‘Synergy’ is an annual event in which the Board along with the Members of the Management Committees of all Indian Schools across Oman collaborate and synthesize their thoughts for taking Indian Schools to the next level of educating for excellence.
The service rendered by the Directors on the Board and the Members of the School Management Committees is absolutely voluntary; they are either parents or experts from the community who possess expertise in diverse domains – academic, finance, marketing, health and safety, technology, engineering – and this helps in giving the right directions and guidance for giving the best educational service to the children of Indian diaspora in Oman.
The ideas transpired on the occasion would acquaint the newly inducted members with their roles and responsibilities and enable them to be effective social leaders in the cause of education. As for the existing members, ‘Synergy’ would give them an opportunity to rededicate themselves in their commitment to the voluntary service in the over-all development of the schools.
Synergy 2023 has witnessed the inauguration of the the Board’s initiative in implementing Virtual Learning Environment in Indian Schools. This is to ensure that students from all schools will be in a position to access learning through interconnectivity. This will enhance the technical competence of teachers with greater flexibility and efficiency. The Directors-in-Charge have handed over the VLE Credentials to the Presidents and Principals of their respective schools.
In his welcome address, Mr. Shameer PTK, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman applauded the phenomenal growth of Indian Schooling system in Oman and thanked the yeomen services rendered by the Management Committees of the past and the present. “The Board is committed to providing transformative learning experience to every child and thereby equipping him/her with the knowledge, skills and well-being to find his/her identity and purpose in life”, he said.
Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman underscored the concept of community schooling system in his presidential address. He expatiated on the roles and responsibilities of both the Board and the School Management Committees. While elaborating on the strategic plan of development for Indian Schools in the upcoming years, Chairman has proposed five high-level pillars which require critical attention; they are, Academic Excellence, Joy and Wellness, Engagement and Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Financial Sustainability, and Investing in Staff.
Chairman lauded the selfless voluntary service rendered by the School Management committees. “Let’s be responsible and accountable by providing essential guidance and advice without any bias or personal interest. Let’s leave an imprint to make our schools more effective to serve the next generation,” he exhorted.
Finance Director CA Ashwini Sawrikar elaborated on how Schools can attain financial sustainability through financial discipline and proper auditing. “Parents are the real stakeholders of the Indian Schooling System as the fees paid by them is the only source of income for the operational and developmental activities of the schools. So there should be absolute transparency and accountability for every penny spent,” the Finance Director reminded the Management Committees of the Schools.
Members of the School Management Committees were divided into different groups for brainstorming on topics pertinent to the strategic development of Indian Schools. The topics included Financial Management, SMC Governance, Academic Excellence, Extra-curricular excellence, Staff Wellbeing, Parent Engagement, Technical Development, and Health, Safety and Environment in Schools. Education Advisor Mr. Vinoba M.P. announced the different groups which assembled in different classrooms. Each group was led by the Members on the Board of Directors.
The groups shared the findings of their discussion; the Board would collate these ideas transpired at the interactive session and will come out with its strategic plan of School development. Chairman Dr. Sivakumar Manickam concluded the session by thanking all the members for their invaluable inputs for the holistic development of the schooling system.
School Management Committees through their selfless service to the society not only ensure the sustainability of Indian Schools in Oman, but also sow the seeds of comradeship and empathy in the minds of generations to come through their kind association in the community development activities.