50 Hilarious And Absurd Things Schools Have Done, According To Parents

When you enroll in a school, there's a mix of excitement and anticipation about the new experiences awaiting you. But every school also comes with its own set of rules and regulations. As students, we may love or dislike them, but have you ever wondered what goes into creating these policies? We spoke to Minakshi, a principal from a government-aided school in Maharashtra, to get an insider’s perspective.

Minakshi, who has decades of experience, told Bored Panda, “The competition is fierce now.” She reflects on how times have changed. “Back in the day, families had at least two kids, and schools were thriving with large student populations. But today, there are fewer students compared to the number of schools available. And with so many options, including state boards, CBSE, and ICSE, the policies have to adapt to the competition.”

She points out how exam patterns need constant updates. “For example, CBSE has incorporated objectives, oral exams, and internal assessments, which push state boards to evolve their methods as well. It’s about staying relevant and ensuring students are well-prepared for their future.”

Minakshi also touches on the changing dynamics between parents, teachers, and students. “Earlier, parents had immense trust in teachers and their discipline methods. But now, parents tend to interfere a lot. Even when the child is clearly in the wrong, we must exercise an extraordinary amount of patience. While some of these changes are for the better, excessive interference can hinder a child’s overall development.”

She recalls a time when misbehaving students were sent to stand outside the class for reflection. “This helped them understand their actions. But now, parents often perceive this as a waste of time. This generational shift is evident not just in schools but also in how parents limit the involvement of grandparents in raising children,” she adds.

Minakshi’s tenure as a principal in a vernacular medium school highlighted other challenges. “We noticed a sharp decline in enrollment because parents were eager to send their children to English-medium schools, believing it would ensure better career prospects.” She conducted surveys to understand the mindset of parents and students. “Their focus was clear: they wanted their children to learn English to secure a brighter future.”

To address this, she introduced an elective foreign language option in the vernacular school. “We wanted to give students access to a global language, which would enhance their opportunities. But it wasn’t easy. Parents resisted the idea, insisting on sticking to Sanskrit or Hindi.”

One particularly vocal parent even argued against the foreign language initiative. “I had to sit him down and explain the benefits,” Minakshi recalls. “It was a challenge, but I believed it was crucial to prepare students for a competitive world.”

Determined to offer the best for her students, Minakshi researched courses in foreign languages. “At the time, Chinese language courses weren’t widely available. So, I found a German institute that provided qualified teachers for our school. Convincing the school management and the state board wasn’t easy, but I knew it was worth it.”