Pelkhil

Pelkhil has completed its inaugural term and, as we have all expected, it has proven to be a challenging one. With on-going construction, bridge building and site development all being subject to unexpected delays, the bringing together of nearly 270 children with over 25 staff and faculty - from diverse backgrounds and schools - practically guaranteed that challenge.

Still, our staff and faculty persevered, and at the end of the term we are happy to report that things have greatly settled in. To be sure, there are many issues that still need to be worked on. School management has taken due regard of all the views expressed during the Parent-Teacher meetings and will be working to address them, as we will other issues that concern us.

One such issue is regarding the departure of a few of our faculty. We are disappointed to announce that three of our faculty members, namely Madams Dorji Bidha and Laxmi Nepal and Sir Meghraj Tamang will be leaving Pelkhil after the first term for their personal reasons. We realize that such movements during an academic year are disruptive and unfair to the students affected and the management has done everything within its means to try to convince the teachers to remain. However, surely as a measure of their commitment to their students, the teachers concerned have insisted on leaving.

The management of Pelkhil though remains totally committed to the interests of students and parents, and have already taken corrective measures to fill the voids for the second term. To teach Chemistry in classes 9-12, we have recruited Mr. Kamal Chhetri, B.Sc, B.Ed with several years of teaching and professional experience. To support him we have also recruited a very experienced chemistry teacher on a part-time basis. To teach Physics and Mathematics in classes 9-12, we have recruited Mr. G.S. Dogra, a highly experienced teacher from DAV Public School, New Delhi. One of our teachers from the United States, Mrs. Ashley Toney B.Sc (Microbiology), MA, has also arrived and will comfortably fill the opening in the English Department.

In preparation for 2011, we have now begun recruitment for more teachers to further strengthen Pelkhil's already outstanding faculty. While the nation-wide student-teacher ratio is about 1:25 and 1:39 in Thimphu, at Pelkhil it is about 1:9! This ratio is recognized as a significant indicator of the quality of education being imparted. Pelkhil intends to maintain a very health student-teacher ratio by ensuring class sizes remain small.

A picture says it best: Pelkhil School as seen at an angle over the assembly courtyard. Block A is on the right, housing 12 spacious and well lit classrooms (6 each on the ground and first floors), and a number of rooms/halls for co-curricular activities (CCA) on the second floor. Block B on the left is a mirror image of Block A, while Block C in the center will house the laboratories; administration areas; teachers' room, lounge and conference room; Principal's office; and library.

Pelkhil has high aspirations which are realizable only if a clear sense of mission is imparted to, and shared by, our students and teachers alike. In this age of complexity and uncertainty, the ideals that one aspires to must necessarily be resilient enough to help one rise to the known and unknown challenges that lie ahead.

The basis of the Pelkhil ethos has thus been set accordingly. It covers a versatile range of aspirations, which will direct the thrust of our efforts as we build our new school, and from which will emerge students with skills and values that are versatile enough to ensure they successfully meet those challenges.

Pelkhil School opened on March 15, 2010 in Thimphu. As at the end of the first term, 2010, Pelkhil had neary 270 students in classes 5 through 12.

Outstanding teachers have been recruited (see our faculty listing for the latest developments) and class sizes will be kept small, not exceeding 26 on average. Sports will be offered as a daily activity, with outdoor facilities that include a full sized football field and basketball and volleyball courts. Extra-curricular activities including debating, elocution and dramatics will be offered, and many more activities will be added gradually. In short, Pelkhil aims to set high standards in quality and all-round education by striking a balance between academics, sports and extra-curricular activities.

Pelkhil is located centrally in Thimphu, across the river and opposite the chhorten at Olakha, just off the express way. We aspire to provide internationally competitive education to Bhutanese children right here in the heart of Thimphu. Find out more about why Pelkhil may be the right choice for your children.