Fostering connections via parent-school sessions for holistic growth

Parent engagement plays a pivotal role in fostering a child’s academic and personal growth. Sessions like ‘Coffee with the Principal’ bridge the gap between educators and families, creating a shared understanding of goals and strategies. These events empower parents to actively contribute to their children’s holistic development within a supportive community.

On January 11, 2025, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park hosted an engaging ‘Coffee with the Principal’ session tailored specifically for parents of PYP students. Commencing at 10 am in the AV Room, the event was graced by the presence of Principal Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashist, Vice-principal Ms Neha Sharma, and an enthusiastic gathering of over 25 parents, alongside a dedicated team of teachers.

The session began with a warm welcome from Mr Vashist and Ms Sharma, setting an inclusive and collaborative tone. They emphasised the significance of fostering a robust parent-school partnership for holistic student development. Shortly thereafter, Ms Iknoor Kohli, the school’s Psychology Facilitator, took centrestage to steer the proceedings. Her presentation meticulously addressed the concerns and aspirations of both new and existing PYP parents, making the session highly relevant and insightful.

A well-designed 10-minute ice-breaking activity served as the perfect prelude, enabling parents to ease into the interactive environment. The spotlight soon turned to Generation Alpha, aptly described as digital natives. Mrs Iknoor expounded on the unique characteristics of this generation, elucidating how parents can better support and understand their digitally-inclined children.

Ms Sharma then elaborated on the purpose of the session, emphasising the necessity of collaborative efforts between educators and parents to nurture students academically and co-scholastically.

Ms Sameeksha Bhatt, the PYP Coordinator, then took the reins with her spirited address. Extending a heartfelt welcome to the attendees, she delved into the intricacies of the PYP framework, shedding light on its core components like the learner profile and its attributes. She described how the programme cultivates well-rounded individuals, nurturing attributes such as inquiry, knowledge, communication, and open-mindedness. Her discourse was supplemented by a visually compelling presentation that celebrated the remarkable achievements of PYP students, providing parents with tangible evidence of the program’s impact.

She also unveiled the roadmap for the upcoming academic year, highlighting key initiatives like educational excursions, PYP assessments, and annual events. This segment not only informed parents but also ignited excitement and anticipation for the enriching experiences planned for the students.

One of the standout moments of the session was Ms Samiksha’s discussion on 5 Ways to Support Your Child as a PYP Parent. This segment resonated deeply with the audience, offering practical and actionable strategies to enhance their children’s learning journey. Parents were equipped with insights on how to approach their children’s inquiries, encourage problem-solving, and foster a growth-oriented mindset.

The session also provided a platform for parents to share their experiences. Mrs Ashu, mother of Nysha from Reception, expressed her delight, stating, “Ever since my daughter joined this school, I’ve witnessed healthy changes in her behaviour. She no longer brings just problems to me; she brings solutions. She has grown smarter and more self-assured, which reflects the transformative power of the IB curriculum.”

Similarly, Mrs Simran Soni, mother of Vedant Sehrawat from PYP-5, lauded the event’s meticulous planning and relevance. “It was an exceptionally well-organised session. Many pressing topics were addressed, which were much needed. I’m optimistic about seeing the positive changes discussed today implemented for the betterment of our children’s future,” she shared.

The event concluded with a dynamic 25-minute Q&A session, fostering an open dialogue between parents and educators. Questions were clarified, and discussions touched upon a spectrum of topics, including sports integrity, academic assessments, and parental involvement. The interactive nature of this segment underscored the school’s commitment to transparency and collaboration.

Amidst the engaging discussions, attendees enjoyed coffee and cookies, creating a convivial atmosphere that encouraged informal interactions. Parents were seen bonding with one another, building a supportive community that will undoubtedly contribute to their children’s success.

Overall, the ‘Coffee with the Principal was a resounding success, offering a well-rounded mix of information, interaction, and inspiration. It reinforced Apeejay’s commitment to nurturing not just students but also a thriving partnership with parents, ensuring a brighter future for the PYP learners. The session left everyone — teachers, parents, and school leaders feeling more connected and aligned in their shared mission of holistic education.

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