News in Brief

Tours & Treks Trip to Kurukshetra Trip to Barog Trip to Jaipur Trip to Udaipur Trip to Hatu Trip to Mussoorie What’s new in the Library

English language Championship 2013 Level-I Exam conducted

Chitkara University Techfest Annual Training Camp (NCC) IAYP Fun at the Run Inauguration of “The Tiffin Box” students’

enterprise MUN Visit to Verka Milk Plant Radio Workshop Debating Matters Trip to Lahore Interview with Mrs. Sumali Devgan Staff Corner The British Council Workshops Sports

Newsletter OCtOBer 2013

Trip to Kurukshetra Class IV students went to Kurukshetra for a one day trip on 27th Sept’ 2013.We were 155 students along with 10 staff members & 4 helping staff members (females). We visited the Kalpna Chawla Planetarium where we saw an amazing 3D movie about space, solar system & planets. We also learnt many things about the renowned personality, Kalpna Chawla through the board displays over there. That was followed by a religious experience as we went to Shri Krishna Museum. It really made us relive the time of the Mahabharata. We saw amazing ornaments & toys of the Harappan Civilization. We also listened to an audio in which Lord Krishna was explaining the feelings of Arjuna before the war. Visiting the Science Center was an amazing experience since we saw science games, experiments, mirror reflexes etc. Overall this trip was very informative & educational trip which gave us a brief introduction to Hindu religion also. The lunch at Mc Donalds on the way back was great fun for all of us. Aarav IV HJK

At the planetarium

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Trip to Barog The most awaited time of the year stared on 28th of Sept’ 13 when I got a chance to be a part of an adventure trip to Barog. There were 81 students along with 6 staff members & 3 helpers (females) & on this trip we learnt how to be independent.

We went trekking on Mount Panchmundia & lived in tents. We learnt how to take care of ourselves. There were many fun filled activities like Bummer Bridge, languor walk, inclined balance, flying fox & zigzag balance which gave us a chance to overcome our fears.

At this beautiful natural site we saw pieces of holy rocks which are said to be part of ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ which was carried by Lord Hanuman from Dronagiri Hills to the battlefield where Lakshmana was lying unconscious. Our visit to Shiv temple & Durga temple gave us a great peace of mind.The dance around the bonfire at night gave us immense joy.

On the way back, on 30th Sep’ 13, we relished our lunch at Mc Donalds. Such trips are an extension to our experiences of school life. Ritika 5SG

Students trying their best in the inclined walk

Trip to Jaipur

When I got to know that our school had organized a five day trip to Jaipur I was all thrilled to go on it.

On 28th Sept’ 13, 100 students & 10 staff members set off Patiala. On our arrival in Jaipur, we first checked into the remarkable hotel, Maple Regency, where we had a comfortable stay. After refreshing ourselves, we got ready to explore the much acclaimed Pink City, Jaipur.

The first place we visited was ‘Jal Mahal’ a historic palace situated in the middle of the picturesque Man Singh Lake followed by Jantar Mantar, a perfect blend of astronomical intelligence depicting the geographical means to calculate time, day & date etc. Evening was the time to explore a happening place ‘Bapu Bazar’. Our visit to Chokhi Dhani provided us a glimpse of rich Rajasthani folk dance, music, art forms etc.

Next day we went to Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort, breathtaking specimens of architecture and sheer endeavour. In the evening, we went to the Birla Science Planetarium, enjoying the 3D show on space evolution. The day ended with a DJ party.

The last day of our trip included the visit to City Palace and a newly constructed mall. Watching the latest Bollywood flick on the last segment of the trip made it even more memorable.

With heavy hearts & innumerable memories we boarded the train & were back in Patiala on 2nd Oct’ 13. Aarushi VIII NJ

A cluster of students in Jaipur

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Trip to Udaipur

The half yearly examination had saturated the mind with loads of burnden when we went on the trip. It all started with fun & ended with fun. From the meals on wheels to the calm sunset, from the desert of the Thar to the hills of Aravalli, from the palace of Udaipur to the temple of Mount Abu an unforgettable experience was made.

From the Royal City Patiala, we started our journey to White City, Udaipur on 30th Sept’ 13. 72 students (from classes IX to XII) & 7 staff members were there. We visited beautiful places like the King’s Palace, the Fort of Chittor, Jain temples at Abu & many more. Each monument made us feel proud of our great rulers & rich heritage. We gained a lot of knowledge about different kings & queens about whom we keep reading in our history classes.

Other than knowledge we had fun also while boating & shopping. The overall arrangement of food & stay was excellent.

In a nut shell, the trip released any stress, refreshed our minds, brought joy & thrilled us all. Aurnav Laroiya IX SM

Trip to Hatu Every year the autumn break brings a lot of

fun for all of us as trips to different places take place. Some of the trips are educative whereas some are fun filled. This year for class VI an adventurous trip to Hatu, also called Narkanda was organized. It is a fabulous place which is 70kms ahead from Shimla. On 2nd Oct’ 13, 53 students along with 5 staff members & 2 helping staff (females) started early in the morning. On the way we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the hills & as we reached Hatu we were thrilled to see our staying arrangement in huts at ‘Agyaat Vass’.

Next morning a cool breeze & mist greeted us. After breakfast we had to trek to Karena Peak. During the trek we passed through a forest. In the evening we all enjoyed a bonfire. Next day we did

many adventurous activities like zip lining, obstacles etc. After that we all went to the popular Hatu Temple.

I captured all the scenic beauty of the hills & fun filled adventures in my camera. We all came back to Patiala on 5th Oct’ 13 but the mesmerizing memories are still fresh in my mind. Vasu Khabanda VI PSY

Students in front of the famous Hatu Temple

Trip to Mussoorie A four day trip to Mussoorie was

scheduled on 2nd Oct’ 13. 45 students along with 4 staff members went for this trip & had some unforgettable memories. After a long journey as we reached our destination the fresh air of the hills lifted our spirits.

Our visits round Mussoorie started with the most popular place over there called the Kempty Falls. It was a breath taking experience to see the waterfall & we enjoyed a lot splashing in the water. We went to many other sightseeing places such as Mussoorie Lake, Gun Hill, Game Zone etc. Shopping at the Mall road added to our fun. On the last night we had a wonderful party with a DJ playing sounds.

The trip did not end even on the return journey to Patiala. On the way back we went to the Buddhist Temple, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun & Gurudwara Paonta Sahib.

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It was the most enjoyable & memorable experience of my life which will be always fresh in my mind. Baritesh Singh VII GK

Group photograph at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun

What’s new in the Library BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS …………

Approximately 50 new books have appeared in the library in the month of October. The most popular books are:

i. Inheritance (fiction) by Christopher Paolini ii. Inferno (fiction) by Dan Brown iii. The Raven Boys (fiction) by Maggie Stiefvater iv. The Big Adventures of a Little Hero (fiction) by

Rabindranath Tagore v. Mind Master; A Brain Book Quiz Book (non-

fiction) by Bal Phondke vi. Daily Inspiration from the Monk who sold his

Ferrari (non-fiction) by Robin Sharma A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.

Henry Ward Beecher Read more

at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/library.html#PsvdhxLy1kaSzY82.99

English Language Championship 2013

On 8th Oct’ 13, English Language Championship 2013 – Level-I Exam was conducted in the school. This championship is run by Planet EDU. This comprised of skills such as reading, comprehension, vocabulary,

spelling etc. 155 students from classes IV to IX participated in this one hour exam. Each participant

will be given a Certificate of Participation & those who will clear the final level (Level- III) will be awarded.

Chitkara University Techfest

Drama forms an integral part of our school life & especially when we are given an opportunity to perform at one of the largest university fests. The students of Classes X, XI & XII of our school climbed the bus with extreme enthusiasm for the Chitkara University Techfest held on 12th Oct’13. It was a street play competition.

They competed against many colleges & we were the only school participating in the fest. Their topic was “Violence against Women” & no props were used. Arshdeep Sandhu, Yuvraj Sandhu, Parmeet Sandhu, Jaspreet Kaur, Manya Kharbanda, Amreen Somal, Sargun Sandhu, Gurdit Birdi, Hitesh Handa, Ruban Somal, Gurkirat Singh & Gurnoor Mann participated in the street play.

Annual Training Camp (NCC)

An annual training camp was held at Senior Secondary School, Punjabi University, Patiala by 3 Punjab Air Squadron (NCC) from 12th Oct’ 13 to 21st Oct’ 13. 10 cadets from the school attended this camp where they took part in various activities like Para sailing, weapon firing, parade and cultural events. Mr. Anil Kumar was appointed as a care taker in the camp. Cadets were staying in the camp round the clock. This camp made cadets physically & mentally fit.

Fresh & bright even after a long tiring day at the camp.

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IAYP

The British Co-Ed High School registered 183 students with International Award for Young People (IAYP) for participating in various levels of the Award i.e. Bronze, Silver and Gold. 25 students have completed the steps of Bronze level and the students were given the Bronze level certificates. In IAYP students are participating in all the four sections which are as follows: service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journey.

Fun at the Run The school enterprise is based on three

motives. The 1st one is to involve students in the process of production. The students involve in analyzing the market, purchasing raw material, selling etc. and all aspects of how to run the enterprise.

The second motive is to earn profit, to fulfill the small demands of the school and to judge the feasibility of the enterprise. The third motive is to conserve the environment by making & supplying healthy food in the school.

To raise funds for the enterprise a run was organized in Block II (Classes IV & V) as well as in High School (Classes VI-XII). The funds raised by classes IV & V were Rs. 38,600 & by classes VI-XII were Rs. 45,200. The teachers also contributed by giving a loan of Rs. 1,05,000.

The school enterprise challenge started under the name of “The Tiffin Box” which was inaugurated on 16th Oct’ 13 by Mrs. Sumali Devgan. Our Principal, Rosa Ma’m along with Tejinder Sir graced this occasion.

Leisure run for a good purpose

Inauguration of ‘The Tiffin Box’

The school enterprise challenge project “The Tiffin Box” was inaugurated with lots of enthusiasm on 16th Oct’ 13. We were honored to have Mrs. Sumali Devgan and Mr. Tejinder Singh on this occasion. The members of the enterprise specially the marketing team, decorated the enterprise shop beautifully. Mrs. Sumali Dvegan & Rosa Ma’am along with Tejinder Sir cut the ribbon to inaugurate the first sale of hot dogs and cakes for the day. Children enjoyed munching on these delicious food items. Presently it’s being run by 60 students. The enterprise functions under different departments such as kitchen, purchase, quality control, marketing, accounts, IT, selling & market research.

Mrs Sumali Devgan cutting the ribbon at “The Tiffin Box”

MUN

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A total of 21 students participated in Model United Nations (MUN) held at St. Stephen’s Chandigarh on 16th, 17th & 18th Oct’ 13. The countries allotted where Argentina, Columbia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Kuwait, San Marino, Benin, Dominican Republic to name a few. Students represented these countries in different committees such as The Security Council- CTC (Committee on Terrorism and Corruption), ECOSOC, The General Assembly- SOCHUM (Social & Humanitarian Council). Even though some of the students were participating for the first time, each delegate actively debated in their respective committees. The agenda of discussion in SOCHUM was “Recognition and Protection of LGBT Rights” whereas the Security Coucil debated upon “Syrian Crisis and Demilitarization of WMD’s in Middle East. It was an experience of a life time and surely worth it!!

Visit to Verka Milk Plant Every year some educational trips are

organized by our school. This time, our school organized a visit to the ‘Verka Milk Plant’ on 23rd Oct’ 13. We were very excited as we were visiting a factory for the 1st time. As we proceeded towards the factory, we could smell the sweet fragrance of milk. We saw how the milk is cleaned, pasteurized & stored. We saw long pipes across the hall. We also saw how curd, cottage cheese, kheer (a sweet dish which is made by boiling rice & milk together), flavored milk is prepared. We were awestruck to see the size of big vessels. They were bigger than a car.

Actually we were very happy to gain so much of knowledge about the different products made out of milk. We thank Rosa Ma’am for organizing this wonderful & knowledgeable trip.

THANK YOU ROSA MA’AM…….. Bhavleen & Sudivya VII KKT

Ready to experience something new.

Learning about different types of machinery & milk products

Radio Workshop

The 3rd Radio Workshop conducted on 23rd, 24th & 25th Oct’ 13 proved to be another platform for us to showcase our talents in fields ranging from script writing, voice modulation & recording. From the 1st workshop, where under the watchful eye of Mr. S.P. Singh, the students of the junior & senior category wrote scripts on 4 topics : moral values, stress & depression, save money & environment & they further went on to produce amazing scripts & enacted. Once recorded, the scripts were enacted & finalized by the expertise of Mr. S.P Singh & his team. It was truly an overwhelming experience. Jannat Cheema IX SM

Debating Matters

The month of Oct has been a bumper month for debating. The gifted team of debates representing

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the school, Shiven (IX), Shridhar (IX), Dhruv Trehan (X) and Qudret Bal took part in the Von Goldstein debate held at YPD, Patiala on 18th & 19th Oct’ 13. Though we did not secure a place nevertheless, we made the audience sit up & notice us. On 25th Oct’ 13, the same team travelled to Trivandram accompanied by Mr. V Devgan, the debating in charge, & Ms. Deepika Bammi. The debate was held under the ASISC at Christ Nagar, International School. 28 students from 8 regions of India took part in it. This time round Dhruv Trehan secured 3rd position in the Junior Boy’s Category & got the Best Speaker Award on the topic- Computers can replace teachers.

Student receiving certificate at the debate

We are slowly but surely making headway in debating matters. On 26th Oct’13, the Inter House Senior School English Debate was held in the AV room. Mrs.

Diepe Singh presided over the function with the topic for debate being- Parents need parenting classes. Mrs. Singh commented that progress in the overall standard of speakers had improved. Kudos at last. The British Co-Ed High School won the ASK trophy however being the host school we do not compete. The trophy, therefore, went to YPS, Mohali. Dhruv Trehan was judged as the Best Speaker.

YPS, Mohali students receiving the trophy

Visit to Aitchison College, Lahore Words are not enough to describe our experience in Aitchison College, Lahore. The 125 years old, Aitchison College offered us the best hospitality. Though most of our time was consumed in exploring the 200 acre campus, we still managed to visit the Lahore Fort, Xinhua Mall, Liberty Market, Lahore Museum and the Badshahi Mosque. The architecture & the lush green patches of Lahore left us spell bound. The Opening Ceremony, the Music Night & the Closing Ceremony were the most thrilling parts of the event. The unity and the love for arts and sports, the Aitchisonions showcased was commendable. Unfortunately we could not win for our school. Despite being the youngest among the participants, we gave everybody a tough competition and managed to make a mark in their hearts. We were appreciated for both, our paintings and our music numbers.

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Moreover we made great friends with Farjad Malik, Waleed Waseem, Bakhtyar, Usmaan Faisal, Anza Mahmood, Anza Shehzal, Musa Ghaznavi and many more. They managed to sweep our hearts with their sense of hospitality and they will be always remembered by us. We cordially thank our school for giving us the opportunity of being a part of the amazing ACFEST, 13.

Janvi Arora & Chetna Sharma

Our students & staff got a lifetime experience at Aitchison College, Lahore.

Interview with Mrs. Sumali Devgan

Q.1) According to you what is music & what role does it play in our lives? A.1) Anything that gives us pleasure and joy. Music doesn’t change realities but it definitely has a very positive impact in our lives. It really touches our heart & soul. Q.2) Can you please tell me about your experience as a music teacher? A.2) Well, I am not really a music teacher but because it’s my passion I just love to teach it. While teaching I had varied experiences. When I first came to Punjab I tried to teach English songs to senior boys but they would laugh finding it funny & strange to learn English songs. So I started off with junior students & worked really very hard. When I got good results & the popularity of English songs increased then even senior students started taking interest in it & I got better results from students.

Q.3) What made you decide to become a teacher?

A.3) I think it’s in my blood. I did some office work for sometime but it didn’t work. But I think I am not a teacher. I would better call myself an educator. Teacher is somebody who goes to a class & teaches but I do not do that. I love to educate students about music & art.

Q.4) Do you think music can make students spiritually strong & more disciplined? A.4) Definitely. No two ways about that. I think music has a very positive impact on most of the children. My old students who are in college now or who are working somewhere call me & tell me that they feel blessed to be connected to music. I think you must have some passion or hobby like music, art etc in your life. Q.5) What are the current curricular trends in music? A.5) Would not comment on that as I have not taught music as a subject. Since I am a pianist I have taken classes on piano. Well I have actually done both theory & practical. So, music is more like an extra-curricular activity. Q.6) Besides teaching, what other experiences you had working with children? A.6) Millions. I had all kinds of experiences. Every experience that I had was a good one and if it was not a good one then of course it was a great learning for me. I have taught in international schools in abroad & it’s a totally different world. I believe I have been very much blessed. You know children have taught me a lot of things. You keep learning from your students. They have taught me not to be hasty in making judgments & decisions in life which has helped me a lot. So, it’s great to work with children. Q.7) Ma’am what do you feel about music competitions & festivals? A.7) I personally do not like competitions related to art & music. I prefer festivals where people share their talent with much joy & pleasure. I

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know competitions are necessary in school but I wish it didn’t have to be. Q.8) Do you think there should be some change or improvements in our education system? A.8) Most definitely. I am so anti CBSE system. I do not understand how they make such a curriculum. Actually our education does not cater to individuals. I actually found the difference when I taught the international systems like IB & IGCSE. After having taught both of these systems I realized how narrow & rigid our own education system is. So, I think a lot of changes are required in our education system.

Staff Corner

Workshop on Documentary Film Making & the Art of Story Telling by the British Council The British Council conducted workshops on Documentary Film Making on 22nd and 23rd October at British Library Chandigarh and the Art of Storytelling on 25th Sep’ 13. The resource person for Film Making & Cinematography was Mr. Avijit Mukul Kishore from Mumbai. He introduced participants to the the different genres, possibilities and uses of the non-fiction medium in documentary making. It was learning experience for all the attendees. The Art of Storytelling was conducted by Nell Phoenix, a renowned artist in the UK.

Sports Inter House Kho-Kho Final Middle School (Boys)- 17th Oct, 2013 Tagore House won the match followed by Tolstoy & Teresa. Sehaj Singh Gill (8PRE), Rahul Sarao (8PB), Shubhampreet Walia (7KKT), Armandeep Singh (8PB) emerged as best players.

Inter House Kho-Kho Final Middle School (Girls) Teresa won the 1st position followed by Tagore & Tolstoy.

Sehajbir Kaur (8AK), Bhavleen Kaur (7KKT), Yuvika Dhandiwal (7GK), Barkat Dhillon (6PSY) emerged as best players. Hockey State Level Competition Arunav Laroiya(IXSM), Pranav Joshi(IXSBH) and Raghav Garg(VIII-PRE) participated in Hockey State Level Competition (Under 17) held at Bathinda. Arunav Laroiya(IXSM) has been selected for the National Camp.

Football State Level Competition Sanatveer Perik(X-DG) and Varun Pratap(X-DG) participated in Football State Level Competition held at Sangrur. Varun Pratap(X-DG) has been selected for the National Camp.

Cricket Under 14- Riteshwar Singh(VI-PSY) participated in the school Nationals Competition held at Sri Nagar. Under 17- Pran Gobind(IX-SHK) got 3rd position in the school State Competition held at Nangal.

Athletics Zonal Competition Under 19- Ramandeep Singh(XII-VD) got 1st position in High Jump & 2nd in Long Jump. Jaskaranjit Singh (XII-VD) got 1st position in Pole Vault. Under 17- Lalit(X-R) got 1st position in High Jump ang 2nd position in Long Jump. Bisman Kaur(X-DG) scored 2nd position in 200m race. Jannat Cheema (IX-SM) took part in Zonal Competition for hurdles race. All the above mentioned participants have been selected for the District Level Competition. Under 17- In Zonal Competition, Yuvraj Sandhu(X-R) got 3rd position in 200m race & Chahat Preet Singh(X-R) got 3rd position in 400m race.

Archery State Level Competition Gunjan Mishra(VIII-PRE) and Jeevanjot Kaur (VI-JK) won 6 gold medals & got 1st position, Nupumjot Kaur(VII-PTG) got 2nd position and Parina Khosla(VIII-PB) got 1st position (team) in the Archery State Level Competition held at Punjabi University and they have been selected for the Nationals also. Prabhinder Pal Singh(VI-DB) won 3 gold medals in the State Level Competition held at Punjabi University.

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Cricket Friendly Match (Class V vs. VI) On 26th Oct’ 13 an exhibition match was organized between Class V & VI. It was a great performance by the students.

Gymnastic District Competition

Akshta Giare (V-NK) won 1 silver medal & 3 bronze medals n the school district competton held t Polo Ground, Patiala.

Fencing

Pratishtha R. Bajaj (V-SG) won a silver medal in the state competition held at Mohali.

The following students participated n State Level Fencing Competition held at Punjabi Unversity, Patiala :

i. Ananya(VI-PSY)- 1 bronze medal (Team Gold) ii. Yamini Bansal (VI-PSY)- 1 bronze medal (Team

Gold) iii. Naman Gupta(V-JY)- 1 Gold Medal iv. Dhruv Bansal(VI-JK)- 1 Gold Medal v. Jagriti Bansal(VII-GK)- 1 Gold Medal

vi. Gunjan Gupta(VIII-NJ)- 3 Gold Medals vii. Kawardeep Singh(IX-SHK)- 1 Gold Medal

viii. Akashdeep Singh(IX-SHK)- 1 Silver Medal ix. Ratulbir Goyal(X-DG)- 2 Gold Medals x. Ena Arora(X-DG)- 3 Gold Medals

Cycling

Nama Kapil (IX-SM) won gold medal in the national competition held at Rohtak.

Swimming School State

Tulip(IX-SM) won 3 silver medals, Mullica(X-DG) won 1 gold medal & 3 silver medals. Sargun Bansal(X-DG) won 2 gold medals & 3 silver medals in school state swimming competition held at Ropar.

Basket Ball

Deepkamal Thind(IX-SBH) & Harsimran Kaur(IX-SBH) participated in school state competition held at Ludhiana.

Our school’s State Champions being encouraged by our Principal, Rosa Ma’am.

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