Junior School Assembly – 27 January, 2011

The School Assembly of Junior School was held at the Fernhill campus on 27 January, 2011. The students were addressed by the Principal, Dr. P.C.Thomas. The following also attended:

Mrs. Elsamma Thomas - Senior Vice-Principal

Col. Mohan Mathew (Retd) – Vice-Principal – Administration

Ms. Elizabeth Koshy – Coordinator, Junior School

All Academic and Co-curricular Faculty, Junior School

The Assembly opened with the students singing the school song and the school prayer song.

This was followed by

- Reading of the news by Ms. Sanchi Aswath Kumar

- Speech by Ms. Shivani Terli

(This speech was written by a Faculty member – Ms. Manjushree)

“A very warm good morning to respected Principal, Madam, Vice-Principal, coordinator, teachers and friends

Let me begin by wishing you all a very happy New Year!

Yesterday, 26^th of January was the Republic day of our country and to grace this occasion, I think, it will be apt if I speak a few words on leadership as we all know we would not have been where we are, if we did not have good leaders.

What makes a good leader?

Good leaders make people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not at the periphery. When that happens people feel centered and that gives their work meaning as quoted by - Warren G. Bennis

The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born – with a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. In fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born. Failing organizations are usually over-managed and under-led as quoted by - Warren G. Bennis

Leadership is an art and a science. It is an art, because it continually evolves, changes from, and requires creativity. It is a science because there are certain essential principles and techniques required. A good leader knows when it is time to change shape, because they are highly attentive to those around them. Coming from a position of strength, a great leader takes risks by freeing up the creative genius in their followers to build their capability and multiply the talents of the organization. By powerfully communicating a vision that animates, motivates, and inspires followers, a great leader is able to transform his or her organization. A good leader needs to be able to laugh; a great leader needs to be able to laugh at oneself.

What do you think makes a great leader? Who do you think was a great leader?

What qualities did or do they routinely exhibit which makes you believe in them?

Consider the following as a beginning list of Qualities:

Cooperation Consistency Creativity Clear conscious Caring

Capable Courageous Innovative Understand Integrity and most important Sense of humor

Great Leaders are optimists first and foremost. Their tendency is to interact according to Henry Ford's observation, "whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right."

Great Leaders always lead by example. A Great Leader is always willing at any point to walk out in front of the group. A Great Leader is never merely an observer. All other qualities will flow naturally from this characteristic feature which is the very heart of Great Leadership.

I would like to conclude that leadership is not just a position, and a leader is far more than a title.

This applies to a Great leader in our midst, our dear Principal Dr P.C Thomas who is a living example in front of us.

Thank you and have a nice day”.

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The Principal in his address welcomed all the students and staff to the new term. He emphasized that all the students should study well and also enthusiastically participate in games and other co-curricular activity. He encouraged the staff to pay individual attention to all the needs of the children.

The Principal informed all present that prefects and other appointments will only be conferred on students who do well in academics.