Friendly School Orientation Programme Receives Positive Response from Parents
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) stated that the implementation of the Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS Ramah) has received a positive response from parents because it helps new pupils adapt to school from the very first day.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti, in a statement issued in Jakarta on Saturday, said that MPLS Ramah is part of an effort to transform the tradition of hazing into a school culture that is safe, comfortable and mutually respectful.
Through MPLS Ramah, the ministry aims to build a school environment that fosters mutual respect, honours teachers, respects parents and cultivates a love of knowledge.
“We express our gratitude to the teachers who always sincerely give their best to educate the nation’s children. We also thank the parents who have placed their trust in us to accompany their children as they grow into a great Indonesian generation,” he said.
Imas Afriana, a parent of a pupil at State Primary School 1 Binangga in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, said she has experienced the benefits of MPLS Ramah, which was attended by her daughter, Alzena Zunaira Khairunnisa.
According to her, the various activities designed by the school make it easier for children to get to know their surroundings while also fostering enthusiasm for learning.
“The activities are fun and innovative. The school tour helps the children learn the function of each room, while the ice-breaking sessions and group games greatly help them adapt to their new environment,” she said.
She expressed hope that schools would not only equip children with academic knowledge, but also instil values of discipline, responsibility, courtesy and empathy from an early age.
Rijena, head of State Primary School 1 Binangga, explained that the entire MPLS programme was designed to help new pupils get to know the school environment, their teachers and their friends in a warm and enjoyable atmosphere.
One of the activities carried out was ‘Get to Know Your Friends and Teachers’, so that pupils feel more confident about building interactions from the start.
According to her, a sense of safety is the main foundation in the implementation of MPLS Ramah.
For this reason, teachers act as companions who are always present to support pupils throughout the activities, from welcoming them at the school gate to accompanying various learning activities packaged through games.
“Without a sense of safety, comfort and joy cannot be created. We want every pupil to feel accepted and confident to learn in their new environment,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the support of parents who actively cooperated with the school during the MPLS.
She assessed that this collaboration is one of the keys to creating a good adaptation process for new pupils.
“We hope that after this MPLS, the pupils will feel safe and comfortable studying at State Primary School 1 Binangga, and will have renewed enthusiasm to take part in the learning process ahead,” she said.