Dr. Smita Gandhi, Principal, CP Goenka International School, Ulwe – Navi Mumbai

“विद्या धनं सर्वधनप्रधानम्” – Knowledge is wealth. And School is considered the store house of that wealth.

School plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. We, as children spend our most crucial developmental years in the school.  We meet our second Gurus, the first being parents, in the school. We attain wisdom, knowledge, life-skills in the school.

A school helps children prepare for the life by introducing them important life-skills like critical thinking, problem solving, time management, goal setting etc. The experiences at school lays a foundation of a strong value system and the character of the child. Hence it becomes paramount for every school to foster a positive school culture to ensure a long lasting positive impact on them, a culture where the learners feel welcomed, safe and secured, a culture which fosters a strong sense of belongingness in the students towards the school community.

The advantages of a positive school culture on students are many. To list a few here:

1. Improved motivation: A supportive and inclusive environment encourages students to participate and engage in learning.
2. Increased confidence: Positive relationships with teachers and peers boost self-esteem, helping students take risks and try new things.
3. Better attendance: Students are more likely to attend school regularly when they feel connected and valued.
4. Enhanced academic achievement: A positive school culture can lead to higher grades, test scores, and academic success.
5. Developed social skills: Students learn important life skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
6. Reduced stress and anxiety: A positive environment can lead to a decrease in stress and anxiety, creating a healthier learning space.
7. Increased student engagement: Students are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs.
8. Better teacher-student relationships: Positive relationships lead to more effective teaching and learning.
9. Improved mental health: A supportive culture can help students develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve their mental well-being.
10. Long-term success: A positive school culture can shape students’ futures, influencing their career paths, personal growth, and community involvement.

As a Principal of the school, I have experienced all these advantages in my children. There are many ways where you can develop a positive school culture.

Welcome: First and foremost, standing at the gate and welcoming your students daily with a smile. That is the best part of my day and sets a positive tone for the day.

Meditation and Prayer: Second, starting a day with a meditation. Our morning assemblies start with a calming music and medication followed by a small prayer.

Student-teacher relationship: An amicable, friendly, positive relationship between the teacher and the student gives them the confidence and the strength to face various challenges.

Appreciating every small act of the children, and not only academic achievements. Be it being neat and well dressed, their small acts of kindness, their completion of daily tasks, being regular to school, are the opportunities to be appreciated which makes them feel valued and belonged.

Celebrating successes, no matter how small.

Creating opportunities for the Student-led initiatives and involving them in decision making.

Student Voice and Choice: Encourage student participation in decision-making processes and offer choices in activities and projects.

Social-Emotional Learning: Teach skills like self-awareness, self-regulation, and conflict resolution.

Family Engagement: Involve parents and guardians in school events and activities.

And last but very important- open communication. Having an open door policy where the children can walk-in and openly share their thoughts, ideas etc.

At CP Goenka we firmly believe in this equation:

Happy Students + Happy Teachers= Happy School= Happy Planet.

Very rightly said by someone: Great school culture is not an accident. It happens when we recognize that we all depend on each other, and then work together to create supportive, caring conditions for everyone- students, teachers, support staff, guests, everyone!!

Let’s all give the upcoming generation an environment where they realise their full potential and give their best back to the society.

Also read: Unlocking Excellence: CP Goenka Group School’s journey of innovation and impact