Abstract
M.Ed.
The school should guide pupils in such a way that, in time, they came to understand the meaningfullness of attending school. The activities offered by the school should be positively experienced by the pupils for this greatly adds to the contentment of children. This study has a dual purpose: * an examination of situations which are meaningfully
experienced by pupils, * the laying down of guidelines for the creation of such situations.
A literature study was especially employed as method for obtaining information. An empirical study, limited in extent, was also undertaken. This included five questions
asked of forty nine pupils to ascertain their experiences and expectancies surrounding the school. It can be stated as an educational requirement that the attending of school
should promise to be a meaningful experience to all pupils. This demand necessitates deep understanding of the child and his particular expectancy of the school. The principal, as executive of the school, has the responsibility of creating a living space at school within which each pupil can attain optimum development. To succeed in this, the principal depends on his own abilities and talents, as well as on the teachers, parents and pupils. Each school has its own particular character. As a school climate, school spirit and school traditions develop at a school, so each school's own particular culture evolves. The principal plays a prominent role in the creation of a school's particular culture. His initiative, guidance and creative powers can result in the creation of a meaningful school culture which will create a longing for the school long after pupils have left it. The principal should organise activities in all areas of the school in such a way that, by their contribution, the participants are afforded the opportunity of optimum
development. There are schools where such an enrichment program results in tremendous joy for the pupils. To achieve this, one requires creative thoughts and one must be prepared to accept the challenge of establishing something special for all
pupils.