DEAR Editor,-
I have been a pupil, as well as a teacher at Jai Hind and subsequently went on to become a parent of two little girls at this fine establishment – until lately. I served briefly on the governing body (GB) at the school, in the hope that I would be able to make a positive change. However I learned the hard way that nothing positive can survive in a negative environment.
My message to the new governing body is to please understand that you hold in your hands the future of 1 000 innocent children who come to school every morning in search of a better life for themselves and their families.
Every choice and action that you, as the new GB makes, will positively or adversely affect their lives. Do not be manipulated and misled into decisions that further the agendas of individuals at the school, because I assure you that those very individuals have over the past 12 years taken that school from being one of the best establishments to one of the infamous schools in KZN.
With a very sad heart I made the very difficult decision of moving my daughters to another school. I appeal to the new GB to consider why head-hunting and chauffeuring of parents for GB elections during the year was so important. I urge you to question whether it is because there is a principal post that needs filling.
When appointing a principal to my ‘Alma mater’, remember that if a candidate is really worthy of the post, they would not need any assistance getting the job. Furthermore, if they were as excellent as they claim to be, then why have they not been appointed to any senior post at any school in the district?
To parents who believe not getting involved is better for your children, think again. Come February 2015, there will be a call for new GB members and then it will be your chance to rise up and demand the best for your children.
This will be the time for teachers to prove that they too want positive change by electing representatives who will bring about positive change. In my opinion, Jai Hind has had the same teacher representative for almost 12 years and if you look at the school’s record over those years, I think you will support my conclusions.
I thank the hardworking teachers who have given my daughters, and so many other children, strong foundations on which to lay their futures upon. I pray with all my heart that the school sees better days in years to come.
PRAVASHNIE RAJAGOPAL
