We Focus On Values: Rima Singh, DPS International

Tell us about your journey with the institution. Shine some light on the highs and the lows.
My decade-long journey with DPS International has been both rewarding and transformative. As the founding head, I have seen the school grow into an IB continuum institution, earning CIS accreditation and building a strong, inclusive community. We have celebrated achievements in academics, sports and beyond. The pandemic posed challenges, but our resilience in adapting to online learning and maintaining our standards brought us closer as a community. Through highs and lows, we have emerged stronger and more united.

How do you communicate and build relationships with parents?
At DPS International, we prioritise open, transparent communication to build strong partnerships with parents. Our Open-Door Policy encourages parents to reach out with concerns or to discuss their child's progress. Regular Parent-Teacher Meetings focus on academic and holistic development, ensuring a collaborative approach. We inform parents through emails, newsletters, our online portal and social media. Parent engagement workshops, feedback surveys and coffee mornings foster active involvement, while parent representatives and committees ensure their voices are heard. This approach creates a supportive community where parents are valued partners in their child's education.

We often hear news of negligence of safety & wellbeing of students in educational campuses. It wouldn't be wrong to say that education has become a mere business, especially for the private sector. What are your thoughts on this and how is your school free from this business-oriented approach?
Students' safety is our top priority, even before teaching and learning. We have strict safeguarding policies, including thorough staff background checks, regular safety audits and child protection training. Our campus is equipped with CCTV, secure entry points and emergency protocols, overseen by a dedicated Child Protection Officer and team. As educators, we prioritise a safe, nurturing environment for holistic student development. Ethical leadership guides our decisions, with a focus on values and student welfare, not profit. Our governing body, comprising educators and community members, ensures that educational quality always comes first.

How has your perspective on education changed in your time with DPS International, Gurgaon?

My time at DPS International has deepened my belief that education is a journey for both students and educators. Embracing continuous learning, I strive to model curiosity and growth as an educational leader. The evolving global landscape has reinforced the importance of a student-centered, adaptable approach, where mental health and wellbeing are integral to success. While technology enhances personalised learning, fostering human connection and community remains vital. Inclusivity and equity are at the core of my philosophy, ensuring every child thrives in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Upasana .

BW Reporters The author works as a Senior Copy Editor with BW Businessworld and currently handles the education vertical. She has done her Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (NER Campus, Aizawl).