Thank you Lopen for your Relentless Support

A tent was pitched outside, a fire was built to balance cold, ample preparation was made to bid befitting farewell to our Vice Principal Kanjur Wangdi. But, many of us failed to notice this beauty as our eyesight was blurred by the whirlpool of tears. Most of our eyes were also fixed at Lopen enchanted by his words when he was informally sharing the story of how he started his career, how he dragged on through thick and thin, and how he finally reached his retirement age.

Adding 9 years of his stay here, VP has served in different schools of our country for the last forty two years. He had a Ulyssian story to share, ‘wherever I stayed - I was supported, loved, consulted by everyone – respected and was respected – I retire now surrounded by blankets of friends’.

To authenticate VP’s words, he is looked up to as point of reference by everyone and treated, given the rarity of his quality, as almost precious gem in our school. As VP he was shrewd administrator, as friend he was perfect, as teacher he was flawless and as person he was exemplary.

Baylling HSS formally waved farewell to our wholly contended, free of regrets, and much admired VP on 24^th October 2012. Au revoir, Lopen!  

Visit of His Eminence Khenchen Trelku Garab Dorji Rimpochhe

We are fortunate that we are located in the middle of religious sanctuaries in Trashiyangtse. We are, to say, almost the nucleus of different sanctuaries. Any Lama, Dignitary and Dasho visiting this place for religious purpose do not go without making their gracious visit to Baylling HSS.

Besides many dignitaries and dashos, we have in record the visit of His Holiness Je Khenpo, H.E. Rangshikhar Rimpochhe, Kanglung Khempo and Sey Dampa Trelku, H.E. Gyeltshen Trelku, H.E. Kuenga Rimpochhe, H.E. Jamgtruel Rimpochhe, H.E. Khamtruel Rimpochhe and H.E. Khenchen Trelku Garab Dorji Rimpochhe.

His Eminence Trelku Garab Dorji Rimpochhe made his gracious visit to our school on 8^th October 2012 en route to Chhugom Goenpa to preside over Dechen Zhingdrup Moenlam .  Chhugom Goempa is located about three kilometers to the North of our school. We are anticipating with excitement to receive Tsewang – blessing for long life on 17^th October 2012 at Langmadung PS.

The visit, discourse and blessing ceremonies make us culturally rich and spiritually strong. I see this to be a healthy growth and very much in line with our GNH philosophy of Cultural Preservation and Promotion.

Blessed be our society! 

BRIDGE Training

I attended BRIDGE (Building Resource in Democracy, Governance and Elections) Training from 10^th – 14^th September 2012 at Sherubtse College, kanglung. It was a wonderful experience. The principals, teachers and Gewog Administrative Officers from six eastern Dzongkhag have been invited to take part. There was a total participant of 29. It was funded by AusAID and organized by ECB.

It was educative. The head resource person Madam Cate Thompson, from Australian Election Commission has made all the programs based on participatory approach. For the whole five days, starting from 8.30am in the morning till 4.30 pm in the evening, we were thoroughly engaged. We enjoyed it. We did not know how those five days came to an end.

I was the one to make concluding remarks representing the principals who participated in the training. I mentioned the following words in my speech:

Five years ago, all Bhutanese were like children and they were guided, fed, taken care in every sphere by our His Majesty. Later His Majesty felt that we were grown up. Thus, He gave his wisdom to us in the form of democracy. Since then, we tried to stand on our own feet, made relationships and new friendships, learnt to manage conflicts, found solutions to so many problems and in the process of finding solutions to so many problems. The program like BRIDGE will go a long way in imparting an art of good governance and democracy to all Bhutanese.

With resource persons’ experience and enticing methods, we were engaged, entertained, new ideas stuffed in out head, broadened our outlook, and our eyes opened to ignorance and darkness. Let me on behalf of all principals, thank all resource persons in general for their wonderful lessons.

Madam Cate, on the first day you said that you do not have power and that you hate talking about the word empowerment and empowering others. But over these five days, we have come to learn that what you have said on the first day was totally wrong. The vigor and energy, lively nature, broad knowledge, inspiring details, guidance and skills you possess are seen to be your engrained power and that you have successfully transmitted it to us. With the power we have got from you, we feel confident to establish Democracy Club back in our school and make as many students of ours participate in voting.

Mr. Augusto, thank you for your humor, friendly nature and endless ideas on the election of different countries. We enjoyed your lesson and your presence of mind.

Let me not forget to thank Mr. Kinley, from Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB). He had shown his care and concern for each one of us asking whether we had accommodation or how were we planning to manage our logistics. Managing all those programs to the ones who could not manage on their own shows how dedicated and committed he is to his profession and his duty. That is amazing. I wish you continue doing that good job.

To tell a bit of myself, I am one focal person of Media Literacy club in my school through which we teach how to be creative, critical, analytical and to look at things beyond the box to students. In the process I have also become little critical in thought and speech. Pardon me, if I were too critical at times.

Last but not the least, let me thank AusAID for funding this program and ECB for organizing this wonderful, educative and eye opening program.

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.