Cheeselings at the Learning Forward Retreat 19-21 July 2026

Presentation by Nidhi and Saumya from the Doon International School at Dehradun

Attending the My Good School Capacity Building Programme was an enriching and thought-provoking experience. 

The sessions inspired me to look beyond academics and understand that education is about nurturing values, character, empathy, and responsible citizenship.

The two-day programme offered practical ideas and meaningful discussions that encouraged self-reflection and reinforced the importance of creating happy, inclusive, and value-based learning environments. I came away with renewed motivation to implement these learnings in my classroom and contribute positively to my school community.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Sandeep Dutt for his inspiring vision, insightful guidance, and unwavering commitment to transforming education. His words encouraged us to become educators who shape lives, not just teach subjects.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr Kunal for his constant support, excellent coordination, and encouragement throughout the programme. His dedication ensured a smooth and engaging learning experience for all participants.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to putting these valuable lessons into practice. Together, we can build schools that inspire every child to learn, grow, and become compassionate global citizens.

Saumya Shankhdhar

Responsibility and Co-operation - Penta BHIS

Co-operation

                                                                 
          
               
        


Out of the blue, the task arrived!

The teachers were told to host an assembly for the newly promoted 10th graders. A task, not at all looked forward to, and with a day's notice!

First reaction: Teachers in the staff rooms are aghast.

By midday what comes out, shows a deep understanding of each other. Teachers who sing well volunteer to train others, good speakers move forward to deliver a word or two; the more animated ones have already devised a 5-minute skit, with teachers offering to act or help with the costumes and music. What is heart-warming to note is that - teachers do not want the limelight themselves.  Each one eggs the other with words of encouragement and offer of support.

 In between schoolwork and getting the classrooms decorated, the teachers find time to have a round of trials (where they laugh more than any meaningful practice!). They even manage to decide on the dress code for the next day! The messages and discussions go on well into the night.

The actual assembly is very well received with the fifteen-year-olds pleasantly surprised at seeing unexpected aspects of their teachers.
Their teachers had collaborated to divide a task and multiplied its success.

Interestingly, at no point did anyone wax eloquent about being responsible for such and such, or indulge in a show of one-upmanship (or one-upwomanship, in this case). No one was consciously thinking of Henry Ford's words -

"Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success."

The initiative to take up roles, support each other to achieve the larger goal and attain the bonus of enjoying themselves in the process- shone out on the school courtyard, that sunny spring morning.

Penta @ Billabong International High School, Thane
- Jeeji Sanjeev, Sanika Joshi, Arpita M.G., Muskaan Menda, Radhika Anand, Supriya Naravankar & Bhavani Swamy.