Achievements and healthy lifeskills: Schools take different approach at parting teachings

St Augustine's Day School, Barrackpore

St Augustine’s Day School, Barrackpore, organised a felicitation ceremony for its board exam achievers, 2023-2024, at Sukanto Sadan in Barrackpore on June 19.

The auditorium was packed with dignitaries, students, parents and teachers.

The programme commenced with a prayer conducted by former school captain Surmit Chowdhury.

It was followed by the showering of petals in memory of the late founder of the school, C.R. Gasper, by principal Shweta Ray, headmistress Atri Mitra and others.

An instrumental performance by the students set the ball rolling. The principal said the school has always encouraged holistic development and its students have been persistent in academics and equally sharp in co-curricular activities.

Up on stage went Aishee Sengupta and Prerona Banerjee of ICSE 2024 who secured 99.2 per cent whereas Ahana Chakraborty secured 99.5 per cent in the ISC.

CEO and secretary Amitava Chowdhury said success is not the result of a single day’s effort, but a lot of hard work.

Next, the guests honoured the students, who achieved 90 per cent and above in their board examinations.

A dance performance on the life of famous dancer Sudha Chandran was also staged.

The third volume of Panache: Flamboyance in Each Verse, a collection of short stories illustrated by the students, and Growing Together, the school’s e-magazine, were released on the occasion.

ISC topper Ahana Chakraborty addressed the audience, sharing tips on how to achieve success and how that boosts self-confidence. “Avoid procrastination and learn from past mistakes,” were her tips to her juniors.

The ceremony concluded with the school anthem led by the members of the students’ council.

The felicitation ceremony inspired other students to be more diligent and patient and chase theirdreams too.

“This felicitation ceremony is a testimony to the dedication, perseverance and hard work put up by the students and teachers of my school. We celebrate the success of our board results and every year my students make me proud. I congratulate the efforts of the parents as well, who have joined hands with us to help our children give their best,” said the principal.

Young Horizons School

Young Horizons School celebrated its 75th Founder’s Day with a three-day programme that highlighted the school’s history, community involvement and student talents. The celebrations had been held from June 21 to 24.

The festivities commenced with a friendly football match between teachers and students on the first day. The students emerged victorious, showcasing their athletic prowess. The day also saw a tug-of-war competition that ended in a tie.

The highlight of the second day was a blood donation camp organised in collaboration with Kothari Medical Centre. The event saw participation from the school staff members, guardians and former students.

The second day also featured an exhibition that chronicled the journey of Shourabh Mukerji, founder of Young Horizons School. The exhibition provided a narrative of the school’s evolution. This retrospective was a tribute to Mukerji’s vision.

The celebrations culminated on Day III with a grand cultural programme. Students from both the junior and senior sections, along with those from night school Diksha, delivered dance and musical performances. The school also set up refreshment booths outside, providing ORS packets and cool drinks to passers-by to cope with the sweltering heat.

Principal Sarmistha Sen said: "Over the years, our founder has not only created places of learning but also built sanctuaries where dreams are nurtured and futures built."

Calcutta Public School, Barasat

There was music, chatter and joy in the air as Calcutta Public School, Barasat, turned five. To celebrate the milestone, the students organised a special celebration at the school auditorium on April 9.

The event commenced with the lamp-lighting by principal Abhilasha Das and other dignitaries.

The theme of the celebration was holistic education that the school promotes.

Students from Classes VI to VIII performed a welcome dance to Saraswati Vandana.

Suhani Maity of Class IX delivered a brief speech highlighting the school's commitment to bring out the latent talent in children and giving all students an all-round education and exposure.

A PowerPoint presentation, The Journey of the School, created by Shaunak Das and Sounak Paul of Class IX, was screened. Koushani Mondal of Class IX gave vocal support to the presentation. It showcased how the school began and its achievements after five years. The presentation left many nostalgic.

Next, students from Classes IV to VIII presented a Hindi song, Aashayein.

Members of the Actomania Club — from Classes IV to VI — staged a play titled Sharing Is Caring, to a thunderous applause. The highlight of the event was a fusion dance performance by Classes IV to VI. The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony. The students sang Happy Birthday and spread cheer.

"This was the school's first milestone as we completed five years. It was wonderful to see the entire school community come together to reminisce and celebrate all our successes since 2019 as well as pledge to strive and achieve even greater heights in the future," said the principal.