Mental Health Week 2024: Fostering Resilience and Compassion at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad
Mental Health Week 2024 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, was an inspiring celebration of resilience, solidarity, and mental well-being. This year’s theme, Invisible Battles, Visible Support, underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting mental health across our community. Held from September 23-26 for Early to Middle Years students and October 15-17 for Senior Years, the week actively engaged students, staff, and families, empowering everyone to stand together with hope and resilience.
The activities during the week were diverse and impactful, engaging students across all age groups in meaningful ways. Early and Middle Years students participated in a Reading Walk in the North Block, featuring The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, a story that invited them into a reflective space of empathy and self-awareness. Middle schoolers further contributed with an uplifting speech, “You Are Not Alone,” a reminder of the strength found in community support. Senior Years students powerfully conveyed the week’s theme through a theatre performance that explored resilience and the courage to persevere, illustrating the strength that lies within creative expression.
A highlight of the week was the October 19th session for parents and grandparents with experts from Accord Hospital. Dr. Megha Sharda provided insights into neurodevelopment in children, Dr. Tausif Iqbal discussed the mental health impacts of screen time, and Dr. Simran Malik shared practical strategies for building emotional resilience in parenting. This session fostered a valuable dialogue on creating supportive environments for mental wellness at home and school.
For teachers, a peaceful forest bathing experience offered a moment of mindfulness, while young students enjoyed captivating storytelling sessions emphasizing kindness, courage, and resilience. Across all grades, activities like circle discussions, a poster-making competition, and hands-on projects inspired students to express their thoughts on mental health creatively.
Affirmation stickers, Psychological First Aid brochures, and educational videos further supported our mission of cultivating a healing, compassionate environment at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad. Together, our community continues to embody the message of Invisible Battles, Visible Support, inspiring all to approach mental health with empathy, understanding, and resilience.
A Glimpse: https://youtu.be/UJd9Rpg1L6A
Shiv Nadar School Excels in the Neev Literature Reading Challenge Finals
We are proud to share the outstanding results of our students in the Neev Literature Reading Challenge Finals! Held at the Neev Academy in Bangalore as part of the Literature Festival, our young reading champions demonstrated their remarkable skills and dedication, securing top honors among some of the brightest young minds in the country.
Celebrating Our Champions
3rd Place - Team ‘Impossible Humans’
- Paarth Gupta (Grade 5)
- Vidit Arora (Grade 5)
- Pakhi Goel (Grade 4)
4th Place - Team ‘The Unexpected’
- Ritanya Pal (Grade 5)
- Anaya Dhull (Grade 5)
- Mayra Aggarwal (Grade 4)
Both teams exhibited exceptional reading prowess, perseverance, and teamwork, making it to the final rounds after reading 30 books over the course of three months. Their achievements in this highly competitive national event are a testament to their hard work and the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering a love for reading and intellectual growth.
At Shiv Nadar School, reading is the bedrock of our educational philosophy, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and personal growth. We congratulate our talented students on their fantastic achievements and thank their teachers and parents for their support. Their success is not only a personal victory but also a reflection of the collective spirit of our school. As we continue to nurture young minds, we look forward to many more such achievements in the future.
Let’s celebrate the success of our young readers and continue to encourage the joy of reading!
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Quarterly Newsletter-Middle & Senior Years
We are pleased to share our quarterly newsletter; aptly titled "The Pulse".
Shiv Nadar School Faridabad Recognized as an Apple Distinguished School
We are thrilled to announce that Shiv Nadar School Faridabad has earned the prestigious distinction of being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, placing it among the top 5 such schools in India, and the only one in the NCR region.
This recognition highlights our seven-year journey towards integrating technology into everyday learning. Our 1:1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is a cornerstone of our commitment to personalizing education, creating secure digital environments, and fostering differentiation and diversity in the learning process.
With the support of a robust Apple ecosystem, our students benefit from personalized learning, enabling each child to learn at their own pace. The use of Apple tools empowers students to demystify complex concepts, express their ideas creatively, and represent their knowledge through diverse models of learning. This focus on technology-enhanced education complements the core of the Shiv Nadar School philosophy — the central role of the human teacher in guiding and nurturing young minds.
We are proud to have five Apple Distinguished Educators and over 75 Apple Certified Teachers, whose expertise and dedication have played an integral role in this achievement. While the recognition from Apple is an affirmation of our efforts, the true strength of our tech-driven curriculum lies in our commitment to innovation. Our goal is to empower our students to become creators and inventors, not mere consumers of digital content.
This recognition also ensures access to cutting-edge Apple Educational Tools, further enriching our pedagogy and keeping us at the forefront of the ever-evolving educational landscape. At Shiv Nadar School, we believe that staying abreast of global changes is key to preparing our students to be the drivers of tomorrow's world.
Explore the impact of our journey as an Apple Distinguished School in this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY3RhZl92aU
Investiture Ceremony Academic Year 2024-25
The investiture ceremony symbolizes growth, maturity, duty, and the trust placed in young leaders to guide and inspire change. When young minds are entrusted with the power to lead, these values take on a deeper significance, emphasizing the importance of learning, responsibility, and sincerity.
In keeping with this spirit, Shiv Nadar School, Noida, continues its tradition of fostering leadership through the Student Council, a body dedicated to representing the voice of the students each academic year. Students from Years 6 to 12 are encouraged to apply, demonstrating their leadership potential and vision for the student community. The selection process is comprehensive, involving application submissions, group discussions,personal interviews, general speeches, and elections.
The Noida campus was abuzz with excitement and pride as the Student Council for the 2024-25 academic session was officially invested. The ceremony began with a Guard of Honour, accompanied by stirring music that set a solemn tone. Each member of the newly elected Council marched onto the stage with confidence, ready to be badged by the Senior Leadership Team, embodying a deep sense of pride and commitment to the school, followed by the entire Council taking an Oath of Office.
Joy of Sharing 2024
The Joy of Sharing is a festival of philanthropy that aims to establish the spirit of sharing and giving amongst children. The week marks the birthday of our founder, Mr. Shiv Nadar who believes in creating spirals of aspirations through transformative education. The experience of sharing and giving builds a sense of social responsibility and gratitude among our young learners, a stepping stone for them to understand that ‘it is in giving that we receive’.
Early Years
Early Years students embraced the essence of sharing and giving through a variety of engaging activities. They learned that sharing goes beyond the tangible and includes giving their time and attention to others. Year 2 students conducted read-aloud sessions for Nursery and Kindergarten children, fostering a sense of community and connection. Parentsalso contributed by leading story sessions and hands-on activities, further reinforcing the joy of sharing. Creative projects like making bird and dog feeders gave them a sense of empathy, kindness, and togetherness.
Primary Years
The students were part of a range of activities designed to foster empathy and a sense of community. They prepared snacks to show appreciation for support staff, and engaged in storytelling sessions that highlighted the importance of sharing. The students also donated pre-loved books for a charity sale and organized a Secret Santa gift exchange, all contributing to a spirit of giving and collaboration.
Seniors Years
Senior Year students took the initiative to collaborate with the Admin Team, in supporting the maintenance and operations of the school. This entirely student-led effort showcased their contribution in maintaining their Learning Spaces.
Student Collaborations International Curriculum
During Joy of Sharing Week, students engaged in various activities that promoted community spirit and giving. They contributed to the school community by assisting the gardener, embodying teamwork and service. A successful bake sale organized by students, with support from parents raised funds for the ICU2 Foundation, highlighting the joy of collaboration and generosity.
The Joy of Sharing Week saw enthusiastic participation from various student-led projects, aiming to foster collaboration, empathy, and awareness among middle and primary school students.
Projects Samarthya and Unmasked: students of Middle Year led the workshop, which crafted happiness dolls to promote mental well-being and received informative flyers about their benefits. They also participated in interactive activities, including games, discussions, and a visual demonstration to reinforce the project missions. The session concluded with a fun quiz to solidify the learning outcomes, making it an engaging and educational experience for all participants.
Project Amrit: focused on raising awareness about water conservation with Primary Years students through a creative coloring activity. Students decorated patterned water droplets and wore them as badges, emphasizing the importance of water in a memorable way.
Project Unravel: led an activity on the significance of heritage conservation and protection, encouraging students to appreciate and preserve cultural heritage.
Project Raahat: launched a collection drive for umbrellas and raincoats, targeting solutions for climate-driven challenges faced by the underprivileged. They distributed collection boxes and encouraged donations, fostering a spirit of giving.
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Inspiring Minds: A Captivating Session with the Authors of Why the Apple Falls at Shiv Nadar School Faridabad
On August 30, Shiv Nadar School Faridabad had the honor of hosting an enlightening session with the distinguished authors of Why the Apple Falls, Swagata Deb and Sandeepan Deb. The book, which captures the essence of Indian physicists and their profound contributions to the world of science, was presented in a manner that made the subject of Physics both interesting and accessible for students.
The session was attended by enthusiastic students from classes 9 and 10, who were deeply engaged in the discussions that unfolded. The authors began by highlighting the pioneering work of J.C. Bose, particularly his significant contributions to the field of radioactivity. The discussion also touched upon the intriguing "cat in the box" experiment by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger, designed in 1935 to illustrate the complexities of quantum theory.
As the conversation delved deeper into quantum mechanics, the authors adeptly explained complex concepts in an approachable way, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding among the students. The authors also inspired students to consider pursuing higher studies at prestigious institutions like IIT, exploring advanced topics such as the God Particle and the Nobel Prize-winning work of Léon Lederman on the Higgs Boson, often referred to as the "goddamn particle." Additionally, they discussed the collaboration between Einstein and Satyendra Nath Bose on the Bose-Einstein theory.
The session concluded with an engaging discussion on scientific units named after renowned scientists, leaving the students inspired and eager to explore the fascinating world of physics further.
This session was not only a tribute to the brilliance of Indian physicists but also a testament to the power of storytelling in making complex scientific ideas accessible and exciting for young minds.
Fostering a Rich Reading Culture at Shiv Nadar School: A Memorable Visit by Author Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan
At Shiv Nadar School, we place a strong emphasis on cultivating a love for reading, viewing it as a gateway to imagination, empathy, and lifelong learning. This commitment was wonderfully showcased on August 6, 2024, when acclaimed author Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan visited our Junior Library for an engaging session with students from grades 4 and 5.
Ms. Srinivasan, known for her captivating storytelling, introduced our young readers to her latest work, Look Before You Leap, which explores the fascinating world of idiomatic expressions. Her session, filled with engaging anecdotes and witty explanations, brought idioms like "barking up the wrong tree" and "kick the bucket" to life, making language learning both fun and memorable.
This author visit is a reflection of our school's dedication to fostering a vibrant reading culture. By connecting students with celebrated authors and their works, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for reading. Ms. Srinivasan, who had previously charmed our students with It’s Time to Rhyme, once again left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of reading as a tool for growth and discovery.
Beyond her literary achievements, Ms. Srinivasan is a voice-over artist, poet, and editor, with a strong commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities. Her well-loved children’s books, such as Prince with a Paintbrush: The Story of Raja Ravi Varma and Parvati the Elephant’s Very Important Day, have earned acclaim in both India and the United States.
At Shiv Nadar School, fostering a love for reading involves more than just providing books; it’s about creating experiences that connect students with stories and authors. Ms. Srinivasan’s visit was a perfect blend of learning and entertainment, highlighting the power of stories to inspire young minds. We are grateful for the opportunity to explore the world of idioms with her and look forward to more enriching experiences that celebrate the joy of reading at our school.
Empowering Student Agency: The Journey of Student Council Elections at Shiv Nadar School
The student council elections at Shiv Nadar School Faridabad are more than just a democratic exercise; they are a powerful embodiment of student agency, where students actively participate in shaping their leadership and governance. The process is designed to not only mirror real-world electoral systems but also to cultivate leadership qualities, responsibility, and a sense of service among students.
The journey begins with the distribution of nomination forms, offering students a platform to express their interest in running for various leadership positions within the Middle and Senior Student Council. This initial step is crucial as it allows students to reflect on their capabilities and aspirations, encouraging them to take the first step toward leadership.
Following the nominations, candidates undergo a rigorous assessment process that includes group discussions and interviews with teachers and the Heads of the school. This phase is critical as it ensures that only the most dedicated and suitable candidates are shortlisted for leadership roles. The involvement of teachers and school Heads in this process emphasizes the importance of selecting leaders who not only have the vision but also the capability to contribute meaningfully to the school community.
Once the candidates are shortlisted, the campaigning phase begins. This period is a dynamic and interactive time within the school premises, with candidates engaging their peers, showcasing their ideas, and building support for their vision. Posters adorn the notice boards, and meal times become opportunities for candidates to connect with their fellow students, sharing their plans for the betterment of the school. The assembly pitches are a highlight, where nominees passionately present their visions, hoping to resonate with their audience and garner the necessary votes.
The voting process itself is a simulation of the national electoral process, providing students with a hands-on experience of voting. It instills a sense of responsibility and engagement, as students make informed choices about who will represent their interests in the council. The voting results are eagerly awaited and announced in a school assembly, adding to the excitement and sense of involvement among the student body.
The entire process culminates in the Investiture Ceremony, a formal event where the newly elected council members are conferred with badges and sashes, symbolizing their roles and responsibilities. This ceremony, held on April 30, 2024, for the Middle and Senior Student Council and on August 9, 2024, for the Junior Student Council, is a moment of pride for the school community. The newly elected members take an oath to uphold the values of Shiv Nadar School and work tirelessly for the betterment of the students. The ceremony is also a platform for school captains, sports captains, and class prefects to share their visions, further inspiring their peers.
Director Principal Mrs. Anju Wal's address during the ceremony encapsulates the essence of student leadership, reminding everyone of the importance of responsibility, service, and the power of student agency in creating a vibrant school community.
The student council elections at Shiv Nadar School are not just about choosing leaders; they are about empowering students, fostering a sense of ownership, and preparing them to be responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow. The entire process, from nominations to the investiture, is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing student agency in every aspect of their journey.
Celebrating Excellence and Holistic Achievement in Middle and Senior School
The Awards Ceremony at Shiv Nadar School is a special event dedicated to appreciating and rewarding the perseverance and commitment to excellence of students who have made us all proud. It is a moment not only to recognize the young talents in our midst but also to honor the core values of our school that these awardees so beautifully exemplify. This year, the ceremony focused on the achievements of students in our Middle and Senior School, where they have demonstrated remarkable growth and dedication across various disciplines.
As Pelé once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” This quote perfectly captures the spirit that drives our students at Shiv Nadar School as they progress on their journey from good to great.
The awards presented during the ceremony reflect our holistic approach to education. They recognize not only those students who have excelled academically but also those who have achieved significant success in sports, art, dance, music, and theatre. These awards celebrate the well-rounded development of our students, honoring their dedication, talent, and the values that guide them towards excellence.
The ceremony was a grand occasion, where the young stars of Shiv Nadar School were recognized for their academic triumphs, creative talents, and athletic achievements. This event was not just a recognition of their success but also a celebration of the habits of excellence that our students embody, setting them apart as the future torchbearers of the Shiv Nadar School legacy.
