It was for this purpose that Akshara was started! All the more to be appreciated is the fact that all these ideals have been put into practice effectively as the school has grace to learn new languages, handicrafts, games and sports, yoga, meditation and art. A spacious playground and the proximity of the temple tank for swimming have also helped.

Mrs. Nalini Unni is the brain and spirit behind this unusually oriented educational institution. She considers teaching a ‘divine’ profession. She has several degrees providing her varied professional knowledge, but teaching and this school have become an obsession with her. And the best part of it is that she was able enough to put her dreams into practice by starting this school in memory of her parents who were responsible for instilling in her the concept of selfless social service for the needy.

With the help of willing friends and acquaintance and with her own resources Nalini was successful in starting her school in 1993 at Thoraipakkam.

Today, Akshara is a full-fledged school with classes upto XII (Plus Two level). The first batch of students appeared for the Std. X Matric Board exams in April 1998 and the result were excellent. One hundred per cent pass with fifty percent I Class. Those results led to permission being given to add classes XI and XII.

Though the fees are nominal and within the means of village parents, scholarships have been awarded to several students. Exnora Women’s Guild,Adyar,and Meenambakkam Inner Wheel Club have also given scholarships to two very poor students.

As the upliftment of women was the primary aim of the school and as the base of family is the mother, Nalini made concerted efforts to lure the women of the area for adult literacy classes. Now, most of the mothers of the students can read and write, know about environmental problems and the happenings around them, preventing them from being exploited by others. Both students and parents are taught the necessity to keep not only the home but also the surroundings clean for the sake of good health.

A well-equipped laboratory at Akshara provides adequate facilities for the departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. A well-stocked library serves to improve knowledge as well as encourage a recreational reading habit among the students, Yoga and meditation have been added to the curriculum to offer the children the same extra curricular activities as their counterparts in the city. Computer classes are conducted on a vocational basis. The teaching of languages like Hindi, as well as arts ad crafts and tailoring, provide the necessary basic training for their future in case some of them wish to take up jobs after class X. Philosophy and talks on art and culture and on the heritage of India as well as the chanting of slokas with the correct intonations, all form part of the student’s curriculum. All these additions to the syllabus are due to Nalini Unni’s foresightedness and her determination,that rural children such as Akshara’s should not be left behind.

Meenakshikutty Amma and Narayana Panicker instilled in their daughter Nalini and their other children all the right Indian traditional values which they practiced themselves. Helping those in need was one of the traditional values.

As a child, fifty or so years ago, Nalini used to roam the lush green countryside of Pykara, Moyar, Masinagudi and Glemorgan around Ooty where her father’s job took them. Rabbits, deer and peacocks were her playments in those forest settings. As there were no schools in those areas, her father would teach the children of the neighbourhood while her mother taught her all the subjects, needed to gave a solid educational foundation.

When she finally joined a regular school, St. Mary’s Mettur Dam, she topped her class in all the subjects in spite of not having had any formal school education

She went to Palghat with her parents and had her college education there. As a college student, she started a new routine for the children of the locality. She would get them together and they would all work in the garden for an hour or so, there would then be a prayer session at dusk followed by the study hour when she would help out all the children with their studies. Her parents supplemented her efforts in giving paddy to needy families and money for fees to girls whose parents were hard pressed for funds.

After her B.Sc., Nalini got through the all—India Medical exam, but her ambition of becoming a doctor was not realized as their financial, position did not make use of her law degree, but took up the slightly less stressful job of teaching, as managing a home taking care of her small son and further studies pre-occupied her. She did a B.Ed., a Diploma in Educational Pshchology and an M.A. in English. She was determined to continue with her education, along with her teaching assignments, a second child-a daughter –and family responsibilities.

When her husband got a good assignment in Malawi, she accompanied him and there her simple methods of teaching attracted the attention of the Government of Malawi. She was appointed an officer in the Educational Department of Malawi and got an opportunity to improve the standard of education of African students.

On their return to India, she continued with her teaching but also set her sights on building up her own home, a small temple and now the school, Akshara . Now that her children are grown-up-her son is a marine engineer and is married, her daughter has completed her M.phil-and her husband has retried, Nalini devotes all her time and energy to Akshara.

With the help of willing friends and acquaintance and with her own resources Mrs. Nalini Unni was successful in starting her school in 1993 at Thoraipakkam. Today, Akshara is a full-fledged school with classes up to XII (Plus Two level). The first batch of students appeared for the Std. X Matric Board exams in April 1998 and the results were excellent. One hundred percent pass with fifty percent I Class. Those results led to permission being given to add classes XI and XII. Though the fees are nominal and within the means of village parents, scholarships have been awarded to a few students by Exnora Women’s Guild, Adyar, and Meenambakkam Guild, Adyar, Meenambakkam Inner Wheel Club, Mr.Praveen pillai & Mr.K.Padmanaban, Social workers and Mrs.Sujatha Paulose,director,VS&B Containers Pvt Ltd., Mr.K.Narayanan,Socil worker,Secretary to Adyar NSS,President of Chandrasekar Avenue,Thoraipakkam and Dr.Deepa Menon & her Mother Mrs.Parvathy Menon conduct meditation classes and Reiki for the students appearing for X and XII Board Examinations.

A well-equipped laboratory at Akshara provides adequate facilities for the departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and computer science. A well-stocked library with nearly 4000 books serves to improve the knowledge as well as encourage a recreational reading habit among the students. Yoga and Meditation and Karate have been added to the curriculum to offer the children the extra curricular activities as their counterparts in the city. Computer classes are conducted on a vocational basis. The teaching of languages like Hindi, as well as arts, crafts and tailoring, provide the necessary basic training for their future in case if some of them wish to take up jobs after class X. Philosophy and talks on art and culture and on the heritage of India as well as the chanting of slokas with the correct intonations, form the part of the student’s curriculum. All these additions to the syllabus are due to Mrs Nalini Unni’s foresightedness and her determination that rural children such as Akshara School should not be left behind.

Curriculum

Classes From pre KG to STD XII

Teaching Methods

Reviewed and revised keeping in line with the changing trends. Modern teaching methods utilising audio visuals are adopted. The teaching method is so efficient that even the very weak students improve well in their studies and pass the examination with very good marks.

Language

Medium of Instruction is English in all standards. Tamil is the second language. Hindi is taught for certificate courses (Hindi Prachar Sabha) Malayalam is taught as third language. Subject to Changes.

Uniform

School has got the prescribed Uniform for both Boys and Girls

Physical Education

• A fine play ground is ear marked for the physical education.
• Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and NCC are being conducted.
• Music and Dance and other courses
• Karate, Yoga, Music, Dance Classes,
• Certificate Course in Computer science and
• Hindi are conducted without any fees.
• Gain to the students by doing these courses is about Rs.20, 000.
• Due importance will be given to music and dance, and the hidden talents of children will be explored and exhibited through cultural programmes. Personality development is the main aim of the school.

Building

Reinforced concrete building (G + 2) A well built spacious auditorium where education film shows, competition cultural programmes, meetings, seminars etc., are conducted.

Admission

Admission is given to all the children who seek for it, first preference is given to the Children of the Villages. Children of the widows and handicapped parents. Children of the Defence Personnel. Admission is given WITHOUT ANY DONATION

SCHOOL HAND BOOK INSTRUCTIONS

1. Every student should have the hand book and it should be brought to the school every day.
2. The first page of the hand book should be filled neatly.
3. Record sheets of Late attendance, absence, permission, uniform, monthly report and total attendance, medical report
    Principal’s report, co-curricular activity report, home work assignment sheets, Report on tests and examination and note to the     parents should be signed by the school authorities and also by the parents after reading. They are also expected to respond to     the report.
4. The name(s) of the books taken periodically from the library should be entered in the library record sheet duly attested by     Librarian. Date of taking and date of returning of the books should be entered.

ADMISSION

1. The School admits boys and girls irrespective of any distinction of caste, creed, Community or social status.
2. At the time of admission, the following documents are to be furnished:
    (a) Birth certificate (b) Community Certificate.
3. If the students are admitted from the other schools, along with the Transfer Certificate:
    (a) Mark list or Xerox Copy of the progress card
    (b) Birth certificate
    (c) Conduct and character certificate
    (d). Community Certificate should be produced to the office.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Late Coming:

1. No one should come late to school.
2. Late comers will not get the attendance.
3. Regular late comers will be detained.

LEAVE:

1. Taking leave should be avoided where ever possible.
2. Leave letter showing the causes of absence should reach the office either prior to taking leave or within 3 days
    of date of absence.

ATTENDENCE:

1. 80% Attendance is compulsory for promotion.

PRINCIPAL-PARENTS CONTACT

Parents/Guardian can meet the Principal on all the working days i.e. from Monday to Friday between 3.00 PM to 3.30 PM for counselling and to discuss the progress of their wards.

EXAMINATIONS

Promotion to the next standard depends on the marks obtained in the various tests and examinations.

PROMOTION RULES

40% and above is the passing Mark.
85% and above is the distinction Mark.

GRADE SYSTEMS

0      to    29 Fail    D-    Grade
30    to    39 Fail    D      Grade
40%        49%      C      Grade
50%        59%      C+    Grade
60%        69%      B      Grade
70%         79%     B+    Grade
80%        89%      A      Grade
90%        100%    A+     Grade

NOTE TO STUDENTS

1. Damage cost to the properties of the school must be paid at the discretion of the Principal.
2.Valuable articles should not be brought to the school, (Gold ornaments, should not be worn, inside the School Campus).
3.Pupils should be responsible for their own properties.
4.Students who are sick should not attend the school.
5.Any serious breach of discipline and above all disrespect and disobedience towards the members of the school staff inside or     out side the school premises will be treated seriously.
6. All the students should converse only in English.
7.Boys with long hair will not be allowed to attend classes.
8.Pupils who bring lunch to school should bring with them napkins or hand towels and spoons; they should not spoil the class    room while eating.
9.The nails of the students should be cut short.
10.They should wear clean & tidy uniforms and polished shoes.
11.LKG to Std 1 Students should give a pair of under garments to the Class teacher for changing if the dress gets spoiled.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE RULES

1. The Transfer Certificate (T.C.) application should reach the office on or before 10th of April.
2. T.C can not be issued if the original birth certificate and community certificate are not submitted should be submitted at the time of Admissions.
3. Arrears fees should be paid along with the T.C. application form.
4. Order for Text Books and Note Books will be placed for all the children who have not applied for T.C.
5. Delayed T.C. application leads to financial strain on the school. Hence the Parents should compensate the loss by paying the compensation fees along T.C. fees.

PRIVATE TUTION

* Parents should consult the Principal before fixing the tuition for their ward/ wards.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

As per the instruction of the School Management.

MASS ASSEMBLY UNIFORM

Every Monday and Friday Mass assembly will be conducted and the pupils should be present with full White Uniform
with White canvas shoes.
Students should wear only White canvas shoes on days when the physical education period is there in the time table.

HOLIDAYS

Holidays will be declared for the following festivals.

GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS

Classes will not be held on Government Holidays. However attendance is compulsory for the Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanthi.

SCHOOL DECLARED HOLIDAYS

1. School Day Celebration.
2. Sports Day will be conducted on15th July of every year on the eve of Honourable ‘Karma Veerar’ Kamarajar’s Birth
    Anniversary.

TERM HOLIDAYS

Subject to Changes

FIRST TERM

- Sep. 25th to Sept 30th
   Re-opens on 1st Oct.

SECOND TERM

- Dec.25th to Jan 1st
   Re-opens on 2nd Jan.

THIRD TERM

  (Annual Holidays)
- April 25th to May 31st
- Re-opens on 1st June.

OTHER HOLIDAYS

As per the Government Holidays.

SCHOOL FEES AND REMITTANCE

Monthly Fees
Tuition Fees
1st Term       - June-
                      July
                      August
                      September
2nd Term       - October-
                      November
                      December
                      May
3rd Term       - January-
                      February
                      March
                      April
Term fees should be paid on or before 10th June, October, January.
If 10th is a Holiday, Fees should be paid on 11th of the Month.
Special fees should be paid by June 10th.
Admission fees should be paid at the time of admission.

OFFICE HOURS

The School office will function from Monday to Saturday from 8.45 A.M. . .to 4.30 P.M. except on third Saturday.

SCHOOL HOURS

The Classes will function from 8.45 a.m. to 3.45.p.m.First and Last Saturday will be Full Working days.
Mass Assembly: 8.45 am to 9 am.
Teaching hours: 9 am to 11, 11.20 to 12.30, 1 pm to3.
From 3 pm to 3.45 p.m., co-curricular activities (music, dance, yoga, karate, games and education film show)
From 3.45 to 4.45 pm; special coaching classes for the students appearing for the Board Examination and weak students of the other classes.
Every Tuesday and Thursday: classes for scouts and guides.

Higher secondary Classes STD XI to XII

The following are the groups offered in the school:
A.Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer, Computer Science.
B.Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
C.Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology
D.Economics, Commerce, Accountancy, Computer Sciencev E.Other groups without Computer.
(a)Good Library and Laboratory are provided for the children’s use.
(b)Practical training connected with the School Curriculum will be conducted.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES

Physical exercises and games are essential for the development of physique and for promoting self-discipline. They foster leadership qualities and team spirit. This is a compulsory activity for all the students.
Throw ball, Volley ball, Shot put, Tennis, Badminton, and Kabadi etc.

MEDICAL CARE

Health check up scheme is provided and the School Doctor will check up the student periodically.

NOTE TO PARENTS

1.Parents can meet the teachers between 3.45.p.m to 4.00.p.m with the permission of the principal.
2.Parents are not allowed to meet teachers or the children during the school hours.
3.Parents should read the information entered in the hand book. They are requested to see the hand book every day.
4.Parents should send their wards with neat uniforms.
5. Parents are requested to meet the staff and the head of the institution as per the days given in the hand book.
6.Parents are requested to extend full co-operation to the school.
7.The norms, the rules and the regulations: The curriculum available in the school will not be changed at the request of the
   students or the parents because they are framed, keeping in the mind the general requirement of the Institution.
8.Parents are requested to attend the Parent-teachers meeting which will be held on every 2nd Saturday between
   10.00 AM and 12.30 PM.
9.New Disciplinary rules and regulations may be issued from time to time if necessary for regulating the conduct of students.
10.Leave letter should be given by the student signed by the parent on time in the case of any absence.
11.General body meeting will be held by teachers, management on the 2nd Saturday of June and April.

IMPORTANT:

The parents of the students who are going to appear for the Board Examination should attend for the special meeting called for.
The meeting is to improve the Examination results with the cooperation of the parent.