DIOCESAN SCHOOLS WILL SWITCH TO ENGLISH AFTER THE CHANGE

PANJIM: Most schools run by Diocesan Society of Education will switch over to English medium immediately as soon as the change is effected, Secretary of the Diocesan Society of Education, Fr Zeferino D’Souza has speculated.  He, however, insisted that the choice was up to parents and DSE would in no way force any schools to adopt any particular medium of instruction.  

“It depends totally on parents. According to what the government has announced, parents have to give in writing that they want the school to change the medium of instruction. I expect almost all parents of our schools to seek a change in medium of instruction as it was prior to 1992,” Fr D’Souza said.

The Diocesan Society of Education controls more than 126 schools all of which had switched over to the Konkani medium in 1992. This accounts for majority of the 137 privately run Konkani medium schools in the State.

He, however, cautioned that there are “some areas” where parents might prefer to continue in Konkani medium.   “In some areas, maybe one or two schools, parents may demand that one class be continued in Konkani medium. But that also remains to be seen,” Fr D’Souza said.

Meanwhile, Fr D’Souza said that he was surprised that the Goa Headmasters Association relented and decided to abide by the government’s circular on no detention policy and that too at the eleventh hour.   “It is absolutely absurd to think of mass promotions at this stage when all results are out, admissions are completed, forms finalized, and some staff members are on summer vacation. This has sent shock waves throughout Goa and even in neighbouring States,” Fr D’Souza said.

“I am really surprised that headmasters have decided to implement this. This will lead to a chaotic and tragic situation in schools.” – HD