My Good School Retreat 2024 - Gyanoday Vatika 2024

I learned a lot of new things in this retreat, some of them are:

• Good Leadership quality
• Communication skills
• Collaboration
• Management

No one has become poor by giving, so always help needy people at your level.

Kunal, Teacher-in-charge

We learned that sometimes, our minds and hearts think differently, but we should follow the path that will be good in the future. We also learned communication skills and how animals survive in forests.

Garvit Kumar, Grade 9th

मैंने माई गुड स्कूल रिट्रीट से सीखा कि दूसरे की मदद करनी चाहिए| हमें अपनी टीम के साथ काम करना चाहिए| हमें दूसरे से अच्छे से बात करनी चाहिए। हमें हर चीज़ में भाग लेना चाहिए| हमें समाज सेवा करनी चाहिए | देने का आनंद का मैंने असली अर्थ समझा | The Inner Life Of animal book से मैंने  जानवर कैसे जीवित रहते हैं वो सीखा हैं |

Ruddraksh, Grade 6th

Fear VS Courage- Sunbeam School Sarnath

"Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it."–Judy Blume.

"Stage fright can be devastating both professionally and personally, but it's not considered a full-blown phobia. However, an extreme fear of public speaking is a phobia called glossophobia. Glossophobia is a subset of social phobia or the fear of social situations where one is being watched or judged by others".

An amazing introspective video by the teachers of Sunbeam School Sarnath about how to conquer anxiety by careful preparation.

Ms. Roza Bano

Ms. Rinku Mishra

Mr Ankit Mishra

Mr Gautam

credit: https://www.inc.com/sims-wyeth/17-inspiring-quotes-to-help-you-face-your-fears.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/

Respect - Sunbeam Varuna

 

Behavioural issues in students often arise from emotional suppression and exposure to parental conflict at home. When children witness frequent arguments or tension between their parents, it can create a highly stressful environment. 

This stress, combined with the need to suppress their own feelings to avoid adding to the conflict, can lead to a range of behavioural problems at school. These issues may manifest as aggression, disrespect, withdrawal, anxiety, or difficulty in concentrating, impacting their academic performance and social interactions.

Moreover, the lack of a stable and supportive home environment can also hinder a child's emotional development. When children are unable to express their feelings openly, they may struggle to develop healthy coping mechanisms. 

This suppression can build up over time, leading to outbursts or other negative behaviours as they seek ways to release their pent-up emotions. Addressing these underlying issues through counselling by a teacher or a school counsellor as per requirement and creating a more supportive school atmosphere can significantly improve their overall well-being and behaviour in school.

Sunbeam Varuna Team 

Reflection - Masterclass 2024

Respect - Leena Bhattacharya

 

Teachers can make a profound impact by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and respected. They can offer guidance, encouragement, and mentorship, helping students develop both academically and personally.

Additionally, teachers can cultivate a sense of community among colleagues, promoting collaboration and shared learning experiences. 

By demonstrating empathy, understanding, and a genuine interest in their well-being, teachers can create lasting positive effects on the lives of their students and colleagues.

Leena Bhattacharya
Sunbeam Suncity

Thoughtfulness and Understanding - Kirti Bisht

A thoughtful person knows what other people want, need or feel and try not to upset them. Being considerate or thoughtful towards others makes one a great human being. You really feel content and peaceful when you think about others above yourself. It does not require much skill, just a deep thought before you act or do something and realise how your actions affect the other person. Be it leaving your seat for an old person in the bus, helping someone who finds it difficult to cross the road, offering food to a child who is begging or turning off the tap you find on the road just to save water- it all requires thoughtfulness. While doing all this does not require much effort, skill or energy, it surely will make a difference in society!

Understanding is the synonym of thoughtfulness. One cannot be thoughtful without being understanding. They are the two sides of the same coin. Being understanding help us predict what people might feel in a certain situation. It means taking a look at a situation from another’s point of view. As there are different personality types, circumstances, situations, so it’s hard to know exactly how two different people will react to the same environment. Being understanding doesn’t involve much. It only takes opening your heart to appreciate what someone feelings or experiences.

To understand what understanding is, someone has rightly said:

“Walk a mile in my shoes!”

- Kirti Bisht, The Doon Girls' School, Dehradun

Thoughtfulness and Understanding - BLOOM BHIS

As I walked into my class on the first day of the academic year, I saw a new face in the class. She introduced herself as Reena Singh and she had come from China. She had an American accent, so some students used to laugh behind her back. Her notebooks were never complete and submitted on time. The students used to make fun of her, when she told them that she was used to I pad and not used to writing.I discussed the issue in the class and advised the class to be understanding towards her as she came from a different background and had stayed in China since birth. The class promised me to be thoughtful and understanding of her. For the next week, we realized that Reena was not attending school. Her classmate Shruti called up her mother u and we were shocked to learn about her father"s sudden demise due to heart attack.

When Reena joined the school after 15 days, I saw a dramatic change in all the students, they helped her to complete the notes and were thoughtful to even guide her through the concepts that she did not follow well. Now the class had a good bonding and they worked together for the digital project, where Reena shared her knowledge of digital tools that she had learned in China.

- Don't ever forget that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world, its the only thing that ever has."Aaron Sorkin

https://anchor.fm/priya-wagle/episodes/ep-efi4ou (Listen to the Podcast)

Bloom @ Billabong High International School, Thane
-Priya Wagle, Manisha Joshi, Ranjana Solanki, Sharanjeet Kaur, Rinku Lapasia, Savita Rane, Manjit Kaur

Shout For Help - helping the distressed through online platform!

As part of giving back to the Society, Abhiram Kandoor <abhiram@shoutforhelp.org>  has formed a Charitable trust in the name of 'LK FOUNDATION TRUST' (LKF). Under this TRUST they wish to help the distressed people by connecting them to the Philanthropists Experts like you through our online portal www.shoutforhelp.org (SFH).

LKF found that when a ‘Help Seeker’ is in distress & wanted help, at that point he would not know whom to contact and also how to contact the right Philanthropist Experts for seeking their advice & help; likewise ‘Philanthropists Experts like you who are always willing to help the needy / Help Seeker may not be able to reach out to them as there is no formal & neutral medium to do so - although traditionally it is being done through reference, more often than not, the needy would not get timely help or correct advice !!!

LKF believes that we can bridge this gap by creating a platform, connecting both Philanthropists Experts and Help Seekers so that the needy can be served in a transparent, democratic way through selfless service - Seva. We strongly believe that Seva should be selfless without expecting anything in return so that the Help Seeker can lead a dignified life as he would not have any obligation towards the help giver (Philanthropists) and history says a  mutually interdependent society becomes stronger and stronger than a dependent or independent society which has always led to exploitation & weakening of the Nation.

As a first step, before we launch this portal to the Help Seekers, we are reaching out to Philanthropist Experts like you with a request to register under any of the four categories (Legal / Financial / Healthcare / Educational) so as to be able to extend help in the chosen areas of expertise.

LKF earnestly request you to be a part of our endeavour in giving back to the Society by registering yourselves in our portal SFH which provides easy access to reach out to the registered Help Seekers and render help appropriately. Together let us make our Nation a HAPPY Nation!

For registering yourselves as a PHILANTHROPIST EXPERT in your field of expertise, you shall visit our Portal https://www.shoutforhelp.org/ register yourselves, further if you have any issues in registration, please do not hesitate to reach out to me on my Whatsapp (98492 56919) or do mail me at abhiram@shoutforhelp.org.

Sincere thanks in advance for joining us in our social initiative to give back to the Society to help the distressed and to make a difference in the lives of the needy!



Note: THIS PORTAL IS COMPLETELY ON CHARITABLE BASIS & IT MAY BE NOTED THAT UNDER THIS PLATFORM PHILANTHROPIC EXPERT SHALL OFFER FREE ASSISTANCE TO THE HELP SEEKER.

Humility and Appreciation - Innovators BHIS

There is no respect for others without humility in one's self. - Henri Frederic Amiel

Vikranth was a child studying in grade 2 of Blossom school in Mumbai. He was the only child of his very well established parents.  He was a very thoughtful child from a tender age. One day, he asked for permission to go to the washroom. While he was on his way, he suddenly heard a loud sound. On looking back, he found that one of the frail-looking housekeeping aunties had slipped and fallen while cleaning the corridor. He quickly ran towards her and called out to her reassuringly.

He, somehow, managed to steady her to a standing position. She had hurt herself and was in great pain. He took the initiative to inform some other housekeeping staff and arranged to have her taken to the sickbay. The lady, in pain, felt a lot of relief after being treated in the sickbay. She blessed and thanked the child who had waited there to comfort her.

This act of humility in the child earned him a lot of appreciation from the class teacher, co-coordinator and the Principal of the school. He narrated this incident to his parents, who were also very happy. They too appreciated him and encouraged him to keep up his good work. Vikranth never stepped away from showing his humility. He continued with his good gestures no matter who needed his help. 

On the wings of time, he has grown up to be a thoughtful young man. He has now been chosen as a senate member of the School Student Council. When he was asked by the Principal about his future plans, he quite proudly and confidently answered that he wanted to work for those less fortunate than him and contribute to the society in whatever way he could. He truly won the hearts of his teachers and the Principal with this answer. He is always ready to help in arranging any event for the school. The Principal, all the teachers and his friends are ever appreciative of  Vikranth for his heart touching, humble gestures and bless him with all their hearts!

  - Innovators @ Billabong High International School, Thane

    Vaishali Phatak, Krishnakshi RaviShankor, Smita Bhobate, Bhumi Punjabi

Honesty and Respect - Rectifier BHIS

Honesty & Respect - Inseparable Duo

It is said that “Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned” - Anonymous.

The boys in the school were very excited. Adrenaline was running high as the much- awaited inter-school sports meet was to be held at the end of the month. The selections were scheduled for that afternoon. Vikram and Ram were close contenders for the 100-metre race.

Ram was the most popular boy in his class due to his consistently good grades, and Vikram was the most unpopular for his usual below-average grades. This had made Vikram extremely jealous - a mindset that even the teacher couldn’t get rid of, despite her efforts. One night, he decided to try out a devious plan on Ram which he thought was harmless. He poured some oil just near Ram’s bed so that when he got up for practice the next morning, he would trip and fall and probably hurt himself. Sure enough, the next day, unfolded exactly as Vikram had hoped. The doctor advised Ram 2 weeks of rest which meant that he couldn’t participate in the race. Eventually, their school lost the race, while everyone secretly wished Ram had participated.

The school schedule limped back to the usual, post the competition. One day, the teacher called Vikram to her desk. She expressed her concerns about his grades as he had secured only passing marks so far. She told him that in order to move up to the next academic year he would need at least 80% by the end of the year. She decided to let one of the students in the class help Vikram out in a  Buddy System. She picked Ram for this task. Ram was very glad to be of help to Vikram. This kind gesture shocked Vikram. He wondered if Ram was mocking him or was an incredibly sincere person! Soon, Ram made a study schedule and started tutoring Vikram. In due course of time, Vikram began to realize what the other students and the teacher saw in Ram. He began to recognise that Ram was intelligent and generous, without a sense of bias. At last, he felt as though he had a real friend whom he could count upon. But  the guilt at what he had done gnawed at Vikram. Every day he would consider confessing to Ram; but was held back by the fear of losing the only friend he ever had.

Both Ram and Vikram worked hard and soon they took their exams. It was time for the results. On the day of the outcome, all the children waited expectantly and Vikram, in particular, held his breath.

The teacher announced everyone’s grades and said, “This semester, we have a surprise entry in the top 10...Vikram with 82%!!”                                               It was a glorious moment for Vikram and the first person he ran to and hugged was Ram! He couldn’t thank him enough. After school, he decided to tell Ram everything honestly. He told Ram of his terrible plan, driven as he was at that time by sheer envy. His heart was racing throughout the whole time he spoke. But to his surprise, Ram told him, “That’s okay Vik! Things happen, and I’m sure you didn’t do it consciously. Your jealousy had consumed the better part of you. You’re asking for forgiveness now, and that shows me that you’re a good person!”

Vikram was ecstatic beyond words. He was in tears and hugged Ram. His respect for Ram increased tremendously.

After this, they were more popularly known as the “Inseparable Duo”.

Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into failure, and simultaneously gaining respect.

Honesty is very important in building trust, making friends and being a successful student. Being honest can be difficult for kids, but is important.

Rectifier @ Billabong High International School, Thane

- Pallavi Harkare, Kalpana Dodia, Rajshri Mohite, Prerna Khanna, Priyanka Iyer, Mahalakshmi Iyer

Mother - Prerna Rathod

Prerna is an educator
at The Fabindia School

She is a friend,

Helps me follow the trends.

She is the best cook,

Helps me with my books.

She is a daughter,

And our family's laughter.

She is a wife,

She gives the best vibes.

She is a mother,

Doesn't let me suffer.

She is strong,

A shoulder to cry on.

My daughter, my love.

She is beautiful,

Makes my life wonderful.

She is a candle of light,

Makes our future bright.

She came to our life like a fairy,

She is my secret diary.

She is my first love

And the biggest reason to live on earth.

                                                       

The best gift from God,

She is the Best Mom.

Happiness

Happiness is an inner feeling of contentment and joy. Without this, our life would be empty and dull. Each one has a different meaning of happiness. For some, it would mean making ourselves happy, while for some others it means making others happy. Somebody gets happiness through success, peace of mind, fulfilling one’s own desire, while some others get happiness by helping others in work, or by helping the needy, or any stranger like helping a blind person to cross the road, feeding the hungry, etc.

To be happy one must keep the following points in mind:

• Know Yourself: If you know - what you want, what you have, how to get anything, then you will be content with what you have and never be sad.
• Be Empathetic and Understanding Towards Others: If you have qualities like sympathy, empathy, and understanding, then it will be easier to understand others feeling and actions and that will help one to be happy.
• Help the Needy: When you help those people who are in need of help without their asking, then this gives you happiness as you realize that your little help can bring your smile to another face.
• Caring and Sharing: By sharing and caring for your family, relatives and friends you can get happiness as your close ones are happy then you automatically become happy.
• Love Everyone and Learn to Forgive and Forget: If you love everyone you will never have hatred in your heart. If someone hurts and you forgive them, then there is no chance of bitter feeling coming in your mind and heart, so you will always be happy.
• Praise Yourself and Others: Whenever you do something good then praise yourself and also celebrate it. In the same manner, if others do something good for you, praise them. This will give you happiness.

If you follow the above steps then you are sure to happy in your life.

- PRERNA RATHOD, The Fabindia School

Email prd4fab@gmail.com

Seeing with the New Eyes

We as an educator should be able to see the hidden talents and difficulties of our students, that they are not able to excel or discuss with us freely. Consider an example - a student is not able to perform well in a particular subject or in study/skill/sport, the subject teacher or all teachers teaching him will tag him/her as a weak student without understanding and finding out a reason, why is it so?

There can be many reasons behind this nonperformance, such as -
                -   basic foundation or concepts may not be clear to him
               -    the family atmosphere may be not peaceful

The reason can be anything, the duty of an educator is to see the unseen, and find the reason that is deflecting the student from performing and excelling in that field. Seeing with New Eyes will help the educator to assist the student to excel in a particular field or help the student to come out of his problems and become a good student and later a good citizen. 

Our learning from “Can You Teach A Zebra some Algebra” by Debashis Chatterjee.

- Ajay Vijayvargi, Kusum Dangi, Tarun Mishra & Usman Gani

The Fabindia School