On the 6th of February 2020, parents and guardians of JSS1 students showed up in large numbers to meet the Principal, the Head of Learning and the Head of Pastoral; Mr Rowland Eno, Mr Chris Akinsowon, Mr Olusegun Adesanmi respectively, in a “Coffee with Principal Session”.
The aim of the meeting was to update the parents with latest information and development concerning academics and pastoral care in the school, especially the junior school. Parents were allowed to use the platform to ask questions freely on areas that bordered on the academic welfare and performance of the school.
The principal, Mr. Rowland Eno, started with an opening address to welcome the esteemed parents. He then carried out a summary of the school’s activities since resumption. Shortly after, the Head of Learning; Mr Chris Akinsowon rose up to outline the agenda for the meeting, starting with the academic programmes for the term. He spoke on excursions and in-school engagements, like extra lessons for students, house camping, drama competitions, and in-door sports, to enrich their stay in the school academically and socially.
Another topical issue discussed was bullying. He mentioned various steps taken by the school to curb the menace, as it affected students’ performance and self esteem. The principal also highlighted the strategies put in place to punish erring students in ways that address their behavior socially and academically. He mentioned that a disciplinary committee was also put in place comprising of mainly teachers authorized to handle bullying cases before reporting to him. Punishments to defaulters are meted out commensurately, thereby reducing the burden on the hostel masters and mistresses.
Parents received the news with joy as they looked forward to the school addressing this issue of bullying permanently. Mr Rowland Eno therefore advised parents to encourage their wards to speak out and to report any cases freely.
The Head of Pastoral, Mr. Olusegun Adesanmi stood up to re-assure the parents that the school will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the hostels remain “a home away from home” for the children.
After a series of questions and answers that bordered on midterm dates, open-day, exams and vacation dates, the meeting came to an end as parents began to move out for their light breakfasts and hot coffees.
Shortly after, the parents were guided to the boarding section of the school to inspect the hostel facilities and the clinic. They were immediately reunited with their wards to catch up on old times.
