The Orchid School

Baner, Pune

Date-5-01-2012                                                                                               Circular No. TOS/FRO/CIR/FS/11-12/14

Dear Parents,

            Over the years at Orchid, we have watched classrooms become small communities in their own ways, with classes developing a culture of their own, children playing certain roles, certain groups taking on specific identities. While this has merits of its own, and is beneficial since each child knows his/her role, image and may be secure in that, at times the familiarity becomes stifling and for many it tends to become an unfair system.

After a lot of reflection and discussions on this concern with children, teachers and parents since last year, the school has decided to shuffle all classes every three years. This process will be done in a random manner, the only focus being the girl-boy ratio. The divisions assigned will be final; any requests or applications to change the division will not be considered. 

• In the coming academic year i.e. 2012-13, all classes from current class I (Cyan, Sapphire and Aquamarine) to current class VIII (Maroon and Garnet) will be shuffled.

• The next cycle for shuffling would be in the academic year 2016-17, for all classes from Class I going to Class II and from Class VII going to Class VIII.

We view this shuffling as a process that will help children to develop bonds, relationships, while allowing them the experience of gaining more skills as they make new friends, negotiate friendships across levels and allowing them and others to experience different aspects of their personality. The time span of “three years” gives them a fair balance between constancy, predictability and change.

Like any change, we do understand that this one too will have its share of resistance. We require your support to help make this transition an easy one for them. Healthy attitudes, positive perspectives, showing them possibilities will help them adapt to their new class room and peers smoothly. In the long run, this is a valuable learning for life, in the secure environment provided at school.

Looking forward to your co-operation.

Thank you,