New VP: I Would Like Our School To be Like A Jazz Band

BBS KJ’s new Vice Principal, Mr Mohan, with his thirty plus years of teaching experience, is ready to share his wisdom with our students and teachers. Find out what he aims to achieve as our new Vice Principal through an exclusive interview with BBS Connect.

                                                                                                                                                               Mr. Mohan in his new office

Q1: What was your motivation to become the Vice Principal?

There is not much of a motivation. I am quite well into my career, and since there was a slot to fill, I filled up that gap.

Q2: How did you achieve this status and what did you do?

Since I have 38 years of teaching experience, I know how children behave and I know their psychology. I believe that the school saw this in me, and I am glad that school has entrusted me with this position.

Q3. What do you think the executive board saw in you?

I believe that the executive board saw my ability to build up teams of passionate people. A small team can produce better results than an individual. I think they too believe that this is true.

Q4: What do you view as your most important contribution to your daily operations of our school?

Teacher training is a passion of mine and I try to focus on my colleagues so that everyone can elevate their teaching ability. I believe that every teacher can bring their students up; every student can achieve.

Q5: How would you describe your leadership style?

My number one rule is to treat everyone as equals – every teacher is capable. When working on a task, I would first float ideas around and take in feedback and criticism from the team. After that, a group decision would be formulated. The aim is to get the majority to support one plan. Later on, adjustments and changes would be made until the plan is fully developed.

Q6: What is your ideal school environment, how would you achieve this goal?

I think the best way to explain this is through an analogy. An orchestra follows a conductor and plays according to the conductor’s pace. A rock band consists of different people playing their music at their own pace and is difficult to control. A jazz band plays their own music in a controllable pace but still manages to produce a harmonious tune. I would like our school to be a jazz band, where the students and teachers can express themselves, but still be able to work together in harmony.

Q7: What advice would you give a new teacher on his/ her first year?

First of all, I would like to remind the new teachers that teaching is a long journey. It is unlikely that everything will be learnt in the first year. Environmental changes also take place. When I moved from Singapore to Indonesia, I had to adjust my teaching style. Therefore, the ability to be flexible and adapt is very important. The next priority would be motivating your students to do their best.

Q8: Vice principal position requires intense time management, how do you manage your time?

My main job as the vice principal is education management. Fortunately, I have an amazing team of HODs who have helped me made management easier. Perhaps, since my family isn’t living in with me in Jakarta, I have more time to do work. I also don’t mind spending a few hours each day to meet my deadlines.

Q9: What is your view on the elearning program that we have in school?

Elearning is one of my weakest points. I picked up the computer very late, and my understanding of computers does not go more than emails and youtube. Since I am a traditional teacher, the elearning is like the next stage of learning for me. I am desperately learning from my students, so that I can adapt into this new environment.

Q10: What are your visions and missions for the school?

When I took the position, the first thing that came to mind was to make the school a more pleasant and inviting place. I want the staff to be happy, so that this happiness can carry on to the students. I want them to be happy to come to school happy. The next thing I thought about was the discipline of our students. A student from BBS must have discipline. This vision of mine, which includes pastoral care and student discipline,  may take a few years to reach, but I will try my best to make it happen.