Wadi WavesThe Newsletter of Indian School

Al Wadi Al KabirVol. 1/ Dec. 2012 • www. iswkoman. com • For Private Circulation Only

AS YOU TURN THE PAGES

Principal’s Message“Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve”

At Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, the child is firmly at the heart of our work. We seek to develop the whole child by providing students with meaningful and connected learning experiences. These experiences inculcate in them important values, competencies and skills that will allow them to do well in the 21st century. With a focus on ‘Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve’, we have

made significant progress and enhancements in our approach, programmes and school outcomes. Teachers also put forth that extra effort to make connections between learning in the classroom and experiences outside the school.

It has been an exciting year so far, and we are marching towards a mission of ‘Empowering Lives, Transforming our Future’.

Together, the vision, mission and values represent our collective passion, dreams and aspirations and guide us in how we work with our parents, community and stakeholders to realise the full potential of our students.

With Best Wishes from ……Mr Rao, Principal

My warm wishes to all our readers.

This school newsletter reflects all that has happened in the school in this academic year. We have made a valiant effort to capture all the excitement and enthusiasm generated by various activities in the past few months. I sincerely hope that reading this newsletter will motivate more and more students to participate in school activities and use it as

a platform to express their creativity. This edition also gives you a chance to get acquainted with our new Principal, Mr. D. N. Rao. This is his maiden communication with you and a chance for all associated with this school to know him better. I take this opportunity to welcome him into the ISWK family. I extend my thanks to the Principal and Editorial Board for their immense help in making this newsletter possible.

. Ms. Ruchita Anand

Editor’s Note.

As I Sign Off. . .

My Experience As Head Girl. .

ISWK Celebrates Teachers’ Day

Inter-House Competitions - 2012

The Jhankaar Spectrum

‘Sarganjali’ - 2012

Accolades Won By ISWK

A Day filled with Fun, Joy, Smiles & Happiness

“Incredible Himalayas – An Amazing Adventure”

ISWK Holds Inter House English Drama Contest

Sports Corner

The Editorial Board

ISWK Celebrates its 23rd Founders Day

Indian School Wadi Kabir Celebrates Annual Atheletic Meet and P.T Display

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had memories of gazing at the roll of honour, hoping that someday, my name would be up on the board too. So one could imagine, my joy and ecstatic feeling. I was overflowing with emotions, when I came to terms with the fact that ‘I’ had been designated as Head Girl

for the year 2012 –2013. It was truly, in the real sense, more than a dream come true for me. Being in the head council for the last two years, has truly made me learn and grow so much as an individual. It gave me an opportunity to discover my capabilities and abilities as a student leader. I have also had the chance to develop my organizational skills along with building up my confidence and commitment level. This experience has taught me the importance of working as a team and effective decision making. I have always enjoyed myself while performing the duties I was assigned. Working with my counterpart Ernst Schwan and the entire student leader council, has truly been memorable. This has truly been a wonderful experience, and if given a chance I wouldn’t mind doing it all over again.

ADITI NAIK Head Girl

Henry David Thoreau once wrote “I cannot make my days longer, so I strive to make them better”. That’s exactly what I’ve strived to do, not just for myself but more for each and every one of you at ISWK. A good leader is enthusiastic about his work. My fellow students have responded more openly to me

because of my passion and dedication. I have learned to be a source of inspiration, and to be a motivator towards the required action or cause. I have become much more confident. I have inspired confidence in others and have drawn on the best efforts of the team to complete the task well. I’ve learned to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. My job made me tolerant of ambiguity and taught me to remain calm, composed and steadfast in all situations. Storms, emotions, and crises came and went and I took these as part of the journey and kept a cool head. I was able to break down the task at hand into sub parts for closer inspection. So not only did the goal stay in view but I could deal with it in manageable steps and make progress towards it. In conclusion, these personal characteristics are foundational to good leadership and I’ve inculcated them quite well. I’m grateful to the school and especially to my teachers for moulding and making me to become what I am today.

ERNST GERARD SCHWANHead Boy

My Experience As Head Girl. . As I Sign Off. . .

“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.” 5th September, the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, an ideal teacher and one of our former Presidents, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India every year. On the 5th of September 2012 the students of ISWK, strove to prove, their dedication and gratitude towards their teachers’ commitment, by putting up a touching assembly. They did indeed succeed in expressing their gratitude towards their teachers. The students of Middle school and Senior school worked together to put up the fabulous show. The students had the opportunity to both enjoy and showcase their talents. The programme consisted of melodious songs and lively dance performances, which the audience thoroughly enjoyed. The Students’ Council did a marvellous job. A cricket match between staff and students brought down the curtain on the day’s enjoyment with the staff team being declared winners.

ISWK Celebrates Teachers’ Day

All in all, everyone liked the programme and agreed that the show was a success. Indeed, it was a day filled with happiness and entertainment. In honour of the dedicated staff of ISWK the school Managing Committee organised a dinner in the school MP hall.

Inter-House Competitions - 2012INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE COMPETITION

SOLO DANCE

JUNIOR CATEGORY SENIOR CATEGORY1st Hari Gouri Nanda VI D2nd Devika Baburaj VIII A3rd Viniti Ravindranath

Ist Swetha Gopalkrishnan (X G)2nd Anjali Nair (X E)3rd Gaadha Jayaprakash (X E) & Srinidhi Sriram (X G)

The Group Dance Competition saw some of the finest performances by the bevy of beautiful senior section girls. The winners were :

I - Prize II - Prize III - Prize III - PrizeGaadha JayaprakashAnjali NairRayna JacobChetali MahtaBhama MenonAmrita Jijesh

Pranitha KrishnarajMuthu VijaysriNeha SherigarPriya JoshiSwetha GopalLiya D’souza

Hridaya RuparelMalaika FernandesHarleen KaurMichelle QuadrosShrishti ChawalaTamanna Chawala

Malavika Nanda MohanManna JacobLakshmi HaridasFatima Tania ShanavazShivani Sandeep

MUSIC COMPETITION - LIGHT MUSIC – VOCAL

JUNIOR CATEGORY SENIOR CATEGORY1st Soundharya V. (VII G)2nd Arjun Haridas (VII H)3rd Devyani Hebbar (VII H

Ist Aishwarya S. Nair (X E)2nd Shelja Shahji (IX G)3rd Aadithya (X A)

ENGLISH ELOCUTION COMPETITION

JUNIOR GROUP SENIOR GROUPDitte Parmar VI B Akbar House Raksha Patil VII C Akbar HouseAdithya Koshy VIII I Tagore House

Mamta Gopinath IX E Ashoka HouseGaadha Jayaprakash X E Vivekanand HouseJoash Saldanha XI A Akbar HouseErnst Schwan XII A Vivekanand House

HINDI DECLAMATION COMPETITION

Class I - Prize II - Prize III - PrizeVI Nishi Asher Khadeeja Khan & Navami Suresh Vasundhara Sharma

VII Vaidehee Thakur & Aayush Abraham Raksha Patil Ritika Garg

VIII Naina Kishnani Tamanna Chawala Ayush & Disha Suresh

HINDI DEBATE COMPETITION

Best Speaker for the Motion –

I - Prize II - PrizeGaadha Jayaprakash X E – Vivekanand House Lakshya Malhotra IX H – Ashoka House

Best Speaker Against the Motion –

I - Prize II - PrizeAnupama Bartare XII E Vivekanand House Rajeshwari Sharma IX G Tagore House

HINDI ELOCUTION COMPETITION

Class I - Prize II - Prize III - PrizeVI Nishi Asher VI I Vivekanand House Khadeeja Khan VI B Ashoka House Syeda Fizza VI B Akbar House

VII Vaidehee Thakur VII C Vivekanand House

Ritika Garg VII G Akbar House Mihir Narula VII J Ashoka House

VIII Naina Kishnani VIII I Vivekanand House

Kartikeya VIII G Ashoka House Meghna V. VIII I Tagore House

IX Mamta Gopinath IX E Ashoka House

Nandini Balachandra IX D Vivekanand House

Keziah Elizabeth IX E Akbar House

X Harleen Kaur X D Akbar House Gaadha Jayaprakash X E Vivekanand House

Ajisha Ann Chacko X B Ashoka House

May 2012, brought with it the Inter School Arts Festival, ‘Sarganjali’. The programme was held at Indian School Darsait. ISWK walked away with the 1st prize for Light Vocal by Sreelakshmy Babu of Class XI A. We also claimed the 1st prize for Indian Classical Group Dance. The group of dancers were Aswathy Arjun, Gopika Baburaj, Shivani Vimoj, Devika Baburaj, Aiswarya Haran and Hanna Behvan.

‘Sarganjali’ - 2012 Accolades Won By ISWK The Indian Social Club held its Annual Cultural Event ‘Keralothsavam’ in May 2012. The students of ISWK enthusiastically participated in the event. We proudly walked away with the Champions Trophy.Anna Xavier of Class VIII won the Rolling Trophy for the junior category at the Sastra Pratibha Contest 2012. Raka Ghosh of XI E participated in the Sai Essay Writing Competition in April 2012. Her essay on, ‘The Glorious Culture and Heritage of Oman’ won a Consolation Prize.

One of the most awaited Annual Inter School Cultural Event, ‘THE JHANKAAR SPECTRUM’ was hosted by Indian School Muscat on the 10th and 11th of October 2012.

The chief guest for the event was H. E. J. S. Mukul, the Indian Ambassador to Oman. He was impressed by the skill, talents and the efforts put in by the participants

The Jhankaar Spectrum

without whom the event would not have been a grand success. This colourful event gave an opportunity to budding talents to showcase their co-schoastic skills.

As in the previous years, our school put up a fantastic performance. ISWK bagged the Third Runner’s up trophy in overall events. The performances that won us accolades were:

EVENT POSITION/PRIZE PARTICIPANTSIndian Light Vocal - Solo First Sreelakshmy Babu

Percussion Indian - Solo First Akash V FofindiBharat Natyam - Solo Second Shweta GopalkrishnanVocal Carnatic - Solo Second Soundrya VComedy Skit - Group SecondChoral Singing - Group Third

On the wonderful occasion of Children’s Day, the children of ISWK were made to feel special yet again. The day began with the children of senior classes organising the Charity Fete which has been a highlight of this day since many years. Many entertaining game stalls and mouth watering food stalls were set up for the students to have an unforgettable experience. The money collected from this event has always been generously donated to the under privileged children who do not have the opportunity of education. While the charity fete was on, foot tapping music was being played live to lighten up the environment making the children dance to their favourite numbers.

Next came the most awaited, most enjoyable and the favourite segment of ISWK’s Children’s Day celebration, the ‘Children’s Day Assembly’ which was organised by the talented teachers of ISWK. The assembly began with a prayer song followed by delightful songs which were sung by our enthusiastic

A Day filled with Fun, Joy, Smiles & Happiness teachers. An interesting musical skit performed by the teachers entertained the children giving a noteworthy message, ‘Strive for Excellence and Success will follow’. The Children had a delightful time watching their teachers performing on the stage.

To make the day more exciting for students a few competitions like essay writing and poster making were organised by the teachers and the winners duly awarded.

The day ended on a musical note as the band ‘Powerpuff Boys’ performed in the MP hall for the children. A spectacular performance was given by the tabla player Aakash Fofindi (XI A) followed by an entertaining dance performance by the group ‘Dynamite’. Children in large number gathered for the show. A concert show was organised for the fund rasing by the winners of the Jankaar Spectrum. The power packed performance made the day unforgettable and fun filled for the children.

“Incredible Himalayas – An Amazing Adventure”

In keeping with the motto of ISWK, of building holistic and harmonious individuals, a group of 18 students

accompanied by their teachers, Mrs. Muriel Pinto and

Mr. Kailash Patro went on an educational-cum-adventure tour organized by the Incredible Himalayas – an Eco Friendly

Adventure group.

The group of students left Muscat on 30th of June 2012 for a ten day trip with a lot of courage and enthusiasm. On their arrival at Delhi Airport they drove to Agra to pay their homage and respect at the renowned monument The Taj Mahal, rekindling in them the pride for the culture and history of our country.

After that, the group

proceeded to Shimla, where the pleasent weather and scenic beauty brought them immense happiness and made

then forget their exhaustion.

They then proceeded to Kulu Manali, where

the campers were spell bound by the vast expanse of snow at the Rohtang Pass. They observed the complexity of nature, flowers, amazing rock structure and the majestic height of the soaring Himalayan range where they got their first opportunity to let out their adventurous self

and track the mountain to reach t h e receding snow line.

After that they proceeded to the base camp site at Gohar Mandi in Himachal Pradesh passing through naturally cut out scenic spots of the Beas, dams,

gushing and mystic rivers,

apple orchards a n d pine forests. The next four days

were spent at this breathtaking camp site where students were imparted training to enhance themselves on camping and survival skills. The trekking exposed them to challenging

condi t ions which they c o n fi d e n t l y embarked upon showcasing their determination, endurance and perseverance. The other survival techniques they learnt were walking on the Burma rope bridge, grappling and rock

climbing, and white water rafting

in the cold waters of the Kulu Manali.

ISWK Holds Inter House English Drama ContestThe Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir organized the much awaited English Drama Competition and presentation of the awards for academic excellence on October 17th, 2012 in the school multi-purpose hall.

Mrs. Krupa Mihir Khimji, the Business Development Executive with M/s. Mosaic Sports, was the Chief Guest. The other dignitaries present on the occasion were the Hon. President of the school Management Committee, Mr. Harshendu Shah, other members of Managing Committee, former members of the school management, students and their parents.

The four houses of the school enacted plays that were packed with witty twists and intelligent humour. The competition was judged by an eminent panel of judges comprising of Mr. Mathew Vincent, Mrs. Latika Mehra and Mrs. Susmita Gupta.

The Tagore House opened the show with the play ‘Arms and the Man’ that challenges the popular notion of idealizing war. Next, the Ashoka House staged ‘Terry’s Tramp’, a play that highlights the fact that if one is determined and willing, he/she can bring about a change in society. After this, the

Akbar House came on stage with their play titled ‘The Roadhouse in Arden’ where the fun begins when two literary men, notably Sir Francis Bacon and Sir William Shakespeare quarrel for the young and beautiful lady Immortality, while she eludes them leaving them bewildered. Finally, it was the turn of the Vivekananda House to stage their play ‘Another Cinderella Story’ that dealt with the original fairy tale of Cinderella and the ugly sisters taking a new twist. All the plays were well received by the audience who encouraged the young artists with their hearty applause.

As the results of the drama competition were announced, the auditorium resonated with thunderous applause for the Akbar House that walked away with the winner’s trophy. Aditi Kumar (XII-A) and Zen Jaison ( XI-F) both of Ashoka House were adjudged the Best Actor and the Best Supporting Actor respectively.

The Annual Academic Awards, given in memory of the late Mathradas Khimji, were presented to more than 100 students from classes VI-XII for their brilliant performance in academics during the year 2010-11. Subject toppers and the top 10% of Classes VI-VIII were also honoured.

Sports CornerThe year 2012 began with a renewed sportsmen spirit and enthusiasm. Our sports buffs participated in various events organized by schools in and around Muscat.

CBSE CLUSTERS

BADMINTONIn the badminton cluster tournament held on 6th October 2012, 6 teams each of under 14 yrs, under 16 yrs and under 19 yrs participated at various venues. Under 14 boys team defeated Indian School Muladah and reached the semi-finals. Under 16 boys defeated Indian School Seeb and reached the semi-finals.

In the girls category the under 19 girls emerged runners up, and under 16 girls finished third but the under 14 girls emerged winners and qualified themselves to participate at the National level Competition to be held in Chennai in December 2012. The under 14 girls are: Michelle Quadros (IX-H), Sanjana Naik (VIII-D) and Summati Shenoy (VIII-G).

CHESSIn the Chess Tournament (Oman Cluster) held at Indian School Nizwa, the final match between ISM and ISWK ended

in a draw seven times, at the final match played on 9. 10. 12, ISWK were declared runners up.

SWIMMING CLUSTERSIn the Cluster Swimming 2012 conducted by the Indian School Al-Ghubra in Baushar Stadium. Noel Vaz (XI-C) and Taha Ali (X-C) were awarded a silver and bronze medal each. The relay

team comprising of Noel Vaz (XI-C), Siddharth Misra (XI-F), Anto Akshay (X-A) and Brij

B Dave (XI-A) were awarded bronze medals.

CRICKETThe ISWK Cricket team

has earned laurels to the school, with our under 19 team’s victory over the Bangladesh School and Indian School Darsait. The under 16 team also won

the match against the Indian School Darsait

at the Darsait Academy. The team was led by Leslie

Monis (X C) as Captain. The highest runs scorers being Ivan

Manjila (VIII A) and Mayukh Misra (VIII G). The highest number of wickets were

taken by Mohit Badiyani (VIII E) and Abhishek P. C. (X F). The school under 19 girls’ team of ISWK won the runners-up position at the Inter School Women’s Tournament held under the auspices of the Oman Cricket Association in April 2012.

The Editorial Board

ISWK Celebrates its 23rd Founders DayFounders’ Day is traditionally a very important day in the school calendar when members of the school community, meet to commemorate those who founded the school and who have bequeathed resources to its development.

The Founders Day of ISWK this year surpassed all the boundaries not just in honouring the achievers but also in the quality of entertainment. The programme began with the arrival of the esteemed Chief Guest H.E. J S Mukul, Ambassador of India to the Sultunate of Oman. His presence truly graced the occasion. Thereafter, the national anthem of the Oman and India were played by the school band. This was followed by the welcome address and the address by the Honorary President Mr. Harshendu Shah.

The annual report was presented by the honourable Principal of ISWK Mr. D.N Rao. One of the most important part of the event was the launch of New Website of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir. The New website announces the culmination of new thoughts,new ideas and new objectives. It is a total revamp from the earlier website. The current one emphasis on imparting information regarding the ISWK and its remarkable history, Academics and Curriculum has also been presented in a very appealing manner. One of the most interesting section is the news and events section which keeps the students and parents well-versed and updated about the current events and activities taking place.

Teachers who have dedicated their valuable experience and efforts to the schools were felicitated with a token of appreciation. The academic performers were also honoured for their remarkable achievements.

H.E J S Mukul Ambassador of India delivered a very motivating speech which set the tone of the day. He was also felicitated by the honorary President and members of the Management Committee. Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji was also one of the Chief Guests of the evening who was also felicitated.

The evening became more colourful when the students of ISWK displayed their talent and expressed their gratitude towards the founders. The young budding talents belonging to the primary school performed a fusion of Indian classical dance and western rhythmic movements. The crowd was spellbound by the sheer grace and energy of these little ones.

The Hindustani choir and orchestra consisting of 115 singers and 20 instrumentalist paid a memorable tribute to the 100 years of Indian cinema. Some of the most popular songs from the golden era of 50’s were sung by the gifted students of ISWK.

One of the most engaging event of the day was Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya which was an Indian dance drama highlighting the journey from darkness to light.

The event concluded with foot tapping performance by the western choir which included 120 singers in four voices divided into 3 groups – Alto, Soprano and Tennor. A very noble message was put forward by these young singers that is “the mantra to peace is non violence and the winner is one who has the ability to persevere in any circumstances.”

The event was a big success due to the persistent efforts and initiativites taken by the Principal, Vice Principals and the Staff.

The 20th Annual Athletic Meet and P.T Display was enthusiastically celebrated on 10th December 2012. It was a day when the entire ISWK family came to witness the talent of their children. Ms.Mirfat Al Araimi, Director of the Centre for Research and Studies, Oman establishment for Press, Publishing and Advertising graced this event as Chief Guest. Members of the School Managing Committee, Members of the Board of Directors, Members of the Business Cell, Members of the Educational Cell, Members of the Banyan Merchant Association, other invited guests and parents were also present on the occasion.

The exuberant event stole many hearts and left a deep impact on the minds of every individual present. The arrival of the Chief Guest was followed by the torch-run, the shining stars who brought glory to the school during this academic year in various sporting areas- Shahzad Khokar, Beniza Noronha, Amanda Pinto, Emil Sebastian, Sanjana Naik, Sumati Shenoy, Michelle Quadros, Rajatrashree Sneha George, Blessy Jayaseelan, Jesin Sara, Ranjani Palaval and Nita Robin, held the symbolic burning torch aloft and circled the arena.

The four House Captains and Vice Captains of Vivekananda, Tagore, Ashoka and Akbar led the unit in unison. Discipline, dedication and devotion were the highlights of the march-past, as the students marched past the Chief Guest giving the salute to display their respect and sense of belonging. Aditi Naik, the school head girl’s warm ‘welcome speech’ was followed by the Chief Guest declaring the meet ‘open.’ After the inauguration, Ernst Gerard Schwan, the head boy took the oath on behalf of the students.

Finally, with adrenalin running high and the athletes all geared, the events took off with a bang as the athletes gave their best. Records were broken and so were hearts, as each house gave their

Indian School Wadi Kabir CelebratesAnnual Atheletic Meet and P.T Display

best shot. The first event – 75mtrs. race for junior girls started off, followed by 100 and 200mtrs races and ended with a nail biting finish of the 400mtrs relay races. The relay races brought in upsets as the score board took a different dimension. The most exciting

event of the day was the relay race of the teachers.

Prizes were distributed as the events continued which pepped up the

athletes. A fitting finale to a wonderful evening of

close competitions and mesmerizing

performances was, the colorful dance put up by the students of the primary school. The boys of Class VI and VII presented a pole drill with perfect timing and

precision. This was followed by the yoga

display by the girls of classes VI and VII

where the fusion of mind, body and spirit was in perfect

synchronization with the tune of music.

Finally the curtains came down on a spectacular display of dedication and talent as the athletes assembled for

the closing ceremony. Awards were presented to the participants in various field and track events for their excellent performance.

The Cock-House trophy as well as the overall Athletic Champion House Trophy was bagged by Vivekananda house and Tagore house was the Runner up. The trophy for marching was also won by the Tagore house. The spectacular meet came to a close with Saylee Gokhale, deputy Head Girl proposing the Vote of Thanks.

The school band under the able guidance of Mr. Savio played a melodious tune to bring in the retreat.

If we win, we win with a smile,

And if we lose,we lose with a smile,

And cheer as the winners go by....