meaning - Difference between "function" and "operation"

Which one of the following is correct?

Instructions given by the Vice Principal on behalf of the Principal for smooth function of the school must be followed by all staff members.

or

Instructions given by the Vice Principal on behalf of the Principal for smooth operation of the school must be followed by all staff members.

Answer

Operation is best. The function of a school would mean basically the purpose of the school, which cannot be "smooth". Operation would mean how things go (how the function is accomplished), so the operation of the school is what can and should go "smoothly".

Also see PLL's comment below: functioning instead of function would easily suffice as a substitute for operation in most cases. So your choices are between "operation" and "functioning" here.