by Adelani Aderemi

Created on: July 23, 2009

Perhaps the most difficult set of students to manage are those in the post-primary schools since majority of them, if not all, are still in their teens. They are in the age bracket where life opens up for them and they feel like experimenting with everything. Most often they appear unruly especially when adults try to force them to do things they have no interest in. The importance of a close relationship between Principals, members of staff and the students cannot be overemphasised.

Students Information

The Principal should realize the importance of complete and accurate data and information on each student. This starts from forms that are completed before admission of students into the school. These forms should be well designed to capture the tiniest detail that could be used to predict the intending student's temperaments, allergies, health condition, family background, and salient skills among others. Upon admission, each student must be interviewed by relevant experts in health, psychology and other fields as to determine other areas of interest that might not have been captured in the form by omission or deliberate acts. Care must be taken to closely observe students' conducts in class, sports field and leisure time throughout the year to further get a complete dossier on each. All these are the school Principal's tools to analyze, evaluate, predict and understand each student put under her care.

Communication

The role of good communication in building good relationships cannot be over-emphasized. The Principal must put in place a very effective communication system to ensure vital information flows unhindered and unaltered around the school community and with appropriate controls. Students' grievances must be timely channeled to the appropriate authority level for solution. Rules and regulations should be clearly explained to students with written copies made available in brochures or notice boards where appropriate. Principals must ensure they put in place committees to review these rules and other school policies from time to time so as to be in pace with the changes in societal values and still maintain the school's focus. The cultural values of the school must be well explained to students and teachers.

Students Representation

Selected members of the students' body should be made to serve in appropriate committees with other members drawn from the teaching and non-teaching staff. Regular meetings of such committees would help to

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