So finally, we got admission. I say 'we' because its actually we, the parents along with kids who would be involved in the school activities every day. The session started in April first week. But hey, before that, we had to get the books, the uniform, the shoes et al.
The school had provided the schedule to purchase the books and uniform class-wise. It’s good to be in order. The direction to the Stationary and Uniform Shop reads 'Books and Looks'.. interesting! The books section was extremely organized. Go to the shop, they have ready bags with books for the class, you pay them, and you are done! Superfast and quick!
The story is a little different for the uniform shop. Though, some of it is understandable. In case of uniforms, the correct size has to be ensured. Lest you come again to change. So probably, that’s why it takes times. But there are other issues which can be dealt with to make the uniform purchase faster.
Firstly, many a times the staff to show the uniforms and collect payment is not enough. There have been scenarios where only one person is available to cater to all the parents/kids and take the payment as well. It had resulted in parents waiting for more than an hour and a half to either purchase a uniform set or exchange a single piece of uniform. Slightly mismanaged! Especially considering the expected rush in the pre-scheduled days. But, the fact that the staff is friendly cannot be ignored. They talk to you nicely, never shy away from showing you different sizes till you are convinced. And that makes it comfortable for the parents, and the elder kids to visit the uniform shop and get the right piece.
I must say though, that the uniform is smart! Very smart! The skirts have a different style than most other school dresses. Being a dark grey color, they are more manageable than light colored skirts. Add to it, the special uniform for Wednesdays: a nice fuchsia tee and white skirt for girls, and a bright green and white shorts for guys. They look damn smart! :o) ... And the winter dress is no less. The sweaters are very nice. And again the Wednesday dress is extremely smart and comfortable. I love it!!
Shoes are a different ball game. They are branded 'Reebok' shoes in Black and White. If purchased from the school shop, they will cost you around a hundred or two hundred bucks less on each pair as compared to purchasing from the market. No doubt they look smart. But purchasing these two pairs every year is a good hit to the pocket, specially with growing children who create a ruckus about tight shoes every morning!
Well, I have preferred to buy the shoes from Reebok stores since the past few years I have had to, simply to avoid the rush at the uniform shop. But the rest of the uniform is exclusively available at the School Uniform Shop only.
Coming back to the books, they are to be labeled, neatly organized, and submitted in the Class on the day of joining. So the kids are saved from the burden of carrying them everyday.. good thought!
Another organized part was the Bus routes. They are put up on the board, along with the Bus Route number, and the driver's phone number. Yes, your kids are reachable while on their way to school. And it has been a great help for me at multiple times.
All in all, not a bad experience. I am sure they are working towards improvising the Uniform facility!
