Introduction 

Let us identify the school 

1.1 History of our School 

Your family, your village and you have a history. Similarly, your school too has a history. History, is the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. 

"The source" is the common name that helps us to identify all the things in history. 

Given below are several sources that help you find information about the history of your school. 

• Plaques placed at various locations in the school 

• Old documents, pictures, and photographs in the city or village library 

• Retired principals and teachers 

• Documents maintained in the school (log-books, student admission registers, mark books, census reports) 

• Chiefs of places of religious worship 

• Past students 

The students of Grade 6 discussed to seek information regarding their school. For this purpose present students decided to invite the first student admitted to the school to get information from him or her. 

With the help of the teacher the students met the school principal to get information about the history of their school. They wanted to get particulars about the first student admitted to the school. The principal gave them the opportunity to examine the old admission register of the school. This is what had been entered in it about the first student to be admitted to the school. 

As my parents told me, this school had been started in 1935 as a government school. That was for the children of the village who found it difficult to go to the school in the city. Those days, there were only two schools in the city. One was a missionary school. The other was a Buddhist school. There were not many families in the village. There were only about twenty families residing here. Most of the people in the village were farmers by occupation. There were potters also. My father was a businessman.There were carters and chena cultivators. There were also children who did not attend school, in the village. The children of the rich people of the village went to the schools in the city. But it was not that easy to go to the city as now. It took quite a long time to get to the city along the gravel road, by buggy cart. Most people walked to the city. 

This school was first started by Mr. M.A. Bandara, on a small block of land at the end of the bazaar that belonged to my father. It was a small cadjan thatched, wattle and daub room. The teacher was Mr. Sekara Vidanarachchi. After leaving a little space for the staff room, the rest was used for the school. I was the first student to be admitted. Afterwards, about fourteen students were admitted to the school, from time to time. The small building in the distance was where the school was located at first. 

''Studying along with me in the same class were Pelis, Shanmugam, Dingiri Banda, Uma, Piyasena and Cader. Later, various philanthropists donated lands and buildings. We got desks and chairs. Till then, we studied sitting on long benches. Later, more children came and the number of teachers increased. Later, our school was made a Central College. It was only after that we got large buildings, laboratory and other facilities. 

''Not only children of the village, clever children from neighbouring areas too came to this school for further education. I too entered university. The school produced academics and professionals who rendered an effective service to the country. On completion of my university education, I was appointed to this same school as a teacher.'' 

''On the first day, I assumed duties, the principal introduced me at the morning assembly as a brilliant student of this school. Later, I became the principal of the school. The school today is more developed than it was at our time. It will improve further in future. My request to all of you is to be one like me, who can speak with pride about your school" saying this Mr. Appuhamy concluded his speech. All the students applauded with pleasure. 

On the following day, during the Citizenship Education period the students discussed with the teacher what they had learned from Mr. Appuhamy. The teacher's view was that further information could be gathered from the documents available in the school. The documents were examined, with the permission of the principal. Much of the facts available were correct. The students felt really proud of their school. 

1. Your school too has a history as the above school. Based on the sources that helped you to find the history of your school, answer the following questions. 

(i) What reason initiated to start your school? 

(ii) When was your school started? 

(iii) Name the pioneers who strated the school. 

02. Complete the table below in relation to your school. 

03. 

i Write the names of brilliant students produced by your school and the fields where they excelled. 

ii Select one of them and write an article to the notice board appreciating the service rendered by him/her. 

04. Having identified the sources that can be used to learn history, prepare an article for the wall paper regarding the history of your school. 

1.2 Let us inquire on the organizational structure of the school 

The organizational structure of the school is the manner in which the administration and the developmental affairs of the school are organized. This organizational structure may change according to the number of students and the teachers in the school. In your school too, there is an organizational structure. 

1. Answer the following questions based on school organizational structure. 

(i). What is the main designation related to the administration of the school? 

(ii).Why is an administrative structure necessary for a school? 

Write 02 reasons. 

2. Prepare a chart showing the administrative structure of your school. 

The different roles of the school administrative structure 

Responsibilities and duties of the members of school 

(Role of the principal) 

• Act as the head of the school and pilot of educational activities. 

• Admission of students, their assignment into classes and assignment of teachers. 

• Preparation of time tables and organization of classroom teaching activities. 

• Launching of activities related to the development and welfare of the staff. 

• Implementation of the curriculum and its development. 

• Supervision of teaching. 

• Evaluation of teachers. 

• Supervision of students' evaluation and discipline 

• As the Head of the school 

🟢 Implementation of the rules and regulations of the ministry and being responsible to the ministry about them. 

🟢 Uplift the level of the school keeping close relationships with parents, past students, external community and institutions. 

🟢 Acquisition of equipment and sports material necessary for the school and providing the space for their use. 

Teachers 

🟡 Inculcating decipline and decorum 

🟡 Provide proper guidance to students for character development. 

🟡 Co - operation with all members of the school society and functioning with commitment. 

🟡 Development of knowledge, attitudes and skills relevant to the subject. 

🟡 Working in conformity with accepted norms, regulations and values. 

🟡 Contributing to the educational and physical development of the school. 

🟡 Conducting school term tests and submitting marks. 

🟡 Implementing School Based Assessments. 

🟡 Maintaining a pleasant environment within the classroom. 

🟡 Treating all students equally. 

🟡 Involving students in good acts and introducing them to society. 

Non-academic staff 

🟣 Assisting the principal and the staff to implement school activities. 

🟣 Assisting in the provision of facilities to the students for their educational activities. 

🟣 Assisting in the maintenance of cleanliness and beauty of the school garden. 

🟣 Assisting security activities. 

🟣 Maintaining goodwill with students. 

Students 

🔵 Attending school daily. 

🔵 Diligent involvement in studies. 

🔵 Respecting the principal and the staff. 

🔵 Co-operating and maintaining cordial relations with other students of the school. 

🔵 Behave to safeguard the dignity of the school. 

🔵 Safeguard rules, regulations and.traditions and maintain discipline of the school. 

🔵 Safeguarding the resources of school. 

🔵 Assisting the systematic maintenance and cleanliness of the school environment. 

When the duties and responsibilities mentioned above are fulfilled by individuals, it will greatly help raise the quality and the development of the school. 

Meet three of the following and write three functions assigned to each of them. 

I. Principal or Deputy Principal 

II. Sectional Head 

III. Class Teachers IV. Prefects 

1) Based on the diagram below, name the various organizations in the structure of your school. 

2) Give three functions performed by each of them. 

1.3. I myself enquire information regarding me 

As a student of the school, the facts given in the diagram will help you to identify your self correctly. 

1.3.1. WHO AM I? 

Every citizen has an identity. In order to recognize your identity as a student, answer the questions below. 

(2) To confirm the accuracy of information, mark " " in the box given. 

1) Enter your personal information and complete the given bio-data. 

One's good qualities 

Sewwandi, a grade 6 student of Nelum class of Wewegama Junior school, wrote down her good qualities as follows. 

1. Identify good qualities you possess as shown above and write them. 

2. Write the instances you really exhibited your good qualities mentioned above. 

eg :- Truthfulness: Telling the teacher, the true reason for getting late to school. 

Showing one's skills 

Create an exhibit to show your talents using left overs, clay or young cadjan leaves. 

Think of the points below in order to identify the talents you possess. 

1. What are the talents you have displayed? 

2. What are the instances where you had been a winner? 

3. What are the creations you have made? 

4. Have you identified the talents of others? 

5. What are the words you used to show your appreciation of those talents? 

6. What are the abilities others feel you possess? 

7. For which talent of yours do others praise you? 

8. What did you feel when others praised you? 

Focus your attention on the life story of a great Sri Lankan who utilized his talents in his childhood, to conquer life. 

Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara 

Christopher William Wijekoon Kannangara was born on the 13th of October 1884 in the village of Randomba situated between Balapitiya and Ambalangoda. He lost his mother, at the age of six, but his step-mother treated him well. 

Showing many talents in his childhood, he got his primary education from Randombe Wesley Missionary School. At a prize giving of the school, little Kannangara received many prizes from the chief guest, Rev. J. H. Darel, the principal of Richmond College. 

When C.W.W. Kannangara was 14 years old he won a scholarship to Richmond College. He received free board and lodging with facilities for education. Being quite satisfied with these facilities he focused his attention completely on studies, utilizing the facilities to the maximum. He never expected special privileges. It might have been because of the tough experiences that he had to face during his schooling that made up his mind to bring relief to the under privileged children of Sri Lanka. Being a very clever student, he scored the highest marks in Mathematics at the Cambridge Senior Examination of 1903. He was the leader of the school cricket team and a member of the football team. He was famous as a talented debater and an actor at school. He served as a teacher at the Richmond college. Serving as a teacher at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa and Wesley College, he studied law. 

He joined the legal profession in 1910. While practising as a lawyer he was involved in social work and politics. In 1923 he became a member of the State Council representing the Galle District. In 1931 C.W.W.Kannangara was reelected as a member of the State Legislative Council and he was the president of Sri Lanka Jathika Sangamaya as well. 

He was the president of the executive committee on education of the state council and became the first Minister of Education in 1931. He was the pioneer of free education in Sri Lanka. C.W.W. Kannangara paved the path to all children to obtain free education from primary to university level while establishing Central Colleges and vernacular education system in Sri Lanka. Thus, C.W.W. Kannangara performed a dedicated service for the betterment of Sri Lankan education. As gratitude to his devoted service he was called the Father of Free Education of Sri Lanka. 

1.Collect information on several local as well as foreign individuals who made life successful through their talents and with the help of the teacher complete the grid below by writing the fields in which they exhibited their talents. 

2. Prepare a booklet containing information on the life of one of the individuals above. 

3. Write your talents as a student. 

4. Present to the class information on a skill of a particular friend that you appreciate. 

Have you identified your own talents? What should you do to develop these talents@ 

• Identify what you can and what you like to do for doing it better. 

• Display your talent where and when appropriate and thereby build self-confidence in you. 

• Understand that your talents are important for the progress of society and improving them. 

• Realize that you can get the maximum use of your skills through the awareness of the nature of life and connect them with your own skills. 

One's Weaknesses 

Here are some weaknesses written down on the blackboard by the students of grade 6 '' Araliya'' class. 

The story of a child who made a habit of telling lies 

In a certain village there was a child who herded cattle. This boy who made telling lies a habit took his herd to a lawn in the middle of a forest for grazing. One day he began to scream....."Oh the tiger is here, please save me." Some people who were cutting firewood in the forest, ran to the place where the child was screaming. Then the boy stopped screaming and laugh sarcastically, He said, 

"Oh! You got fooled, hoo, hoo, you got fooled!" 

A few days later, this child began to scream as on the previous day from the middle of the forest," screaming the tiger is here, please save me!... That day too the people who heard him came running and realized that they had been fooled once again. They felt ashamed. On another day, when this boy was grazing the cattle a tiger actually came towards him, growling. 

The child continued to scream....." the tiger has come, .....oh save me." Although the men who had come to the forest heard this cry they did not pay much heed nor did they go towards where the cry came from. Next day the people of the village came to know that the boy who went to herd the cattle had actually been attacked by the tiger. 

The one who tells lies cannot be believed even when he is telling the truth. 

Actions to be taken to minimize one's weaknesses 

• Identification of own weaknesses 

• Be humble enough to accept one's weaknesses when others point them out to you. 

• Determine to minimize one's weaknesses as much as possible. 

• Take action to see that the identified weaknesses do not re-occur again. 

1. Complete the following grid with the guidance of your teacher. 

2' Write out the disadvantages you faced because of these weaknesses. 

Obstacles and Challenges you face 

As a student, you may have faced challenges when involved in your educational activities. These may be various challenges such as economic difficulties, failure of others to respect your identity, failure to get leadership, failure of others to accept you, pressure from rebellious students etc. 

Every individual has to face challenges in life. You should believe that every challenge can be converted to strength that promotes success in life. Individuals who overcome challenges have become successful individuals, in the world. 

Let us focus attention on information regarding an individual who faced challenges and conquered life. 

His main objective in life was to offer low - price pharmaceuticals to patients. In order to achieve this objective he became the founder of the State Osusala. His policy was to import the pharmaceuticals with the help the government and distribute them through the State Osusala. He emphasized the importance of using the original name of the drug instead of its commercial name. The drug policy he introduced was highly recognized and appreciated by the World Health Organization. 

During the latter part of his life, while on a trip to popularize his principle of providing essential drugs to patients at affordable rates in third world countries, he passed away in Ghana. 

1. Identify the obstacles/challenges, you face. Write out what kind of action you would take to overcome them. 

2. Considering the example given below, complete the following table. 

You should know that there are different ways to face the challenges and should understand to follow them. 

Opportunities provided by the school for one's development 

Knowledge, attitudes, skills and habits you acquire in school are of immense help to exist as a good citizen. The school provides you with subject knowledge and awareness. Similarly, while providing you with opportunities where such talents can be exhibited, it trains co-existance. 

Opportunities provided by the school for your development. 

Answer the questions below based on the pictures given above. (Get the assistance of the subject teacher for this purpose.) 

i. What are the advantages you get as a student by participating in the above functions? 

ii. Write an article to a wall newspaper about the contribution made by your school for the development of your character as a student. 

iii. On the topic "The school is like a mother protecting us", write a few verses or an article to the school magazine. 

As a student you should have noble objectives for your success in life. It is very important that these objectives are good and fruitful. Inculcation of wholesome aims contributes not only for you but for the social progress as well. What types of wholesome aims should you possess for the success of your life as a Grade 6 student? 

• Obtaining over 80 marks in each subject. 

• Cultivation of leadership skills. 

• Getting the opportunity to participate in sports on behalf of your school. 

• Development of the ability to use second languages in addition to mother tongue. 

• Development of the ability to use the computer. 

If it is difficult to achieve these goals, alternate paths should be used where necessary. When one path is closed, another path will open for you. What you should do is to be vigilant in that regard. Sometimes, when pursuing goals, we may encounter challenges or make mistakes. In order to face such situations it is necessary that, we develop qualities such as self-confidence, will power, interest, commitment, as an interest in minimizing our weaknesses. 

Actions that can be taken to achieve your goals 

• Read supplementary books related to subjects. 

• Watch educational programmes. 

• Proper use of textbooks. 

• Exchange knowledge and experience. 

• Improve inborn talents by engaging in sports and co-curricular activities. 

1.4 Let us work to a plan 

Planning is essential for life. Planning is the implementation of segments of tasks within a time-frame in order to carry out the task more effectively. Learning to perform one's tasks orderly and systematically, is very important for a student both at home and school. What can be done to getting up in the morning and going to school at the proper time? 

e.g - Before going to bed, arrange the books according to the time table, keep the school uniforms ready and get up early. 

1. Prepare a timetable of your daily tasks which help you as a student to get the maximum use of time available. 

Given below are the characteristics of a student who is systematic and those of a student who is unsystematic. 

Assisting planning and implementing of cleanliness of the school and classroom. 

Given below are some points which you should pay attention to. Prepare a program that can be carried out in order to keep the classroom tidy and orderly. 

• Survey of the material available for use in the classroom. 

• Identify and make a list of shortages. 

• Collect suggestions to maintain proper cleanliness and order. 

• Prioritize suggestions. ³ Programme and implement the suggestions. 

Taking the above points into consideration, prepare a program to be implemented in order to maintain the front area of Grade 6 classroom in a pleasant manner. 

Form into several groups, select one of the topics given below and prepare a suitable plan. 

♦️ At a sportsmeet

♦️ At a felicitation ceremony for teachers

♦️ At a prize-giving

♦️ Children's Day commemoration

♦️ At a concert 

School Culture 

The rules and regulations, traditions, customs and emblem representing the school are part of the school culture. 

When taking the above into consideration, you will realize that the rules in the school are there for your own benefit. 

In order to conform well the rules of the schools, you have to master them. Loyalty will safeguard your dignity. As a student you are entitled to numerous rights. To enjoy the rights properly and to perform your duties with that regard safeguarding the rights of your fellow student, you are to adhere to the rules and regulations of the school. If you are law-abiding it contributes to the well-being of the school. 

Traditions observed in the school 

Customs and conventions that have existed in the school systems for a long time are considered traditions. Traditions, rules and regulations in the school are very important. Therefore, you should be aware of the traditions that are followed in the school. You should be familiar with these traditions. There are traditions unique to your school followed at the morning assembly and at the end of session. 

There are traditions observed from a long time on the tailoring of the school uniform. At school prize giving, at inter-house sportsmeets, there are traditions unique to each school. Discuss with your subject teacher, and understand the traditions that are followed in your school. 

Importance of safeguarding traditions 

• Building discipline in students.

• Producing a group endowed with self respect.

• Safeguarding the identity of the school.

• Handing them over to the future generation of students. 

• Write down two rules and regulations and two traditions of your school. 

• Prepare a code of rules suitable for your class. 

Emblems representing the identity of the school 

The motto of the school is designed as an example in moulding the lives of students. 

Discuss the meaning of your school motto. Make your school motto an example for your life. It will serve you to make your future a success. 

• Write out the motto of your school.

• Explain its meaning in brief. 

The school crest is important as a symbol representing the identity of the school. 

Situations where the school crest is used 

• School uniform 

• Stationery of the school 

• Books and publications of the school 

• To imply the ownership of the school 

• To denote the identity of the school 

• Produce a model of your school crest using material easily available to you. 

• Explain what the colours and symbols in it stand for. 

• Trace instances where the crest of your school had been used. 

Situations when the school flag is used. 

•  At the morning assembly of the school. 

• At the inter-house sportsmeet. 

• At other functions held in the school. 

The way to postures when the school flag is raised. 

• One should face the flag standing at attention. 

• Raise the school flag with dignity. 

• Everybody should join in singing the school anthem. 

As the school flag is a symbol representing your school, it should always be the focus of your respect. 

• Draw your school flag.

• Name the colours and symbols in it and describe in short what they represent. 

Every school has a school anthem. It is a symbol that denotes the identity of the school. 

The mission of the school anthem 

• Generate views in the minds of students regarding the service rendered to the nation by the school. 

• Develop respect, pride and love for the school. 

• Depict the identity of the school. 

Recall your school anthem and its meaning. In most school anthems it can be noticed that the school is addressed as '' Mother ''. 

Instances where the school Anthem is sung 

• Commencement of school. 

• On special functions of the school. 

• At inter-house sportsmeets 

Recall instances where the school anthem is sung in your school. 

The way and the posture to sing the school anthem 

• Singing the school anthem to the tune. 

• Singing the school anthem in a manner to show pride and respect. 

• Standing at attention. 

• Not to be involved in any other task when singing the school anthem. 

Train yourself to sing the school anthem to tune, standing at attention. 

• Write the meaning of your school anthem, in simple language. 

• Quote the words in your school anthem that imply good qualities like unity, service rendered by the school to society. 

• Collect the anthems of two of your neighboring schools and discuss their meanings with the help of your teacher. 

Given below is the vision of a school. Read it well. Try to understand its meaning. 

Discuss with your teacher the ''Vision'' of your school and try to understand its meaning. 

You will realize that the ''Vision'' expresses its aims it proposes to achieve in the future. 

When you complete your education well and enter society as a good citizen, the ''Vision'' of the school is achieved. 

Consult your teacher and find out where the mission statement of your school is displayed. Read the mission statement well and note it down in your exercise book. Get the help of your teacher for its meaning. 

It is you, students who receive the service of the school. The mission performed by your school for you is expressed in the mission. When that mission is successful, the ability to gift good citizens to the country is achieved. 

The service rendered by the school to society is immense. Given below is a statement highlighting its value and importance. 

'' The opening of a single school results in closing one prison'' This expression states that the school gifts good citizens to society. 

• Extract the vision of your school according to the instructions of your teacher and note it in your exercise book. Inquire about its meaning. 

• Inquire from a friend of yours studying in another school about the ''Vision'' of that school and note it down in your exercise book. Inquire about the meaning. 

The school uniform is very important because it represents the culture of the school. A uniform is used by all students in schools. Every year the government provides material free to students for their uniforms. 

Each school has a uniform specific to it. And also, it helps represent the identity of that school. 

Tailoring of the uniform according to proper standards is not only the identity of the school but it is also the law. Similarly, it not only represents the identity of the school but also displays an appearance of uniformity among students. 

What the uniform expresses is the identity of your school. Therefore, once you are dressed in the uniform of your school, you have to safeguard its honour. 

• Draw a picture of your school uniform. 

1.6 Let us do our duties and accept our responsibilities while enjoying our rights 

As a member of the school community, everybody in the school takes action to ensure that you get the rights below. These are your rights as a member of the school. 

• The right to education. 

• The right for the development of one's talents. 

• The right to security. 

• The right to equality. 

• The right to express one's ideas. 

• The right to associate with one's peers in school. 

• The right to safeguard one's identity. 

As a student you have the right to be provided with all facilities necessary to carry out your educational activities. The government provides additional things to safeguard your rights and for the development of your abilities. Here are some examples. 

• Provision of free education. 

• Provision of free school textbooks. 

• Provision of free uniform material. 

• Provision of laboratory facilities. 

• Provision of sports materials. 

• Provision of library facilities. 

• Provision of computer facilities. 

• Provision of language labs. 

While enjoying your rights, you should pay attention to meeting your responsibilities. Meeting your responsibilities in this manner results in further confirmation of your rights. 

Education is a right of yours. Being properly involved in your educational activities, being disciplined, being law-abiding, working on par with other students, are your duties. Similarly, acting so as to 32 for free distribution safeguard the rights of other students, is one of your duties. Prevention of your friends from involvement in undesirable activities is not only your duty but also your responsibility. Similarly you are expected to protect the school properties as it is your duty. 

Being obedient to teachers and respecting them are responsibilities of yours. While you have the right to security within the school, it is your duty to safeguard that rights of other students. 

Contributing to the protection of the environment you live in is a duty of yours. You should take interest in keeping your classroom clean and tidy. Similarly, you should contribute to the maintenance of a clean school environment. 

The school community is a diverse community. The school society is made up of students of various age levels. There are students who are older than you as well as students who are younger than you studying in your school. 

Similarly, there will be students who belong to different ethnic groups studying there. There could be students of various religions studying. It is most important that you consider them as children of the same mother and treat everybody with a sense of brotherhood. 

In spite all such diversities, all the members of the school community are entitled to equal rights. Acting in a manner that safeguards the rights of everyone is a duty you have to carry out. 

• Complete the table below with the guidance of your teacher. (An example of a duty related to a right has been provided.) 

1.7 Implementing duties between teachers and students 

The existence of cordial relations between teachers and students greatly influences the success of the education of students. Your commitment in the implementation of your duties by your teachers contributes to the maintenance of teacher-pupil relations at a level of excellence. 

Your duties by your teachers 

• Involvement in your studies with commitment. 

• Helping and supporting when and where necessary. 

• Accepting the advice and instructions of your teachers and acting accordingly. 

• Behaving decently. 

• Respecting and being obedient to the teacher. 

Duties and responsibilities of teachers by their students 

Functioning with commitment to provide you with a good education is the most important responsibility of your teachers by you. 

Making all of you good, virtuous students is the duty and responsibility of teachers. For this purpose, your teachers would be giving you a lot of advice. The objective here is the development of the skills necessary to spend a wholesome and good social life in the future. 

Your teachers will also take action to ensure your security and safety. Your conformity to such action will ensure your safety and security. 

Similarly, your teachers will take action to provide you with guidance and advice in the solution of the problems you face in your day to day life. 

It is possible that in your pursuit of activities related to your education you have to face certain problems. Similarly, even in the pursuit of your day to day activities in life, there can arise situations that are problematic. Even in such situations, your teachers will provide you with guidance and advice on how to face them and overcome them. 

It is your teachers who spot out your talents and make a tremendous effort to sharpen them for you and introduce you to society. Therefore, it is your duty to determine to safeguard the honour and dignity of your teachers, avail yourself of their services and become an effective individual for your country. 

The responsibilities of students by their peers in school 

As a member of the school community, you should pay attention to perform your duties and responsibilities by your peers in school. 

Co - operation, equal consideration for the others, engaging in good deeds, helping in need, caring for the younger students and maintaining good behaviour as a model for them are your main responsibilities. 

• List the duties that you have to carry out for your teachers. 

• Make a list of responsibilities you owe to your colleagues. 

1.8. The bond between the school and society 

The school is considered an essential institution that takes action to satisfy the needs anticipated by society. 

Various relationships that exist between the school and society 

There are various groups of people and organizations that maintain good relations with the school. The school maintains good relationship in numerous ways with these groups. The diagram above contains such relationships. 

When mutual relations are maintained between the school and society, service is rendered by society to the school and by the school to society 

• Producing good citizens 

• Improving literacy of the public 

• Training of future leaders 

• Providing education to children and guiding them to lead a good life 

• Transforming children into law-abiding individuals 

• Exhibiting children's talents 

• Giving messages to the community 

• Providing resources in the school for the needs of society 

Services rendered by society to the school 

• Assisting in the development activities of the school. 

• Safeguarding the property of the school. 

• Getting the services provided by the neighbouring organizations. 36 for free distribution 

• Participating in the various festivals of the school. 

• Taking action to have the cultural heritage and social values introduced to the school curriculum. 

• Educating the school on good hygienic methods and modern technological techniques. 

Let us learn about ways in which the school maintains relations with the community 

Action is being taken, under the ongoing school development programs to get the other people associated with the school to join the internal staff for the development of the school. Their goals are as below: 

• Provide a good education to all 

• Inculcate the positive feeling of ''School is ours'' among the students, teachers, principal and the community. 

• Optimum use of resources. 

• Identify the particular needs of every student. 

• Ensure flexibility of the activities of the school 

(School Development and Management Committees have been appointed to achieve these goals.) 

School Development Committee 

This committee comprises, the representatives of past students, parents, academic staff and a representative of the zonal education office. The principal is the presiding member of the committee.

The objective of this committee is to develop the school through receiving and using necessary resources. This provides opportunities to build up relationships between the school and the community and share the experience among all. The issues prevailing are resolved by self - motivation and self-direction by all. 

Past student’s society and well-wishers 

It is essential for the development of a school that it maintains constant relations with its past students. Through this, close relationship for free distribution 37 is developed between the principal, staff and the present students. Past students can be useful to the school in numerous ways like in obtaining school buildings and equipment, provision of mid-day meals for students, advisory services, obtaining support for festivals held in the school etc. As such, every school takes an interest in the development of these relations. 

Parents, past pupils and well- wishers make a contribution for the development of the school by providing contributions and involving in tasks like shramdana campaigns, assisting in the maintenance of the cleanliness of the school, its beautification and repair of the premises. All these relations are mutually useful to the school and the neighbourhood community.

Maintaining relations with representatives of the public 

Funds necessary for the sections of the school that require improvement and acquisition of equipment are released by the Central Government and the Provincial Council on the recommendations of the people's representative. By getting people's representatives to associate with the school the opportunities for the development of the school increases. 

Service rendered to the school by society 

For the school - community relations to continue well, the school should remain open to society. For example, 

• Use of the assembly hall of the school, grounds buildings for community services.

• To conduct health camps. 

• Education of the community regarding contemporary health, social and environmental problems through educational campaigns. 

How the community is harnessed for the activities of the school 

1. Utilization of physical resources that can be obtained from the community for the development of the school. 

2. Obtaining the services of various resource persons endowed with knowledge and skills for the development of the school. 

Features of child-friendly schools 

• Provided with water and other sanitary facilities 

• Have a safe learning environment 

• Have a pleasant class room environment Fig 1.17 and sanitary for free distribution 39 

• Have a student-centered learning and teaching system 

• Teachers willingly change their teaching methods to meet the difference of the students 

• Get the support of the community in the planning and managing school affairs 

Quoted from : Child Friendly School, Primary Education Branch, Ministry of Education 

1.) Prepare a handout for the education of the community, based on your investigation of human activities that promote destruction of the environment of your region. 

2.) There are two groups from which the contribution of society can be obtained; Past Students’ Society and Parents' Circle. 

I. Write three tasks that the Past Students’ Society can perform' 

II. Write a short description of the service rendered to the school by the Parents’ Circle'