new A to Z

Director’s / Principal’s Desk

A - Z

READY REFERENCE REGARDING TOS

POLICY, PROCEDURE, PROGRAMME, PEOPLE

2011 - 2012

Dear TOS Parents,

Greetings from TOS!

We have compiled a compendium of information that you need to know about TOS - in terms of the 4 “P” s - POLICY, PROCEDURE, PROGRAMME and PEOPLE.

This is to keep you well - informed and updated about school matters that concern you. Do go through it time and again to make best use of this booklet. This is an updated version for the academic year 2011-12.

A to Z also featured on the website.TOS Management reserves the sole right to make changes, introduce new relevant policies as and when situations and realities demand.

Have a great year ahead!

TOS Team.

A-Z READY REFERENCE

Attitude:

Having positive, respectful attitude towards your child's school, teachers, administrators, service staff, class mates and other parents help.

In return, parents too get respect and attention as positive energy attracts everyone.

Approach:

TOS believes in child-centric education and adult centric work, in a conducive learning environment.

You can approach any of the Unit heads/Coordinators/Principal/Director for any of your queries and concerns. Refer to Questions - who will answer what.

Everything related to the child gets attention at TOS. The approach to deal with the matter may differ. Confidentiality is maintained and no child gets targeted. This is our commitment.

Abuse:

Corporal punishment, humiliation or verbal abuse by any staff is unacceptable and will be dealt with strictly.

Administration:

Approachable, transparent and open. All the paperwork, organizational and administrative processes of the institution are done in a cooperative spirit.

All unit heads and coordinators are in one way or other part of the administrative task force. It is decentralized so respective domain heads become decision making authority or part of the process.

Advise:

We can all benefit from the advise and experience of others but if done with the spirit of support and keeping certain realities in context.

Admission :

Online admissions-Registration form for admissions for all levels needs to be filled up and submitted online. Please visit the website- www.theorchidschool.org for more details about the admission process.

Admission is open to all children irrespective of race, nationality, religion, caste or gender.

Only 35 children per division, 2 or 3 divisions per level.

Sibling (only directly related) may be given preference.

The child needs to fulfill age criteria as stipulated by the School Managing Committee and ratified upon.

No interview or test for Pre-Primary level (Nursery to Senior K.G).

Entrance test for Std. II , III (Math & English) IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX(Hindi, Math & English)

Std. I children to be tested orally for comprehension and conversation.

Foreign nationals need to secure appropriate visa / resident permit and submit relevant documents at the time of admission.

Special provisions available for admission of children who come to India on short term visit by completing admission formalities and payment of necessary fees or with special considerations by the school managing committee.

Children can hold the admission already procured, if they are away for short duration or if they are going out of India, accompanying their parents on their work assignments. Maximum period of 6 months for Pre-Primary level and maximum one month for Classes I to IX. 70% attendance is compulsory for Classes I to IX. Permission has to be taken in writing from the Principal in advance.

Admission withdrawal:

From parent side

If parent wants to withdraw admission they need to complete the following process:

Give an application for withdrawal with the last date of child attending school.

Fill the T.C. (transfer certificate) application form which is available at the school office.

Transfer certificate will be processed within 10 days from the date of the application.

Either of the bona fide Parent has the right to withdraw the admission of their ward, unless school is informed otherwise, especially in case of family disputes or custodial fights.

Admission Cancellation:

From school side

Absenteeism without prior permission or intimation to school authorities beyond one month.

Less than 70% attendance in the year.

Non-payment of fees beyond one month after due date.

Incomplete payment of fees at the time of admission or installment.

Non-submission of necessary documents or submission of fake documents.

Violation of school rules as given in A to Z and student diary.

Assembly:

Assembly is a collective space every morning for the primary and the secondary school children and teachers.

This space is used for prayer, meditation, announcements, music, messages, birthday celebrations, open forum for discussions, presentations on festivals or on general awareness, debate, inviting visitors and school rules reinforcement.

There will be regular assemblies for Primary and Secondary School.

Assembly time will be 8.35 am to 9.00 am. Compulsory attendance for students and staff.

Attendance :

First day and last day of school after and before vacation is compulsory.

70% attendance is compulsory for Classes I to IX as stipulated by the government. Failure to meet up the norms may lead to consequences like retention in same class or cancellation of admission.

Absence of prior permission for long leave may affect promotion to next class.

Attendance for class concerts, sports day, annual day, national festivals, first day and last day of long vacation would be compulsory.

Missing key events will feature in the students report as a negative remark and will affect their cumulative evaluation in the non scholastic domain. Through this we aim to instill a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.

Secondary school will work only on two Saturdays per month as marked in school calendar. Saturday attendance is compulsory. It adds to cumulative attendance and continuous evaluation in the non scholastic domain.

Note:

For medical reasons, a medical certificate needs to be submitted to the school.

Parents to fill up leave record form printed in the student diary. In case of failure to do so the report card of the term will be withheld till penalty dues are cleared.

Address:

Enter correct address in student diary, student identity card, parent information and resource sheet.

Please inform the school of any change in address. Correct information enhances the smooth flow of communication.

Affiliation:

We are affiliated to the CBSE Board. We have received the 'Composite Provisional Affiliation' up to Secondary level.

Appointment:

To meet Director/Principal/Unit Heads/Coordinators/Teachers -

Class teachers, subject teachers and the special educators- after school hours (i.e., after 12.30 pm for Pre-Primary section and after 3.15 pm for Primary and Secondary section).

Prior intimation (date and time) must be communicated to the concerned class teacher to avoid waiting and disappointment.

Director, Principal, Unit Heads and Coordinators -Thursday 2.00 to 4.00pm. Appointment can be taken from school office in person, via mail or over the phone.

Assessment:

Assessments are on-going and continuous that cover scholastic, personality and co-curricular aspects.They are done in such a way that inter-learner comparisons and fear of external examinations are minimized.

Pre-Primary

Assessment are done based on one on one observation of oral, practical and basic written exercise through work sheets.

Primary

Class I and II have cyclic tests

Class I 20 marks each subject

Class II 25 marks each subject

Class III to V has two Unit Tests and two Term End Tests.

Unit Test

Class III - 25 marks each subject

Class IV & V 50 marks each subject

Term End Test

Class III - 50 marks each subject

Class IV & V- 75 marks each subject

See calendar for dates and months

Secondary

Classes VI to IX follow the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) that emphasizes on assessment of both scholastic, co - scholastic and non- scholastic performances.

Evaluation of Academic subjects has 4 Formative Assessment (FA) and 2 Summative Assessments (SA). See break up below -

Type of Assessment Percentage of Month Term wise weightage

weightage in

Academic session

FIRST TERM

FA - 1 10% April - June FA 1 + FA 2 = 20 %

FA- 2 10% July - August

SA - 1 30 % September SA 1 = 30%

SECOND TERM

FA - 3 10% November FA 3 + FA 4 = 20 %

FA - 4 10% January - February

SA - 2 30 % March SA 2 = 30%

Total FA = FA 1 + FA2 + FA 3 +FA 4 = 40 %

SA = SA 1 + SA 2 = 60 %

Appreciation:

Appreciate your child's work from time to time. It will prove as a great motivation to perform better.

Also the teachers, who play an important role in shaping your child's future, deserve to receive positive feedback from you. Do mail your word of appreciation, send it through the diary or communicate in person.

Teachers also must send a note of appreciation to parents for their valuable inputs and help, as and when it is received.

Activities:

General -

Activities play an important part in the holistic development of a child. From Nursery to Std. V, the children are exposed to all the activities namely Music, Dance, Art, Craft, Cooking days, Field trips, and more. There are a myriad of project related activities and learning experiences for all class levels.

For secondary school, there are project related activities, events and competitions planned through the year. Fine Arts program and Sports program move towards specialization and are based on choice and interest.

Specific -

1) Golden time- From Std. VI to VIII.

Golden time is time for students to develop skills and hobbies of their choice. This period is once a week. It includes options like Science club, Taekwondo, Speech and Drama club , Literary club, Craft and Embroidery and Skating.

2) Performing Arts

From Std. IV to VII

Students will get music, dance and percussion exposure as a compulsory Class in Class IV and V. Class VI and VII will need to choose one option in each of the art form, namely music, dance and percussion. Options are given below -

Vocal Music - Western or Semi-Classical

Dance - Contemporary, Kathak or Bharatnatyam.

Percussion - Drums or Tabla.

For Std. VIII and IX

Students will need to choose one of the three art forms - music, dance or percussion.

3) Team Sports and Coaching - From Std. V onwards.

Sports coaching for Classes V,VI, VII , VIII and IX is conducted at Balewadi sports stadium once every week. The school has hired the premises on a regular basis.

The students need to choose between cricket, football, basket ball, athletics or volley ball.

Special coaches are appointed to train students for the above sports.

Awards:

Caring Class Award - It is a rotating award given to the most deserving class, who inspire other classes to follow rules, exhibit a caring attitude all through the term. Thus, bringing in an overall positive, desirable change in whole school discipline.

Outstanding Achievement Award - Students showing excellence in scholastic/ co-scholastic /non-scholastic aspects will receive an award.

Employee Excellence Award - It is given to employees in recognition for their exemplary performance.

We are seeking endowment, memorial awards and scholarships from the parents and outside community for outstanding achievement by students.

Behavior:

Parents - Your words, actions , body language, attitude and behavior influences and impacts the quality of relationship you will develop with the school authorities, your child's teacher/s and his/her friends. The choice is in your hand. Just remember- Your child is watching you.

Children- Refer to diary for all boundaries, rules and regulations that will govern their behavior.

Birthdays:

Birthday is a special day for the child. Birthdays are acknowledged at school assemblies with community singing.

Students may come in colour dress.

Distribution of gifts or chocolates is strictly not permitted. They will be returned if sent with the child.

Do not send birthday invitations for other children along with your child.

Bags:

Child should carry appropriate size bag.

There are shelves in the classroom which can store the text books and note books.

Hence the child should carry home only those books which are relevant in terms of homework or preparation for an exam.

This way the weight of the bag is reduced and the child is not burdened with carrying a heavy bag.

The child must carry the school diary and required stationery regularly to school.

What to carry other than the books?

Nursery- to Sr. K.G: School diary, napkin, water bottle, snack box, a set of clothes (only Nursery)- all duly labeled.

Std I to Std IX: School diary, napkin, water bottle, snack box, lunch box, pencil box ( with 3 sharpened pencils, eraser, ruler and a sharpener) ,books and note books according to the time table, a cloth bag for library book All duly labeled. Pens are used for writing from Std. VI.

Children are not permitted to carry any personal belongings, toys, special books, fancy stationery or items, unless asked for.

Bargain:

Not allowed for late fees, late coming, missing important days etc. Stick to the stipulated rules please.

Choir:

The School has a formal choir group. Students are chosen from Std.III to V for the junior choir and from Std VI to Std. VIII for the senior choir, the music teacher trains them in choir singing. They usually perform on important events. TOS participates in 'School Festival of Choir' every year.

Reception Desk- +91-20-66202702, 65007681

E-mail- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website- www.theorchidschool.org

Address: The Orchid school, Baner Mhalunge Road, Baner, Pune -411045. Maharashtra, India.

Communication:

You can use the student diary to communicate with your child's teacher.

Send a note, e-mail to the Unit Head/Coordinator / Principal /Director. Or

Call us on the land line phone (not on our mobile please).

Class Parent Volunteer System:

It has been initiated:

To take advantage of talents, abilities, interest and time to increase the richness of your child's program.

To tap on resources available within the reach of Parent community.

To help, assist and support the class teacher in coordinating class related activities.

To create and develop productive, positive and harmonious partnership between home and school.

To pass on any important/urgent messages to all parents in the class through the chain link concept.

Some areas where a Parent Volunteer/s can participate or help are:

Substitution

Class Project/s

Art

Prop making

Developing Teaching aids

Cooking days

Story telling sessions

Class level and school event/s

Sports day

Concerts

Cultural programs

Publishing

Customs and Festivals

Class presentations

Field trips

The selected class parent volunteers will have regular touch base meetings with their respective class teacher.

The class volunteer system is not:

A platform to table your grievances and complaints.

A place to bring views for personal benefit or personal interest (eg. for your child alone)

A space to advice, advocate views that challenge the basic ideologies and ethos of our school.

Counselling:

We have 2 in-house counsellors at school. Parents and teachers can approach the counsellors to discuss and work on strategies to help with any concern regarding a child.

Children, on their own often approach the counsellors as well, to talk about issues they face or even just to share moments from their life.

Circulars:

Regular circulars concerning administration, announcements, events, changes in calendar, etc are sent.

Some circulars are for the whole school, and some are specific to the level or class. It is also indicated in the diary when sent. Please acknowledge by signing the diary.

Read and file them so it is available for ready reference.

Most of the circulars are also featured on our web site.

Calendar:

Please refer to the school calendar for all the events of the year and follow them accordingly.

Plan your vacation, personal engagements accordingly.

Management reserves the right to review policy regarding this.

If there are any changes in the planned activities or events due to unforseen situations, then it will be notified to you via a circular/sms/mail.

Competition:

We encourage equal opportunity and exposure in early years for all children (up to elementary level), to develop a cooperative spirit and giving scope for100% participation.

As the child gets more competent and confident with different skills, abilities and maturity to understand the concept of competition, appropriate events get introduced.

Inter house events are competitive in nature and are scheduled in the Calendar for Secondary school. Students will also be encouraged to participate in inter school events.

Concerts:

Class concerts are events where opportunity is given to every child, to be on stage to showcase abilities, create confidence and provide learning possibilities for all.

The emphasis is not on periphery but to create an ambience and atmosphere that is not so threatening for the performers. Informality is maintained.

At the secondary school level, concerts will also be a platform for learning stage related skills. Therefore secondary school will have participation on stage or back stage depending on aptitude and talent of the child.

Camps:

Camps are a good learning ground for our children to be able to face life's challenges and be prepared to tackle any situation. Nature can be the best classroom for our young impressionable minds. An outdoor experience with excellent guidance and peers can be the most defining and positive experience in a young life.

Environment /Adventure camps/Excursions, etc , will be optional and need to be paid for by parents . The school will organize these trips for children to get added exposure to outdoor exploration. See calendar for dates and eligibility.

The 'Rural Camp' for Std. VII students and 'Night Out Camp' for Std. IV is compulsory and paid by school. They should not miss these rich learning experiences.

Curriculum:

We follow NCERT guidelines and text books printed on lines of NCERT curriculum.

CBSE recommends schools to follow NCERT curriculum and base its programme National Curriculum Framework. (NCF).

TOS has modified and developed its own curriculum based on the above framework.

We follow the XSEED curriculum from Std I to V. See XSEED.

Std. IX and X will follow curriculum and syllabus prescribed by CBSE.

Core choices:

NCLB: No child left behind

PBL Method-Project based learning

Inclusive education

Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation.

Experiential Learning

Consequences:

Consequences help children to understand that every action has an outcome. It will help the child to learn responsible behaviour and that they are accountable for their actions, without damaging their self-esteem.

As per TOS discipline policy, sanctions as well as rewards form an integral part. Consequences may range from time out for an activity during school hours or missing play during lunch time.

Severe action or behaviour that is hurtful, destructive or harmful to other children will lead to detention after school hours to suspension for day(s) or any other corrective and remedial measure as per the case.

Refer to 'Whole School Discipline Policy' in student diary.

Departments:

We have academic and administrative departments.

Each department has a head and sub-heads for implementing and monitoring our programme. Check the “Organogram” for more details.

Detention :

It is consequence for the child for not doing Home Work or for incomplete class work.

Detention will be after school from 3.15 pm to 4.00 pm, as informed by the teacher. Detention is applicable only for Std. III and above. Jr KG to Std. II will bear the consequence at the discretion of the teacher, during school hours.

The child will be monitored by the teacher.

Parents will be informed in advance about the detention through a note in the diary or a phone call. Parents will have to make their own arrangements to pick up the child at 4 pm on the day of detention.

Incomplete homework will be recorded by the teacher in the diary. Detention will be exercised after three remarks in the diary.

Dress Code :

Refer to uniform for the details.

Diary for Students:

The diary must be brought to school every day.

It should be properly maintained.

Tearing of pages or scribbling unwanted details is strictly prohibited.

Parents to go through the diary everyday and sign the appropriate page to acknowledge that they have read all the messages and entries.

Parents are expected to acknowledge all the entries made. It is their responsibility to supervise their child's homework/ assignment.

Parents are requested to fill in the forms- Parental Consent, Declaration, Medical form Parent's Information Sheet, Parent Volunteer form and hand it over to the class teacher on the first week of the school.

Diary will also keep record of student's incompletion of HW/overall conduct of behaviour. Refer to Consequence and Discipline.

Any change in home address or contact numbers must be intimated to the school office and the class teacher through the 'Address change form' available in the office.

The loss of the diary should be brought to the notice of the class teacher. If not traceable, a new one should be purchased at the school office at a cost of Rs. 100/-.

Discipline:

For Parents:

Parents need to be aware of the school's rules to follow them.

Discipline at home also requires certain ground rules, consistency and consequences.

Parents should cooperate with the school by implementing the suggestions made by the school - regarding parking, dress code for their child, attendance, arrival time to school, lunch policy, security requirements etc.

Talk to the child about his/her behaviour and alternative ways for expressing himself/herself.

For Children:

Refer to the School Diary for the Discipline Policy.

There will be a consequence for mis-conduct , depending on the gravity of the offence an official warning letter sent to the parent , suspension for a certain period of time or special remedial measures in extreme cases.

Events:

All through the academic year various events are held in the School.

All the events are marked in the school calendar for the academic year and distributed evenly.

There are macro - level school events like the Founder's Day, Independence Day and Republic Day, Concerts and Sports days, Art exhibition, Festivals.

There are various inter-house events held like Debate, Quiz , sports matches like Cricket, Basketball, Volleyball etc.

File:

File all documents related to the School like - fee challans, circulars, deposit receipts for future references.

Furniture:

Our furniture or no-furniture choices are mainly driven by child's chronological age, its developmental milestones, methodologies suitable at that age, expert's recommendation and learning stage they are in.

Food:

Students to bring a finger snack /meal for their short break/lunch break respectively.

Children should be encouraged to eat healthy wholesome food. Avoid sending junk food.

Inform/ indicate in writing to class teacher about any food allergy your child may have.

First Aid: Infirmary

In case the child gets ill or hurt during the school hours, parents will be called.

First-aid and sick bay are available for the child to rest until the parents come to pick up the child.

'Doctor on call' will be available.

Full time in-house nurse to attend to all ailments and emergencies.

In case of an emergency the child will be rushed and admitted to Medipoint hospital (duly accompanied by our staff) and parents will be informed.

Field Trips:

Out-of-school educational trips supplement the experiences provided in a traditional regular classroom-based teaching and encompass all facets of learning.

Field trips provide the opportunity for students to become motivated to learn.

Learning is extended through field trips with pre- and post-activities. Pre-activities include reading about the topic, looking through a magazine or a related story.

Post-activities includes writing notes / observations, individual process writing, art projects, dramatic play, work sheets etc. As children recall their experiences, the teacher can evaluate their comprehension on the particular topic, clarify misconceptions or reinforce concepts. Language experience charts are also made to record the children's memories and insights.

Please fill the Parental Consent Form related to field trips.

Parent volunteers may accompany the class on field trips.

Forms/Documents:

Forms that are mandatory for our records need to be duly filled and submitted to the school office.

The Admission form, Transfer Certificate, Original or attested Birth certificate need to be submitted at the time of admission.

Parental Consent form, Declaration form, Parent Information sheet and Medical form also need to be filled and sent to the class teacher.

Gifts:

Do not send any gifts for any of the Orchid staff. A warm smile and appreciation in words are much valued. Also do not send gifts for other children during birthdays.

Half Day :

The last working day of every month will be a half day - 8.30 am to 12.30 pm for Std. I to IX. Teachers will do their monthly submissions.

Home visit:

Our teachers/counsellors may make a home visit with prior intimation- if your child is absent due to hospitalization or prolonged illness or in a family crisis situation, or to meet the family in a certain context.

Home visits strengthen the bond between the child and the teacher and also helps in better understanding of the child's background.

The teacher can play the role of a nurturer better and facilitate the overall development of the child.

Home Work/ Class - Work:

The school gives regular homework and assignments to instill in them self study habits accountability to develop skills and attitudes required for the future life.

Homework is meant for the child as a form of revision or reinforcement done in the class.

Homework must be done regularly and submitted within the assigned time.

A HW time table is followed to ensure adequate and appropriate home work.

If the child is unable to do homework for reason of not understanding the concept / matter/topic make a note in the diary requesting the teacher to reiterate the same. Homework not done for other reasons will invite detention. Incomplete HW will be recorded in the diary.

If child is absent for a long period, it is the responsibility of the parent to cover up the topic taught. Try to complete all the home-work done during the absence. The teacher will guide and support for the same. If child is recovering from illness or has a fracture, an adult can complete missed work.

Holiday Homework is given during the vacations in order to keep the child in touch with the school work. Homework is aimed at reinforcing the concepts taught in school and is designed in a way that makes it enjoyable for the child to do during the holidays. It is more hands-on/ project oriented. Holidays should be used for children to catch up with extra learning and practice who are indicated as at 'being risk'.

Home project:

Students will receive project tasks along with specific guidelines in the written form. Clear explanation and discussion on the project will happen in the class. Students are expected to do the project independently. A minimum of 1/2/3 weeks will be given[ depending on the project] for project completion. Parents need to ensure that children donot begin their project work in the eleventh hour. Parents to refrain from doing the project.

Holidays :

Information regarding vacations and holidays has been intimated to parents through the school calendar.

Plan your vacation/trips/family functions etc. accordingly.

In case of unprecedented holiday declared, the week's Saturday would be compensated into a working day. The same will be intimated to the parents through sms / diary/ circular.

Houses:

The secondary school i.e. Std. VI to Std. IX have houses to inculcate the spirit of cooperation, competition and competence.

The students are categorized into four houses .

The house names are Ujala (Yellow), Unnati (Green), Umang (Red), and Udaan (Blue).

The groups are heterogeneous and consists of children having mixed abilities.

The house of the child will be continued till the child graduates out of school.

The house uniform needs to be bought from Champion Sports.

The child must wear the house uniform on all inter-house events and on their PE day.

Each house will have house captains elected from secondary school along with teachers. One teacher will be in-charge of each individual house.

Rotating trophies and awards will be given for the year for various inter-house activities, competition etc.

Inclusion:

TOS has a policy whereby children with special educational needs are “included” in mainstream education.

We have a resource room and special educators to address this need and provide intervention in class room for children.

This is our social responsibility to the community.

Induction:

Teachers give appointments in the first week to parents in order to know them.

We also have an orientation session for 'Parents' to familiarize them with our systems in the beginning of a new academic year.

Illness:

If your child is unwell, especially with fever, do not send him/her to school even if there is a test / exam scheduled.

If you send the child with illness, we will not allow him/her to write exams even if present in school. If the child declares illness after test, and needs to be sent home, the test will be null and void. No half day will be granted on exam days. Do not negotiate on this aspect.

Inform teacher about food restrictions during convalescence/illness/ allergies.

Identity Card:

Two identity cards would be issued to each child in the beginning of the year.

The child must wear the duly filled identity card with string to school every day.

The other identity card without string should be duly filled and produced while taking the child back home from school or from the bus stop.

In case the Identity card is lost or damaged a new one should be purchased at the school office for Rs. 15/-.

Update the identity card whenever you change residence or your contact numbers.

The identity card is for your child's safety, so please make sure that the child wears it to school and field trips.

Photograph should be ID card size.

Keep extra ID cards, in case of loss of the old one.

Label:

Label all your child's belongings apart from the bag and water bottle, also shoes, sweaters, pencil box, books and note books.

Late Coming:

Late coming to school will not be allowed.

If the student is late beyond 8.45am, he/she will be sent back home.

When a student is late, but comes before 8.45am, the late coming will be entered in the Diary by the concerned authority and needs to be counter signed by the parent / guardian.

After every 3 remarks, the student will be sent home.

Late Fee:

If fees are not paid on time, a fine of Rs.100 per day will be levied (does not include Sundays and bank holidays).

Bank will not accept fees beyond due date without the school office authorizing the late fees component.

No negotiation about late fees, under any circumstances.

After the due date no further reminder will be sent.

After due date, till one month, if fees not paid, the admission would be terminated.

In case of loss of the fee challan, a new one can be issued at the school office for Rs.100 per challan.

Leave Policy:

All leaves must get prior sanction from the Class teacher/Coordinator/Unit Head/Principal.

1. General leave:

Parents to fill “Leave Record” section in the diary for 1 or 2 days.

Prior permission should be sought from the Principal for more than 3 days. A written application needs to be given.

A Doctor's certificate should be produced if the child is absent for more than three days due to illness.

2. Half day/ Permission to leave early:

Half days will not be granted if the child comes only for a test. If the child does so, the test marks will not be counted. Do not send the child for test / exam, if child is unwell.

Half day will be granted, if child has appointments for medical or psychological tests, recommended by the school.

Permission will be granted to leave early for medical reasons (if the child is unwell /hurt during school hours) /or for any family emergencies. This will vary from case to case.

Permission to leave early in exceptional situations may be granted if a child has to attend competitive exams, competitions, matches outside school. However, leave needs to be sanctioned by the Class teacher/Coordinator/Unit Head/ Principal. This must be backed up with corresponding document and permission letter. Permission should be taken in advance and not on the same day of leave.

Permission for half day for travel, family function, doctor's appointment and other personal reasons will not be granted.

For all the above, parent needs to fill the “Permission slip” to take the child out of school.

Please do not negotiate or argue with the staff regarding this.

3. Leave on important dates:

Please refer to Attendance.

4. Long leave:

All long leave needs prior permission.

Child must inform and take permission from teacher, authorized by Unit Head/Principal.

In medical cases parents need to produce medical certificate.

School reserves the right to sanction leave.

As per the government directive, children need at least 70% attendance in school.

In any leave situation the child/ parent is responsible to complete the school work missed. Teacher will however help in giving the notes. See Home work / Class work.

Absence without prior permission and intimation that exceeds 1 month will lead to termination of admission.

Keep the school informed by mail, letter or any other mode of communication in case of emergency situation and absence from school.

Library:

Kindergartners have a class library. Jr. KG and Sr.KG will get a book to take home every week.

Std. I onwards, children can borrow books from the school library. Each child is issued one library card and can borrow one book at a time Books have to be renewed weekly.

Children can come and read in the library in their break time or free period.

Class I to IX also attend a library skills class which is time-tabled and taken by the Librarian. The class helps them to choose books which is age appropriate and encourages them to read.

Books will be issued only if it is brought to the library in a cloth bag along with a bookmark.

Please discourage the child from scribbling, folding corners or soiling the library books.

If the book is damaged or lost, parents have to reimburse the cost.

LSO:

The Counsellors take LSO (Life Skills Orientation) Classes from Std. V onwards. The classes are activity and discussion based keeping in mind the goals set at the beginning of the academic year.

The counselors through interactive sessions, dialogue with the children about things happening in their lives and around the world.

This space is used to allow them to analyze, understand and hear different perspectives. In future these skills will help them to think critically and form opinions based on what they think is right.

Lost and found:

There is a “lost & found” shelf kept in the waiting space.

Come and look for your child's belongings during PTC or Open days or after school.

Try encouraging your child to be responsible with their belongings and also search for them when misplaced.

If diary / calendar is lost, a copy of the same can be issued from school office for Rs. 100/-. Note books, if lost can be purchased from school at the actual cost.

If text books, are lost, they need to be purchased from Kirti stores. XSEED books are not available for sale.

Meeting:

It is better to take appointment for meetings.

Some meetings like parent-teacher conferences and open days are already marked in calendar.

Since TOS staff wait for 45 minutes after school hours, it is a good time to meet with them with prior intimation.

Saturdays too are convenient for meetings with the Pre - Primary and Primary staff.

See calendar to know staff working days (Saturdays).

Mobile phone:

Children are not allowed to get mobile phones to school.

Please put your mobile phone in switch off or silent mode if you are attending a school function or official meetings.

Management:

TOS is managed by Pradnya Niketan Education Society (PNES), a public charitable trust registered under society's act.

It has 14 members in the Governing Board- Bureaucrats, Educationists and Entrepreneurs.

NCF:

National Curriculum Framework, document published by NCERT forms the foundation of our curriculum choices, teaching methodologies and approaches to education. Refer to website.

Negative attitude:

It is better to work on your negative attitude or experience you may have towards a particular staff member than to carry it further or spread it to others.

Reality keeps changing so are our attitudes and approaches.

We view partnership with parents as an important component in this process.

Observation:

Thursdays are kept for observing your child in his/her classroom environment.

You can choose a time to come and observe your child in the classroom.

Inform your teacher prior to your session so that you can be a useful and non-interfering partner during this time.

Please note that this time is for observing your child and not to evaluate or criticize the teacher and her performance.

Olympiad: It is a National level examination .It is an optional, paid examination.The subjects offered are English, Math, Science, Cyber. The exams will be conducted after school hours. School does the liaison.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA):

The Parent-Teacher Association is an association of all parents, guardians and teachers of pupils in our school that come together with a constructive idea to see to the welfare and progress of the school. The Executive Committee is elected by a voluntary, democratic system at an Annual General Meeting and shall hold office for one year. Attending GBM helps in fair representation. One representative from each level will be elected. See calendar for GBM date.

For more information see our website that has a link to the PTA.

The PTA executive committee will have fixed frequency meetings in the year.

The PTA executive committee is a link between the School and the Parent community. TOS invites PTA committee to be part to major school events, recruitment and admission process, strategic planning meeting and others spaces of collective and cooperative sharing and meeting. At the PTA meetings the committee will also get an overview of the school budget, program overview and staff and admission status.

Permission slip:

To be filled up, in the absence of the ID Card. It has to be authorized an office representative and handed over to security ,if you :

Need to take your child home early in case of illness or emergency;

Someone else has been assigned by you to pick up the child.

Parent Contact:

There are four formal parent contact meetings through the year in form of PTC (Parent Teacher Conference) and Open Days.

These meetings are one to one between teacher and parent to discuss the academic performance and behaviour of the child or any other matter directly relevant to your child.

On PTC day appointments are sent .Parents have to acknowledge by signing the Parent-Conference form .To minimize on waiting time parents have to adhere to the time given.

On Open days, class teachers and subject teachers are available to meet with parents during school hours.

Parents are welcome to meet with the staff throughout the year by taking prior appointment.

Participation:

Parent Orientation is compulsory

Parent Teacher Conferences are compulsory

Open day Optional / unless you are called for a meeting.

Report day- Report card to be personally collected by the parents. Will not be handed over to drivers or domestic help.

Workshops are designed keeping in mind your needs as parents. Hence it is compulsory to attend the same.

Partnering with your child:

Homework is not a chore for parents. Homework is set for the child by his / her teacher.

Help your child chart down his / her own daily study time.

Provide a quiet and conducive space for study with minimal distractions.

Monitor, guide and facilitate the child's work.

Help and assist when there is a need, if you can.

Communicate difficulties and refer problems that your child faces about his / her homework to the concerned teacher.

Support the teacher's implementation of consequences when the homework is not completed.

Keep in touch with your child's teachers about homework requirements.

Go through your child's books from time to time.

Talk to your child about the day's activities in the school and keep abreast of the child's progress.

Read the student diary everyday, see if your child has completed all work assigned and sign the page.

Be generous with feedback, appreciation and incentives on every accomplishment big and small.

Parking:

Since TOS is located in a narrow residential lane, parents MUST park their vehicles on the main road when they visit school for any reasons.

Children with physical challenges are given special permission to drive up to the main gate.

Park your vehicle on the main road at your own risk.

Follow the rules of parking to avoid any confrontation with shop owners or other authorities.

Do not argue with security regarding parking. Rule is a rule for everyone.

Photographs:

TOS has appointed an official photographer to cover all important class/school events. So cameras will not be allowed for concerts, sports days etc.

If you wish to video shoot your child's first day or special day occasion in school, please seek prior permission from concerned authority.

Photographs are displayed during PTC, Open days and Report days. You can place an order, make payment and collect them from school through the photographer.

Phone calls:

Children are not allowed to make phone calls using school phone except in emergency situations.

Do not make calls to the teacher during class hours.

Do not make calls to the child.

Do not call last minute to inform change of plan regarding child going home (asking the bus driver not to take the child in bus etc).

Do not make phone to the Director or Principal or Unit Heads and Coordinators on personal numbers, except in emergency situations. Contact them on school numbers.

Parent Information Sheet:

The Parent Information Sheet is attached to your child's diary. It is compulsory for the parents to fill it up and return it to the child's teacher.

Be accurate in providing information as this is a main source of contact details for the office and class teacher in case of emergency.

Presentations:

Presentations are a part of every class activity.

Presentations are held during the assembly where the whole class performs on a particular theme.

It's a platform for the children to come up with their hidden talents and build in self confidence and also over come stage fear.

Parents can also be a part of this event by volunteering to help.

Parents are welcome to come for the presentations.

Portion :

A portion grid has been added in the school diary.

Before every test the portion will be sent home for Class I to IX.

The portion is sent well in advance and it will help in guiding your child to divide the portion uniformly and set a time-table for studying and reveision.

This will reduce the pressure and fetch optimum results.

Questions - who will answer what!

Take it to respective domain heads Pre Primary, Primary, Secondary, Admin.

Regarding academic matters your child's teacher, coordinator or the unit head of that level / Principal / Director.

Regarding administrative, financial matters - Accountant /Admin Unit head / Principal / Director.

Regarding admissions- Front Desk

Regarding support services- Counsellor/Special educators/ Training In - charge

Regarding OLDC/ after school classes It is managed by P.N.E.S. For further details contact Ashwini Pandharipande 66228761.

Quality Time:

Try to spend quality time with your children, be it reading out a story, taking a short walk to the bus-stop or just an interaction on the child's day at school.

Your child will cherish these moments spent with you for life.

These moments are more precious than all the gifts and toys the child receives from you.

Reception:

When you come to school to meet your child / teacher, do come to the reception desk so you can be helped or guided to the respective space or person.

Do not walk into the class room during school hours.

Leave your messages for your child/teacher at the reception desk only.

Relationship :

We view our association with you as a partnership where relationship building is central to all our processes. Hence the first week, we invest time 'to get to know me between the teacher and parents.

We request you to address us as “Di” or “Da”. This is one more step towards building relationship with you and your child.

Reports:

TOS Report card is a detailed feedback.

Reports are issued twice a year which is at the end of each term.

Parents have to collect the report on the calendared day. If you are unable to collect it on the report day, you may authorize a family member or a friend to collect the report by giving a letter or collect the report from the school office later. Reports will not be handed over to drivers or domestic help.

Parents to sign and return the first term report when the school reopens after Diwali vacations.

Report is an important document and should be kept as record for future years.

Rewards:

Rewards are given as incentives and acknowledgement to the students for positive behavior and action.

It is a way to motivate and encourage children to continue to display appropriate behavior and attitude.

Children are rewarded for efforts, abilities and achievements. Rewards can be in the form of stars, stickers, merit certificates, medals etc.

School Council:

The school council is a body of students, who are nominated and voted by the students themselves, year after year.

They help in ensuring that rules and discipline is followed at their level smoothly.

They are elected once a year.

This council has been envisioned in such a way so as to give all children a chance to discover the leadership qualities they have within themselves.

Special Needs :

If your child has any food allergy, learning disability, or any specific need, please inform the school authorities and the class teacher about it.

Special Abilities:

Since TOS is an inclusive school, children with special abilities, disabilities and learning difficulties are admitted. Parents need to submit all diagnostic test results. This will help us plan remedial inputs or other kinds of intervention for your child.

In the course of your child's academic year, you may be recommended for diagnostic testing especially if your child is having problems with academics that are beyond emotional and social context. Do take our recommendations seriously and follow them meticulously.

Sports :

Nursery Std. IV will have a general fitness and sports program conducted by the school sports teachers.

Additional physical development activities are introduced as level increases

Std. I and II Aerobics

Std. III and IV Yoga

Std. V IX basketball, football, athletics, cricket, and volleyball.

Std. V IX will be going to Balewadi stadium for intensive practice of the above mentioned sport.

Students will be monitored by the school sports teachers, class teachers and also specialized coaches.

They will be taken to the stadium from the school by the school transport.

Students will be encouraged to participate for interschool and outside school events.

Students will have to wear the sports/house uniforms and sports shoes.

Security:

Update the phone number and the change of address on the ID card.

Produce matching I-D card when you come to pick-up the child/ or when you send any adult to pick up the child.

Follow rules regarding car-parking when you come to pick up or drop your child.

Make appropriate entries at the security when you visit school for any purpose.

Staff selection:

All appointments to all categories of employees shall be made by the Selection Committee nominated by the School Managing Committee, either by direct recruitment or by promotion through a selection process recommended by the School Managing Committee and ratified upon by the Board of Trustees.

Selection Process:

It consists of five stages :

Walk-in interview

Entrance test

Demo Lessons for teacher category and tasks for administrative category

Personal interview

Ratification by the Board of Trustees

Sponsorship:

We invite sponsorship for special events like teacher's day, children's day, staff training, retreat, festivals, plays, awards, etc.

Sponsorships may not be tied with promotion of any product or services.

Subject Areas: Refer to school website.

Spaces:

Amphitheatre - is used for circle time, class related activities where the teacher takes them for a story session . Also it is a space which can be used to stage plays in the evening in the near future.

Multipurpose Hall is used for whole school assemblies, presentations, teacher and parent training and workshops, concert practices, celebrations, in the evening it is used for OLDC classes.

Auditorium which is on the ground floor has a seating capacity of around 330, is used for all our concerts, quiz programs, debate, theatre, movie screening, musical programmes etc.

Conference room located near the office is used for small group training programs, meetings, presentations for children by a guest , small group interactive sessions for students etc.

Library on the third floor is used for browsing through books, reference work for students, teachers , and parents if they wish to. Library skills classes are held class-wise in this space. It is used for training and workshops usually on Saturdays and holidays so that children are not disturbed.

Activity Centre located in the basement is a space created for our Kindergarteners and Std. I children, where they come and spend a period once a week which is already time-tabled and get a hands on experience of the real world. Check the website for more details.

Computer Labs: Junior computer lab and senior computer lab are two well equipped spaces used for computer theory and practical lessons. The labs can accommodate 35 children at any given time which is also the strength of a class - division wise , so each child has a computer to himself / herself.

Science Labs Physics, Chemistry and Biology Labs is spacious and has all the latest and necessary equipments in place.

Social Science and Concept Labs specially designed for children to experience hands on with concept games and study maps and globes of different countries in the world.

Art rooms (2) is used to explore visual arts by children.

Music and dance rooms There are separate rooms for percussion the table room and the drums room, dance , music western, classical. Children go to these rooms as per their time-table .

Math Lab Children use the math lab to enhance their computation skills and mental math abilities. It is a space with resources which facilitate hands on experience to enrich the Math program.

You can hire some of the above mentioned spaces, for eg. the amphitheatre, multipurpose hall, auditorium, conference room in the evening or holidays for coaching classes, training, camps, workshops, meetings and conferences.

For further details you can contact our OLDC office no. 66228761.

Trust:

Trust us for our choices, approaches, guidance etc.

We are a dedicated team of professionals with tons of experience from across the world.

Some of us have been around for some time while others have come with fresh dreams and ideas. We are also constantly in the mode of self-examination, evaluation, reflection, modification and modernization.

We seek expert help through workshops, training programmes, consultations etc.

Our teachers also go through regular review meetings, field visits to other schools and institutions engaged in innovative practices in education.

TeamTOS:

Refer to the website.

Timetable:

Class teacher will give the time table within the first week of the school. Do follow it to help your child pack bag, books, homework schedule etc.

Time Table is subject to change depending on school activities and events.

Transport:

TOS does not operate its own transport services.

It has outsourced to a company that manages and provides services.

We do not have any say in their charges, bus stops, pick up-drop back schedule etc.

We do interface with them in terms of training and sensitizing them towards safety requirements, children and the way to handle them during travel time.

Tuition:

TOS staff are not allowed to take tuitions for TOS children.

However we may recommend you to find private tutors for your child if you are unable to supervise, help in your child's studies.

You can bring the tutor for a face to face meeting with the class teacher to brief her/him of the child's performance levels and kind of inputs and monitoring required for the child.

Textbooks and Learning Material:

Textbooks and notebooks would be issued at the beginning of the academic year.

The textbooks and notebooks should be maintained properly and brought to school.

Some books and note books are kept in school to reduce the burden of the bag.

In case of loss of the same, a new one must be purchased from the office. See lost and found.

If the cover tears, mend or put another cover.

Teaching Enrichment Process:

XSEED:

The Orchid school is proud to implement XSEED in classes I to V.

XSEED is a teaching methodology that takes a wide view of a child's inherent skills and potential and instead of forcing them on to a set pattern, lets these skills and talents bloom in their own way.

Based on the latest in education research and child psychology, XSEED reaches out to all children, and engages them in the way that best suits them.

This innovative style of teaching shows a very visible difference in the extent to which children learn and understand concepts.

XSEED aims to provide children a strong foundation for life, and research pilots show it succeeds in doing so.

There is a training for teachers once a year by the XSEED Team.

They also have a yearly review meeting with the TOS Team on the progress of the program.

E-Pathshala:

E-Pathshala is a comprehensive educational package for classes VII, VIII and IX.

It incorporates digital classrooms equipped with interactive boards that act as a computer, regular class board, and a screen for displaying videos, etc .

The software covers curriculum activities, charts, learning games, 2D-3D animations and videos for Elementary and secondary level that cater to the CBSE, ICSE and IB schools.

A comprehensive professional training program trains the teachers in the effective use of this E-Pathshala is not only an investment financially but also in our teachers and children to unleash their creativity within and outside the classroom.

Training:

Teachers are given training in various aspects of teaching, team work, classroom management, team building, subject enhancement on a regular basis to hone their skills for better performance.

Workshops for parents are also conducted in Language, Math etc.

Training programs for children are designed for developing various skills like leadership abilities, mind mapping etc.

Timing:

Nursery, Jr. KG, Sr. K.G :

Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Std. I to Std IX:

Monday to Friday - 8.30 am to 3.15 pm.

Std. VI,VII,VIII, IX:

2 Saturdays per month - 9.00 am to 1.00 pm (days as per calendar)

Uniform:

Uniforms are available at

Champion Sports Wear.

Contact: Neil Madan /Sunil Darawatkar

Address: Champion Sports wear

759/52, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune: 411 004 Tel.+ 91 20 25675117

Champion Sports

Off DP Road, Next to Convergys, Aundh - 411007

Girls:

Nursery to Sr. KG - Pinafore with school shoes and socks

Std.I to Std.IX - Divided skirt, blouse and belt with school shoes and socks

Boys:

Nursery to Sr.KG - Shorts and shirt with school shoes and socks.

Std.I to Std. IX - Shorts, shirt and belt with brown school shoes and socks.

Foot wear for monsoon - June to September- Black floaters for all classes.

Dress code on Wednesday for the whole year : Colour dress and black floaters.

“Wear what you like” day except for field trips refer to calendar.

Children to be dressed in comfortable/ presentable manner.

This exercise helps to instill making choices for self.

Sports Uniform: (Available at Champion Sports)

Std. I to V: Maroon T-shirts & short, cream socks, sports shoes.

Std. VI to IX: Sports uniform as per the house colour allotted to the child, with sports socks and shoes.

Uniform Accessories:

Sports caps, sweatshirts (sleeve less / without sleeves / with hood / without hood) and beige cycling shorts and tights will be available for sale.

Children may wear black floaters with sports uniform during monsoon.

Days for sports uniform will be as per the P.E periods or indicated in the diary by the class teacher.

General Rules regarding Uniform:

Clean and ironed uniform is a must

Hair beyond shoulder length should be tied.

Black hair band, hair clips or black ribbon must be used.

Nails must be neatly trimmed and cleaned.

Use of nail colour, long ear rings, bangles, gold jewellery, hair color, mobile phones, watches Not permitted

Std. V to IX allowed to wear watches

Foot wear for Monsoon June to September Black floaters for all classes.

ID Card is compulsory on all days including Wednesday.

Violation of school uniform code would lead to appropriate consequences.

Students found defaulting will be given a remark in the diary. After three warnings, the child will be sent home or the parent will have to come to school and handover whatever the child has forgotten.

If the child is not in full uniform for an unavoidable reason, the parents will have to send a letter along with the child.

Whole school discipline policy:

Refer to student's diary.

Without Textbooks, Notebooks, Identity Card etc:

When a student is without, text books/notebooks or stationery, the teacher will make a note in the diary.

The parent/guardian is required to sign it.

After every 3 remarks a strong, appropriate consequence will be implemented or the student will be sent home.

Make sure that the child wears the school identity card daily to school and during field trips - also the address and telephone numbers are updated on it. This is for your child's safety and security.

Withdrawal from school:

Give an application. See Admission cancellation.

Fill up form with no dues certified from class teacher, library, accounts office.

Submit the form and refundable deposit certificate to office.

Collect cheque and TC one week from submission.

Website:

Log on to www.theorchidschool.org

X-change program :

Orchid School has co-partnered with Donnergymnasiet, Sweden to initiate the Teacher Exchange Program. Every year 4 teachers from Orchid and Donner visit each other's school/country to gain insights into the educational practices and teaching methods.

We will also initiate a student exchange program with Donnergymnasiet for a limited number of students from Class IX. Details of the same will be communicated to the parents.

Also, twice a year a group of 18 social work student from Sweden come to India on a study visit. The Orchid School is the venue for most of their lectures, seminars and training programs.

You are part of us:

Need we say more?

Your responsibility:

The child's overall responsibility is with you.

Get to know your child's school.

Update yourself with all the relevant information.

Keep the school in the picture.

Zen parenting:

Be calm and relaxed.

Not to worry about things that cannot be changed.

Let go !!

About Orchid School

Director’s / Principal’s Desk