Why 'Chempaka' ?
What better way to take off on the idea of the school than on that of the simple but altruistic idea of a flower! A thing of beauty is a joy forever-beauty, joy and add to it the sublime of classic antiquity and you have the perfect idea of the school. The rather harsh connotation in being schooled is offset by the beautiful, the joyous and the sublime! It is this unique formula that ought to linger like the sweet fragrance of the flower in the memory of all those who would have passed through the school’s portals.
The petals of varied hues waft fragrance without expecting anything in return – the best lesson in altruism. Unless the seed falls to the ground and dies, it shall not live. The diasporic nature of the seed speaks for the far-reaching and all-encompassing nature of the school. When one individual is educated the education of future generations is ensured. This thought drives home the enormity of the tragedy of the unschooled! The seed has to perish to regenerate. If life is an education so is death.
And, finally, those who would have drunk to the lees the nectar of knowledge offered so generously, it is they alone who would be able to sing of the liberated mind along with Shakespeare’s spirit of freedom:
“Where the bee sucks, there suck I:
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch where owls do cry,
On the bat’s back I do fly
After summer merrily,
Merrily, merrily, shall I live now;
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.
(Ariel, in the Tempest)”
School Anthem
I’d like to build the world a home
And furnish it with love,
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow-white turtle doves.
I’d like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony.
I’d like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company.
I’d like to see the world for once
All standing hand in hand:
And hear it echo through the streets
For peace throughout the land.
Code of Conduct
Let your conduct befit your family, school and nation
Éndeavour to succeed in everything you do
Carry yourself with dignity and grace
Organise your study materials, resources and time
Listen to and follow your elders’ instructions
Examine your actions
Co-operate with your teachers and classmates
Hand in quality work and assignments that you can be proud of
Ensure that you seek and give assistance whenever needed
Maintain discipline and punctuality
Present yourself well by being clean, neat and well-groomed
Always be courteous and respectful
Keep your surroundings clean and beautiful; be energy conscious and eco-friendly
Above all, be gentlemen and ladies of whom L’école can be proud.
