Government schools turn chic

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the government schools in the city flaunt bright shades on their walls this June, then consider the secret is out. For, the theory that looks are what matters seems to have gained roots. So much so that the City Corporation has passed on a message to schools to get themselves a chic look, so that students feel like dropping in. The Corporation had first tried its luck with experimental ‘painting’ at the Manacaud TTI School under the ‘Mathrika vidyalayam’ project. It had clicked. To the extent that admissions were full very early this time and parents had to load the school authorities with ‘VIP’ recommendations to earn a seat for their children. "The ambience that a school provides is something a parent looks out for now. With such stiff competition from private schools, it’s time our schools changed for the better,’’ said G Happykumar, Deputy Mayor. This time, the Corporation would select two schools under the project for a new look. While it was the label ‘English medium’ that was the selling point last academic year, it’s all about presenting themselves a new look and feel that schools are after this time. From gifts and kits to new buildings and benches, schools are gearing up for an opening that is pregnant with surprises for kids. All to avoid division fall. The role of sponsors has become rather important in schools with most of the PTAs, staff councils and ward councillors opting for their service, instead of going after the Corporation or the Government for each and every penny. Cotton Hill GHSS being a perfect example. In the Kattaikonam UPS, the students would be invited to the new ‘two-seaters’, instead of the long benches, where four or five had to squeeze together.  ‘’Many facilities in the school, including the garden, were possible because we received help from sponsors. We know how to put it to best use, so that children will have a good time here,’’ said M Nahas, Principal of Kattaikonam UPS.The Kerala State Teachers’ Association (KSTA) would be adopting two schools this year too - Kalady LPS and Kamaleshwaram UPS - to give them a helping hand. "All over the State, we have adopted more than 100 schools. We give attention to the students’ performances and infuse some energy into the overall performance of the school," said KSTA secretary Shajahan. Moving to the suburbs, the Pothencode UPS has big plans to welcome students this year. ‘’The school would invite its newcomers with a gift kit which will have pencils, books, a cutter, some crayons and balloons. We have designed little crowns for the newcomers which would be placed on their heads while ushering them to their classes,’’ said Anitha, headmistress of Pothencode UPS. The SMV School has decided to play up its SSLC result this year (achieving nearly 92 percent) to gain more attention. Showcasing the achievement and, at the same time, continuing helping the children from backward families is the school’s policy this time. The school has identified students who need uniform and other school items,  which would be provided to  them that in a confidential manner so that students do not feel embarrassed.Though all schools are gearing up for ‘preveshanotsavams’ in a big way, the swearing-in of MLAs on the same day as the reopening of schools has made it difficult for them to avail the service and presence of their elected representatives.