. The meeting started with an introduction from the PTA secretary. The
  structure of parent members on the VMC, PTA Exec Council, and class
  parents were explained.

. The Principal addressed the gathering.  He invited questions from the
  audience.  He got a lot of them (see below for a smattering of them).
  He clarified some (but not all) of them. 

. The Chairman VMC (Prof. Misra) had requested VMC member Prof. Ballal
  to address the gathering.  He spent a few minutes touching upon the
  rapport of the principal, PTA and the administration.

. The featured speaker Dr. Harish Shetty spoke (and held the audience)
  for about 45 minutes. He also took a few questions.  

. A vote of thanks was presented.

-------------------------------------

Questions for the Principal.  

. Can we have special monsoon wear (e.g. black sandals) for the school?
  At least for 1st+2nd?  

. Can there be one more recess?   [Not now. Write to Board of Governors]

. Can we have 5 day week?  [Not now. Write to Board of Governors]

. Can we change the timings? [Not now. We are following the summer
  school system of KV.  For more details visit http://kvsangathan.nic.in/
  Also see http://www.cbse.nic.in/ and ncert.nic.in for syllabus

. What does the principal expect as support from institute? [Not touched
  upon.] 

. How is planning to improve communication with the parents? [A new
  diary is being planned and will be available in 2 weeks. It will contain
  a NEW section on the tentative calendar.]

. Can we have bright colorful classroom in I and II? [Not touched
upon.] 

. Can we good sports training for primary? [We are trying for a new
coach. BTW, we are also trying for a librarian.]

. Can we have less holiday homework?  [We will take this up with teachers]

. What problems have you observed in the last 2-3 weeks of school? [Too
  soon to say, but the problems will hopefully go away so I don't have
  to answer this question.]

----------------------

Points from Dr. Shetty (Effective parenting)

. Exhaust tantrums, don't argue with tantrums
. Take the child to the vegetable shop.  Make him respect the kitchen
  (e.g. let him help make dinner), so that he learns to eat everything. 
. In the school, the teacher is the mother, and at home, the mother is
  the teacher.  The mother is always right :-)
. Inspire, don't instruct ... mantra for the 21st century
. Sometimes, let the child experience the small pains in life so that she can
  experience the bigger pains in store for her in life
. A child can flourish at ANY point of time. Never give up on the
  child.  That means, Never ever give up on yourself.
. Your child never lies. It is just truth postponed.

Four important things for your child: Safety, Trust, Respect, and Love