Anandam- Grade 3 & 4
Anandam is the culmination of AHA Arts programme. It engages with traditional art forms actively, working individually and in groups with each other in consonance until they find their equilibrium.
The Visual Arts students of grade 3 and 4 showcased paintings, craft items, sculpture and mixed media artwork using different mediums and materials. They further shared their experiences with the parents during the walkthrough.
In Hindustani Classical Vocals, students presented ‘Raag Yaman’. They began the presentation with Swasti Mantra followed by the Sargam Geet and Bandish in Teentaal (16 beats) and concluded by singing a Tarana.Students of the western vocals basket presented ‘Thunder’ by Imagine Dragons, ‘Count on me’ by Bruno Mars and ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry. The songs were enjoyed and appreciated by the audience.
The AHA music students in the Instrumental basket presented a scalar exercise played in harmony followed by a medley of Cha-cha-cha, a genre of Cuban music. The students displayed coordination of various harmonies on keyboards, guitars and ukuleles, put together along with rhythmic sequences on different percussion instruments, such as Cajon box, Djembes, bongos, scrappers, drums and cymbals.
In Odissi dance presentation, students performed on Geet Govinda recital - "Muha Muhi Kishore" - in which they portrayed how Radha and the Gopis are enamoured by the divine beauty and grace of lord Krishna. The mesmerizing performance left the audience spellbound.Through the Bharatanatyam performance, students demonstrated the first two series of Adavus: Tatta Adavu and Natta Adavu. They also demonstrated the 5 types of animals through Dance.
‘How to eat like a child’ - Based on the book by Delia Ephron of the same name, students of the theatre basket presented twelve lessons on how to be a child. Some of the lessons presented were: how to beg for a dog, how to trouble your sibling, how to act after being sent to your room and how to play. The presentation was filled with light moments highlighting the ups and downs of childhood!
'FarFarLand’ - Adapted from the famous work ‘Andher Nagri Choupat Raja’ by Bhartendu Harishchandra, the play FarFarLand pin pointed the loop holes that are there in the socio-political systems. The play aimed to awaken citizens to their rights and the importance of their opinion in a political structure, such as our democracy.
‘Pa…se…Paani’ – This play was an adaptation of Sukumar Ray’s Abak Jalpan (Bangla). The play was an attempt to begin a dialogue towards unpacking our unresolved conflicts and creating multiple avenues to find probable solutions.
Newsletter Vol.3 from the Principal's Desk
Dear Parent
Three weeks of the New Year are underway, the children are back where they belong, the laughter fills our corridors and the sun shines brighter on Shiv Nadar School. Wishing you a Happy, Engaging, Meaningful and Joyful New Year. May your aspirations be fulfilled and you remain healthy and robust through the year.
We closed the year with some interesting, significant and impactful events.
The students of Grades 7 and 8 stood first in the Regional Round, Northern Region, Robotics Championship. They proceed to Bangalore in the first week of February for the National Round.
Dr. Amrita Dass, the iconic Career Counsellor, Founder Director of International Career Studies organisation, led a session on career counselling for grade 8 parents and students in December.
Middle School students marked C V Raman Day with a day dedicated to STEM presentations, experiments, explorations and gaming stalls.
On their journey of steady independence, grades 3 and 4 spent a night in the school late November and did the many splendoured things they wouldn’t otherwise on a Friday evening at home. I am sure they shared their experiences with you.
Our first time participation in the Carol Singing Competition at the Holy Child Auxilium School, Delhi made us immensely proud. Grades 3, 4, 5 students of AHA Western Music picked up the first prize and left their imprint on the event with aplomb.
We also picked up the second prize at the Inter School Folk Dance Competition. Our dance theme belonged to Sambalpuri folk dance of Odisha.
Basketball girls’ team has trained and played matches, gaining strength and moving notches ahead in stamina, skill and spirit.
In the 3rd week of December, we organised an Art Festival, inviting stalwarts from the Art World. Artists, Manu Parekh, Jayshree Burman, Gogi Saroj Pal, Pradeep Maitra and more took sessions, art workshops with grade 4 to 12 students. Students from Noida and Gurgaon School too participated in the day-long Art immersion program.
We closed the year with a Music and Food carnival as you know. Thank you for joining in the revelry with evocative food, electrifying music and ‘let your hair down moment’. We clocked a footfall of over 3000 or more people from our community.
The New Year brings tidings of gathering momentum in the last tri-semester of this session. The phase 2 of our building is coming up with state of art facilities of squash and badminton courts, swimming and a vast running track. The multi-purpose hall is quite incredible and will be with us by July 2019.
We will soon invite you for its inaugural.
The New Year has begun with our Middle School students Graphics and Robotic teams blazing through 10 teams of Gurgaon Schools at the Techno Fest, at Presidium Gurgaon, winning the trophy for both Robotics and Graphics in Junior and Senior Category.
And now round the bend are few significant events you would like to note:
Republic Day - Flag Hoisting on 26th January at 9 am
Anandam in February for grades 1 to 8
Nursery and Kindergarten Learning Walk Days
Kindergarten Long Fridays in February – Transition to grade 1
Final Examination for Middle School, 15th February commencement.
Start of Coffee Evenings across 1 to 8.
Post Admission Orientation Days in March
Close of Term on 16th March.
These are some of the highlights I share with you. Every day is rewarding to see the growth, movement, and learning curve of each child, perceive the pangs of the young adolescents in our midst, revel in their Eureka moments and be the anchor in their journey to adulthood. We stand fortified each morning with an undeterred eye on our vision, our core values in our mind, and unconditional love for our children in our hearts.
With Best Regards
Anju Wal
Principal
Shiv Nadar School
Faridabad
Anandam Baithak 2019-20 Grades 3 and 4
Anandam is a time when we get together to celebrate our children's learning in the Aha Arts program. It is a beautiful process of the child discovering an interest in an art form, finding appreciation from their peers and looking for the 'Aha' moment. Students of Grades 3 and 4 put together the Anandam Baithak with performances that captivated the audience completely!
Visual Arts
Students explored various mediums and materials in Visual Arts. Based on the theme ‘Relationship,’ they tried to capture family photos through painting and created photo frames using cardboard and handmade paper. Students designed an advertisement on their favorite toy using wet and dry colors on paper and learned 3D writing. This was a project related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the students' works were selected for display at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Noida through an exhibition based on the same topic. Students created paper casting 3D sculptures using old plastic bottles with tissue paper and glue. They also explored papercraft design with paints and dry colours.
Theatre
Creative drama is a form of process drama that focuses on the use of story dramatization techniques. It has been used extensively to promote language and literature skills as well as creative and critical thinking.
In the theatre play ‘The Journey’, students picked up the themes ‘Mission Mars’ and ‘Do not litter’ for their culmination showcasing. Their performance was well appreciated by the audience.
An original story ‘A True Patron’ was put together that centered around a girl who, to prove to the adults around her, starts practicing what they say. When she is grounded for not sharing her things, she turns the table around and starts sharing generously.
‘Looking for a Change,’ was an attempt to draw attention to difficulties in sustaining our lives and functioning towards their betterment. The play highlighted solutions by seeking immediate redressal to these issues within our social boundaries.
Dance
The Odissi students demonstrated the results of their first forays into Odissi, such as standing & sitting postures, sculpturesque stances, footwork, hand movements and rhythmic patterns along with the padhant (sound rhymes that are spoken).
The Kathak students demonstrated their first forays into Kathak by way of spins, footwork, hand-movements and basic rhythmic patterns along with padhant (sound rhymes that are spoken). The Kathak and Odissi students presented these elements of their dance forms in a jugalbandi set to our National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’.
The Chhau learning showcase consisted of basic steps of Chhau Dance, such as Chali, Ufli and basic sitting and standing postures.
In Bharatanatyam, students explored various types of body movements with the use of the Pada Bhedas (different feet positions). They focused on sustaining the position of Araimandi - which is the basic position of Bharatanatyam and practiced adavus in this position. In order to do this, students were exposed to different warm-ups to train the body. The Bharatanatyam and Chhau students presented a jugalbandi on our National Song – ‘Vande Mataram’ where they presented expressional sequences interspersed with pure dance movements or bol in their respective dance styles.
Music
Students in Hindustani Classical Vocals, presented the swarmalika, followed by the bandish ‘Tore Jaun Re’ in Yaman-Kalyan in Teen Taal and concluded with a beautiful Sufi qawwali ‘Nit Khair Manga’ by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Western Vocals students presented ‘Happier’ a song by Marshmello, ‘Something just like this’ by Coldplay, and Un Poco Loco from the animated movie Coco. The foot-tapping numbers received loud applause from the audience.
The Orchestra students presented their learning of the basics of music followed by the melody ‘Ode to Joy’, by Beethoven. The students also presented a medley of instrumental folk music from the states of Assam, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir.
Vuca Chronicle | February 2020
VUCA Chronicles February 2020
The Butterfly Times: Giving Wings to the Primary School Students
The Shiv Nadar School Noida is pleased to announce the inaugural issue of the Butterfly Times, dedicated to the Primary Years. The Butterfly Times is honoured to salute the indomitable courage of Anne Frank - who features on most lists of teen icons.
Having a fair proportion of contributions from Grades 3 – 5, The Butterfly Times is another effort of the school to evolve as a useful platform for students to hone their Reading, Researching, Reflecting, and Writing skills.
We hope that students and parents alike will enjoy the great read of The Butterfly Times.
The May 2020 edition of The Butterfly Times can be accessed here
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
The VUCA Chronicles, April 2020: Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
The April issue of VUCA Chronicles rightfully and timely celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the First Earth Day which was on April 22, 1970. In this issue of VUCA Chronicles one gets to read the minds of the country’s youth when they want to converse about the environment and their thought processes, the new normal of the lockdown and their experiences, and could space be another world to live in. Right from the Physics of the ‘Bey’Blades to how schooling is changing in the world of Covid-19, the youngsters all opened their hearts with their works. The edition concludes with book reviews and a very apt 110-year-old advertisement from Bell Telephone.
The VUCA Chronicles, April 2020
The VUCA Chronicles, May 2020: Machine Learning, Transforming the Face of Education
The new normal during the COVID-19 times has emphasized the impact of technology in making the world a better connected way. VUCA Chronicles, May 2020 Edition has students from across grades put their views forth brilliantly about how machine learning has transformed the face of education, life in the times of lockdown, handling boredom, impact on the economy and how this is the perfect time to take out passions. The edition also has some great work of writing on Benito Mussolini, Handling Failure, and a host of other alongwith relevant sketches by 6th & 8th graders and concludes with a Vocabulary of Governance.
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.
WELCOMING ABOARD THE NEW PARENTS
An online orientation session for the New Parents of 2020 was organized, keeping with the new normal, to welcome them aboard on June 2, 2020. The session was aimed at building a shared understanding of our vision, values, and establishing a lasting connect with the child's alma mater.
The orientation began by welcoming the new parents, providing them a platform to interact with the Senior Leadership, and to know each other. It was followed by sharing the journey of the foundation, its philosophy, ethos, and about all the initiatives taken by the foundation.
The Parent partnership program was shared with the parents, emphasizing on the strong connect between the school and the parents. At Shiv Nadar School, the parents are valued as ambassadors and spokespersons through shared visions and sharing of precious feedback towards continuous and comprehensive School health and happiness.
