Silver Fiesta - 2020
Films depict raw emotions and often show our daily lives, through a cinematic lens. Movies have helped us all escape from our daily lives when we need to and thus films are an indispensable part of our lives.
Three students of our school, Arshia Jaitli, Arnav Sachdeva and Rehat Kaur participated in GD Goenka World School's ‘Silver Fiesta - 2020’, a film critiquing competition, a way to look at movies with one’s own perspective.The event was held on 30th May 2020. The motive was not to criticize, but to understand better the perspective of filmmakers and film critics and develop a sense of direction towards the art of movie-making.Keeping in mind the lockdown and online format, the event attracted 8 schools. 9 teams including the host school team enthusiastically participated in the event. The judges appreciated the hard work of the teams and based on the set criteria declared the winners. Our students did us proud by bagging the third position in the competition. Our Principal, Mrs Anju Wal, met the children virtually and congratulated the students. She also had a coversation about their experience and learnings from the competition.
From the Principal's Desk
When we closed school in March, we had a reasonable belief, like many others that we will return to our physical building in June sometime. That has not happened but what has happened is a tremendous amount of upskilling and relearning by all educators in the system.
The Shiv Nadar School leadership has met more frequently than ever before to take stock of the situation and strengthen our collective vision to ensure that the Standard and Quality of Shiv Nadar School Education will remain uncompromised.
This one hiccup year in the legacy of our school, is just that, a hiccup.
I promise you that we are here to re imagine school education, even before Covid-19, and build tenacious, robust children, with lifelong learning skills, adaptability, emotional resilience and a combativeness that will stand the test of time.
To find the synergy between technology, curriculum and pedagogy has been our key area of focus in these past weeks. Much of the training has centred around striking that harmony in teaching online.
As we progress ahead, I would like you to notice the connected learning thread that we weave across different subjects so our children can make real time connections, make meaning of the body of knowledge and process concepts, experiences, online discussions and more.
Our People, Our Strength
Turbulent times test the bedrock of relationships. I would like to share with you that in our institution each one works doggedly with an unflinching assurance that their jobs are safe.
No one has been dismissed or sent away on half salary, leave without pay and such like, which is the trend of the times at present. We are flowing against the tide because to flow with it, is radically against our values and ethics.
On Another Note
The entire Faridabad team raised money to provide dry rations to our 130 strong support staff, the bhaiyyas, didis, conductors, guards, janitors and more. I attach a few pictures in case you missed seeing them. We plan to support them for the next 3 months, each one of those families and then see how to raise more money to take it till the end of the year for sure.
We are the World
I hope you enjoyed the symphony of over a 100 children, teachers and parents singing the iconic song together. In case you haven't heard this in house production of Faridabad School, its time you did. It will fill you up with surging optimism and love.
Hiring for Talent
I have inducted more than 20 teachers in the Faridabad team, in the recent weeks, all talented, competent and aligned to our philosophy. This trend to hire is clearly different, you would agree. But we believe that great teachers make great learners. And we will make no compromise to continue to provide the cutting edge education to our children in these unprecedented times.
Technology
The Institution has made massive investment in upgrading the technological frontiers of the school. Veracross, is one example of the same. This deep and incredible learning Management System is now embedded across grades 1 to 10. It will soon be populated in Early Years too. The pathway to understand and use it will be steady and staggered and we will keep you informed of the continued progress and availability of new functions.
Webinar on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Parents
We launched our first in the series of the said webinar on Thursday,4th June. Parents of grades 7 to 10 were the invitees and we addressed several questions on how to cope with the stress, children's whimsical behaviour, family and work pressures and such like. The panellists comprised, Manisha Massey, our senior school counsellor, Mamta Sharma, our parent and certified psychologist, and myself.
Or next is in the series is round the bend and we will let you know of the date and the year group. Our plan is to cover all age groups and offer this opportunity to all parents.
Assessments in Middle School
We conducted our first marked assessments with the novel use of technology for grades 6 to 10 before the summer break. The children did us proud. I believe when we assume the best intentions of people they rise to their best. Our children conducted themselves with honesty and sincerity to do the tests remotely. My gratitude to all the parents too who were our co invigilators in this process.
My Conversations with You
I have met almost 500 parents in the last 2 weeks. It was wonderful for me to see you and converse with you. I do hope that you felt equally good to connect and hear what we are doing and thinking. I certainly will meet all our parents in the days to come. It is my fortune to see the tremendous attendance for our conversations. Let’s keep it going.
Online Classes Resume Today (15h June)
As we stand at the intersection of uncertainty and strong resolve, we are luminously clear that a shut school building will not shut out the learning of our children. If anything, it will only incrementally raise it to adapt to phenomenal change, increase the reservoir of empathy and compassion in their hearts and embrace reimagined processes, skills and knowledge.
Enjoy the Experience. Feel free to connect with me to share your thoughts.
Stay Safe Stay healthy and Stay Indoors as we fight this together.
Best Regards
Anju Wal
Principal
Shiv Nadar School
Faridabad
.jpg)
Anandam Grades V & VI, 14 February 2020
Anandam (2019-20) – Grades 5 and 6
The yearlong odyssey of Grades 5 and 6 students’ learning in the field of AHA Arts culminated on 14 February ,2020 through ‘Anandam’.
AHA Visual Arts students explored water based mediums, acrylic on canvas, painting glass surfaces with reverse painting technique and used paper craft and mixed media like wool, thread and paint to create artwork. Students also learned pulp-making and paper making, and created textured paper using a starch coating. It was a delight to see the polygonal patterns and shapes in two dimensions to create pieces of art.
In sculpture making, students used wire sculpture to understand the importance of armature and explored clay modelling, paper casting both relief, standing sculpture and using foil paper as a medium. Most of the relief sculptures were based on animal studies, which helped them to enhance their understanding of animal anatomies.
The AHA Instrumental music students performed an arrangement in Raga 'Yaman', presented a melody called 'Waltz in A minor' by Frederic Chopin and an orchestra piece 'Santorini' taken from Yanni's album 'Live at Acropolis. The Western Vocals students presented the songs ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman, ‘Believer’ by Imagine Dragons and ‘Don't Give Up on Me’ by Andy Grammar. Students in Hindustani Classical Vocals showcased their talent by presenting Raga Kedar.
The AHA Odissi students presented a mythical story ‘Mahakaali Mangalacharan’ through a splendid performance. Chhau students showcased the concept of Abhyaas highlighting how a soldier uses body line and movements and the correct technique to spin in the air while taking high jumps. The Bharatanatyam students showcased various adavus and identified the process of combining the adavus with music and rhythm while coordinating with movements of different body parts. Students also showcased their journey through a presentation titled Shivoham. Kathak students explored a major aspect of Classical Dance called ‘Jugalbandi’ which is a medium of conversation in the form of questions and answers between dancers, musicians and also the audience.
In the Theatre play ‘Kaamchor’, students used satire to bring out the idea of being a kaamchor depicting with the help of examples from their own lives in order to build an association with the form and idea. A Street Theatre ‘What is a Good Day to Save the Earth?’ was presented to understand and investigate climate emergency as it exists today. The play also traces the difficult journey of the environmental activist Greta Thunberg and her fight against the people/ institutions responsible for the plight of billions. The Comedy play ‘A City of Heroes’ highlighted a series of vignettes that sheds light upon the multiple questions revolving around the term ‘Superhero’. Students picked up characters from a fictional world who face conflicts that are valid in our real lives. ‘Dog-napped’ was an adventure play that showcased the team’s attempts to play with the basic elements of adventure/ mystery fiction. One could see clearly students’ understanding of different elements of the genre through the play.
Images of Truth: Satya Ke Pratiroop
Shiv Nadar School Faridabad, organized a show for students and parents by the acclaimed puppeteer, Dadi D Pudumjee as part of Funkaar Week on 28th November, 2019.
DADI D. PUDUMJEE is one of India’s foremost and innovative puppeteers. He has helped contemporary puppetry gain legitimacy as an art form in India. In 1986, he established the Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, which is now one of the leading platforms for innovative puppet theatre across India and the world.
He the winner of the prestigious Padmashri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards.
Synopsis of the Show: IMAGES OF TRUTH- SATYA KE PRATIROOP
Commissioned by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in 1993; on its debut, Images of Truth broke the boundaries of conformed puppetry in India and inspired generations of puppeteers & performers with its performances. Ishara’s groundbreaking and inspiring. Choreographed to music from across the world, it’s a mesmerising, nonverbal, musical adaption on one of mankind’s most iconic figures - Mahatma Gandhi. Gain insight on his early life to his spiritual discovery of the universal message of Satyagraha & nonviolent protest. Images of history and contemporary India mesh together over twelve scenarios as the performers create powerful, moving images with which both the young and old alike can relate.
It was a beautiful experience for our children as it helped them to be more creative and different way to express opinions.
Mr. Pudumjee and his team of artistes interacted freely with students and answered questions which were directed upon their interests and the difficulties faced in this particular field.
OLE to Sursinghdhar - Grade 5
On 21st October students of grade 5 went for an outbound learning trip to Sursinghdhar, Uttrakhand. The peaceful environs of the campsite was a perfect location to explore the beauty of nature. The trip started with the acclimatization trek followed by an array of activities including monkey crawling, double trouble, mowli walking, zip line, rappling and sky ladder. There were many challenging team activities where students were required to go through many obstacles and work as a team. Students learnt the art of survival cooking and first aid. Social games like treasure hunt and bonfire provided enough opportunities for camaraderie. It was an engaging and enriching experience that will forever be etched in the impressionable minds of our students.
Literary Week Grades 2 to 5
Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad observed Literary Week with an array of activites through the week from 16th September to 20th September, 2019. Literary Week is observed each year to ignite and fuel interest in reading, creative writing, etc.
Grade 2
Grade 2, this year, explored a world of fairy tales, fables and folk tales. Besides being entertained, the children were exposed to a variety of different characters. Shattering the conventions, these little ones also wrote their own creative stories and poems and illustrated them beautifully.
The Literary Week was culminated with a ‘Cosplay’, where our little ones came in dressed as their favourite character. The performance was grand and lively with few handmade props for some vivacious characters. The corridor was filled with smiling faces and laughter, and, saw many characters come to life!
Grade 3
Celebrating Comics
Grade 3 celebrated the Literary Week by exploring a new yet familiar genre of literary writing: Comics. Tied with the chapter Florence Nightingale, the students explored the form of comics beyond the text. A discussion on the relevance of comics in today's age sparked the conversation among peers - the responses ranged from comic as an easy to read medium of taking in information to its versatility as visual art. The children made their own comics illustrating stories about their pet, the latest supervillain Thanos and some even explored Panchtantra-esque themes. Well-illustrated and drafted, the comics were presented on the day of culmination in a learning walk among grades. Peer-learning was evidenced as children spoke to each other about panels, gutters, speech bubbles. The excitement in the air was palpable as our little authors and illustrators proudly presented their work.
Grade 4
"The principles of true art is not to portray, but to evoke”
The crescendo was reached of the truly inspirational literary week where grade 4 exhibited the art of storytelling and grade 5 presented their poems. Throughout these 7 days, our children delved deep into the literary masterpieces- Kaabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore (Grade 4) and The Chimney Sweepers by William Blake (Grade 5).
The culmination started with an exhilarating storytelling session by the students of grade 4. It was a matter of joy to witness our 10-year-old children perform! They spoke fluently, with appropriate tone, intonation and voice modulation! All the characters came alive...the hunter, the grandma, Red Riding Hood, the wizard!
Right after the performance, the poem gallery was inaugurated where the students presented the drafts through which the final bound book of poetry was brought together, piece by piece, after several drafts. After all, the journey was as important as the destination! The bound book of poems written by Grade 5 was presented to Ms. Wal. It will be available in the library soon.
Grade 5
Literary week was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm from 16 th to 20 th September. Grade 5 chose the theme of ‘poetry’ to kindle the love of poetry in young minds. The journey began with the understanding of ‘Chimney sweeper’, a poem by William Blake. Thereafter they composed poems on social issues. After a couple of drafts, the final poems were compiled into a poem book. Principal, ShivNadar School Faridabad, Ms. Anju Wal, inaugurated the poem book in the ‘poem café’ organized to culminate the literary week.
Walk the Talk with Grade 3
Beyond the classroom experience: Walk the Talk - Interactive session with Career Experts for grade 3.
The students of grade 3 interacted with career experts in three specific fields - Film, Culinary Arts and Aviation.
Mr. Subhash Bhanwala discussed the various stages in film making and production emphasizing upon his role as a film editor.
Mr. Bharat Burman challenged the students to wear his hat as a chef to plan a hypothetical school party.
Ms. Smriti Minhas captured the students' undivided attention with fun facts about serving on an international airline like 'Why we keep the window shutters of an aircraft open while taking off and landing?'.
Author's Meet
Author's meet-27th August
It is said that “a child who reads will be an adult who thinks”.
We realize that reading is fundamental to functioning in today’s society. It stimulates our imagination and expands our understanding of the world. To enhance the learning of our students, we invited author Supriya Sehgal, the writer of a famous book, A Tigress called, Machhli for Grades 4 and 5 on 27th August.
It was an interactive session full of questions soaring the curiosity levels of our students. The students saw a presentation given by the author. Thereafter all of them enthusiastically participated in the quiz. Our library incharge, SK Riajuddin, presented a token of respect to her.
.jpg)
Joy of Sharing
The Joy of Sharing has a very special reason attached to it for us. Our founder Mr.Shiv Nadar's birthday falls on 14th July. Each year, all three schools organize a Fundraiser event.
Grades Nursery to 9 students not just participate but also create, innovate and plan how they can raise maximum funds to support a philanthropic initiative in the city.
In the past we have donated our proceedings to Prakash Deep Trust, SOS school, our own guard who lost her husband and was in financial dire straits. My deepest gratitude to you for supporting the initiative and donating generously to the cause.
The children across grades are busily engaged in creating unique artifacts, paintings, pottery and best out of waste products to sell to you to raise the funds. Many parents have volunteered to put up stalls and sell their creations to contribute substantially.
This year we will be supporting 2 charities-The Earth Saviours Foundation- Gurgaon/ Faridabad Road and SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Faridabad.
Our Pre-Primary started the day on a joyous note by sharing gift hampers with Didis which included the items that children brought for them. They also made and served tang to the support staff. It was a token of appreciation for the work they do in the school.
Throughout the week children enthusiastically made bookmarks, paper bags and paper bowls reusing newspaper and paper, and bird feeders out of earthen clay for the fund raising event that was held on 19th July 2019. Our young entrepreneurs displayed their marketing skills, and promoted their merchandise with ebullience and vigour. The week came to an end in a jiffy but the values that our children have gained from ‘The joy of sharing week’ will always be a part of them.
The Joy of Sharing began with the ‘Circle Time’ in the primary school where students discussed how to be ethical, respectful, happy and purposeful citizens of society.
Grade 1
Children made beautiful diaries and planted saplings which were put on sale for parents on culmination. They were introduced to values like Kindness, Appreciation, Forgiveness, Helping and Sharing.
Grade 2
The week commenced with the teacher reinstating ‘Why is Joy of Sharing celebrated?’ The students spoke about values like kindness, forgiveness, compassion and empathy. Celebrating the spirit of “Joy of sharing” the children made beautiful craft items using waste material. With great precision the young minds turned the waste materials into beautiful craft items like diaries, tic tac toe, table mats, coasters, lamps and pen holders to name a few.
The children of grade 3 volunteered to make envelopes, multi-organizers and pen-stands out of waste material. From plastic bottles, disposable plates, newspapers and ice-cream sticks to old crayons, students found creative ways to use waste material to create every-day items. The children enthusiastically worked in teams and rejoiced in craft work.
The children of Grade 4 were engaged in making small bags from old jeans or sari’s. They also made natural scrub from coffee and oats. Children were really excited to do the same.
Grade 5 children made different styles of dreamcatchers and wall hangings.They also discussed the need to carry out Fundraising. They also discussed about how they would do it.
The students of the middle school celebrated the JOS by starting the kindness wall where they thanked their friends, mentors and Head of School for their support and encouragement.
The Joy of Sharing culmination saw the students showcasing their marketing and sales skills in convincing the guests to buy the Knick knacks to raise funds. Grade 9 children were engaged in washing cars of the parents.
Co-scholastic department:
School Band Performances:
Western Music had put up a paid band show for Joy of Sharing. Our school band which consists of 5 members played 3 band songs and each song was about 5 mins each in one show. School band had 5 shows on that day. Songs that they chose were very inspirational, rocking and very groovy. A large crowd of parents showed up and thoroughly enjoyed the performances.
Shadow Play:
For Joy of Sharing 2019, Aha Theatre basket of grades 3-4 presented a 7 minute long shadow play - adaptation of the children’s story ‘The Magic Paintbrush’ on 3rd Floor, Theatre Room, North Block. The original plan of doing three shows at one hour intervals, changed due to a bigger footfall of parents and students and the play was performed seven times. This was partly due to the play itself and also, partly, due to the excellent work done by a team of seventh and eighth graders who were handling promotion and ticketing. In total fifty eight parents attended the performance and the whole show went off smoothly.
Musical Instruments Curatorial Presentation:
Aha 7-9 students presented a Lec-Dem on Indian Musical Instruments. The event took place on the 3rd floor Library and kept running in a loop. A range of different instruments like wind, string and percussion instruments were displayed and talked about. Harmonium, Shruti Box, Swar-mandal, Tabla, Pakhawaj, Dholak, Sitar, Tanpura were some of the instruments in the presentation. The historical, social and musical significance of each instrument was thrown light upon. The engineering and making of each instrument was also explained. Concepts of musical notes were demonstrated with full fervor. For music students it was an educational drill that they thoroughly enjoyed. A large number of parents turned up and felt that it was a very nurturing experience overall.
Art and Craft Exhibition cum Sale:
The Art department showcased art and craft creations by Aha Painting, Aha Pottery and Aha Art and Craft students of Grades 3-4, 5-6 and 7-9 on the Ground Floor dispersal area of the North Block. Apart from the rich collection of paintings, pottery and craft items already created by them in their Aha classes, students of different age groups came together to create artifacts like terracotta toys, Warli folders, handmade bags, crafted and recycled bottles as plant holders and show-pieces during the JOS week. The willingness to start from where a peer left, to work with dedication and collaboration were some of the highlights in the learning and contribution by students. The overall theme was organic, re-cycled and handmade. A large number of artifacts were sold to generate a significant amount for the JOS cause.
Sports: Sports department orgainsed Table Table, Squash and Badminton for parents on the culmination day.
This year, few parents put up stalls like cakes and muffins, candles, best from waste, homemade soap, artifactes, peronalised gift cards among others.
It was indeed a fun filled and memorable week for the students. The purpose is to instill the values of gratitude, sharing and expereince the joy of giving.
A glimpse is attached in the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noVjaxJ0xsA
Junior/Senior Student Council - 2019-20
John. F. Kennedy rightly said that “Leadership and Learning is indispensable to each other”, and it was epitomized in our Junior and Senior Student Council Elections. The students took ownership of the process from the very first day. After long conversations with peers, parents, teachers, they were able to reflect on their strengths and shortcomings which helped them submit nominations for the suitable positions. But the path to glory had just started! The next day, all the candidates sat through interviews where they expounded on their motivations for the specific posts. It was clear to the committee that these students came with a lot of passion, solutions, and zeal to make world a better place; but only a few could move to the next round. Now, the agendas were to be communicated to their peers. The stood before the audience and spoke about their beliefs and logos with such poise and grace! We also witnessed fantastic teamwork in the campaigning of the candidates, their friends coming together to shape the public opinion and intelligent voters engaging the candidates in conversation. Parallelly, IT faculty of the school was busy creating a software which would facilitate paper- free voting. It was an ambitious task but the school’s promise to the environment and sustainable living culminated with the electronic voting taking place and the results being announced the next day. This election saw the true amalgamation of technology and human will at Shiv Nadar School Faridabad.
.JPG)
