CHronicleJuly 2019

Vol: 04 i Issue: 02

ACADEMICS:CYCLIC TEST 1From the July 25th – August 5th, Cyclic Test 1 began for Grade 10 students. Students sat for the cyclic exams according to their respective subjects in the rooms on the 3rd floor of the Senior School. The results have been entered in the ERP and Teachers are already handing back the corrected scripts to the students.

WELCOME SESSIONSOn the 6th, Welcome sessions with parents of Grade 4 and 5 were held at the School

CO CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Auditorium. The meeting was presided by Ms Kumkum Habiba, Mr. Ilham Adnan and Major Selim Ershad. General issues such as uniform, attendance and communication were discussed along with Cambridge checkpoint exam and the security maintenance policies in the School. It was an interactive session and parents raised some observations such as, subject-teachers, curriculum and disciplinary issues. All the points were noted down and forwarded to the Authorities.

On the 9th, Fire Evacuation Drill (Session 2019-20) was conducted in the Senior School.

FIRE EVACUATION DRILL SESSION 2019-20

MOVIE TIMEDPS STS School Dhaka arranged a movie show on the 10th at the Senior School Auditorium. All the sections of Grade 4 enjoyed Aladdin, a 2019 American musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The children enjoyed the exciting tale of the charming street urchin Aladdin, the

courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the fictional genie. They watched the movie from 9:50 am to 12:30 pm. After watching the movie, the children were taken to the

cafeteria for snacks. Ms. Preeti Sharma and Ms. Farhana Nadia were the overall in-charges.

ENGLISH EXTEMPORESPEECH COMPETITION2019-20The English Extempore Speech Competition 2019-20 was held for Grades 4-7 students in the Senior School from 12th – 24th. Students were given topics 5 minutes prior to presenting and they spoke on their given topics fluently. It was a rigorous competition and students look forward to more in the future.

GRADE 41st – Amreen Rashed 4D (Topaz)2nd Samara Sharleez Emdad 4G (Ruby)3rd Alvina Islam 4G (Sapphire)4th Aisha Afsara Yasmin 4A (Emerald)

GRADE 61st – Farishta Fairoze (Topaz)2nd Rumaiza Amreen Mahmood (Ruby)3rd Affan Mahbub (Ruby)4th Regime Rahman (Sapphire)

GRADE 71st Farhan Shahid (Emerald)2nd Akithma Sehansa (Ruby)3rd Nafias Ahmed (Sapphire)3rd Amayr Hossain (Topaz)4th Abeer Muhannad Ali (Sapphire)

GRADE 51st Awhona Saha (Ruby)2nd Zaina Yusra (Ruby)3rd Tabiyah Tushra Chowdhury (Sapphire)4th – Tasmiyah Tashfin (Topaz)4th Kamela Kawsary Anmol (Emerald)

From the 19th-20th, DPS STS School hosted its first ever Alumni Homecoming Celebration. It was a great start to mark the School’s decade completion. Graduates from Batch 2014 to 2019 participated in a two-day long event and enjoyed coming back to the school after a long time. The first day consisted of football and basketball matches between the current students and the Alumni. The second day activities were held in the Junior Campus, starting with a special presentation made for the alumni, called ‘Down the Memory Lane’, followed by the melodious performance of the school band along with their dearest teachers. The Principal and Vice Principal addressed the alumni present and awarded them with medals. The day ended with the gala and the grand dinner.

ALUMNIHOMECOMINGCELEBRATION

On the 22nd, DPS STS Senior School arranged a grand programme in the auditorium for the students of Grades 4 and 5 to celebrate Eid ul Fitr. The program commenced with the Surah recitation followed by the National Anthem played by our very own DPS students. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the brilliant group song performed by the students themselves and the program concluded with an outstanding group dance. Though it was a short program, our Honourable VP ma’am, respected teachers and all the students present in the auditorium, were enthralled by the performances.

On the 20th, Mr. Rifayet Wafee, Debate Coach

conducted DPS Debate club workshop for interested

Grades 8-12 students in the Main Hall. Students were very excited and they look forward

to participating in Debate representing the School in the

future.

DPS DEBATE CLUBWORKSHOP

EID UL FITRPROGRAMME

On the 25th, Mathematics Inter House Quiz Competition was held at the School Auditorium for Grade 4 and 5 students. 12 students from four houses, Sapphire, Topaz, Emerald and Ruby, participated in the Math Quiz. There were 4 participants in each group comprising of two students of grade 4 and two from grade 5. Selection of the participants were done in a very fair, planned and systematic manner by conducting a written selection round on 22nd. Selected candidates were informed and made to

MATHEMATICS INTER HOUSEQUIZ COMPETITION

prepare before representing their respective houses.The quiz began with a lot of anticipation and excitement. There were four rounds. It started with visual round followed by pass-over round, rapid fire round and concluded with the buzzer round. All the participants solved the questions enthusiastically along with the audience. The audience comprising of students from Grades 4 and 5 enjoyed watching the quiz. They gained a lot of knowledge about mathematics in the bargain.Students recognized pictures of famous Mathematicians and solved picture puzzles in the picture and visual round. Their speed was tested in the rapid fire round where they answered a maximum of three questions in one minute. Overall, it was an enriching, interesting and fun filled activity.In the end, Sapphire House won the Quiz competition and took the First Place. Mr. Tanvir Ahmed and Ms. Yashna Tahjib of Mathematics department were the house masters of the day.

WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUPBEIJING GLOBAL ROUND 2019

Akil Rafid, Aoveek Hossain and Shabkaad Ahmed from Grade 9 D participated in the World Scholar’s Cup Beijing Global Round 2019.The event was held from 21st-25th of June at China National Convention Center, Beijing. They had competed with 38 other countries in the Scholars Challenge, Bowl, Debate and Collaborative Writing. The team also had a stall in the Cultural Fair where different nations expressed their diversity and culture through the exhibition of a plethora of colourful stalls. They were awarded 3 gold and 6 silver medals. They have also qualified for the Tournament of Champions, which is the Final Round of the worldwide programme. It will be held on November at Yale University, USA.

DPS STS SCHOOL SWIMMING GALA 2019-20

TEACHERS V/S STUDENTS FRIENDLY CRICKET MATCH

DPS STS School Swimming Gala 2019-20 was held on the 19th for Grades 1-12 students and parents at the Swimming pool, Senior School in four different slots. An overall of 53 students and 37 parents participated in the event and had a great fun

swimming together in the pool. Some of the parents did not enter the pool but enjoyed as spectators. It was a fun-filled event praised by Parents.

DPS STS Cricket Senior School Team Played a friendly match against the DPS STS Teachers Team on the 24th at Senior School. DPS STS Cricket Senior School Team won the match by 3 runs. Students enjoyed the event immensely as they were able to compete against their beloved teachers.

sports

TEACHERS V/S STUDENTSFRIENDLY BASKETBALL MATCH

TEACHERS V/S STUDENTS FRIENDLYFOOTBALL MATCH

On the 25th DPS Basketball Team played a friendly match with DPS Teachers Team at the Senior School. DPS Teachers Team won the friendly match. It was a fun filled event where

Mr Romel and Mr Tanveer Rezwan took control of the game scoring the most points. Students also gave it their best shot but came up short in the end. Students would like more of such activities in the future so that they can outperform their previous records.

On the 30th, DPS Senior Football Team played a friendly match with the DPS Teachers Football Team at the Senior School. DPS Football Team won the friendly match. Teachers gave it their best but unfortunately lost to the stamina and agility of the younger students. The field was energy-packed and fun-filled and everyone enjoyed the match immensely.

On the 25th, Mathematics Inter House Quiz Competition was held at the School Auditorium for Grade 4 and 5 students. 12 students from four houses, Sapphire, Topaz, Emerald and Ruby, participated in the Math Quiz. There were 4 participants in each group comprising of two students of grade 4 and two from grade 5. Selection of the participants were done in a very fair, planned and systematic manner by conducting a written selection round on 22nd. Selected candidates were informed and made to

EXCURSIONLIBERATIONWARMUSEUMGrade 4 students had a Field Trip on the 27th to the Liberation War Museum. Social Studies and Bangla Department Teachers organised the Field Trip. Teachers and guards accompanied the students and they were exposed to the war realities and encouraged to devote themselves for the betterment of the country as it is the earned treasure of million freedom fighters. Students had a great impact with respect for their country. It was a successful field trip

STUDENTS’ INFORMATION/EVENT/SEMINAR: “LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD”

Health awareness session “LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD” in association with Apollo Hospitals was conducted on the 23rd. Dr. Rubaiya Ali, Consultant-Dermatology, Apollo Hospitals, conducted the session. The purpose of the session was to sensitize the students about the importance of healthy

diet and hygienic measures to prevent infections and promote better health. The session included a presentation, informative talks and discussions. The session was informative and interactive, in which the students actively participated and clarified their doubts.

BENEFICIARY MEETING

COLLABORATIVE ISA ACTIVITIES WITHISD ON RENEWABLE RESOURCES

On the 7th, Department of Social studies arranged collaborative ISA activities with an Indian school on renewable resources. Grade 11 Environmental Management students partook in the programme. Indian ISA activities team lead by Monica Navani presented solar-power project and several environmental aspects to it. However, the team suggested several points to improve the project. The students found the meeting very helpful as it helped them develop a better insight on collaborative learning.

On the 28th, Amiya Afwan Jarrah (Grade 12) and Aporajita Bangali (Grade 10) along with Mr. S Ranjith, ICT teacher attended Beneficiary Meeting held at Dnet (IT Firm) office, Dhaka. It was conducted by Dnet in collaboration with USAID in their Dnet office, Mohammadpur. Dnet is developing a guideline on e-Awareness for students against

extremism, how they can ensure their safe-surfing on the internet. The objective of this meeting was to Identify and illustrate the primary outline for developing a guideline on e-Awareness by understanding the view, acceptance and receiving opinions from students and teachers who are the direct beneficiaries. The participants in this meeting were 15 teachers and students from 5 schools and colleges, 2 university teachers and 3 journalists. After the meeting, students received potted plants as gifts.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS:

PARENTS' PORTALOn the 22nd, Grades 4-7 teachers attended a training session on Parents' Portal and

the new communication channel in ERP (2019-2020) which was facilitated by Mr. Mostafizur Rahman Mridha (Head of IT) at the Senior School.

DIFFERENTIATION FOR EFFECTIVETEACHING AND LEARNING”

On the 25th, Senior School Chemistry and Physics teachers attended a Training on "Differ-entiation for Effective Teaching and Learning” facilitated by Ms. Tehsin Chowdhury Physics Teacher at the Main Hall, Senior School.

The list of teachers who have registered for the Cambridge online Training programme in July 2019.

Participant Training Name

Nahid Tabassum Cambridge Lower Secondary English (1111) - Introductory

Nusrat Jahan Cambridge Lower Secondary English (1111) - Introductory

Sabrina Tabassum Cambridge Lower Secondary English (1111) - Introductory

Qazi Shahed Iqbal Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspective (1129) - Introductory

Alia Afrin Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspective (1129) - Introductory

Anupa Datta Cambridge Lower Secondary Global Perspective (1129) - Introductory

Farhana Naher Cambridge Lower Secondary Mathematics (1112)- Introductory

Dalia Noushin Cambridge Lower Secondary Mathematics (1112)- Introductory

Shahed Bulbul Papon Cambridge Lower Secondary Science (1113) - Introductory

CAMBRIDGE ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME

From 29th – 30th, Primary School Teachers (Grades 4 and 5) attended Cambridge Face to face training for Cambridge subjects - Mathematics, Science and English at the Junior Section, DPS STS School. 48 teachers from DPS STS School and 33 teachers from other schools participated in the Cambridge Face to face training. It was a massive learning event and all the participants thoroughly enjoyed all the activities they took part in.

Amena Dewan Cambridge Lower Secondary Science (1113) - Introductory

Naureen Basher Cambridge Lower Secondary Science (1113) - Introductory

Sumaya Afrin Misti Cambridge AS and A Level Psychology (9990) Introductory

Shamim Hosen Cambridge AS Level English General Paper (8021) Introductory

Emran J Taher Cambridge AS Level English General Paper (8021) Introductory

Anamika Firoz Cambridge Primary English as a Second Language (0837)

Tasnia Rahman Cambridge Primary English as a Second Language (0837)

CAMBRIDGE FACE TO FACETRAINING FOR MATHEMATICS,SCIENCE AND ENGLISH

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES TRAINING SESSION

Ms. Alia Afrin, Head of Social Studies Department conducted a Global Perspectives training session on the 27th at the Junior School. The key concepts of the training was-Active learning, Formative assessment, Success Criteria and Lesson planning. The aim of this session was, ‘Teaching and Learning process of Global Perspectives under the Cambridge Curriculum.

On the 13th, Md. Sultan Kawsar, Librarian, attended a day long workshop titled “Running family reading events” for Librarians which facilitated by Sarah Mears, Programme Manager, Libraries Connected, UK. The venue was Libraries Unlimited Project Office, Public Library (Shahbagh).

Librarians from different schools in Dhaka city presented there. They learned about new thinking, discussed about those issues and participated in many activities. Some key features of this Workshop were: shared understanding of reading for pleasure, why reading pleasure is important in School or University Libraries, If I were a book, reading for empathy and its theories, exploring empathy through the drawing words collection, making a difference in school and community, running reading pleasure activity, planning, merits and demerits of plan etc. It was a very successfull and effective programme for all Librarians.

On the 31st Head of Middle Section Ms. Kumkum Habiba and Dean of Academics Mr. Ilham Adnan had a meeting with the mid- section teachers. They discussed several key issues brought up in the Parents’ Forum Meeting with the teachers. The issues consisted of Dress code, Morning ground floor duty, Attendance of students, proper utilization of homeroom period, Usage of cellphone in the classroom, conversation in English with the students, ensuring discipline in corridors and staircases, use of abusive words with students, ample time (Grade 4 and 5) students to complete assignments, turning off lights and fans, teachers duty in the cafeteria or auditorium, peer observation, syllabus planning, class test notice, active learning, correction work, substitution class and e diary.

RUNNING FAMILYREADING EVENTSFOR LIBRARIANS

MEETING WITH MIDSECTION TEACHERS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONSThe list of teachers conducted Professional development sessions in the Senior School for the month of July:

Ms Shegufta H Khan conducted a session on, Teachers as educators in the 21st century Economics’ Mr. Tapash Kundu conducted a session on ‘Box and whisker Mathematics’ , Md. Mustafizur Rahaman conducted a session on ‘Bad Debts and Provision for Doubtful Debts Accounting’, Ms. Jannatul Ferdous conducted a session on , ‘Fuel Cell Chemistry’ and Mr. Afroze Muhammad Talukder discussed the Lesson Plan for Physics on a Weekly Basis.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF ADMIN: INVENTORY AND STORE MANAGEMENTMr. Rafiqul Islam Store Executive attended a Training course on “Inventory and Store Management” at Bdjobs Training, Dhaka.

EVENTS OF CAREER COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT • Sunday 7th-11th July, 2019 Career Counselling Week: Meet the Career Counsellor,

• Tuesday, 9th July, 2019 Information Session: Life in Canada, Career Counselling Office.

• Sunday 21 July, 2019 Session with grade 11&12 students, School Auditorium.

• Wednesday 24 July 2019 Ms Lamia attended “United World College Inauguration programme” organised by UWC Bangladesh.

• Monday, 29th July, 2019 Information session: “Where and How to Search Universities”, Main Hall, Senior School.

• Wednesday, 31st July, 2019 Workshop: Personal Statement Writing, Main Hall, Senior School.

MEETING: On the 2nd and 7th, the Principal, the Vice Principal had a Whats app meeting with Dr. A. Sandeep Group CEO and Mr. Andrew Homden, Educational Consultant.

On the 7th, the Principal and the Vice Principal had a meeting regarding the feedback from the Parent Teacher Meeting of Grade 4 and 5.

On 8th July 2019, Principal, Vice Principal and the Senior Leadership Team had discussion meeting with Grade 11 and 12 parents in the School Auditorium.

Senior School HoDs and Section Heads had meeting on the 10th to discuss on adopting Cambridge prescribed Lesson Planning format in the current curriculum activity. Ms Tarana Majid Head of Senior Section presided over the meeting. Mahbubur Rahman Board Exam Coordinator, gave a detailed description on the Cambridge Lesson Plan format and requested for teachers’ suggestions.

On the 16th, Tarana Majid, Head of Senior Section, Manoj Kumar, Dean of Academics and Director of Sports,Kumkum Habiba Jahan, Head of Middle Section,Ilham Adnan Alam, Dean of Academics (Jr and middle Section),Mahbubur Rahman, Board Exam Coordinator,Afroze Muhammad Talukder, HoD, Physics,Sakila Sarmin, HoD, Chemistry and Marzia Zaman, Senior Teacher, Biology attended a meeting on Cambridge Lower Secondary Stage Vs Grade Level adjustment in the Conference room, Senior School.

On the 17th, Section Heads, Dean of Academics and Teachers of Grade 4 to 12 had a discussion session on Cambridge Teachers Support Hub in the Senior School.

On the 25th, the Principal, Manager Accounts and Assistant Manager Accounts attended a Budget meeting at the STS Corporate office, Bashundhara.

On the 27th, the Principal, Vice Principal, Senior Leadership Teams and HODs had a discussion meeting with the DPS Parents Forum at the School Auditorium.

On the 29th, Head of Training Services, Cambridge International, Nathalie Reverchon Visited DPS STS School Junior Campus and had a meeting with the Management of DPS STS School Dhaka. Shahin Reza-Country Manager, Cambridge International, Dr. Sandeep Ananthanarayanan -Group CEO, STS Group, Harsh Wal Principal, Madhu Wal Vice-Principal and Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman Board Exam Coordinator were present in the meeting.

DPS STS School Student Master Marzouq Chowdhury, Grade 6/E participated in Commonwealth Chess championship-2019 in New Delhi, India. He played 7th round Swiss league system and scored 1 win 3 draws and 3 losses .Total scored 0+0.5+0.5+1+0+0.5+0 -total -2.5 points. This Commonwealth tournament is first time for him and he was also nominated by Bangladesh Chess Federation and bearing flag.

COMMMONWEALTHCHESS CHAMPION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONSThe list of teachers conducted Professional development sessions in the Senior School for the month of July:

Ms Shegufta H Khan conducted a session on, Teachers as educators in the 21st century Economics’ Mr. Tapash Kundu conducted a session on ‘Box and whisker Mathematics’ , Md. Mustafizur Rahaman conducted a session on ‘Bad Debts and Provision for Doubtful Debts Accounting’, Ms. Jannatul Ferdous conducted a session on , ‘Fuel Cell Chemistry’ and Mr. Afroze Muhammad Talukder discussed the Lesson Plan for Physics on a Weekly Basis.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF ADMIN: INVENTORY AND STORE MANAGEMENTMr. Rafiqul Islam Store Executive attended a Training course on “Inventory and Store Management” at Bdjobs Training, Dhaka.

EVENTS OF CAREER COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT • Sunday 7th-11th July, 2019 Career Counselling Week: Meet the Career Counsellor,

• Tuesday, 9th July, 2019 Information Session: Life in Canada, Career Counselling Office.

• Sunday 21 July, 2019 Session with grade 11&12 students, School Auditorium.

• Wednesday 24 July 2019 Ms Lamia attended “United World College Inauguration programme” organised by UWC Bangladesh.

• Monday, 29th July, 2019 Information session: “Where and How to Search Universities”, Main Hall, Senior School.

• Wednesday, 31st July, 2019 Workshop: Personal Statement Writing, Main Hall, Senior School.

MEETING: On the 2nd and 7th, the Principal, the Vice Principal had a Whats app meeting with Dr. A. Sandeep Group CEO and Mr. Andrew Homden, Educational Consultant.

On the 7th, the Principal and the Vice Principal had a meeting regarding the feedback from the Parent Teacher Meeting of Grade 4 and 5.

On 8th July 2019, Principal, Vice Principal and the Senior Leadership Team had discussion meeting with Grade 11 and 12 parents in the School Auditorium.

Senior School HoDs and Section Heads had meeting on the 10th to discuss on adopting Cambridge prescribed Lesson Planning format in the current curriculum activity. Ms Tarana Majid Head of Senior Section presided over the meeting. Mahbubur Rahman Board Exam Coordinator, gave a detailed description on the Cambridge Lesson Plan format and requested for teachers’ suggestions.

On the 16th, Tarana Majid, Head of Senior Section, Manoj Kumar, Dean of Academics and Director of Sports,Kumkum Habiba Jahan, Head of Middle Section,Ilham Adnan Alam, Dean of Academics (Jr and middle Section),Mahbubur Rahman, Board Exam Coordinator,Afroze Muhammad Talukder, HoD, Physics,Sakila Sarmin, HoD, Chemistry and Marzia Zaman, Senior Teacher, Biology attended a meeting on Cambridge Lower Secondary Stage Vs Grade Level adjustment in the Conference room, Senior School.

On the 17th, Section Heads, Dean of Academics and Teachers of Grade 4 to 12 had a discussion session on Cambridge Teachers Support Hub in the Senior School.

On the 25th, the Principal, Manager Accounts and Assistant Manager Accounts attended a Budget meeting at the STS Corporate office, Bashundhara.

On the 27th, the Principal, Vice Principal, Senior Leadership Teams and HODs had a discussion meeting with the DPS Parents Forum at the School Auditorium.

On the 29th, Head of Training Services, Cambridge International, Nathalie Reverchon Visited DPS STS School Junior Campus and had a meeting with the Management of DPS STS School Dhaka. Shahin Reza-Country Manager, Cambridge International, Dr. Sandeep Ananthanarayanan -Group CEO, STS Group, Harsh Wal Principal, Madhu Wal Vice-Principal and Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman Board Exam Coordinator were present in the meeting.

ACHIEVEMENT

NOMINATION FOR JOINT SECRETARY INASIAN CITIES CHESS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Mr. Masudur Rahman Mallick was nominated as the joint organizing secretary for the organizing committee of the Asian Cities Chess Team Championship 2019 (Dubai Cup).

Zareef Raiyan Safdar batch 2019 has been accepted to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, which is in the same tier as Ivy League (Columbia, Penn, and Cornell University). He is going to study Computer science, one of the top-ranked course in the world.

Zareef was highly praised by the US Ambassador who is an alum of Uni of Michigan. Newspaper link: https://www.banglanews24.com/education/news/bd/728432.details?fbclid=IwAR3MfHosKnLXhiVZDOA0Yuevk6x6aU-LaefjVrs-0phA-dcca9DBsuWlpDg

The college admissions process is one of the biggest turning points in one’s life; at this time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and question yourself during this period in high school. Like many other students, this was the first time the floodgates of real life had opened to me, and it was when I had put my carefree days of enjoying school life and focus on bringing my dreams to reality. But to say that only what I did since 11th grade helped me tackle the whole college admissions

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ANN ARBORchallenge would be wrong; it is perhaps comparable to adding the final touches on a product. All these years of nurturing and learning led to this point when I could finally apply them in real life.

I was like any other kid in class - obsessed with video games, watching and following football religiously - but with an appetite of asking questions and solving problems. Another thing that had me going were stories of any kind - whether it be movies, books, video games or just some stupid YouTube video. But all of these personal attributes from here and there would've been completely wasted if I was not a part of such a wonderful institution, where I learned to dream. My passion for Computer Science initially came through classes in Grade 7 on Visual Basic; it was when I first tasted the fun of making windows applications and realizing my newfound love for programming, Anwar Sir took me under his wing and let me dive deeper into this fascinating world. Anwar Sir and Ranjith Sir weren’t just great teachers - but wonderful mentors - they are the reason I am where I am today. Every Annual Exhibition, any

occasion where I could squeeze in an opportunity to get my hands dirty in code, the school has been the central piece in my development as a programmer, as a problem solver but most importantly as a learner. From exploring the vastness of the cosmos to the engineering of those pesky little DNA strands, with the help of teachers, not only I grew my knowledge but also developed my way of thinking.

Being lucky enough to have a clear passion to focus upon, I worked as a Junior Programmer in a startup, and also went on to release a video game with the help of my friends on both Play and App Stores. With an unquenchable thirst for finding cool projects to work on, I was soon on the streets, wandering from shops to countless other places, looking for work. In the end, I had developed a prescription system and a couple of websites.

When admissions season struck and I learned about the US college admissions process, it was already too late. Bombarded with a crazy number of standardized tests and with A Levels alongside, it was a complete horror show.

But as always, the school gave me immense support in my pursuit. From making sure I had the best resources and helping me meet deadlines to supporting me in the face of unprecedented rejections, the Career Counselor Lamia Ma’am helped me in every step of the process. By helping universities recognize my passion through countless recommendation letters and school reports, with her help, here I am, enrolled into the University of Michigan, the best public university in the United States and one of the best universities in my subject in the whole world. Without my school, I wouldn’t have been able to be at one of the most prestigious institutions in the entire world. This is my story - from dreaming of writing code to becoming a part of the university which made Larry Page, the founder of Google, Dr. Katie Bouman, the first person to take a picture of a black hole, and countless other notable people whom we all look up to.

And for now, I dream that perhaps one day, my school will proudly say it has created a Zareef Raiyan Safdar.

Zareef Raiyan Safdar batch 2019 has been accepted to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, which is in the same tier as Ivy League (Columbia, Penn, and Cornell University). He is going to study Computer science, one of the top-ranked course in the world.

Zareef was highly praised by the US Ambassador who is an alum of Uni of Michigan. Newspaper link: https://www.banglanews24.com/education/news/bd/728432.details?fbclid=IwAR3MfHosKnLXhiVZDOA0Yuevk6x6aU-LaefjVrs-0phA-dcca9DBsuWlpDg

The college admissions process is one of the biggest turning points in one’s life; at this time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and question yourself during this period in high school. Like many other students, this was the first time the floodgates of real life had opened to me, and it was when I had put my carefree days of enjoying school life and focus on bringing my dreams to reality. But to say that only what I did since 11th grade helped me tackle the whole college admissions

challenge would be wrong; it is perhaps comparable to adding the final touches on a product. All these years of nurturing and learning led to this point when I could finally apply them in real life.

I was like any other kid in class - obsessed with video games, watching and following football religiously - but with an appetite of asking questions and solving problems. Another thing that had me going were stories of any kind - whether it be movies, books, video games or just some stupid YouTube video. But all of these personal attributes from here and there would've been completely wasted if I was not a part of such a wonderful institution, where I learned to dream. My passion for Computer Science initially came through classes in Grade 7 on Visual Basic; it was when I first tasted the fun of making windows applications and realizing my newfound love for programming, Anwar Sir took me under his wing and let me dive deeper into this fascinating world. Anwar Sir and Ranjith Sir weren’t just great teachers - but wonderful mentors - they are the reason I am where I am today. Every Annual Exhibition, any

occasion where I could squeeze in an opportunity to get my hands dirty in code, the school has been the central piece in my development as a programmer, as a problem solver but most importantly as a learner. From exploring the vastness of the cosmos to the engineering of those pesky little DNA strands, with the help of teachers, not only I grew my knowledge but also developed my way of thinking.

Being lucky enough to have a clear passion to focus upon, I worked as a Junior Programmer in a startup, and also went on to release a video game with the help of my friends on both Play and App Stores. With an unquenchable thirst for finding cool projects to work on, I was soon on the streets, wandering from shops to countless other places, looking for work. In the end, I had developed a prescription system and a couple of websites.

When admissions season struck and I learned about the US college admissions process, it was already too late. Bombarded with a crazy number of standardized tests and with A Levels alongside, it was a complete horror show.

But as always, the school gave me immense support in my pursuit. From making sure I had the best resources and helping me meet deadlines to supporting me in the face of unprecedented rejections, the Career Counselor Lamia Ma’am helped me in every step of the process. By helping universities recognize my passion through countless recommendation letters and school reports, with her help, here I am, enrolled into the University of Michigan, the best public university in the United States and one of the best universities in my subject in the whole world. Without my school, I wouldn’t have been able to be at one of the most prestigious institutions in the entire world. This is my story - from dreaming of writing code to becoming a part of the university which made Larry Page, the founder of Google, Dr. Katie Bouman, the first person to take a picture of a black hole, and countless other notable people whom we all look up to.

And for now, I dream that perhaps one day, my school will proudly say it has created a Zareef Raiyan Safdar.

Pic: Vice Principal Madhu Wal, Zareef Safdar and Career Counsellor Lamia Rahman Ahad

For this Month’s edition we will begin with Honourable Principal Mr. Harsh Wal.

1. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?

Watching India – Pakistan Cricket Matches

2. WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR/SINGER/WRITER AND WHY?

Favourite Actor – Amitabh Bachchan and Favourite Singer – Arijit Singh

3. WHAT DO YOU FEEL MOST GRATEFUL FOR IN LIFE?

I am most grateful to God and my parents for giving me a good education.

4. WHAT IS YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?

Leo

5. WHAT’S THE MOST SENSIBLE THING YOU’VE EVER HEARD SOMEONE SAY?

Love all, where is the time to hate?

6. WHAT’S A BELIEF THAT YOU HOLD WITH WHICH MANY PEOPLE DISAGREE?

Don’t waste time in taking revenge.

7. DO YOU THINK CRYING IS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS OR STRENGTH? WHY?

None. It is to do with sensitivity.

8. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIVING AND EXISTING ACCORDING TO YOU?

I only enjoy living. Existing is only for lifeless people.

9. WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY THAT

GET TO KNOW YOUR TEACHERS

YOU WERE NOT CAPABLE OF A YEAR AGO?

I can forgive all the people for their mistakes.

10. PLEASE DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS.

Committed, Caring and Honest.

11. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN ADVENTURE?

Whenever things go wrong, adventure begins.

12. IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

My experience in schools.

13. YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM YOUR SCHOOL LIFE.

First day of School.

14. NAME SOMEONE WHO INSPIRES YOU AND EXPLAIN WHY?

Shiv Khera – Great Achiever.

15. DO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS? IF SO, WHAT?

No regrets.

16. WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU MOST ADMIRE IN OTHERS?

Honesty.

17. HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED IN LIFE?

As a good human being.

18. IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WOULD YOU CONTINUE TO WORK?

Yes, absolutely.

19. IF YOUR LIFE WAS A NOVEL, WHAT WOULD THE TITLE BE?

Principal’s Journey.

20. DO YOU HAVE ANY STRANGE OR UNIQUE PHOBIAS?

No.

21. IF YOU COULD BRING BACK ONE TOY FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Cricket Bat.

The Inevitable Emperor, coming soon

The Inevitable Emperor (1) is an e-novel which is being written by two new authors who are currently studying in Grade 7 at the DPS STS School Dhaka. They are Yaseen Khan and Mustahsan Mustafa. The e-novel is based on a lonely kid who doesn’t have parents and is forced to join a group of assassins for survival. There he was imposed to drink a potion which made him emotionless, barbaric and berserk. He learned combating skills there and when

he turns 15 he has been assigned many different missions for assassinating miscellaneous people. Later onwards, he tries to kill the king of his country, but he fails and then he is prisoned for few years. Then the king orders all the prisoners to go on a suicide mission. Fortunately, he survives, becomes Royal Guard and is given a name which was, Nathaniel Seth Zachary. Then he secretly and successfully murders the king, rises through ranks, and finally becomes king. Afterwards he suffers from a mental trauma and forgets about all his misdeeds he had done earlier. Now, he rules the kingdom in a decent way, not in a barbaric way. Later a person comes from Albania and becomes his mentor. The new emperor, shifts his kingdom to Albania from Israel. Then, ‘The Inevitable Emperor: Wars and Mystery’ (the second book) starts, which has not been published yet.

By Yaseen Grade 7

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