Kochi St. Rita’s School Principal Sister Helena Alby Honored with ‘Best Principal’ Award

Rotary International Club has announced the ‘Best Principal’ award for Sister Helena Alby, Principal of St. Rita’s School, Palluruthy, Kochi. This recognition comes amidst a recent controversy involving the school and the wearing of a Hijab by a student.

The dispute at St. Rita’s Public School arose when an eighth-grade student arrived at school wearing a Hijab as part of her uniform. The school management maintained a strict stance that students could not attend classes while wearing a Hijab. Principal Sister Helena Alby’s statements regarding the issue also garnered significant public discussion.

Despite these recent controversies, Rotary Club International, Thiruvananthapuram chapter, has decided to present the prestigious award to Sister Helena Alby. J. Moses, Secretary of the club, clarified that Sister Helena is being honored with the ‘Best Principal’ award, a prominent category within the Rotary International Excellence Awards. He emphasized that the decision was based on her extensive contributions to the educational sector and not influenced by the recent disputes. Sister Alby’s selection was made from a pool of previously received nominations.

The ‘Best Principal’ award will be formally presented to Sister Helena Alby at a ceremony scheduled to take place next month in Thiruvananthapuram.