In a time when education is increasingly shaped by digital influence, evolving learner behavior, and rising parental expectations, the role of schools is undergoing a profound transformation. Anish Dhakal, Principal of Gyanshree School, Kathmandu, represents a new generation of educators who are reimagining schooling through creativity, student engagement, and balanced use of technology.

With a strong focus on holistic development, reading culture, and hands-on learning, Gyanshree School has been building an educational environment where students are not only academically competent but also creative, aware, and confident learners. In this insightful conversation with College Readers, Dhakal shares his approach to modern education, the importance of parent-school collaboration, and how schools can meaningfully respond to the challenges of the digital age.

There is growing concern that students’ creativity and reading culture are declining. What steps has your school taken to address this?

Yes, this is a very real concern today. Many students are not as engaged in reading as they should be, and creativity is also being affected. Keeping this in mind, we have taken deliberate steps to create an environment that naturally encourages reading and exploration.

For instance, if you look at our library, you will notice that it is not designed as a conventional, rigid space. Often, libraries can feel intimidating or restrictive, especially for younger students. Instead, we have invested thoughtfully to create a welcoming and engaging library environment.

The seating arrangements are flexible and comfortable so that children feel relaxed and motivated to read. We want students to choose to read, not feel forced to do so.

Additionally, we have introduced dedicated reading periods. Reading is not limited to classrooms; it is treated as an independent and essential activity. During these sessions, students spend quiet, focused time engaging with books.

Beyond reading, we also address the issue of excessive screen time. Many children are unaware of how much time they spend on screens. Therefore, we educate them about age-appropriate screen time and help them become conscious digital users.

At the same time, we provide a wide range of creative and hands-on activities, including:

• Art and craft 
• Dance and music 
• Maker-space programs 
• Language classes 
• Vocal training 

These activities ensure that students are actively engaged and not dependent solely on passive learning or digital content.

Parents today have very high expectations from schools. What role should parents play in their child’s development?

Parents naturally want the best for their children, and that is completely understandable. For most parents, their child is their entire world, and they are willing to make significant sacrifices to ensure their child’s success.

However, it is important to understand that while schools provide structured learning environments, we deal with hundreds of students under a unified system. We create policies and practices that aim to benefit the maximum number of students, but individual needs can vary.

This is where parents play a crucial role.

At Gyanshree, we have established a system to strengthen this partnership. We have a dedicated Parent Engagement Coordinator whose role is to ensure smooth communication between parents and the school.

Parents should:

• Communicate concerns promptly 
• Share insights about their child’s behavior and needs 
• Collaborate with teachers to support learning 

Even with strong policies—such as anti-bullying, child safeguarding, and harassment prevention—there can be small, individual situations that require attention. When parents communicate openly, we can respond more effectively.

Ultimately, both parents and schools share the same goal: the growth and well-being of the child.

How does your school ensure a safe and supportive learning environment?

Creating a safe and supportive environment is one of our highest priorities.

We have established clear policies, including:

• Anti-bullying policies 
• Child safeguarding frameworks 
• Anti-harassment guidelines 

These policies are not just documented—they are actively implemented and communicated to all staff and stakeholders.

Teachers are trained to handle situations sensitively and proactively. At the same time, we encourage students to express themselves and seek help when needed.

However, policies alone are not enough. A safe environment also depends on relationships—between teachers and students, and between the school and parents.

Why should parents choose Gyanshree School for their children?

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions parents make. It is not just about infrastructure or curriculum—it is about the vision and philosophy behind the institution.

At Gyanshree, the foundation of the school lies in a team of experienced educators and academicians who have dedicated decades to the field of education. The school was not established as a commercial venture, but as a thoughtful initiative to bring a different kind of educational experience to society.

There are several key aspects that make Gyanshree unique:

1. Strong Academic Foundation with Vision
Our team brings deep educational expertise and a shared commitment to innovation and quality.

2. Strategic Location
Located in Baneshwor, the school is easily accessible for many families, making it convenient for daily routines.

3. High-Quality Infrastructure
From nursery to Grade Seven, we have ensured that all facilities—classrooms, furniture, learning spaces, and student services—are designed without compromise.

4. Global Standard Education
Our aim is to provide students with an education that is comparable to international standards. We want our students to feel confident whether they pursue higher education in Nepal or abroad.

How do you balance technology with meaningful learning?

Technology is an integral part of modern education, but it must be used wisely.

We do not believe in completely restricting technology. Instead, we focus on educating students about responsible usage.

For example, we teach students how to:

• Choose meaningful digital content 
• Use technology as a learning tool 
• Avoid harmful or unproductive usage 

I often explain it like food—just because something fills your stomach does not mean it is healthy. Similarly, not all digital content is beneficial.

By combining digital awareness with hands-on learning, we create a balanced educational experience.

What is your vision for the future of Gyanshree School?

Gyanshree School is not just a single institution—it is the beginning of a larger vision.

This is our starting point. We plan to expand, with a new branch already in development in Balkumari. Our long-term goal is to establish Gyanshree as a model institution, similar to how Kathmandu Model College became a benchmark in higher education.

We aim to create a system where:

• Learning is engaging and meaningful 
• Students are confident and capable 
• Education is aligned with real-world needs