Challenges of a Leading Challenges of a Leading SchoolSchool

AAPresentation Presentation

By By

M.S.RAHMANPRINCIPALPRINCIPAL

International Indian SchoolInternational Indian SchoolJeddah, Saudi Arabia.Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It is a Community SchoolIt is a Community School Powerful Indian Community.Powerful Indian Community. Heterogeneous students and parents in terms of socio-cultural ethos, social Heterogeneous students and parents in terms of socio-cultural ethos, social

and economic status.and economic status. Socially and economically challenged students/parents pose a potential Socially and economically challenged students/parents pose a potential

threat in defying and flouting the social, academic and economic discipline threat in defying and flouting the social, academic and economic discipline of the institution.of the institution.

The School is run on no profit-no loss basis.The School is run on no profit-no loss basis. Social approach of the Community leaders always interfere with the Social approach of the Community leaders always interfere with the

academic approach of the faculty and the professional approach of the academic approach of the faculty and the professional approach of the school authority.school authority.

A minuscule segment of the community is conscious, caring and faithful to A minuscule segment of the community is conscious, caring and faithful to their wards.their wards.

Majority of the parents are semiliterate and a sizeable segment of it is also Majority of the parents are semiliterate and a sizeable segment of it is also illiterate.illiterate.

Emotional approach of the socially and economically challenged segment Emotional approach of the socially and economically challenged segment of the parentage. of the parentage.

Community is mostly reactive rather than proactive.Community is mostly reactive rather than proactive. Community is not grateful and feels good in shifting the blame.Community is not grateful and feels good in shifting the blame.

Managing the ManagementManaging the Management Role of the Principal/Member Secretary as moderator, a balancing act.Role of the Principal/Member Secretary as moderator, a balancing act. Dissipating the inter member rivalry.Dissipating the inter member rivalry. Eliminating the point of discord between members.Eliminating the point of discord between members. If no consensus is reached then reaching to a median point.If no consensus is reached then reaching to a median point. Not taking a very strong view of the common issues.Not taking a very strong view of the common issues. Setting aside the false issues without argument.Setting aside the false issues without argument. Stressing upon framing the policy to tackle common issues of Stressing upon framing the policy to tackle common issues of

mass/community importance.mass/community importance. Taking firm stand on contentious issues in order to safeguard the interest Taking firm stand on contentious issues in order to safeguard the interest

of the institution.of the institution. Checking the regional divide and nefarious design.Checking the regional divide and nefarious design. Keeping the unity intact by forging common points and eliciting points of Keeping the unity intact by forging common points and eliciting points of

discord between members and also other stakeholders.discord between members and also other stakeholders. Proper communication with the Members and the Chairman. Proper communication with the Members and the Chairman. Keeping the MC informed with the important events of the School through Keeping the MC informed with the important events of the School through

weekly briefing and telephonic communication as and when situation weekly briefing and telephonic communication as and when situation warrants.warrants.

Active link/interface between Consulate/outside agencies and the School. Active link/interface between Consulate/outside agencies and the School. Alerting the Chairman, School Observer, CG from eventualities. Alerting the Chairman, School Observer, CG from eventualities.

Tackling the Community Tackling the Community LeadersLeaders

Social approach of the community leaders which Social approach of the community leaders which is not compatible to the professional approach.is not compatible to the professional approach.

Plead the case without the merit of the case.Plead the case without the merit of the case. Wish to do away with at the cost of the School.Wish to do away with at the cost of the School. Mobilise the support through lobbying by E-mails Mobilise the support through lobbying by E-mails

and Social groupings.and Social groupings. Wish to safeguard the interest of the individual Wish to safeguard the interest of the individual

instead of safeguarding the interest of the instead of safeguarding the interest of the institution.institution.

Distinct role played by the MC by Distinct role played by the MC by safeguarding/furthering School interest. safeguarding/furthering School interest.

Frank communication and my personal contact Frank communication and my personal contact helps to satisfy and nullify the wrong move by helps to satisfy and nullify the wrong move by them.them.

Patronage and Interference Patronage and Interference of the Consulateof the Consulate

H.E. the Ambassador of India-the Patron.H.E. the Ambassador of India-the Patron. H.E. the Consul General is the Vice-patron.H.E. the Consul General is the Vice-patron. They are the custodian and conscience keeper of the School.They are the custodian and conscience keeper of the School. Driving force for all pro-institution policy, move and principles.Driving force for all pro-institution policy, move and principles. A great strength for the institution. Acts as a shield against the A great strength for the institution. Acts as a shield against the

onslaught of the nefarious design of the reactive segments of the onslaught of the nefarious design of the reactive segments of the community and MOE officials. community and MOE officials.

Checks the self-seekers and predators who make strong move to Checks the self-seekers and predators who make strong move to prey upon the institution’s financial resources. Thus, stops the prey upon the institution’s financial resources. Thus, stops the drainage of financial resources of the institution. drainage of financial resources of the institution.

Determines political will and on most occasion succumbs to Determines political will and on most occasion succumbs to political pressure. political pressure.

Sometimes they are misfed and mislead by the members close to Sometimes they are misfed and mislead by the members close to them and crook elements of the community.them and crook elements of the community.

Partisan attitude of the official/CG/Observer and their crookedness Partisan attitude of the official/CG/Observer and their crookedness wreck havoc to the career of School authorities.wreck havoc to the career of School authorities.

The Higher BoardThe Higher Board It has a charter, which in essence a constitution followed by all IIS of It has a charter, which in essence a constitution followed by all IIS of

the Kingdom.the Kingdom. A highest policy making body works at the behest of the Embassy A highest policy making body works at the behest of the Embassy

more so the Ambassador.more so the Ambassador. Three nominated members nominated by H.E. the Ambassador of Three nominated members nominated by H.E. the Ambassador of

India one each from Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah. All Chairmen of India one each from Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah. All Chairmen of the IIS of the Kingdom are its members who attend the meetings of the IIS of the Kingdom are its members who attend the meetings of the HB on behalf of their respective School.the HB on behalf of their respective School.

The convenor of the HB is mostly a second secretary of Embassy of The convenor of the HB is mostly a second secretary of Embassy of India, Riyadh.India, Riyadh.

Coordinates and streamlines the activities of the IIS of the Kingdom.Coordinates and streamlines the activities of the IIS of the Kingdom. Takes decisions on common issues of the IIS of the Kingdom.Takes decisions on common issues of the IIS of the Kingdom. Liaison’s with the top Saudi authorities to safeguard the interest of Liaison’s with the top Saudi authorities to safeguard the interest of

IIS.IIS. Calls and Conducts quarterly meetings of the members of the HB. Calls and Conducts quarterly meetings of the members of the HB. Approves the budget of the IIS and give sanction to non-budgeted Approves the budget of the IIS and give sanction to non-budgeted

expenditure of IIS above SR 20,000. expenditure of IIS above SR 20,000. Approves/sanctions the Appointment of the Principal in School. Approves/sanctions the Appointment of the Principal in School.

The School ObserverThe School Observer Appointed by the H.E. the Ambassador of India, Riyadh from among the Appointed by the H.E. the Ambassador of India, Riyadh from among the

Consuls of the Consulate.Consuls of the Consulate. Acts as a Liaison officer between School and Saudi departments and takes Acts as a Liaison officer between School and Saudi departments and takes

up the contentious issues of the School with the Saudi departments.up the contentious issues of the School with the Saudi departments. Regulates the functioning of the MC, and the School.Regulates the functioning of the MC, and the School. Checkmates the onslaughts of negative moves/activities of the negative Checkmates the onslaughts of negative moves/activities of the negative

elements in and around the School.elements in and around the School. Ensures smooth functioning of the School.Ensures smooth functioning of the School. Monitors day-to-day activities of the School.Monitors day-to-day activities of the School. Keeps custody of question papers of the Board Examination and liaison’s Keeps custody of question papers of the Board Examination and liaison’s

between CBSE and the School.between CBSE and the School. Chairs the joint meeting of the MC once in a quarter(3 months).Chairs the joint meeting of the MC once in a quarter(3 months). Gives direction to the Principal in settling the representations from various Gives direction to the Principal in settling the representations from various

quarters i.e., parents, staff among all others.quarters i.e., parents, staff among all others. Part of multiple stakeholder. Part of multiple stakeholder. Coordinates between School, MC, Vice-patron, Consulate, Patron, Embassy, Coordinates between School, MC, Vice-patron, Consulate, Patron, Embassy,

HB and MOE.HB and MOE. Interferes in the day to day functioning through undue recommendations. Interferes in the day to day functioning through undue recommendations.

The Chairman, MCThe Chairman, MC Nominated by the Patron in consultation with the Nominated by the Patron in consultation with the

Vice-patron and Observer of School..Vice-patron and Observer of School.. One among the MC members becomes the One among the MC members becomes the

Chairman in rotation for a period of one year.Chairman in rotation for a period of one year. Calls, conducts and Chairs the MC meetings.Calls, conducts and Chairs the MC meetings. Takes decisions on School matters along with MC Takes decisions on School matters along with MC

members.members. Attends meetings of the HB.Attends meetings of the HB. Gives direction to member secretary on issues Gives direction to member secretary on issues

and decisions.and decisions. Co-signatory for the bank account of the School.Co-signatory for the bank account of the School.

The MC MembersThe MC Members Integral part of the School’s Managing Committee.Integral part of the School’s Managing Committee. There are altogether 10 members of the MC-7active members There are altogether 10 members of the MC-7active members

and 3 reserve members.and 3 reserve members. Out of 7 active members, one is nominated or selected as Out of 7 active members, one is nominated or selected as

Chairman through consensus/majority decision of MC.Chairman through consensus/majority decision of MC. Nominated by the Patron on recommendation of the Vice-Nominated by the Patron on recommendation of the Vice-

patron and School Observer as per established criteria patron and School Observer as per established criteria contained in the Charter and approved by the Ministry of contained in the Charter and approved by the Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

MC members-2 members each of Finance Sub-Committee, MC members-2 members each of Finance Sub-Committee, Administrative Sub-Committee and Academic Committee who Administrative Sub-Committee and Academic Committee who in turn look into the Finance, Administrative and Academic in turn look into the Finance, Administrative and Academic matters of the School.matters of the School.

Attends Managing Committee meetings and part of the Attends Managing Committee meetings and part of the decision making.decision making.

MC members run the School as their personal fiefdom MC members run the School as their personal fiefdom sometime with vindictive attitude leading to their self sometime with vindictive attitude leading to their self fulfilment and ego satisfaction.fulfilment and ego satisfaction.

The Profile of the CommunityThe Profile of the Community

Powerful segment of SocietyPowerful segment of Society Powerful presence.Powerful presence. Elite/affluent, educationally conscious, silent Elite/affluent, educationally conscious, silent

majority and sleeping, reactionary fringe majority and sleeping, reactionary fringe elements and a sizeable academically non-elements and a sizeable academically non-conscious segment.conscious segment.

Reactionary fringe elements poses a Reactionary fringe elements poses a potential danger to the institution due their potential danger to the institution due their hyperactivity in furthering their ulterior hyperactivity in furthering their ulterior motives and sinister design to derail the motives and sinister design to derail the smooth operation and function of the smooth operation and function of the School. Also create unnecessary hue and School. Also create unnecessary hue and cry on regional lines.cry on regional lines.

The Profile of StudentsThe Profile of Students A cross section of students from cross section of society.A cross section of students from cross section of society. 15% Low achievers, slow learners, irregulars, absconders, 15% Low achievers, slow learners, irregulars, absconders,

delinquents.delinquents. 60% Average performers.60% Average performers. 20% Above average students.20% Above average students. 5% Quality students.5% Quality students. Lack of competitiveness, snobbish.Lack of competitiveness, snobbish. Confined lifestyle.Confined lifestyle. Limited avenues of venting out surplus energy. Limited avenues of venting out surplus energy. Pampered by their parents. Some are not under the control Pampered by their parents. Some are not under the control

their parents.their parents. A minuscule number of students in IX-XII Blocks are drug A minuscule number of students in IX-XII Blocks are drug

addicts and involved in propagation of soft porn through addicts and involved in propagation of soft porn through CDs and storage device. CDs and storage device.

The Profile of TeachersThe Profile of Teachers Quality teachers only 10% of the total strength.Quality teachers only 10% of the total strength. Silent Majority are average performers.Silent Majority are average performers. Quality crunch in lower classes due to a large Quality crunch in lower classes due to a large

number of housewives joining our system. For number of housewives joining our system. For them home is more important than the School. them home is more important than the School. They have strong attitudinal problem too. They They have strong attitudinal problem too. They are incorrigible.are incorrigible.

A sizeable amount of deadwood crept in the A sizeable amount of deadwood crept in the system through influences and lobbies. They are system through influences and lobbies. They are also inducted by the members.also inducted by the members.

Lack of training. Little fire more ashes.Lack of training. Little fire more ashes. Fossilised/forgotten to learn.Fossilised/forgotten to learn.

The Pillars and The Pillars and FoundationsFoundations

Community Support on being Community Community Support on being Community School.School.

Experienced Faculty.Experienced Faculty. Good Infrastructure.Good Infrastructure. Patronage of the Consulate and the Patronage of the Consulate and the

Embassy.Embassy. The oldest School (established in1969).The oldest School (established in1969). Financial Stability and imparting quality Financial Stability and imparting quality

education at low cost.education at low cost. Well Managed.Well Managed.

Taking Care of the Taking Care of the ComplaintsComplaints

Receiving the complaints through E-mail, Fax, Receiving the complaints through E-mail, Fax, over phone, messaging, print media, over phone, messaging, print media, Consulate, staff, students, members and Consulate, staff, students, members and community leaders.community leaders.

Investigating the matter.Investigating the matter. If needed, the matter would be referred to MC, If needed, the matter would be referred to MC,

Observer of School, CG.Observer of School, CG. Marked to the concerned department for Marked to the concerned department for

proper action.proper action. Taking proper action at my level. Taking proper action at my level.

The OpportunitiesThe Opportunities Very good learning ground.Very good learning ground. Broad-based education.Broad-based education. Vicinity to the Haramains and strategic Vicinity to the Haramains and strategic

location.location. Strong presence of the Indian Community.Strong presence of the Indian Community. Networking with various agencies and Networking with various agencies and

Educational institutions.Educational institutions. Sumptuous training.Sumptuous training. Opportunity to work with the Consulate.Opportunity to work with the Consulate.

The ThreatsThe Threats Poaching of our real teachers by Schools offering Poaching of our real teachers by Schools offering

higher salary.higher salary. Discontent among teachers due to rising inflation Discontent among teachers due to rising inflation

and stagnation in their basic pay.and stagnation in their basic pay. Lack and deficiency of professional hands.Lack and deficiency of professional hands. Lack of adequate training for the workforce.Lack of adequate training for the workforce. Spoilsports, lobby, regionalism eating upon the Spoilsports, lobby, regionalism eating upon the

work ethic and work culture.work ethic and work culture. Scheming by the VP, COE in tandem with the Scheming by the VP, COE in tandem with the

members and the Chairman.members and the Chairman.

The StrengthsThe Strengths An oldest School.An oldest School. Broad-based Clientele and stakeholders.Broad-based Clientele and stakeholders. Patronage from Embassy, Consulate.Patronage from Embassy, Consulate. Very good infrastructure.Very good infrastructure. Good Education at low cost.Good Education at low cost. Safe and secured transport system.Safe and secured transport system. Strong Community Support.Strong Community Support. A segment of staff excellent.A segment of staff excellent. Proximity with Haramain.Proximity with Haramain.

The WeaknessesThe Weaknesses Community interference.Community interference. Overcrowded Classroom.Overcrowded Classroom. Indifferent parents of low achievers and slow Indifferent parents of low achievers and slow

learners.learners. Snobbish students.Snobbish students. Lack of competitive spirit among students.Lack of competitive spirit among students. Blowing incidents/events out of proportion.Blowing incidents/events out of proportion. Sectarian divide and regional passion is dominant Sectarian divide and regional passion is dominant

among staff and students.among staff and students. Dilution in quality due to quantitative expansion Dilution in quality due to quantitative expansion

without replenishment and consolidation.without replenishment and consolidation.

The Cards the Crooks The Cards the Crooks of IISJ Playof IISJ Play

Regional CardRegional Card Religious CardReligious Card Victimisation CardVictimisation Card Feminist CardFeminist Card Political CardPolitical Card

Negative CharactersNegative Characters Godfather/Godmother/God-brother/God-sister Godfather/Godmother/God-brother/God-sister

among staff, community and the MC members.among staff, community and the MC members. Masterminds: Among staff and the community.Masterminds: Among staff and the community. Informer: Among staff.Informer: Among staff. Rumour-mongers: Among staff and the Rumour-mongers: Among staff and the

community.community. Instigators: Among staff and the community.Instigators: Among staff and the community. Initiators: Among staff.Initiators: Among staff. Sympathisers: Staff and the community.Sympathisers: Staff and the community. Opportunist and Grabbers: Among staff.Opportunist and Grabbers: Among staff. Schemers taking part in Scheming in the Schemers taking part in Scheming in the

immediate staff to the Principal.immediate staff to the Principal.

Educating those Who do Educating those Who do not Want to be Educatednot Want to be Educated

Slow LearnersSlow Learners Low AchieversLow Achievers AbscondersAbsconders IrregularIrregular RepeatersRepeaters DelinquentsDelinquents PervertedPerverted AddictedAddicted They want to continue education but supplement They want to continue education but supplement

the family earning. They have chronic learning the family earning. They have chronic learning disability. Lead a life of depravity. Fascinated with disability. Lead a life of depravity. Fascinated with the worldly glitters. Not under the control of the worldly glitters. Not under the control of parents. parents.

Tuition MenaceTuition Menace There is no solution of pollution except dilution.There is no solution of pollution except dilution. Tuition not at the cost of weaning of classroom Tuition not at the cost of weaning of classroom

teaching.teaching. It is a prostitution of brain. Teachers involved have It is a prostitution of brain. Teachers involved have

overtly/covertly make the T-L a farce. For them overtly/covertly make the T-L a farce. For them teaching in School is a time pass and side stay teaching in School is a time pass and side stay rather than a mainstay of profession. rather than a mainstay of profession.

Students should not at all be pressurised to take Students should not at all be pressurised to take tuition.tuition.

How to tackle and how to break the monopoly is a How to tackle and how to break the monopoly is a challenge?challenge?

+2 education in schools is diluted.+2 education in schools is diluted. Institutionalising the tuition is one solution.Institutionalising the tuition is one solution.

Maintaining Quality Maintaining Quality in Teachingin Teaching

Teachers punctuality in the Class.Teachers punctuality in the Class. Teaching plan, lesson plan, break-up of syllabus, Teaching plan, lesson plan, break-up of syllabus,

Class Observation and correction of Class work, Class Observation and correction of Class work, assignment and correction of homework along assignment and correction of homework along with its volume and frequency.with its volume and frequency.

Quality of teaching and transaction of Quality of teaching and transaction of instructional material.instructional material.

Content coverage and comprehension of the Content coverage and comprehension of the content.content.

Understanding of the content by the students.Understanding of the content by the students. Illustration of the content for better Illustration of the content for better

understanding of the same.understanding of the same. Testing and evaluation.Testing and evaluation.

Acts of IndisciplineActs of Indiscipline Creating disturbance in the Class.Creating disturbance in the Class. Intimidating teachers, cat calls.Intimidating teachers, cat calls. Bullying students, intimidating classmates, beating Bullying students, intimidating classmates, beating

classmates, hitting and breaking furniture and using abusive classmates, hitting and breaking furniture and using abusive language.language.

Porn in mobile, possessing objectionable CDs/electronic Porn in mobile, possessing objectionable CDs/electronic device/compact disc/ DVD/ Flash Drive.device/compact disc/ DVD/ Flash Drive.

Driving rent a car and truancy, perversions.Driving rent a car and truancy, perversions. Cracking crackers, takes part in fun, prank.Cracking crackers, takes part in fun, prank. Extorting money, smoking, hooliganism.Extorting money, smoking, hooliganism. Indulgence in unfair-means in examination and paper leak.Indulgence in unfair-means in examination and paper leak. Passing sarcastic remarks.Passing sarcastic remarks. Heading, forming and joining gang.Heading, forming and joining gang. Indulgence in fighting.Indulgence in fighting. Creates websites for making fun of those who are strict, Creates websites for making fun of those who are strict,

defaming and character assassination.defaming and character assassination.

Disciplining the StudentsDisciplining the Students Endemic to IX-XII Block BS. Potential indiscipline at +level.Endemic to IX-XII Block BS. Potential indiscipline at +level. Other blocks it is well contained.Other blocks it is well contained. Two way challenge-not to indulge in corporal punishment of students. It is Two way challenge-not to indulge in corporal punishment of students. It is

just like fighting the war without arms i.e., armless fighting a war.just like fighting the war without arms i.e., armless fighting a war. Disciplining requires multi pronged strategy, implementation and follow up.Disciplining requires multi pronged strategy, implementation and follow up. Educating, counselling, bringing them into task, using deterrents, imposing Educating, counselling, bringing them into task, using deterrents, imposing

moral authority, punishing, taking precipitated action.moral authority, punishing, taking precipitated action. Action speaks louder than words.Action speaks louder than words. Identifying the masterminds class wise and keeping a watch on them Identifying the masterminds class wise and keeping a watch on them

through information system, class monitors, Class teachers.through information system, class monitors, Class teachers. Involving Students cabinet and class prefects in containing the discipline.Involving Students cabinet and class prefects in containing the discipline. Levying fine-Monitory.Levying fine-Monitory. Confiscating electronic gadgets.Confiscating electronic gadgets. Suspension and termination.Suspension and termination. Conducting raids to prevent bringing objectionable material and electronic Conducting raids to prevent bringing objectionable material and electronic

gadgets.gadgets. Presentations and slides. Use of Morning Assembly for moral Education.Presentations and slides. Use of Morning Assembly for moral Education. Career counselling and showing the rosy picture of their future.Career counselling and showing the rosy picture of their future.