- AFFILIATED TO CBSE : AFFILIATION NO 1930274
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- About the School
- Governing Body
SCHOOL CALENDAR
LATEST ANNOUNCEMENT
Governing Body
Balsam Academy is a unit of the Balaram Memorial Trust, established in 2004 as the result of a vision by a small group of individuals who recognised the challenges faced by mainstream schools in providing adequate services to a diverse student population, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and with differing beliefs, languages, and behavioural approaches. The name "Balsam" reflects the school's commitment to nature in all aspects of its operations.
With a team of qualified and passionate facilitators, Balsam Academy's Governing Body is dedicated to supporting and guiding students, leading to far-reaching positive impacts not only for the school community but also for families and the broader society. Looking ahead, the Governing Body aims to:
- Facilitate pathways for young people entering the workforce, collaborating with organisations that offer innovative solutions aligned with the school's ethos.
- Explore creative educational ideas for parents, children, and schools.
- Provide resources for new community initiatives.
| MRS. SAROJA. V.B | MANAGING TRUSTEE |
| MRS. ASHA RANI BALARAM | CO-MANAGING TRUSTEE |
| MR. SUNDAR. K | TREASURER |
| MS. ANITHA. R | SECRETARY |
The School Management Committee is an officially constituted body approved by the school's Board of Trustees. The SMC is accountable to the school and its community, acting in the best interests of the institution and all its stakeholders. Members serve a term of three years.
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Subject to the overall control of the Trust, the duties, powers, and responsibilities of the School Management Committee shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
- It shall supervise the activities of the school for its smooth functioning.
- It will work according to the specific directions given by the Trust regarding admission policy. However, it shall ensure that admissions are made as per merit without discretion of gender, disability, religion, race, caste, creed, place of birth, etc. strictly as per state government norms.
- It shall look into the welfare of the teachers and employees of the school.
- It shall evolve both short-term and long-term plans for the improvement of the school.
- It shall oversee the appointment of adequate and competent teaching and non-teaching staff.
- It shall exercise financial powers beyond those delegated to the Principal within the budgetary provisions of the school.
- It shall take stock of academic programmes and progress of the school without jeopardising the academic freedom of the Principal.
- It shall guide the Principal in school management.
- It shall ensure that the norms given in the Acts/Rules of the State/UT and of the CBSE regarding terms and conditions of service and other rules governing recognition/Affiliation of the school are strictly adhered to.
- It shall ensure that no financial irregularity is committed and no irregular procedure concerning admission/examinations is adopted.
- It shall approve the rates of fees and other charges subject to the conditions laid down in the bye-laws.
- It shall review the budget of the school presented by the Principal and forward the same to the Trust for approval.
- It shall ensure the safety and security of children and staff of the school and give directions for improvement.
- It shall look into grievances of the teachers and staff in connection with their service conditions and pay etc. and dispose of such grievances following applicable rules.
- The School Management Committee will meet at least twice in an academic session.
- The provisions contained in Acts and Regulations of the Appropriate Government will prevail upon the provisions related to the School Management Committee.
| Name | Designation | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs. V.B. Saroja | Chairperson | Entrepreneur |
| Mr. B. Prabakaran | Ex officio Secretary | Principal, Balsam Academy |
| Ms. Spurthi Naidu | Management Representative | Human Resource Manager |
| Mr. Veeramurugan | Board Representative | Principal, DAV - BHEL School, Ranipet |
| Mr. Amit Kumar | Board Representative | Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya, INS Rajali, Arakkonam |
| Ms. Nadhiya D | Teacher Representative -Internal | Teacher |
| Ms. Kalpana S | Teacher Representative -Internal | Teacher |
| Ms. Vanitha P | Parent Representative | Entrepreneur |
| Mr. Maheshkumar G | Parent Representative | Finance Head in TATA International |
| Ms. Muthu Abirami T.V | Member - CA & Advocate | Advocate and Tax Management Consultant |
| Ms. Nasiha Parveen A | Member - Entrepreneur | Investor |
| Dr. Vimal Prabhakaran | Member - Doctor | Doctor |
| Dr. Madhusudhana G | Teacher Representative (External) | Senior Lecturer - DIET |
| Dr. Balaji E | Teacher Representative (External) | Senior Assistant Professor - VIT |
Objective:
To oversee and align the school's operations with its vision, mission, and CBSE guidelines, ensuring excellence in education and overall development.
Responsibilities:
- Supervise day-to-day school operations and long-term strategic goals.
- Form and monitor sub-committees for specific domains of school governance.
- Ensure compliance with CBSE guidelines, policies, and school standards.
- Promote collaboration between departments for integrated and smooth functioning.
- Regularly review school progress and address challenges with actionable solutions.
Impact:
The SCC serves as the backbone of school governance, ensuring all functions align with the school’s vision and mission, fostering efficiency and excellence.
Objective:
To ensure continuous academic improvement and adherence to the CBSE School Quality Assessment and Assurance (SQAA) framework.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and monitor the implementation of the SQAA framework in academic and operational areas.
- Conduct regular self-assessments to identify strengths and areas of improvement.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance key domains such as curriculum, inclusivity, governance, and beneficiary satisfaction.
- Prioritise improvement areas and create actionable plans for academic excellence.
- Foster a culture of innovation and quality within the school ecosystem.
Impact:
This committee ensures the school meets and exceeds quality benchmarks, fostering academic excellence and student satisfaction.
Objective:
To strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers, nurturing a collaborative approach to students’ holistic development.
Responsibilities:
- Provide a platform for parents and teachers to share ideas, address concerns, and collaborate.
- Organise initiatives that encourage parental involvement in school activities.
- Act as a communication bridge between the school management and parent community.
- Ensure transparency and inclusivity in school policies and decision-making.
- Address grievances and suggestions to build trust and cooperation.
Impact:
The PTC fosters mutual understanding, collaboration, and trust between parents and teachers, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Objective:
To ensure a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement school safety policies and procedures.
- Conduct risk assessments, safety audits, and mock drills regularly.
- Address hazards promptly and ensure safety preparedness for emergencies.
- Collaborate with local authorities, parents, and the school community to strengthen safety protocols.
- Educate students and staff on safety awareness and practices.
Impact:
This committee creates a culture of safety and security, building trust and preparedness among the school community.
Objective:
To ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for students and staff.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and oversee transportation routes and schedules.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and audits of school vehicles.
- Ensure compliance with transportation regulations and safety guidelines.
- Address transportation concerns raised by parents, staff, or students.
- Cause collaboration between transport service providers, parents, and school authorities.
Impact:
This committee ensures that transportation systems are safe, efficient, and meet the needs of the school community.
Objective:
To prepare the school community for potential disasters and ensure effective response and recovery measures.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement disaster management plans and policies.
- Conduct regular disaster preparedness drills and training for staff and students.
- Collaborate with local authorities and experts for effective disaster management.
- Identify potential risks and implement mitigation measures.
- Monitor and improve disaster preparedness continuously.
Impact:
The SDMC ensures the safety and resilience of the school community during emergencies, minimizing risks and disruptions.
Objective:
To uphold the right to education for all students, ensuring inclusivity and access to quality education.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Right to Education Act.
- Identify and address barriers to education for marginalized students.
- Promote inclusive education practices within the school.
- Advocate for the rights of students from underprivileged backgrounds.
- Monitor and report progress on RTE implementation within the school.
Impact:
This committee ensures every child’s right to education is respected and fulfilled, creating a more equitable learning environment.
Objective:
To empower students by nurturing leadership skills and promoting active participation in school governance.
Responsibilities:
- Organise student elections to select representatives democratically.
- Develop leadership training programs, such as workshops on communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
- Mentor student leaders to take up roles in organising school events, managing student clubs, and resolving peer issues.
- Encourage students to voice their concerns and suggestions for school improvement.
- Build collaboration between students and school administration to ensure student-centric policies.
Impact:
This committee helps develop future leaders by fostering responsibility, independence, and a sense of ownership among students.
Objective:
To create an environmentally conscious school community and implement sustainable practices in daily operations.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct awareness campaigns and workshops on climate change, waste management, and sustainable living.
- Oversee green initiatives such as tree planting drives, clean-up campaigns, and recycling programs.
- Promote energy-saving measures like reducing electricity and water usage on campus.
- Collaborate with the community to implement eco-friendly practices beyond the school.
- Monitor and report the school’s environmental impact and suggest actionable improvements.
Impact:
This committee instills a sense of environmental stewardship in students and staff, preparing them to contribute positively to global sustainability efforts.
Objective:
To ensure the overall well-being of students and staff by promoting physical health, mental wellness, and nutritional awareness, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and healthy school environment.
Responsibilities:
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Health and Nutrition:
- Plan and implement healthy, balanced menus for the school cafeteria.
- Educate the school community about the importance of proper diet, hygiene, and exercise.
- Monitor food safety and hygiene standards in the cafeteria and during school events.
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Physical Fitness:
- Organize regular fitness activities, including yoga sessions, fitness challenges, and sports competitions.
- Conduct regular health check-ups and vaccination drives for students and staff.
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Mental Health and Wellness:
- Provide access to counseling services for students, staff, and parents.
- Organize wellness programs focusing on mental health, stress management, and mindfulness.
- Train teachers to identify early signs of mental health concerns and offer first-level support.
- Create safe spaces within the school for students to share concerns or seek help anonymously.
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Collaborations and Workshops:
- Partner with healthcare professionals to conduct health and mental health workshops.
- Promote awareness campaigns on topics such as stress reduction, resilience, and work-life balance.
Impact:
The Wellness Committee fosters a comprehensive culture of health and well-being, enabling students and staff to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. This holistic approach enhances happiness, productivity, and resilience while nurturing a strong and supportive school community.
Objective:
To integrate technology into teaching and administrative processes, ensuring the school remains innovative and future-ready.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and execute digital transformation initiatives for classrooms and school operations.
- Train teachers on using modern educational tools like smart boards, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms.
- Introduce coding, robotics, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) programs for students.
- Implement a Learning Management System (LMS) to streamline teaching and learning processes.
- Monitor cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety of online activities for students and staff.
Impact:
This committee equips students and teachers with 21st-century skills, fostering a culture of innovation and technical expertise.
Objective:
To promote cultural diversity, artistic expression, and creative talents among students.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and organise cultural events, including festivals, talent shows, and inter-school competitions.
- Provide opportunities for students to explore various art forms like dance, drama, music, and visual arts.
- Collaborate with local artists and organizations to conduct workshops and exhibitions.
- Encourage students to participate in national and international cultural programs.
- Integrate cultural education into the school curriculum, promoting appreciation for diverse traditions and heritage.
Impact:
This committee enhances creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness, contributing to the overall personality development of students.
Objective:
To enhance the professional growth and well-being of teachers, ensuring a motivated and high-performing faculty.
Responsibilities:
- Plan regular professional development programs, workshops, and training sessions for teachers.
- Encourage teachers to pursue advanced certifications and participate in educational conferences.
- Recognise and reward outstanding contributions by teachers in academics and extracurricular activities.
- Address teachers’ concerns regarding workload, facilities, and other professional needs.
- Build a peer mentoring program to foster collaboration and mutual support among teachers.
Impact:
This committee promotes a culture of lifelong learning and professional satisfaction among teachers, leading to improved teaching quality.
Objective:
To foster lifelong connections between the school and its alumni, promoting mutual growth and contribution.
Responsibilities:
- Organise events and networking opportunities for alumni.
- Encourage alumni to share experiences, knowledge, and resources with the school community.
- Facilitate mentorship programs where alumni guide current students and staff.
- Mobilise alumni support for school initiatives, such as fundraising and skill development.
- Maintain an updated database of alumni for effective communication and collaboration.
Impact:
This committee strengthens the school community by leveraging alumni support, enhancing the school’s legacy, and fostering lifelong engagement.
