Heal the world
B.D. Memorial Jr School
B.D. Memorial Jr School, in collaboration with the Indian Museum, recently hosted a non-competitive, collaborative event to foster awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Twenty-four schools from across the city joined hands to use their creativity and promote SDG Goals 3 (good health and well-being), Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) and Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy). Students took part in an exhibition and interactive games that spread awareness of some gripping issues the world is facing. There were projects on innovative rainwater harvesting systems, green cities and world peace. Children also attempted to find solutions to some problems.
In the end, there were awards for all the members of participating schools.
Storyteller Priyanka Chatterjee held an engaging session, integrating the SDGs into her storytelling.
In her address, director and principal Suman Sood said: “This event is a testament to the power of partnerships in promoting sustainability and education. The event is meant to highlight the importance of nurturing young minds with knowledge of crucial global issues. The participating children enthusiastically engaged in various activities designed to raise awareness about health, clean water and sustainable energy solutions.”
Magic tales
Birla Bharati
Birla Bharati hosted the third edition of its fest, Abhigyata 3.0 — A Magical Experience In Art and Science, on September 26 and 27. The event was for students from Classes III to VIII. On-stage and off-stage programmes were held on the theme — Nature, Art and Science: Partners in Progress.
On Day I, Andrew Fleming, British deputy high commissioner in Calcutta, was the chief guest. The guest of honour was Odissi dancer Sanchita Bhattacharya.
After the inauguration, the audience was treated to a dance performance in raag Yaman by Classes III to VIII.
The competitions started with photography or Chitramedha for Classes VI to VIII. It was held at a nature park in the school’s neighbourhood, allowing the students to capture greenery.
For Nirmaanam, a 3D scientific model-making event, children exhibited their creativity in water conservation, smart villages and rainwater harvesting systems.
Crafting Narratives for Classes IV and V celebrated storytelling and creativity through assemblage art. This competition encouraged students to transform ordinary, nature-sourced materials into artwork, drawing inspiration from a storytelling session.
Each student worked on a full-size mount board provided by the host school, using it as their canvas to bring their stories to life as they worked on different ways to interpret the theme.
A public speaking event, Abhivyakti, was held in Hindi and Bengali. The day concluded with Code Crusaders, a scratch game design event.
Day II began with Nightingales of Nature, a folk music competition. A maths puzzle event, Ganitarohan, followed.
Primary section kids took part in Nutritious Trails, a non-fire cooking competition inspired by nature.
The fest ended with a talent show, Pratibha ki Khoj, and a dance competition,Taal se Taal.
“Abhigyata is a culmination of the arts and science. Every event was well thought out. We are given to telling stories revolving around our mundane lives, using our predilection towards art. Science is also a method of storytelling. Out of this idea was born Crafting Narratives — one of the events of this inter-disciplinary fest,” said principal Apala Datta.
Best of Bengal
Delhi Public School, (Joka) South Kolkata
Class I kids of Delhi Public School, (Joka) South Kolkata, welcomed Goddess Durga with a heady mix of performances at the school's Surendram Auditorium on October 5. The programme, Odyssey, saw young performers exploring the beauty and spirit of Bengal. Around 136 little ones took the audience on a journey around the state, highlighting its culture and heritage through music, dance and enactment.
The event began with school director Deepak Prakash Agarwal and principal Writuparna Chatterjee lighting the inaugural lamp.
Chatterjee highlighted the need for children to appreciate the best of the state.
The students began by paying tribute to the bard with a medley of Rabindrasangeet.
They brought alive on stage the characters from the world of Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, Sukumar Ray and Satyajit Ray. There were songs and dance performances, the best being students' recreation of Goopy Gyne, Bagha Byne and Bhoot er Raja. The nonsensical world of Abol Tabol took the audience back to their childhood.
Little ones, clad in the jerseys of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, presented a dance on the football-crazy state. The food of Bengal — its ilish maach, chingri maachh and rasgulla — were also highlighted through a dance.
The programme concluded with the tots grooving to Durga Puja tracks as they showcased the victory of good over evil.
"We made our little ones take pride in their culture and feel connected to their roots. Such experiences help students respect each other's traditions and beliefs and make for peaceful co-existence in a multicultural society," said the principal.
Cleanliness mission
Julien Day School, Howrah
Howrah, Calcutta, Ganganagar and Kalyani branches of Julien Day School and Loreto Day School, Sealdah, planted trees and took part in poster-making and letter-writing competitions as part of a Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, 2024. The event took place at Julien Day School, Howrah, on September 27.
The campaign was organised as part of the Centre's efforts to promote a clean and green India. The campaign marked the 10th anniversary of its launch on October 2.
The guests were Sudipta Biswas, field publicity officer of the Central Bureau of Communication, Medinipur, along with Howrah principal Maryann Thorpe Smith, vice-principal Cheryl Sampayo and teacher-in-charge Lionel Jennings. They paid floral tribute to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Keynote speaker, Biswas, emphasised the significance of collective action in maintaining cleanliness. The students took part in a tree plantation drive. The school also hosted a poster-making and letter-writing competition among the participating schools where students wrote on waste management and the dangers of open defecation. They also proposed creative solutions. Students formed human chains that embodied the spirit of cleanliness.
The school’s swachhata karmacharis (cleaning staff members) were honoured on the occasion. A surprise magic show was also on the cards. The event concluded with students taking a pledge to contribute 100 hours per year to cleanliness initiatives.
"Mother Earth needs to be resuscitated and the onus lies on us. We need to heal the present. We have the power to create a new future," said Maryann Thorpe Smith.
To mentors with love
K.E. Carmel, Amtala
Students teach as teachers watch — that’s how K.E. Carmel, Amtala, celebrated Teachers’ Day on their school grounds. A cultural programme was also staged on the occasion.
The formal programme commenced with the students presenting their teachers with ponnada (a traditional shawl of respect) to the sound of conch shells.
Some song and dance routines by the students followed.
Principal Fr Paul Thamchery ceremoniously handed over the key of responsibility (for the day) to school captains Shreyan Sarkar and Tripti Roy of Class XI. It meant the senior students would be teaching the juniors, to understand and appreciate the hard work that goes behind the profession.
The teachers were also given gifts by the school. Class XI students ended the programme with a performance on a medley of songs.
For the rest of the day, the senior students took charge of the classes, showcasing their skills in teaching. As the seniors taught, the real teachers evaluated them on their innovative techniques. Many students were appreciated for their patience and the way they held forth.
Each class also presented individual programmes and gifted their teachers with handmade cards. Some even created PowerPoint presentations on the contribution of their teachers, which left many overwhelmed.
The students had also staged a cultural programme for the support staff members. Students honoured them with handmade cards and words of appreciation.
“One day in a year isn’t enough to celebrate teachers. The students, however, did their best to honour the tireless effort that the teachers put in throughout the year,” said the principal.
Art award
National English School
Jayasmita Nath, a Class VIII student at National English School, clinched a gold medal at the Fr George Hess Memorial Literary Competition for Painting in the sub-junior category.
The final round of the event was held at Ryan International School, Mumbai.
The national-level event conducted by the Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate aims at showcasing the talents of young artists from across the country. The achievement is a significant milestone in Jayasmita’s academic journey.
She credits the nurturing environment of her school where creativity is encouraged, for her success.
It was a joyous moment for Jayasmita's friends and teachers as well. Principal Mousumi Saha praised the student for her achievement.
"We are immensely proud of Jayasmita’s talent and dedication, which have brought honour to the school. This accomplishment further solidifies the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in all endeavours," she said.
Last updated on 07 Nov 2024
