Result Declaration Cum Parent-Teacher Meeting

Nothing comes easily. Something is demanded in exchange for something. Different people with different desires make various sacrifices. People work in breezy summer, expose to the coldest winter, struggle through the wildest sea storm, and set out into the unpredictable outer space for want of small pleasure. Students’ want is their result. Hard work, perseverance, patience and extra time are what they invest. Students of our school had done little more by bringing their doubts to teachers and making teachers clarify it to them. It is nothing wrong to anticipate plenty once one has sown a seed. So did our students.

Our teachers worked the whole mid-term break on students’ papers. They had assessed how logical, critical, creative and resourceful our students were. How expressive and content laden our students were had also been assessed by teachers. These areas are crucial for teachers to see as these reflect students’ real talent, the values they imbibe, and how worthy of them of His Majesty’s praise of our present youths as the ‘future leaders of our country’.  Some with smiles, some with strange stories, some with mixed feelings, the teaching faculty finally made the results ready two days before its declaration.

Students, especially day scholars, were asked to come to school with their parents on 28^th July 2012. We do not trouble the parents of boarder students as they reside far away from us. Moreover, we act as the parents or guardian to boarders. If seen necessary, we inform the parents of boarders over phone or through writing. As requested, about 150 parents came to school on 28^th July. The result declaration started by declaring the class toppers who are hard working, know the values of education, have leadership qualities embedded,  and examples to others in the morning assembly in presence of their parents. This is done to encourage not only students but also parents. When parents are encouraged, we believe, they will get enchanted to mould their child to be the best by encouraging them to study.

List of Class Toppers
	Position and Percentage
Class	First		Second		Third
XII Sc A	Kinley Dorji	77.21%	Chimi Rinzin	75.07%	Tashi Wangdi	69.93%
XII Sc B	Karma Wangdi	79.38%	Karma Tenzin	75.86%	Chorten Wangchuk	75.86%
XII Com	Karma Tshering	68.5%	Sherub Tshomo	68.4%	Tshering Yangki	62.4%
XI SC A	Sonam Gyeltshen	82.63%	Tshewang Gyeltshen	78.55%	Thinley Wangmo	77%
					Yeshi Choki	77%
XI Sc B	karma	73.71%	Passing	71%	Sonam Dema	69.25%
XI Com	Rinzin Dema	69.81%	Jamyang Phuntsho	66.94%	Karma Lhaden	64.63%
XI Arts	Loday Zangmo	75.43%	Karma Wangmo	74%	Karma Dema	73.14%
X A	Yoden Dema	85.53%	Deki Wangmo	83.33%	Rangmo	71.1%
X B	Ugyen Wangchuk	79.05%	Tshering Yangzom	72.13%	Duptho Zangmo	70.06%
X C	Ugyen Lhamo	70.41%	Sonam Jamtsho	64.52%	Tashi Dorji	63.39%
IX A	Karma Dema	84.66%	Tshering Choden	81.74%	Kinley Tobgay Dema	78.32%
IX B	Sangay C Wangmo	82.45%	Tshewang Pelden	78.85%	Tshering Dorji	75.58%
IX C	Cheki Wangmo	80.21%	Kinzang Tenzin	79.27%	Kunzang Chokey	77.41%
IX D	Yeshi Dema	83.1%	Sonam Chezom	81.78%	Deki Choden A	78.69%

Rest of the results was declared inside the classrooms wherein parents were invited to see and sign for their children.

Very shortly, we will organize ‘High Tea moment’ for our toppers. We have initiated this last year. This ‘high tea’ is organized to encourage the toppers to feel that it is their solemn duty to perform even better and also to garner feelings that toppers are respected and honored. We anticipate this feeling to develop even in non-toppers which would ultimately force them to work hard for that honor.

Short parent-teacher meeting was convened following the result declaration.

We have been organizing formal meeting so many times. Both parents and teachers have become tired of it. Particularly on that day, we have decided to have very informal interactive session in our assembly ground. Traditionally, a welcome tea was served and began asking some parents to express how they felt about their child or children’s performance. Some expressed satisfaction while some expressed regrets. That was expected.

Following that the two coordinators and I reminded them of various school rules. Mr. Jigme Tshering, academic coordinator reiterated parents of students’ attendance in the class and reminded not to allow students to remain home for no reason. He also reminded of 90% attendance requirement for one to be eligible for any examination. Mr. Chimi Dorji, non-academic coordinator informed the parents of the importance of students’ participation in co-curricular activities. However, he clarified to parents that school do not hold students back so late as an answer to the concern raised by some parents. He reminded parents to find out the truth from their children.

I shared to parents about the new disciplinary policy we have adopted. I took little more time to explain three different levels of procedures, actions and possible sanctions. I had to highlight the points like civil case, criminal case and how students would become automatically expelled if convicted by court for criminal offence. I also had to highlight that if any student is expelled from one school, he or she may not get admission anywhere in Bhutan. Problem related to drugs and alcohol, which is becoming a matter of concern especially with day scholars, too was discussed and cautioned parents to remain vigilant over their child at home.  

Driglam Namzha was thought to be a big deal by parents. I had to show that if parents take care of their children’s way of talking, eating habits,  and comment on dress code, the way of walking, and maintaining hair styles – much of it is done.  Students missing from school and having washed away by river were big news when we were having a session. Though I knew that parents would take care, yet I felt that it was my duty to remind them. So, I reminded parents not to send their children to the riverside for any reason.  

Upon asking what they feel about new disciplinary policy, while many chose to remain silent, many said that it is timely and it has to be implemented without second thought. Some said that they foresee little resistance but ultimately will bring good discipline in our youths. Some went to the extent of telling that a few persons who are caught by this new system will teach good lessons to the rest. Finally, parents agreed to extend their wholehearted support to school in implementing the new disciplinary policy.

My Feedback on New School Disciplinary Policy as Informed to Education Monitoring Officer (EMO), Paro

I consider 16^th April 2012 as one important day in the history of Baylling HSS. It was on that day I got an opportunity to meet our Hon’ble Secretary at Trashigang and hear from her in person the reasons that compelled Ministry to come up with new package of uniform discipline guidelines for schools across the kingdom. The reasons were lucid. The process to implement discipline procedures became even clearer.

I did not have slight problem in working out to bring new discipline framework for our school. I made it and presented it to our staff for suggestions, feedbacks and endorsement. With little suggestion for incorporation, based on our situation, the final discipline policy was unanimously endorsed. It has now become a much coveted documents.

Within next few days, on 30^th April 2012, special morning assembly was conducted in our MPH. We sacrificed singing our normal prayer for Goddess Jampelyang by making silent prayer at heart to Her to permit us to discuss our discipline policy with students. We have especially chosen morning assembly time because we thought that students are highly alert and active in the morning hours and that they would be able to understand more and make knee-deep participation. As expected there was very high participation. Students took part in expressing their appreciation. One girl student even said that ‘because of a few friends, our school was not spared from blames in the past. Now, with the introduction of new discipline policy, everybody is chained to good work. I feel fortunate, such change is happening during our time.’ There wasn’t any student who said no to the new discipline policy. Thus, the new guidelines from Ministry, with few additional points of our own based on our situation, was adopted as School Disciplinary Policy.

Since that day, whenever necessary, we keep reminding in the mass about what had been discussed and decided. Maybe because of the adoption, or maybe because of firm and consistent implementation, or may be because of constant reminder, we have seen a drastic improvement in our students’ behavior. In the past, we had students who were into drugs, petty theft, alcoholism and high cases of absenteeism. Now, it is not to say we do not have it, but drastically reduced and dying out. It will not take long to see that all youths become productive and serving our nation in the true spirit of his or her mind and fulfilling His Majesty’s wish of seeing potential leaders in the present youths.

Students know that if they are expelled from one school they will not get admission in any school within Bhutan. No matter whether we expel them or not, but this clause itself puts constant fear and reminds students to refrain from indulging in any activity that would compel school to expel them. Thus, they behave well, remain attentive in classes, keep away from evils, and present in all school activities.

Teachers have regained their old lost respect now. They feel much respected and comfortable. Some of our teachers have said:

1. Good step taken by MoE for betterment of students’ learning and to discourage the inward inert criminal nature to crop out. But all individual school needs to implement constantly.
2. The Policy is fair and based on the responsibility an individual must play in the democratic society.
3. I see it to be better than the previous one. Students are improving. Things are moving forward as expected.

I too feel that our ministry has made an intervention at the right time. This will restore many good values and bring many happy returns. Kudos to our Secretary and a team who envisioned and initiated this noble venture!   

Yonten Jamtsho

    Principal       

2^nd August 2012

What is Sustainable Development?

“Sustainable development means survival” Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchen Jigme Y. Thinley said in his opening speech in Rio, Brazil during the recent UN conference on Sustainable Development. He also added that ‘sustainability, wellbeing and happiness are still within our reach’, ‘sustainability is absolutely necessary and not a choice’ (Kuensel, 22^nd June 2012).

Sustainable development, according to the World Commission on Environment and Development: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development means bringing prosperity, improvement in the quality of life, meeting our desires and aspirations by reducing pollution and waste, without damaging the prospects of future generations and by helping our neighbors preserve common resources. Time has really become crucial for all of us to work in partnership with one another towards sustainable development. Every individual, every business, and every government must play their distinctive parts.

To my understanding and to put it in the simple words; sustainable development means using available resources judiciously, remaining satisfied with what we have, not crave for something that is not ours and think and leave a share for the future generations. 

If we play our part and take care of our own premises, I feel the world will take care of itself automatically.

My Favourite Kitten, Morab

Morab, my beautiful kitten, beloved one of my family members made whole members grieve when she found her family circle and bade us farewell on 19^th July 2012. She was the only survivor of the three kittens given birth by their mother. The other two succumbed to strange disease, which the Veterinary doctor could not detect, in the cold month of February 2012. Morab was the most beautiful of the three. So, we named her Morab meaning ‘the beautiful’.       

She was handed over to her new owner with heavy heart and lots of kisses of love. It was not without difficulty. Our eyes, my wife and mine, became filled with tears that blocked our vision. When she was taken from us she uttered ‘maio’ as if like telling us that she is going away from us. We could not summon courage against our emotions to look after her when she was literally taken away from us by her new owner saying that she will take good care of Morab. The separation was almost like parents separating from their beloved children because the close bondage we had with Morab was not less than parents and children.

One may ask why then did we separate from each other’s company. The reason was unfortunate. Her mother gave birth to another three kittens. All three are seen like females. Morab herself reached the stage where she can conceive any time. It was foreseen that our house may become breeding centre of cats. Kittens stay only with us. It does not enjoy staying in the separate rooms once it becomes acquainted with us. Moreover, Kittens defecate everywhere. It emits foul smell. Such smell is not welcoming especially to the outside guests. This simple reason prompted my wife and me not to object to new owner when she came to ask for it.

Later I realized that we could have at least waited to get consent from our elder daughter who loves animals more than anybody in the family. Once when Morab became sick and denied to take anything, she wept quietly and denied to take her meals. We thought that even our eldest daughter would fall sick. Fortunately, Morab became alright which returned my daughter’s joy and appetite. Same thing may not happen this time and I must not let it happen. The first thing she asked when she came home from school was ‘where is Morab?’ She knows that Morab gets inside the house along with her when she comes from school normally.  Mother and I were guilty, we could not say anything. Standing quietly for sometime waiting for our response, she understood the matter. She went to her room, placed her books in front and was pretending to write home works in our presence. However, her eyes were red and watery. I went near her and consoled her by saying that all three kittens we have at present are hers and that all three will not be given to anyone.

Nothing remains firm forever. Looking at my family’s exceptional love for animals, infliction of unbearable pain of separation, and the prick of suffering from indecisiveness make me feel that I will remain good but not become too close with any animal hereafter.          

    

Dawn till Dusk

Early in the morning I get up, brush my teeth, and go to my altar to make water offering on normal days and to light butter lamps as well on special occasions. In doing so I always chant ‘Baza Guru’ though I do not know any other prayers by heart. Next I go to the kitchen, prepare tea and if I have lesson to prepare I do that. Otherwise I open my laptop and do something with it.

As I have to take medicines, I do not skip any meal. After breakfast, I come to school to start assembly and begin classes. Though most of the time, assembly passes without my comment, yet sometimes, good things that deserve praises as well as something unpleasant that needs public denouncement propel me to speak. My day begins; conducting short meeting, seeking suggestions, and making informal talks with my colleagues.

I get my period either in second or third period. Prior to my lessons, to energize or to seek attention, I talk to my students for about 5-10 minutes. The topic I share varies. It is not related to the topics that I teach as part of the class. I talk of values like the need to respect time in life, abiding by the sense of punctuality, having the feeling of patriotism, practicing driglam Namzha, observing Bhutanese etiquette everywhere, and commenting on the recent developments in school and many more. Class starts by observing short silence. As far as I am concerned, I am feeling that my class is getting lively and interactive. Many students tell too. However, I do not know for sure. I do not have documentary film or statistical data to support my assumptions.

Unless we have other special programs, my school time ends by 3.45 pm bell. I go home. I engage myself in helping my wife with gardening work when she has her work in our kitchen garden. I have to engage myself in some ways otherwise I become restless. If not in the kitchen garden, I have to either pick a book and read it with pillow under my neck, or watch news channels in the TV, or go round school campus or take a peaceful nap. That has to be done. It has become my routine.

At 7.00pm, I listen to BBS news. At 8.30 pm, I watch Hindi serial till 9.30 pm. There ends my day.

It is good, I am doing something. But am I doing what I am supposed to do. Have I come just for those programs? Have I not been sent to practice the teachings of Lord Buddha? Falling hair making head bald or hair turning grey on my head is apparent. Am I ...not... getting late?        

Do not judge book by cover, man by face!

Men are born different. They are like books with different covers. Unless you read a book you will not understand the real content of it. It will be an utter misjudgment to comment of it by looking at its cover. You may have to repent if you set aside some books concluding it to be worthless looking at its cover.

So is the case with men. Some are born with scary looks but soft inside, some are with peaceful face but filled with negativism inside, some are born talkative, some are reserved, some anticipates respect while some respect others. It would be equally wrong and regrettable thing to judge a man by looking at his external face. To discover precious gold or less important charcoal, one has to have close acquaintance with a man at least over months. It would be inadequate to judge a man by talking for an hour or so. 

It is sad thing to note that  many do conclude of man in a wrong way quite often. Many bosses think that the subordinates who remain simple and respectful to them are incapable. They do not see whether the subordinate does anything worthwhile or not. They finalize it by concluding that such subordinates do not perform duty effectively.  On the contrary, no matter what but they think the persons who talk to them directly without respect are highly capable.

I feel this is one mistake our bosses are committing. I am in a cross road and wondering whether I should also talk to my seniors, superiors in equal terms to gain their assurance. If I really want to do that I can! 

School Foundation day (10th March 2012)

Today, we are celebrating our 8^th School Foundation day. We are very young, very tender comparing to school like Ugyen Dorji Higher Secondary School which will be celebrating its centennial, hundred years of its foundation this May 2^nd coinciding with our Teachers’ Day. Though young, yet we have run a race with them, we have given them neck to neck competition, we have left some of the established schools far behind, we are running at par with some of them and we are about to catch some of the highly established and reputed schools of our kingdom. This race will go on. It will never stop.

In the process, we have made lot of changes and brought lot of new development. I have a long list of achievement to share. But, in the interest of time, I will not share all that. However, I will not feel comfortable or happy, if I do not share about the academic achievement of our school over the years.

In 2008, one year prior to my joining this school, I was told that there were 14 students who got professional courses abroad. In 2009, there were 11 of them who got professional courses. In 2010, it was little unfortunate, only 2 students qualified for professional courses. However, we have started rising to our former position in 2012. We have 6 students who got professional courses. Many of them got CST, kharbandi, many in Sherubtse College, Geddu College and in other premier institutes.

Comparing to our population and size of our land, producing that many intellectuals is also a huge contribution to our country. Not far from now, we would see lots of doctors in hospitals, lots of engineers in the mega project construction site, many architects, highly demanded in the construction site and many reputed teachers in the highly renowned schools from Baylling. I can foresee it. It is not so far. I will be able to see that type of situation in my own life time.

 Another significant, hallmark, milestone our school is achieving is the launch of our school’s website. We have launched this to link ourselves with the education fraternity of our country and of the world.  With the launch, we have enabled our students and everyone to keep our school on their fingertips, enabled to take Baylling HSS very close to their hearts at home, in the market, different parts of our country and the world.  You can view your results, programs of the school, infrastructure and many more of our school from anywhere. You can now only click on to our web address or domain name www.bayllinghss.edu.bt.

It has been my dream and passion to create website for our school for the last two years. Only today, 10^th March 2012, I see my dream getting fulfilled, my dream coming true. This day is significant not only in relation to our school, it is also so significant in relation to my personal life.

Success of this program is because of our friend, Mr. Sajeev NM, whom I like to designate as web master or web administrator. I like to acknowledge him. He has sacrificed whole winter learning the ways to design, upload and use different colour patterns. He had done all that making personal payment. Thank you, Mr. Sajeev. I also like to thank Mr. Nima Tshering, Chief Editor of our Newsletters for his contribution in the newsletter pages and Ms. Rigzin Yangchen for her invaluable contribution in the newsletter.

Before I conclude, I request our today’s Guest of Honor, to kindly grace our ceremony of launching our website into the air traffic. ….

Thank you, Sir, for launching our web with your prayer so pure. With due respect to our guest of honor, I declare our web opened to air traffic.

Wish everyone a very very Happy School Foundation Day. Many many happy returns of the day!