When Anthony Fernando went to collect his report card on Saturday, he was nervous about his results. But he wasn’t expecting to be told by the principal that the school no longer wanted him. “I’m feeling very bad, I’ve been studying here since KG,” said Fernando.

Br Pinto, who is the acting principal while Br Lobo, the principal, is in the US on study leave, said, “we are advising parents to readmit failed students in other schools”.

Defending the move as “the best thing for such a child,” he added: “These students need a new environment to get away from present bad company. Then there’s a chance they’ll do better in life.”

Fernando Senior had pleaded for a second chance for his son. “How will I get him admitted in another school at the last moment?” he asked.

But Br Pinto told him that it was not his responsibility.

The school had apparently employed a similar policy last year, when 47 students of Class XI were asked to leave. “Most got admission in other schools,” said Br Pinto.

According to him, Br Lobo had spoken to each class individually, telling students that they must pass the end-of-year exams to be promoted to Class XII. But parents said no such warning was issued.

The students had to pass in at least one of their five subjects and score 33 per cent or more in the rest. Fifteen marks — “grace” — were available for transfer across subjects.

But Joseph Gomez, who failed in one subject, has not received any grace marks, which would have lifted his score of 31.5 per cent.

“I just flunked economics. The principal told me he didn’t want me in school anymore. I can’t believe they’re kicking me out,” he said.

Gomez wanted to know why there’s no option of taking the exam again. “Even in the boards you are given a re-test,” added his father. “The lives of our children depend on these crucial years in Class XI and XII. I know my son has made a mistake. He must be more committed. But schools must support us, they are their kids too.”

“This sort of response to failure is risky, children need support,” said another parent, Teresa Srinath.

Br Pinto has his reason. “These kids are not interested in learning,” he said. “They think Class XI is a breeze. Some marks were in single digits. How much can we do? And how much more space can we keep for them when Class X is graduating?”

ROOM TO BREATHE
“We feel that if a child is failing, then it’s a signal that our teaching is bad. Children who don’t do well are coached during the holidays.”

Shyama Chona
Principal, Delhi Public School, R K Puram

“I don’t believe in detaining a child only because we want a good result at the end of Class XII. We should not put a child under so much stress. At Salwan, if a student fails in one exam, he or she is given another test. Failing in more than one subject, a student is asked to retake the year; they are not asked to leave the school.”

Vandana Puri
Principal, Salwan Public School, Rajendra Nagar

Education Secretary Rina Ray has not received any complaints regarding the recent incident at St Columba’s. She urges parents to get in touch with the Directorate of Education so the matter may be investigated. “This is extremely unusual. We’re not in favour of this. It is not at all child-friendly,” she said.