Hyderabad: Geetanjali Olympiad School was recently in the news as it discouraged students who came late to school. The school’s action has been welcomed by other school managements as they said it was a good practice to ensure discipline.
Anita, administration officer of Geetanjali School, said, “We do allow students before prayer time. But giving a leeway to students for a matter of a few minutes will encourage them to ask for more. Discipline is more important. Most students are dropped by their parents who live nearby. If school buses can reach 15 minutes earlier, we expect the same from all students.”
Usha Rani, district educational officer, Medchal, said, “We allow students from government schools to come late as most of them hailing from rural areas and transportation is difficult for them. But students in urban areas should not follow it. Although there is no official grace time given to students, it is compulsory for students to be in school for the prayer.”
Meanwhile, parents blamed delays on heavy traffic and road blocks.
Usha Reddy, the principal of Meridian School, said, “A grace period of about 15 minutes can be given to students due to traffic snarls. But if it becomes a habit, then it should be discouraged. Punctuality is a virtue and school gates cannot be kept open the whole day due to security reasons.”
