought out after the dismissal.
• Parents are requested not to come into the school campus any time of the day unless you are called by the principal/vice-principal/teachers. You are free to meet the principal individually between 10.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m.

Let me take this opportunity to make an observation. You all know that education cannot be imparted in a turbulent atmosphere. We need peace of mind and conducive atmosphere to think, plan and execute different programmes for the all-round development of our students. When I look at the excellent facilities that we have in our school - libraries, laboratories, interactive class-rooms, sports and games, number of clubs and their activities - I am reminded of an old Onida ad that says, "Neighbour's envy, owner's pride". You are all part of this rich heritage and you should be proud that your wards are being educated at the portals of this school. However, I have a feeling that we are not making use of its fullest potential.

For this we all will have to work together. In this context let me make another observation.There are a few individuals who have assumed leadership on behalf of all the parents and their interventions have not helped at all in a positive direction. On the contrary they dissipate our efforts and energy from constructive endeavours. In the midst of all these our children become the losers - they are deprived of a better facility, a better programme or a better opportunity. Please keep the school out of such politics. You have entrusted your children to our care and please be assured that we will do our best that one day they will make you proud.

Two things we seek from you - your support and your cooperation.