The BSAI Workshop on Pastoral Excellence was attended by the dorm parents -
Mrs Nirmal Inda & Ms Rosalind Vincent at
Tula’s International School, Dehradun from 17th to 19th April 2026.
The workshop was conducted under the esteemed guidance of the Chief Guest, Dr. Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster of The Doon School. The sessions were facilitated by distinguished resource persons, Mr. Vinay Pandey, Ms. Sapna Sukul, Ms. Sunaina, and Ms. Meghana Dutta, whose expertise and experience enriched the learning process.
The workshop proved to be highly insightful and engaging, focusing on strengthening pastoral care practices in a boarding school environment. It emphasized the importance of understanding students’ emotional and social needs, building trust, and creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere within the dormitories.
One of the key takeaways from the workshop was beautifully illustrated through a simple yet powerful concept — just as the shape of a heart can be formed by two ears placed together, effective pastoral care begins with listening. This reinforced the idea that to truly support students, dorm parents must first listen with empathy, patience, and understanding. Listening is not merely hearing words but understanding emotions, concerns, and unspoken feelings.
The workshop included a variety of interactive activities, group discussions, role plays, and scenario-based exercises, which kept all participants actively engaged. These activities helped us reflect on real-life situations faced in boarding houses and equipped us with practical strategies to handle them more effectively.
The benefits of attending this workshop were immense:
• It enhanced the understanding of student psychology and emotional well-being.
• It provided practical tools for conflict resolution and effective communication.
• It strengthened the ability to respond sensitively to students’ needs.
• It encouraged collaboration and sharing of best practices among educators.
• It helped to develop a more compassionate and student-centered approach in our roles as dorm parents.
Overall, the workshop has empowered the dorm parents to become more mindful, approachable and supportive caregivers, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the holistic development of their boarders.
