At a time when government schools are facing threats to their existence due to a decline in enrollment, the Thanthoni Panchayat Union Elementary School at Narikattiyur near here has transformed itself over a period of time by boosting the number of students on its rolls, thanks to the team work of teachers led by its headmistress.
Sixteen years ago, the school had only five students and two teachers. This summer, parents from the suburbs of Karur and neighbouring villages lined up for admission for 2018-19. The school, after enrolling 104 students, has declared that admissions for the year are closed.
For 2017-18, the school’s strength stands at 404, up from 359 last year. Out of 104 students who have been enrolled this year, nearly 40 had studied in nearby private schools last year.
Change in perception
When R. Vijayalalitha, 51, of Karur took over as headmistress of the school in 2002, the student strength of the school, which was started in 1956, had hit rock bottom. Few parents were interested in enrolling their wards in the school.
Shortly after taking charge, she launched an intensive door-to-door canvassing to enrol students by promising better education. Her efforts yielded results and, over the years, the situation improved. The enrollment stood at 38 in 2013-14 and went up to 66 in 2014-15. The school has not looked back ever since. The Thanthoni Panchayat Union Elementary School school’s performance is an exception in Karur district where 68 government primary schools have fewer than 10 students.
The academic performance of students and their extra-curricular talents, which were demonstrated in annual days and sports days, brought about a change in the perception of the local community. The headmistress also introduced English medium education. Now, the school gets admission without much effort.
“I feel the school is much better than private schools on all aspects of education right from academics to inculcating behaviour, attitude, values and encouraging extra-curricular activities. No teacher seems to be working just for the sake of salary. All 10 teachers deserve credit for their devotion, dedication and commitment,” says M. Nalini, an assistant professor, who has shifted her daughter and son from a leading private school to the panchayat union elementary school.
“It is a team effort. We do not put in extraordinary work. But, we never fail to do what we are supposed to do,” says a modest Ms.Vijayalalithaa, who received the national-level Dr. Radhakrishnan Award for best teacher in 2014 and State award in 2011.
More facilities
The school has improved its infrastructure too. Besides setting up a smart board, it has a computer laboratory and an air-conditioned class room.
The School Education Minister K. A. Sengottaiyan, who is touring Tiruchi region, rang up Ms. Vijayalalithaa on Thursday and appreciated her. “Ms. Vijayalalitha is a model teacher. The education department makes it a point to showcase her model in district and state-level teachers’ meets,” says T. Ganesamurthy, Chief Educational Officer, Karur.
