On Saturday, the 7th Jan'12 we had our staff meeting in Sandnya Srushti. Meeting started at 10:45 am and went till 1:00 pm. It was chaired by secretary along with Mr.Badkas and our Principal Shri Alok. The total staff present was 28 including staff working in garden as well. Mr. Alok talked about few routine administrative points. He stressed about the decorum and discipline of the evening prayer. He felt that most of the staff does not bring their students in time for "Pasaydan". Most of the staff said that the time is too short for them to bring their students to the prayer ground. By the time they reach to the prayer spot it is over and they have to rush students to the respective buses along with their school bags & tiffins etc. Staff members requested Principal to give them additional 10 mts. so that all students can take part in the prayer. Principal has agreed to this. The second thing which Principal raised about prayers, morning and evening was that most of the staff avoid praying vocally and it is only the prayer leader who's voice is heard. He insisted that all must say prayer loudly so that students will also follow. Mr. Badkas sir also emphasised the need of genuine involvement in prayer which is the integral part of our work. Mr. Pakhare, our Vocational trainer suggested that we should have a quality circle comprising of 3-4 staff members to ensure and maintain discipline and ethical code of conduct. The suggestion was accepted and three staff members are nominated for this "Quality circle". A good initiative indeed.
The case of Pratik was also discussed. This boy Pratik came in our school about one year back. His age is about 25 years and he had not gone to any special school before coming to us. thus he has lot of behavioral problems. First thing is he lacks social skills. Secondly he has developed "wondering habit". He is not only excessively lethargic but does not want to anything. He is over weight. As per his chronological age he should be in a working group. But he does not sit at a place for even 10 mts. Our vocational trainer and support staff are trying various techniques. Some times these children are to be mildly punished to understand the instruction. Secretary reminded the staff that at any cost no physical assault be used as a punishment. he reminded them that Sandnya does not allow any such punishment at any cost. It is utmost important that, mentally challenged should be sent to special school as early as possible and their should be consistency also. Otherwise in letter years it becomes very difficult to trained them. In this case of Pratik, secretary suggested to correct the environment around him so that his behavioral problems can be addressed more positively. The other topic discussed in the meeting was regarding absenteeism of students without intimation to the class teacher. There are habitual defaulters in this regard. There are few parents they simply do not comply with this request. Secretary suggested class teachers to identify such habitual defaulters and give these names to Principal. Our Principal in turn, shall talk to members of Matrusangharsh to help in this regard. Matrusangharsh is a non formal forum of mothers of our students. These mother members they meet every fortnight. These members can motivate these habitual defaulters to correct themselves.
Regular staff meetings is a integral part and important part of our work culture. It is through these staff meetings we not only maintain quality and discipline but try to work as a team. It is this effort on the part of the management that brings about exceptional progress in our mentally challenged students. These meetings also helps in resolving many problems faced by the staff in respect of infrastructure and their personal problems as well. Most of these meetings are chaired by the secretary and he encourages all staff members to talk and participate freely and openly without fear. Secretary informed the staff regarding two awareness meetings to be held in Sandnya Srushti on 12th and 14 th Jan'12. By: Navin Deshpande, Secretary
