HERITAGE LESSONS, VINTAGE CLASS
A lesser-known chapter of accomplishment sparkles through the edifice of Girton High School in Mumbai¬– a 133-year old institution & front-liner in girl-child education. Ahead of UNESCO World Teachers’ Day (October 5), Ajit Ramachanddran illumines notes from the Principal, Mrs. Ayesha Mistry & Chairman, Mr. Jehangir Gai
Ajit Ramachanddran
HERITAGE LESSONS, VINTAGE CLASS
A lesser-known chapter of accomplishment sparkles through the edifice of Girton High School in Mumbai– a 133-year old institution & front-liner in girl-child education. Ahead of UNESCO World Teachers’ Day (October 5), Ajit Ramachanddran illumines notes from the Principal, Mrs. Ayesha Mistry & Chairman, Mr. Jehangir Gai
Grant Road, South Mumbai, India: In 1988, Ayesha Bhathena – a bright kid frisking in the thrills of childhood - marches playfully into a pre-nursery classroom at Girton High School, then glowing unabashedly in its Centenary Year.
Later, after her graduation - and armed with a B.Ed credential too - shows up at her alma mater yet again in 2009, this time as a teacher in Math, French and Science. Scores as an educator and soars in her vocation.
In 2013 – when Girton High School is scintillating some more in its 125th year- she has notched up some more Brownie Points too, sitting pretty in the Hot Seat as ‘Officiating Headmistress’.
And in 2014 - at a luscious 27 years and displaying unblemished merit - she finds herself elevated. To the post of Principal, no less, of the girls-only school making her the “youngest ever person” to be seated in that coveted position, ranking it a first of sorts.That, in essence, sums up the enduring tale of Principal Mrs. Ayesha Mistry.
In 2021, Mistry remains feisty as ever, tempering her expertise with the vigour of experience. “I’d describe my journey as one of being grateful,” she says, “I’m happy I got the opportunity to serve my alma mater and uphold the ideals of my school motto: ‘Courage, Simplicity and Honour.’ ”
Fairer Sex Principal
“In comparison to men, women are blessed with a natural ability to handle children and understand their emotional needs on a better level. But besides that, my being able to lead the school, my ability to adapt, to think and be innovative, my IT skills and my ability to solve problems have fetched me success.”
Academic Highs
“Much before the pandemic set in, we had state-of-the-art digital platforms. For this feat, I have to thank our dynamic Trustees and management, and in particular, our Chairman Mr.Jehangir Gai, whose positive and progressive attitude ensured this techno success. During the pandemic, we didn't want our students to suffer an academic setback for whatsoever reason. Hence we decided to opt for ‘Cloud Recording’ and all the recordings of the lessons taught from Std. 1 to Std. 10 were shared with all our students so that no student is deprived of education due to any technological or personal shortcomings. However, there is no disputing that the pandemic has impacted student-teacher bonding, and deprived the children of playing together and interacting with each other.”
Parental Thrust
“Parents should aim to be good role-models for their children. Boost your child’s self-esteem, spend quality-time with them and prioritise communication. Be consistent with the rules of discipline set up by you as a parent, but also praise them when they do something good. Also, parents must not brush aside or turn a blind eye to their child’s problems and weaknesses. Often, the failure of parents to accept and admit that their child has a learning disability or is dyslexic causes more harm than the actual problem itself.”
Luminous Payoffs
“In addition to imparting high-value education to mould them as responsible citizens, we also give all students ample opportunities and exposure to various extra-curricular activities that enable them to have faith and confidence in themselves.To tackle anxiety and unspoken problems of students, we have also been conducting regular sessions based on mental health and wellness. Having heart-to-heart conversations with a teacher or our In-house School Counsellor helps hugely in dealing with issues. My aim as Principal is to nourish the existing melting pot of the culture of innovation, learning and self-awareness so as to mould better citizens of the future.”
Chairmanscope
“In March 2020, I came on board as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In keeping with the Founder Ms. Moos’s aim of providing quality and affordable education together with all-round growth and ethical character formation, we are doing all that we can. And that often requires courage of conviction to stand up for the truth and swim against the tide. To inspire our students, we invite well-known speakers to give talks. TEDx Speaker and author Nidhi Chaphekar had given a talk on ‘Women’s Day’. We got renowned psychiatrist Dr. Kersi Chavda to address parents.”
On ‘Cloud’ Nine?
Adds Gai significantly, “During the current pandemic, all the schools resorted to online teaching. But I can proudly say that ours is perhaps the only school to record each and every lesson in ‘Cloud’ and share it with the students for subsequent reference and revision. We have not charged a single extra rupee for this and the entire financial burden is borne by the school.”
We Are Ace!
Concludes Gai, “It is sad that we ape the West and send our students to international schools without understanding that our education system is far, far better, due to which Indians have secured top-notch positions in corporates and multi-national companies, all over the world. In fact, our students perform very well at the SSC Board Exams, participate in various extra-curricular activities and receive awards too. Without compromising on discipline, the atmosphere at the school I would say is one of love, care and compassion, making it one large Girtonian family.”
Brightest Blessing
In regards to Girton High School, one dear departed soul in particular, deserves express mention. Founder: Ms.Bai Bachubai Ardeshir Framji Moos (June 17, 1850 - July 30, 1946), who recognised the need for educating the girl- child and established the institution in 1888 with a handful of Parsi girls, naming it Miss Moos School.
Her grin – pleased and radiating from theskies - must be the widest.
STERLING GIRTONIANS
- FOUNDER Ms. MOOS : bagged the ‘Kaiser-i-Hind’ Gold Medal (1937) recognising her contribution towards women education; Sir Roger Lumley, then Governor of Bombay, lauded her efforts in a personal letter
- GULESTAN RUSTOM BILLIMORIA : Padma Bhushan awardee (1972); Former Sheriff of Bombay (1857); Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Council and Red Cross Society; prominent painter, writer and social worker
- MEHERA LALKAKA : First Indian to be appointed to the Provincial Council of Girl Guide Association in 1944 as the Indian Provincial Commissioner of Bombay Province
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