ARSSDC–2026 | Global Achievement in Aerospace Innovation

Eight Grade 11 students of Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad represented the school at ARSSDC–2026, demonstrating academic depth, collaboration, and innovation in a highly competitive international environment. The team emerged as Runners-Up, marking a significant global achievement.

On 31st January, students engaged in structured discussions and strategic planning sessions. Post lunch, intensive project work commenced under the team name “Grumbo Aerospace”, in collaboration with students from leading national and international institutions, including Amity International School (Gurugram), Lahore Grammar School (Pakistan – two campuses), Shiv Nadar School (Faridabad), The Experimental High School attached to Beijing Normal University (Orion Nexus), and Ximei Team (XM Astral).

The assigned project, “Benevectoras,” focused on the design, development, and operational planning of a second space settlement in solar orbit, specifically an Aldrin cycler connecting Earth and Mars. The complexity of the task required strong interdisciplinary application of physics, engineering, sustainability, automation, and systems planning. Throughout the process, students displayed high levels of leadership, collaboration, and analytical thinking.

In recognition of individual excellence, Aarrush Chaturvedi was appointed Head of the Automation Department, and Shaunak Uppal received the prestigious Anita Gale Award for Creative Genius, acknowledging exceptional innovation and original thought.

The judging panel appreciated the team’s work across multiple domains, including multi-layer space suit design, advanced fuel storage systems, innovative food production models, internal and external transportation planning, contingency strategies, and practical escape pod designs.

All eight students were awarded Global Participation Certificates, recognising their contribution to this international academic programme.

Student Delegation (Grade 11):

• Aarrush Chaturvedi (Head of Automation Department)
• Aadit Dua
• Utsav Chawla
• Shaunak Uppal (Anita Gale Award for Creative Genius)
• Samrat Aneja
• Ishan Garg
• Aayushaya Virmani
• Soham Misra

Beyond the competitive outcome, ARSSDC–2026 strengthened students’ skills in team management, time optimisation, problem-solving, and responding to expert feedback. The programme was conducted smoothly with effective teacher coordination, ensuring student well-being, discipline, and a safe international experience.

This achievement reflects both the students’ capabilities and Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad’s continued commitment to global experiential learning.

Navigating the Transition from School to Higher Education

As part of the Parent Partnership Series initiative led by the PPO, a session on the “Transition from school education to higher education” was conducted for Grade 11 students by our parent Mr. Senthil Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Bennett University. The session offered valuable insights into the diverse possibilities and opportunities available to students as they plan their academic journeys beyond school. Through an engaging and interactive format, Mr. Kumar guided students in understanding the evolving landscape of higher education,

Every Lesson is a Well-being Lesson: Empowering Primary Educators

The Counselling Team recently facilitated a dynamic "Shared Learning Space" for our Primary Years teachers, aimed at strengthening the school's multi-level support systems. The session explored well-being not as an add-on, but as an integral rhythm of everyday teaching.

Tools for Emotional Readiness Teachers engaged in reflective discussions and hands-on activities centered on practical tools for the classroom. A key focus was Mood Check-ins, utilized to gauge the "class climate" and assess student readiness for learning. The group collaborated to identify how different energy levels manifest in young learners, exploring specific strategies for balance:

• Grounding Practices: Techniques to calm students when they feel overwhelmed or restless.
• Energizers: Activities to boost engagement when energy levels are uneven or low.

Well-being as Pedagogy The core message of the session was a shift in perspective: viewing well-being as an intrinsic part of pedagogy rather than a separate component. Educators were encouraged to seamlessly embed these practices into their daily plans, reinforcing the powerful idea that "every lesson can also be a well-being lesson."

Funkaar Grade III

Funkaar was a joyful culmination of the theme “Living Things and Their Habitats”, seamlessly integrating co-scholastic subjects including Music, Art, Theatre, Computer Science, and Dance. 

The event provided Grade 3 students with an engaging platform to demonstrate their understanding through creativity and collaboration. The students performed brilliantly, confidently showcasing their learning through interactive games, thoughtful presentations, and meaningful interactions. Each performance reflected a strong conceptual understanding of habitats and living things, while also highlighting skills developed across the co-scholastic disciplines.
 

Overall, Funkaar was a vibrant and enriching experience that celebrated student learning, creativity, and interdisciplinary integration.

Shiv Nadar School Celebrates 77th Republic Day | Saluting the Spirit of Service

Shiv Nadar School commemorated the 77th Republic Day of India with a thoughtfully curated morning assembly that blended patriotism, reflection, and community appreciation. The celebration began with the unfurling of the National Flag by our Chief Guest, Major General Sukh Dev Avasthi (Retd.), followed by a poignant sitar rendition of the National Anthem by Grade 2 student Ved, setting a dignified tone for the proceedings.

Honouring the 'Invisible Workforce' The programme centred on the powerful theme of the "Invisible Workforce," honouring the countless individuals—security personnel, sanitation staff, support teams, and caregivers—whose quiet contributions sustain our everyday lives. Through anchoring reflections, the audience was reminded that freedom is both a right and a responsibility, rooted in the constitutional values of respect, equality, and dignity.

Inspirational Address & Book Launch We were honoured to host Major General Sukh Dev Avasthi, whose address highlighting his distinguished military career and contributions to education deeply resonated with the community.

A special highlight of the morning was the launch of "Whispers of Wings", a booklet curated by Ms. Kaanchan Bhagwat. Celebrating the birdlife observed within the school campus, the launch marked a meaningful intersection of education, nature, and lifelong curiosity.

Cultural Expressions of Patriotism The cultural segment was a vibrant tapestry of performance and pledge:

• Junior Student Council: A soulful rendition of Hum Honge Kaamyab and reflective speeches.
• Dance: A mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance on Bho Shambho by Saisa Mago (Grade 7).
• Musical Tribute: The moving Constitution Anthem, Bharat ki Aatma, performed by parent contributors Ms. Shubhra Puri and Mr. Ashish Khanna alongside educator Ms. Rashmi Sharma.
• Swaranjali: A stirring instrumental ensemble, Deshbhakti ki Dhunein, featuring student musicians Twisha Nahar, Veydant Kher (Violin), Riaan Chandra Sabharwal (Tabla), and Raghav Kumaran (Keyboard), mentored by Mr. Gaurav Nahar.

Celebrating Community Builders True to the theme of recognizing unseen contributions, the school acknowledged key community builders:

• Service Recognition: Mr. Bablu Kumar from the security team was formally badged for his exemplary service.
• Volunteers: Bookworm Festival volunteers were felicitated for nurturing a vibrant reading culture.
• NGO Partners: Sustained efforts towards civic engagement and sustainability were honoured, with recognition given to partners Gurgaon First, Saahas Zero Waste, and Inch Paper.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Principal, reaffirming the school’s commitment to active citizenship. The morning stood as a meaningful reminder that the strength of the Republic lies not only in its laws but in its people.

Jashn 2.0 – Parents’ Synergy | Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad

Jashn 2.0 – Parents’ Synergy, held on 21st December 2025 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, was a warm and meaningful celebration, organised as part of the Parent Partnership Office initiative, where parents, students, teachers, and the entire Faridabad school community came together to celebrate the spirit of partnership that defines the school. The event offered an opportunity to acknowledge the time, talent, and commitment parents have brought into the school through the Parent Collectives over the course of the year.

What began as small interest-based groups gradually evolved into spaces of connection, learning, and shared ownership. The Readers’, Creative, Theatre, and Music Collectives, along with Parents’ Trident – Reflection, each contributed in distinct ways to the cultural and reflective life of the school. In parallel, the Sports Collective sustained strong momentum through a series of parent-led sporting engagements—beginning with table tennis, followed by badminton, and culminating in the cricket tournament that concluded earlier in December. Together, these initiatives strengthened bonds among parents while deepening connections across students, teachers, and families.

Jashn 2.0 served as a confluence of these collective journeys. The afternoon featured a lively dance performance by students of Grade 5, which added energy and cheer to the celebration and was met with enthusiastic applause. This was followed by an engaging flash mob by teachers, a delightful surprise that brought smiles across the campus and reinforced the sense of joy and togetherness that the event embodied.

The Theatre Collective presented “PTM – A Battlefield”, an original and relatable performance that brought humour and insight to familiar parent–school moments. The Music Collective showcased an ensemble built through months of shared practice, reflecting joy, confidence, and collaboration. The Creative Collective hosted a Gallery Walk featuring parent artwork that expressed personal stories, experimentation, and the comfort of creating together. The Readers’ Collective curated a welcoming Book Exchange, inviting families to browse, exchange, and pass forward the joy of reading. The afternoon also marked the launch of Parents’ Trident – Reflection, Volume 10, capturing voices and reflections from across the parent community.

The campus came alive with interactive stalls, community activities, and a dedicated Kids’ Corner, ensuring an engaging experience for all age groups. Children participated in a wide range of creative and hands-on activities, while parents and teachers spent time connecting informally across the campus. Over 40 food and merchandise stalls added to the festive atmosphere, creating a relaxed winter afternoon for families and friends.

The celebration concluded with a soulful Qawwali performance by the Nizami Brothers, bringing the entire community together in a shared moment of music and reflection.

Jashn 2.0 stood as a reminder that when parents, students, and educators come together with shared intent, a school becomes a thriving community—rooted in trust, creativity, and connection at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad.

Ability Week | Unlocking Potential: Together We Include

Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad observed Ability Week for students of Grades 3–5 from 1st to 5th December, in alignment with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). The week focused on nurturing awareness, empathy, and acceptance of diverse abilities, reinforcing the school’s commitment to inclusive education.

A range of age-appropriate activities was conducted during circle time to help students better understand different learning needs and ways of communication. Creative engagements such as poster making and a sign language–based activity encouraged students to reflect on inclusion and appreciate the importance of respect, empathy, and accessibility in everyday life.

A Special Assembly formed an integral part of the week, where the theme of inclusion was highlighted through thoughtful student participation and meaningful dialogue. Ms. Amrita and Ms. Nafeesa were invited as guest speakers and shared valuable insights on fostering empathy, respect, and inclusive mindsets among young learners. One of the most impactful moments of the assembly was the presentation of the Silent National Anthem by students, reinforcing the idea of inclusive communication and collective belonging.

Extending the focus beyond student engagement, a capacity-building session for teachers was conducted by Dr. Geeta Chopra, aimed at strengthening understanding and implementation of inclusive practices within the classroom. The session provided educators with practical perspectives on creating supportive learning environments that recognise and respond to diverse learner needs.

Rooted in this year’s theme, “Unlocking Potential: Together We Include,” Ability Week served as a powerful reminder that inclusion is a shared responsibility—strengthened through collective effort, reflective practices, and intentional actions across the learning community. The diverse initiatives, classroom engagements, and meaningful experiences throughout the week reflected this spirit and reaffirmed the school’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every learner feels valued, supported, and included.

Hindi Reading Challenge – Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan

In December, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad organised a three-week Hindi reading initiative titled Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan for students of Grades 3 to 5. The initiative aimed to nurture a love for reading, strengthen language skills, and introduce students to the richness of Hindi literature in an engaging and joyful manner.

Students were divided into three groups—Surajmukhi, Palaash, and Gulmohar. Each child read four carefully selected books, encouraging consistency, curiosity, and a healthy spirit of participation. The challenge created a positive reading culture across classrooms, where students enthusiastically shared stories, reflected on characters, and discovered the joy of books beyond textbooks.

As a special highlight of the Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan celebrations, students of Grades 4 and 5 participated in an immersive storytelling session led by Ms. Simi Srivastava, Founder of Kathashala. Kathashala is a unique institute that promotes storytelling through theatre, music, movement, puppetry, and traditional folk arts. With over two decades of experience, Ms. Simi brought stories alive with her expressive narration and warm, engaging presence.

Grade 4 students thoroughly enjoyed the humorous and imaginative tale Gop Gapangam Das, listening with rapt attention and laughter at every twist. Grade 5 students connected deeply with the touching story Farmer Falgu, which beautifully conveyed lessons of patience, positivity, and finding happiness in simple moments of life.

Adding to the richness of the session, our own Sanjeev Sir accompanied the storytelling on the tabla, lending rhythm and depth to the experience and making it truly captivating.

The initiative and the storytelling session together created a memorable learning journey for students—one that celebrated imagination, language, and the timeless power of stories. Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan stood as a meaningful reflection of the school’s commitment to holistic learning and nurturing young readers with curiosity and confidence.

Grade 1 & 2 Moolgyan Visit: Learning from the Earth at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad

Learners of Grades 1 and 2 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad visited Moolgyan on the 1st and 2nd of December for an enriching experiential learning opportunity rooted in nature. The visit offered students a first-hand understanding of where food comes from and how it grows, bringing their classroom learning to life.

During the visit, learners enthusiastically harvested winter vegetables and observed how different vegetables grow and are harvested in unique ways. They explored and collected produce such as radish, turnip, brinjal, and coriander, engaging all their senses in the learning process.

This hands-on experience strengthened their understanding of seasonal produce and helped them make meaningful connections between their EVS lessons and real-life observations. The learners also interacted with the gardener at Moolgyan, asking insightful questions about plant care, growth cycles, and the role of soil and sunlight in nurturing healthy crops.

For many students, this was their first experience of harvesting vegetables, making the visit particularly special. Their curiosity, excitement, and active participation turned the Moolgyan visit into a joyful and memorable learning experience—one that fostered appreciation for nature, sustainability, and mindful living.

Grade 2 Books & Breakfast: Celebrating Young Readers at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad

This term, Grade 2 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad has truly blossomed into a vibrant and enthusiastic community of readers. Across all five sections, students have been exploring a wide range of books, engaging thoughtfully in Book Talks, and participating with great excitement in the ongoing Battle of the Books. Their growing love for stories inspired the launch of a new initiative—Books & Breakfast—designed to deepen students’ connection with reading while giving them an authentic platform for self-expression.

Piloted during the Early Years Sports Day on 4th and 5th December, Books & Breakfast offered students a unique opportunity to share their reading journeys with their parents in a warm, informal morning setting. The event beautifully highlighted student agency, as children confidently chose their favourite books, prepared key talking points, and even created imaginative props to express their understanding. Through this experience, students strengthened their communication skills, practised public speaking, and presented their ideas to a real audience—an important step in nurturing confident and expressive learners.

Parents were equally enthusiastic participants. Many shared how nostalgic it felt to revisit cherished childhood classics through their children’s perspectives. Several parents read alongside their young readers, transforming the space into a joyful, collaborative celebration of stories. Parents expressed heartfelt appreciation for the meaningful opportunities the school provides to support children in becoming thoughtful, articulate readers.

The range of books discussed was both exciting and diverse, including The Ramayana, Charlie and the Glass Elevator, The Witches, George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, The Giant of Jum, Roshan’s Road to Music by Mamta Maini, and Mukesh Starts a Zoo by Ruskin Bond. Student presentations reflected not only strong comprehension but also the imagination and delight sparked by each story.

Books & Breakfast has further enriched our reading culture by bringing students, teachers, and parents together through a shared love for stories. We look forward to continuing this initiative and creating many more opportunities for our young readers to shine.