PYP Elections at VKE
Victorious Kidss Educares strives to create independent and responsible young principled citizen of tomorrow, who are truthful, straight and are well aware of their responsibilities. To enact the sense of fairness and leadership among the students, the school has initiated hosting elections, to give opportunities to every child and choose leaders. The PYP Head, Ira Ghosh was the one to envision this unique idea, which reflects the democratic philosophy at VKE…. ‘For the students, Of the students and By the students.’
On Wednesday, the 22 of March 2017, the voting was anonymously conducted by students, through ballot boxes, for every class. Teachers too had the voting rights. The nominees were based on the students’ performance, their conduct, and their track record. These were supported by recommendation from teachers. The teachers, the coordinators, the Core Team and the Principal were observing students all through the year and more consciously during the election week. The criteria were shared with them. Other students, who displayed desirable behavior and conformed to the criteria, were, also recommended to be included in the list with appropriate justification.
There were 2 categories for this election with set criteria:
o Peacemaker
- Criteria:
- Honesty
- Leadership skill
- Kindness
- Collaboration skill
- Ability to solve conflicts
- Sense of responsibility
o Language Leader
- Criteria:
- Leadership skill
- Collaboration skill
- Awareness & use of appropriate language
- Kindness
- Sense of responsibility
- Honesty
After the voting, two (2) students from every class were elected. Finally there was an Oath taking ceremony for all the elected representatives on the D-day, 24 March 2017. These elections were a perfect opportunity to show the students that responsible behavior begets accolades… as it is said “Deserve and then Desire”.
Along with rights comes great responsibility, the elected delegates will now be accountable when it comes to class management, working hand in glove, with the teachers. They will have frequent collaborative meets with the PYP coordinator and the PYP Head, so that they can report on the class management and put forth any grievances which they are finding it difficult to solve at their end. At the same time, they will have fruitful conversations with other delegates, as well, so that they can learn from each other, implement few strategies in their respective classes and work out essential agreements.
The elections and oath taking ceremony were a great success. All the students are excited to implement and endorse responsibility. The President addressed the elected delegates and all other students. They were invited to remove all weaknesses from within them and know definitely that the choices to be successful in life, become a great leader and contribute to the society are within them. In brief, Sir, as ever, imbibed the teaching of Vedanta with the values of IB and combined them to say, the powerhouse is within you. That success comes with the choices made with, “I can and not cannot”.
