Udgam Matters January 2014

UDGAM MATTERS

NEW YEAR... NEW ASPIRATIONS...

The Wings Of Freedom

Hustle Bustle Of Activities

Understanding Children

Words Of Value

Young Poets

Bookmark This

Research Reveals

Fun Zone

Winners of Fun ZoneJanuary 2014

1. Pratyush Jaithlia Sr KG F

2. Shlok Ghiya 1 D

3. Radhika Kotak 9 B

Nutrition means healthy eating which includes a wide variety of food items with

s u f f i c i e n t a m o u n t o f vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and sugar.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for children of all age groups. Children at primary school age are ready to learn about healthy food habits, but at the same time, are too fussy and choosy eaters. As parents we need to educate them on healthy eating habits. Hence family meal time plays a very important role. Parents should set an example by practising healthy eating. Some parents think that lot of milk, cheese, & paneer given to their kids, will make them healthy. This is just a myth and anything in excess will lead to health issues; so parents should not forcefully feed their children. Herein comes the importance of a ‘Balanced Diet’.

'Balanced Diet' means food that consists of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and most importantly vitamins. Carbs can be obtained from chapatti and rice, proteins from pulses, vitamins, iron and other minerals from green leafy vegetables. Proper intake of vitamins is good for the skin, bones, eyes and hair; it also helps in boosting the immunity. Children of different age groups, including teenagers, should be fed according to their needs because over consumption of vitamins, minerals and carbs could lead to disorders in the body like obesity, hyper vitaminosis etc.

Time also plays a very important role for anyone to be healthy. Eating proper food at specific time leads to a healthy life. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner should always be taken on time. For children to learn this, the parents first need to practice such habits in order to inculcate these in their children. Children always emulate their parents; hence, if parents want their children to do what they want, parents should first practice it in front of children.

L u n c h s h o u l d always be a full meal that includes chapatti, rice, dal, green vegetables and buttermilk. T h e s e d a y s , children love junk food more than anything else. This happens because of friends and peer group. It is the parents' responsibility to make their kids understand that junk food should be eaten occasionally at parties or functions and not on a daily basis.

Healthy eating habits also include the method of eating. Meaning, eating while watching TV or eating along with playing should be strictly avoided. Instead, family should spend some time with the kids while having lunch or dinner. This will not only help the child understand the importance of food but also build a good bonding.

'A family that eats together stays together.'

WHATS INSIDEFrom the Head of Pre-primary - Mrs Villoo Parikh

BEGIN RIGHT BY EATING RIGHT -NUTRITION FOR CHILDREN

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UDGAM SCHOOLFOR CHILDREN

January 2014

Ms Noopur Desai, Vice Principal � Middle School

Our hearts soar high when we watch a bird flying in the sky or a kite set on its own journey. We are full of envy at the freedom or independence they both possess. We all long for independence, freedom or liberty. As teachers and parents one of our many goals is to raise an independent individual. We need to encourage our children to be an independent

thinker, a problem solver, and a life-long learner. Moreover we need to train our children to carry with him/her basic life skills and habits that will make his/her adult life easier.

Independence or freedom is however not restricted to making your own choices and not being responsible. We know that responsibility and independence go hand in hand. Independence, freedom or liberty does not mean to have your own way, to go for late night parties, hang out with friends, doing or not doing things that you choose. It means to become responsible enough to learn to live life.

Students ask their parents (and they do it!) to step in and make excuses for their missed homework. Why? Even older children have to be reminded to pack their bags, get up on time, study regularly and so on. As a result, our society has not been raising independent adults. We adults generally do this because we fear that our children will fail and will make mistakes. I think it is perfectly all right to fall and fail. Let them stumble.

By blaming outside factors, such as other people, bad luck, or unfairness, children can safeguard their egos from harm and as parents we try to veil the shortcomings of our children.

When our children are learning something new and they get frustrated, we always step in. We must stop ourselves consciously and let them find the solution. They need to get frustrated sometimes. That is how they learn to solve problems. That is how they learn not to give up when something gets difficult.

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THE WINGS OF FREEDOM

There are two gifts we should give our children;one is roots, the other is wings.

Life always offers you a second chance –

it’s called tomorrow


January 2014

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WHEN A NEW BABY ARRIVES

Ms.Pratima Patel, Director Primary School

Generally parents do not realize what the sudden arrival of a new born means to the older child. All of a sudden the older one doesn't feel so special any more. He or she starts feeling unwanted or pushed aside. All the attention is for the new born and not me – is the general thought. As a result the older one starts activities to draw attention – may be by misbehaving or withdrawing himself, etc. How do parents deal with it?

UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN

The wrong way

The right way

It is quite certain that parents need to talk to the older sibling about the newcomer and win over his or her confidence that there will be no compromise about the attention. The idea is to make him or her understand that he or she will be as important to them even after the arrival of the new born. In fact parents should urge him or her to take care of the little one too and involve the older one in all activities once the newcomer arrives.

A WORD OF APPRECIATION

Mrs. Priya Jha, Teacher � Primary Section

Everyone likes to be complimented, loved and feel great about even the smallest thing one does. A toddler who begins to walk one or two steps is encouraged by Good! Good! or with a number of claps. The toddler doesn't understand the word Good! Or the claps but the joy that we show makes him feel appreciated for his efforts.

No one is perfect in this world but we all strive for perfection. Appreciation helps in the process of creating nearly perfect individuals. Appreciation does not have to be by clapping, a good remark, or a certificate. It can even be a nice smile of encouragement, a handshake, a polite talk with the person lauding his or her efforts or even a polite nod of the head.

Perfection comes by practice and by overcoming imperfections. Mistakes are a way of life but they should not be repeated. There is no harm in correcting someone and appreciating when required. It instils confidence and develops the personality of the other individual. In a workshop that I attended, we were given training on how to treat children, we were told to be careful in the school premises as children imitate our actions. If a child does not wish you then ignore but do not forget to wish him yourself. This will ensure that he or she will not forget to wish you and others. Do this regularly and see the change.

Appreciation does not discriminate between any skills of the child or a person. So we should learn to appreciate not only for outstanding achievements or behaviour but also for the slightest of improvement shown. This will teach the other person also to appreciate.

The joy of appreciation attracts the person towards the ladder leading to perfection as well as builds a healthy relationship between the two people. So, practice the art of appreciation and extend this not only to children but to all around you.

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Mrs. Deepa Hemnani, Academic Coordinator

Goodbye 2013! WELCOME 2014!!!!2013 slipped off quickly like a speeding train and left lots of memories to cherish.

New Year began with exchange of best wishes.

MATTER OF PRIDEOn account of Foundation day, all the staff members were given gifts to mark the event of school entering its 50th year of establishment.

ASSESSMENTSThen children were found busy preparing for and appearing in tests so as to finish it before the Kite flying festival.

VALUESGiving back to the society is a value that is instilled very often and acting on it our children donated more than 3000 kites to be used to celebrate Kite flying festival in Municipal schools for underprivileged children.

LAURELSTeam consisting of Priyam Patel, Arnav Buch and Nihar Patel all of class 9, participated in an Inter School Quiz Competition and stood on 2nd position defeating 3 schools.20 students participated in Drawing cum Slogan competition. The theme was 'Road Safety'. Udgamites stole the show and bagged 3 positions. Ishika Choksi of class 5 D stood on first position in under 12 years category. Mudita Sandesara of 8 B and Prachi Bhagchandani of class 8 E stood on First and Second position respectively in above 12 years category.

‘‘Best out of Waste’’ was the theme of a competition. 11 students cleared the school round and went for Zonal round. 3 students namely Shubhangi Hiranandani of class 8, Punya Chhajer of class 9 and Tanay Shah of class 10 qualified in Zonal Round of Heal the World competition. They will now participate in the Grand Finale and represent West Zone, wherein students from all the four directions of our country will participate. Shubhangi made colourful slippers out of waste paper and cardboard, Punya made a beautiful Gift Basket out of waste bottles, old gift wrappers, old cloth and old artificial jewellery and Tanay made working Model of Hydraulic crane out of used thermocol glasses, icecream sticks and used thin pipes.

CARINGSchool cares for its employees and their safety. So a workshop on 'Safety on Road' was organized for staff of Preprimary section. While driving, some important rules if followed can save the lives

HUSTLE BUSTLE OF ACTIVITIES

of many. Use of helmets, following signal rules, wearing seat belts and concentration on road while driving, were some points touched.

FUN LEARNINGThe students of Class 6 made projects related to their Science chapter on electricity and put up an exhibition in school. The young scientists created amazing models using electric circuits that were mainly aimed at solving the earth's environmental problems. The principle of Learning by Doing was undertaken.

Class 2 students had a 'Fruity Day'. Play and Learn principle was adopted and children wore colourful masks of different kinds of fruits. 'Phalon ki Sabha' was organized and each one described its nutrition value.

ANNUAL EVENTSThe month saw Sports Day for many classes. Children enjoyed participating in different types of races like running, relay, sack race, slow cycling etc. with their friends, displaying their talent in lezims, yoga formations, gymnastics and many more.

Grandparents play a pivotal role in bringing up a child. Children enjoy and feel safe in the warmth of their grandparents' affection. Privileged are those who have grown up under the shadow of their grandparents.

In order to make children realize the importance of the affection of their grandparents and at the same time make grandparents feel special, ‘‘Grandparents Day’’ was celebrated in Pre primary section where grandchildren performed on stage various dances, speeches etc. to display and showcase their love towards their grandparents.

It was an emotional moment for both generations.

With great joy and pride our school celebrated the 65th Republic Day. 64 years ago in 1950, India became a Republic and the Constitution of India was formed.

The programme began with a prayer followed by flag hoisting. Pledge, Patriotic English, Hindi and Guajarati Songs, Inspirational Speeches, Graceful Kathak dance, Tapping Table Recital, skit etc were the part of the event. Children also made National Flag using salad items.

Finally the strains of 'Vande Mataram' rented the air as all gathered here saluted Mother India.


January 2014

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January 2014

50th year begins

Kite Donation

Republic Day - Flag Hoisting

Science Exhibition - Class 6

Drawing and Slogan

Quiz Winners

Republic Day - Salad Making

Sports Day

Drawing and Slogan

Republic Day Celebrations

Republic Day - Skit

Sports Day

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January 2014


Sports Day

Udgam Matters - Fun Zone Winners

Children Performing

Children Performing

Sports Day

Animal Masks

Children Performing

Children Performing

Udgam Matters - Fun Zone Winner

Phalon ki sabha

Children Performing

Children Performing

PRE-PRIMARY ACTIVITIES

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PRE-PRIMARY ACTIVITIES


January 2014

Gifts from Santa

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day

Musical chair for Grandparents

Gifts from Santa

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Speak

Safety driving training

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Speak

Safety driving training

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READ, SET, ROUTINE!!

Ms. Rashmi Lalwani, School Counsellor

Most of the time parents come to me with a complaint that my child just doesn't listen to me, my child just doesn't sit at a place, he is very slow in his work, he doesn't eat on time, doesn't dress on time, he doesn't study but is always ready to play or watch television even if you wake him up at mid night! I just ask them one question ‘‘Is there a routine or time table for your child?’’ And then we prepare a systematic time table for the child and we see amazing results.

Are routines really that necessary for children? Simply put, YES

Routines involve repetition. Repetition involves predictability. Predictability involves stability. Stability involves security. Kids crave routines because routines make kids feel safe and secure. On a very basic level (keeping in mind that is how young children function) routines reassure children that their needs will be met. Routines also provide opportunities for children to experience success in what they are doing, which then promotes self-control and self-esteem. As adults, we have the advantage of controlling many aspects of our lives. Often we are able to arrange things (work schedules, child care, friendships, appointments, etc.) to enhance convenience and reduce hassle, making life just a little bit easier and probably a bit more enjoyable. How would you feel if you had no idea what to expect in your day? What if you didn't know why you were leaving the house, where someone was driving you, when you were going to eat next, where you could go to use the washroom, or when you were going to get back home again? Children don't have the privilege of arranging their days the way adults do; they have very little control over their environments. Consequently, children try to find ways to control their surroundings, often resulting in undesirable outcomes, such as tantrums, defiance, and other inappropriate behaviours. Routines and schedules help kids to make sense of their day--morning, noon, and night--and know what to expect. This reduces anxiety and apprehension, and allows for more time for kids to enjoy and learn from their surroundings instead of stressing them out. When the school year ends, structure often does too, at least for many children. No longer are families required to structure their lives around school and school activities. Summer allows more time for kids to relax and explore through fun and play. However, maintaining a routine throughout the summer also will provide boundaries for children to know what is expected of them. Having

WORDS OF VALUE

regular meal times and sleep times, and even regular chores (which instill a sense of responsibility), will lead to good physical and mental health.

The following are certain benefits of a time table and routine.

1. Routines eliminate power struggles because you aren't bossing them around. These activities (brushing teeth, napping, turning off the TV to come to dinner) are just what we do at this time of day. The parent stops being the bad guy, and nagging is greatly reduced.

2. Routines help kids cooperate by reducing stress and anxiety for everyone. We all know what comes next; we get fair warning for transitions, and no one feels pushed around.3. Routines help kids learn to take charge of their own activities. Over time, kids learn to brush their teeth, pack their backpacks, etc., without constant reminders. Kids love being in charge of themselves. This feeling increases their sense of mastery and competence. Kids who feel more independent and are in charge of themselves have less need to rebel and be oppositional.

4. Kids learn the concept of ��looking forward’’ to things they enjoy, which is an important part of making a happy accommodation with the demands of a schedule. He may want to go to the playground now, but he can learn that we always go to the playground in the afternoon, and he can look forward to it then.

5. Regular routines help kids get on a schedule, so that they fall asleep more easily at night.

6. Schedules help parents maintain consistency in expectations. If everything is a fight, parents end up settling: more TV, skip brushing teeth for tonight, etc. With a routine, parents are more likely to stick to healthy expectations for everyone in the family, because that's just the way we do things in our household. The result: a family with healthy habits, where everything runs more smoothly.

Bottom Line-DON'T WAIT! YOU ARE THE BEGINNING, EVERYTHING ELSE IS AN ILLUSION.

WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!


January 2014

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MEDIA BUZZ


January 2014

It’s not about ideas but about making

ideas happen – Do It!

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UNICORN

Arja Kakkad, 3 E

Oh! One horn unicorn.How white you are!A sight to seeYou are so rare.And so very fair.I can't bear to see you and not touchWill you speak to me in Dutch?The One Horn UnicornWhat a tail!I will not failTo see youI wish to see youOh! One Horn Unicorn.

YOUNG POETS


January 2014

STARLIGHT

Dwija Kakkad, 5 E

Starlight, star brightIn the twilight.How do you shine?So bright in the night?With the moon and the stars,The planets and the constellations.Over the mountains,Over the seas,You shine over them,And spread light.

THE GIRL WHO CHANGED ME

Aleesha Sunny, 8 C

Everytime I walk past that door,I see that girl sweeping the floor.A girl of my age,Working for her daily wage.To come out of the group of illiterate,It just takes a chalk and a slate.I saw that desire to study in her eye,That hope that didn't want to die.Everytime I saw that girl smiling at me,I though how lucky are we.Not with our big houses or big cars,But because we can afford to know about the stars.Everytime I walk past that door,I think of the world of the poor. I invited her to play,She jumped with joy.We played together, knowing her life and ways,I just hope that her happiness stays.

TRUE BEAUTY

Kreya Mahaderia, 9 D

Mirror mirror on the wallWho is the fairest of them all?“The prettiest of them allIs you, My lady” came back the call.Many girls would like to hear this beautiful line,And wish that the crown of beauty should be mine.Blush, eyeliner, lipstick, eye shadow, foundation,Towards it there is a lot of infatuation.Perfect dress and shoes with matching accessories, Is all that a girl craves today.They only wish for the blessings of the Aphrodite,They want to be the girl in sight.But they don't understand, The beauty should be from inside. What matters is your natureHelping the needy should give you pleasure.So be gracious and good,Beauty will come to your hood.

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YOUNG POETS

MktçktÄku

MUDITA SANDESARA, 8 B

MktçktÄ {khku Lku íkkhkuAu yuf ykfkþ{kt [{fíkku íkkhkuMkËk [{fíkku hnu yk íkkhkuyuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.

ykÃkýk çkuLkku MktçktÄ huõÞkhu Lk íkqxu yuðku huyuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.

yk òuzwt yuðwt Au suÃkqhk rðï{kt Mkw¾e AuíkuLku fkuEu Lksh Lk ÷køku.yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.

ËwrLkÞk{kt ½ýkt MktçktÄku yuðk hu suíkqxe økÞk Ãký {¤u hufkuELkku nkuÞ Lk íkqxu÷ku MktçktÄ,yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.

çkk-çkkÃkwS, {kíkk-rÃkíkk, VkuE-Vwyk,fkfk-fkfe Lku {k{k-{k{eMkkiLkwt òuzwt y{h hnu,yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.


January 2014

nkRfw

DAKSHESH B BHATT, 9 A

çku ÷ûÞLkkfkhýu nwt íkku ÚkÞkuhu ÷ûÞrnLk

yk nkRfw{kt Ëþkoððk{kt ykÔÞwt Au fu {kýMku ÃkkuíkkLkk SðLk{kt ÷ûÞ Lk¬e hk¾ðkuòuEyu, òu íku çku fkíkku çkuÚke ðÄkhu ÷ûÞ hk¾u íkku íku íku{kLkk yufuÞLku Ãkqhku fhe LkÚkeþfíkku.

{U Ëw:¾ fÌkkMkk{uÚke {Lku çkeòçku Mkt¼¤kÞk

yk nkRfw{kt Ëþkoððk{kt ykÔÞwt Au fu çkÄk Lku ftEf Ëw:¾ nkuÞ s Au yux÷u íku Ëw:¾Lku {Lk{kt hk¾ðkLkk çkË÷u SðLk{kt {ò fhðe òuEyu.

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Ms. Pallavi Sridhar, Librarian

This month, I've decided to treat you guys to two of my absolute favourite books in the whole world. Though 'classics' would not be a very appropriate

term for them, they certainly win my vote for being deliciously addictive, evergreen and totally mesmerising. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini-

Two young boys. Two free spirits, enjoying the afternoon sun in the plains, carving their names into a favoured tree, eating pomegranates and smearing each other with the pink juice, catching the latest English movie in town and imagining themselves as slick, urban cowboys, sharing their deepest hopes, dreams and desires.

One devastating incident which changes their lives forever.

At the outset, the Kite Runner reads like a textbook on Afghanistan and its geo-political history. It also reads like a story of two boys, thrown together by destiny, who forge a bond deeper than brotherhood. Delve a little deeper into it, and you finally realize that the novel tells you about basic humanity. Basic human emotions- happiness, jealousy, cruelty, shock, mirth, contempt- are handled in such a way that you're swept up in the narrative of Amir, a rich Pashtun boy, and Hassan, a poor Hazara boy whose family has eternally been in the service of the former. Their friendship is tested time and again, and is stretched to a breaking point one day, during the annual kite flying competition, when Amir witnesses something so horrible, so shocking, that it permanently damages a part of his soul. Hassan, the meek and docile lamb, soon moves out of their lives. The war torn Afghanistan prompts Amir and his father to migrate to America not soon after.

Years later, a phone call changes the happily married and settled Amir's life again. After all these years of grappling with his soul, seeing the soul-dead eyes of his closest friend in his dreams, this is the chance he has been waiting for. A chance at redemption. A chance to put together the scattered fragments of his life. A chance to finally bury the past. A chance to look at himself in the eye once more. Does Amir possess the nerve, the guts to confront his past in such a volatile and dramatic manner?

What you take back from the story is Hassan's unflinching and total devotion to Amir. His unquestioning manner, fierce loyalty and unwavering fondness for his master cum friend are beyond

BOOKMARK THIS

anything you can ever hope to read. Hassan's character will make you want to jump inside the novel and bring him back to safety. You take back lessons on being human. This is in fact, the whole essence of the novel. A beautifully written, tenderly characterized story, it will make you think on many different levels.

The Rainmaker by John Grisham-

Though all Grisham novels are worth listing, I've picked this one out solely for one reason- it's actually unputdownable.

When a not-very-well off middle aged couple approach grad law student Rudy Baylor with a case against an insurance company, he thinks his career is over before it even began. Despite his misgivings, he proceeds to study the case. As he sinks deeper and deeper into it, Rudy discovers that he has stirred up a hornet's nest. Some very big names are getting involved now, and those very big names are slowly getting very scared of a rookie law student and his terrible looking sidekick. As Rudy digs further, a very dirty scam comes to light and suddenly, he is up against hardball litigators, who will not leave any stone unturned to let the case slide. Who will win? Will the insurance behemoth, with its unlimited resources and shady lawyers ruin an ordinary middle class couple's already miserable life, or will a newbie lawyer, fresh out of law school, with only his honesty, tenacity, wits and a paralawyer (who has failed the bar exam six times) for company come up trumps in this no-holds barred war for justice?

Read it for the sheer pleasure of watching a courtroom come alive. Grisham's splendid narrative conjures up delightful looking scenes, flesh and blood characters and of course, a solid plot with twists that will turn your brain. As you progress from page to page, you can't help but root for Rudy, the barely-hanging-there lawyer, who struggles to be civil to his landlady as he grudgingly spreads mulch in her garden, who fights tooth and nail for a couple who is losing their son to a dreadful disease, who delightfully cross examines the thugs from the insurance company and who finds love in the most unlikeliest of places-a hospital. You rejoice when Rudy excels at his sparring, you feel your heart go out to him when he is beaten by the opposition. The premise itself is so interesting that it's simply impossible to put the book down. Turn your phone off, shut yourself in a room with food and drink and just drown in the book. You'll come out feeling like a survivor.


January 2014

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'STARS OF THE CLASS' IS WORKING WONDERS!

Ms Aarzoo Daswani, Research Coordinator

To show students that good work can bring them honour, support and recognition, Udgam School introduced the ‘‘Stars of the Class’’ program this year. The program is quite unique as it touched all the aspects of a child appreciation - be it Academics, Behaviour or Extra curriculum.

Students, Teachers and Parents are giving an overwhelming response and admiration towards the concept. Mrs. Pooja Hooda and Mrs. Parul Singh, teachers from middle school, commented that the title itself has elicited one's spirits. To become star of one's class is a dream every child cherishes. Who doesn't want to be popular and be admired by all? This appreciation activity has really proved as a dream come true for many. Students strive to see their names as Stars of the Class. The badge provided has rather added icing on the cake. They can now flaunt their success around. It is really good initiative by our school. This concept gives an equal chance to all the children to showcase their talents and well being.

Few students also gave comments such as:

“It's a medium through which we learnt to appreciate others’’ – Gurleen Nanda, 9C

“This is a new concept which started this year, it makes you realise that where you stand and it makes you feel good. I have won the badge in Extra curriculum -Active Star by choice’’ – Sanjana Giri, 7E

“I felt it was a pretty great experience because those students who don't excel in academics also get recognition and credit they deserve. My parents loved the concept. I have won an Active Star by choice badge’’ – Arnav Buch, 9C

“My parents are very positive towards this system and they said that this has motivated all students towards a common goal. The badges have created a sense of pride and responsibility. It has become a symbol of pride’’ – Jainum Bhomia, 9D

“I am elected in behaviour category – Goody Star by Choice. I feel very proud because behaviour is basic characteristics of well being. I would maintain my good behaviour and would not lose it’’ – Charvi Patel, 9C

RESEARCH REVEALS

“As we wear the badge and roam around the school, others come to know and appreciate us. I am very happy as I got the badge for academics - Brainy Star by Choice’’ – Aditya Acharya, 6F

Choosing the Class Star and at the same time possessing the power to elect, has created a buzz in the classrooms. Moreover, the voting system is helping young kids with their decision making skills while for the older kids it's giving a sense of elections that happen in our country. Class spirits have strengthened and the desire to acquire the badge is on the rise. Students are learning from each other and setting their own goals.

Few students who didn't win the title gave comments such as: 'If our friends get this badge than it means that we have to appreciate them and also have to be inspired by their good work’’ – Khushi Vora, 6F

“We can know where we have made mistakes and where we should improve. If we are not selected, we should change our self for good’’ – Vinit Soni, 6F

“If our name is not on the chart then we would try and work hard so that our name comes’’ – Maher, 8C

Be sure programs such as 'Stars of the Class' offers much more. As you earn Star title, you move up to bigger benefits. Here's how it works: The badge gives a child a sense of achievement. Honour! Children intend to show dedication to outperform and do

better. This also improves a child's decision making skills and

thinking capabilities. Elective mode of selection help kids to relate it with our

country's election system. It raises classmates' awareness about sustainability and

builds lifelong fine habits. Children get inspiration and hear encouraging words by one

and all. Last but not the least, the benefit pool also offers class

bonding and gelling with other kids.


January 2014

Our Tryst with Destiny - The Udgam Story 49 years ago on the 4th of January 1965, Udgam School for Children was born. The school was founded in a small building with a handful of students. As the number of students and classes increased the school shifted to a new premise. Even back then the school was synonymous with quality education. In 1991 the K J Choksi Charitable Trust took over the school. Consequently the Thaltej School was constructed over a large area of land with spacious rooms. It became known as a centre of excellence in education. We continued growing... With the advent of technology, USFC adapted like no other. We evolved along with the changing times and soon our rooms changed to Smart Classrooms. We changed our board to CBSE to take our school to the All India level. We made way for co-curricular activities and sports in our curriculum. We made changes wherever required but held on to our traditions and values. From a handful of students we are close to 4000 students today spread over two branches-Preprimary in our Jodhpur Branch and Classes 1 to 12 in our Thaltej Branch and we are still growing... Today Udgam School for Children is one of the earliest schools in Ahmedabad.

As we step into our 50th year, we feel we are growing younger every year... learning new things, adapting new technology and adding new classes.

The journey so far hasn't been easy but we have had a lot of support from all spheres.

Today we look back with a smile of satisfaction and then look ahead with confidence to the miles we still have to go... The road wasn't easy to tread,But we did not falter and went ahead.All we had was support and dedication,In our pursuit to be best in the nation.We look back with pride on our abilities,And look ahead at limitless possibilities...49 today and 50 in the making, Working towards Number One in the ranking!

We look forward to your continued support in the years to come...

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AS UDGAM STEPS INTO ITS 50TH YEAR...


January 2014

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BEAUTIFUL COLOURS


January 2014

Aarav Patel 5 C

Jugal Choksi9 D

Tithi Patel 9 B

Hiya Shah 3 A

Khushali 9 D

Paper Bags -Students of Class 6

Participate and win prizes!Solve the puzzle according to your age group. Send the solution by mail to [email protected]

This Crossword Puzzle is for onlyClasses Nursery, Junior KG and Senior KG

Find the words.

FUN ZONE


January 2014

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This Maze Puzzle is for only.Classes 1 and 2 Please solve it and send a picture to [email protected]

You are very sleepy but need to go through the maze to reach your cosy bed.

This Find the Word Puzzle is for only.Classes 3 and 5

FUN ZONE


January 2014

Try and find at least 12 words that are related to the Forest.

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This Puzzle is for and above is not as easy as it looks.Classes 6

BUDDING CHEF

CREATIVE CORNER


January 2014

What you need: Approximately 50 coloured popsicle sticks Glue

Activity: Start by laying 11 sticks, side by side. Put a row of glue across the top edge and stick another single

popsicle stick along the top edge of these to form a cross frame. Do this along the bottom as well.

Now layer up the sides of the box the same way: placing a stick along each edge alternately to make a pattern.

Keep going until you have about six or seven layers up. Perfect for keys and coins!

Mrs. Amita Parekh, Teacher � Preprimary Section

Corn Potato Patra

Ingredients:

Maida flour – 2 cups

Oil – as needed

Boiled potato- 5

Boiled corn - 1 cup

Green chillies and ginger paste-1 tea spoon

Chopped coriander leaves - ½ cup

Sesame seeds ( til )-1 tea spoon

Dough: Take flour, pinch of salt, pinch of green food colour, 2 tea spoons oil ,mix them well and add some water to make soft dough.

Stuffing: Mash boiled potatoes and corn. Add green chillies and ginger paste, til, citric acid/ lemon juice, chat masala, chopped coriander leaves and salt. Mix them well.

Method: Roll a dough ball into chapatti, spread stuffing on it evenly till the end. Roll the chapatti carefully. Cut them diagonally into pieces and deep fry them.

Garnishing: Sprinkle chopped coconut, coriander leaves and til on the fried patra and serve them with green chutney.

Yummy Corn Potato Patra is ready …..

Note: This recipe is for the slightly older kids. Parents' assistance is recommended for cutting and frying.

Chat masala-1/2 tea spoon.

Salt to taste

Pinch of Citric acid or lemon juice

Green food colour

Chopped fresh coconut

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MAKE A NOTE


January 2014

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


January 2014

Mrs. Sagarika Sahana, Content Manager

Exams are around the corner and one hardly finds children out playing. The mood in the air is sombre with a certain amount of misgiving about the days that are passing by too quickly. One frequently hears regrets about not studying earlier and admonitions from parents about the time spent watching television or on the internet. The board examinees are trying to grab some last minute

revision with little time to eat or relax.

The following points will definitely help to ease the tension and make lives easier (and grades better)-

1. Make a time table for revision. Parents can help in this by dividing the syllabus in a practical manner and allotting date and time for each subject. Remember to give more time to the harder topics with intermittent easy topics so that the child is not stressed out. Maths practice can be a part of the daily routine.

2. Pay attention to meals. Eat well as your body needs more nutrients now to cope with the stress. Parents can try and make meal times fun and relaxing. Do take care to see that meal times do not become study times too.

3. Get enough sleep. Despite the urge to put in maximum hours in preparation, do try to get at least 7 hours of sleep in a day. This will help you to be more alert and your learning will be quick as power of concentration will be more.

4. Your body needs to relax too. Take some time out and go for a brisk walk or simply take your bike and pedal around idly for some time. This is a great stress buster and will help your mind to unwind and you will come back refreshed.

5. Switch off. This refers to the television for most kids and mobiles for the older ones. Both cause unwelcome diversion and make it difficult for you to concentrate when you sit down with your books. So take a break for a month or so and spend your free time in reading non-text books or listening to music.

All the best! May you come out with flying colours...

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Education

Udgam Matters January 2014