Spectres and superheroes gather in school corridors

Mythology retold

St Augustine's Day School for Boys

Storytelling from the Ramayan, dazzling lights and community bonding over food and craft defined the Diwali celebrations at St Augustine's Day School for Boys.

Held on October 30, the festivities welcomed students, parents, staff members and visitors to a vibrant cultural showcase staged in the school's backyard.

The programme commenced with the head of the institution, Krishnendu Bagchi, lighting a candle, symbolising the festival's spirit. The arrival of dignitaries was marked with a shower of flower petals, setting a warm, festive tone.

Performances by pre-school students and local CCA (co-curricular activity) schools followed, with the youngest participants enacting a skit on the triumph of good over evil.

The school choir added to the festive atmosphere with a rendition of the popular song Happy Diwali.

Class I students delighted the audience with a skit depicting an interaction between Ravan, Ram and Hanuman, encapsulating the essence of Diwali. Demonstrations of yoga and karate by students showcased their discipline, balance and strength, with the karate display emphasising dedication to physical fitness and martial arts.

A poetry recitation on the theme of the festival of lights further highlighted the occasion’s creative spirit.

Older students from Classes III to VII performed an expressive dance drama based on a chapter from the Ramayan, winning appreciation for their vibrant costumes and compelling movements.

The celebration extended beyond the stage, with students setting up stalls that offered games, food, clothes, jewellery, utensils, desserts and handicrafts. The event also included performances and competitions for parents, who enthusiastically participated in dumb charades and delivered entertaining two-minute performances.

The teachers joined in the festive spirit with an energetic dandiya performance as a lively finale.

"The Diwali celebration in our school was a beautiful blend of tradition, creativity and cultural diversity. Through various activities such as song, dance drama, storytelling sessions, yoga and karate performances we embraced the values of togetherness, joy and positivity," said principal Krishnendu Bagchi.

Outside the classrooms

Sri Sri Academy

The Primary section of Sri Sri Academy embarked on a series of educational day trips designed to enhance learning through engaging activities and exploration.

The youngest learners in Lower and Upper Nursery began their adventure at Kejriwal House, where they experienced an exhibition on Janmashtami Jhanki. This visit instilled important life values of love, care and sharing, while also introducing them to new songs and rhymes. Kindergarten, Classes I and II enjoyed a day at the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM). Their visit started in the Kids’ Play Zone, filled with rides and games and featured a captivating 3D film that simulated a moon mission.

The Bubble Show and Science Magic demonstrations, showcasing bubbles of all shapes and sizes, were highlights of the day.

The children also explored the Coal Excavation Gallery, learning concepts related to shapes and space.

Class III students took a behind-the-scenes tour of a renowned confectionery factory, witnessing the intricate processes of ingredient mixing and cake decoration. The tour concluded on a sweet note with a tasting session, adding an enjoyable touch to their learning.

Class IV ventured to the Indian Museum, exploring the Egyptian Gallery to see mummies, and studying artefacts and Buddha statues in the archaeological section. They also visited the Fish, Textiles, Geology and Fossils galleries, deepening their understanding of various subjects.

Class V students took part in a heritage walk at Fort William, exploring the historic grounds of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. The visit included a moment of tribute to the nation’s martyrs, adding a sense of patriotism and respect to their educational experience.

"Sri Sri Academy arranges for visits to different places for the little Srians in a bid to engage them with the outside world. Children learn to explore, create and develop social skills, develop curiosity and cherish unforgettable memories," said headmistress Debadrita Sarkar.

Spooky & fun

IEM Public School

Batman offering Dracula chocolate was just one of the many playful encounters that unfolded during the Halloween celebrations at the Salt Lake and New Town branches of IEM Public School.

On October 29, students from Playgroup to Class XII turned the school premises into a lively carnival of fictional and spooky characters.

The brief for the day was simple — come dressed as your favourite spooky or fictional persona. The students rose to the challenge, breathing life into beloved characters from Harry Potter, comic books, and Roald Dahl's stories. The school’s corridors were teeming with young ghosts, witches, and other imaginative figures in detailed costumes, distributing chocolates and spreading festive cheer among peers and teachers. The dedication and creativity behind each costume earned rounds of applause from the faculty.

Adding to the Halloween spirit were activities such as pumpkin painting and storytelling sessions. Primary school students eagerly listened to tales that combined eerie and cultural insights, learning the significance of Halloween.

The event provided an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, strengthen bonds with friends and make lasting memories.

"Our Halloween celebration brought vibrant joy and creativity to our school. It was a delight to see our students transformed into characters from all realms of imagination — from spooky to whimsical. Their excitement was contagious as they dressed up, shared chocolates and celebrated with one another in a warm, joyful atmosphere," said Swati Datta, principal of IEM Public School, Salt Lake.

"Halloween is always an exciting time filled with creativity, community and fun. This celebration is not only about costumes and candy, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves, collaborate, and learn about the traditions of different cultures," added Chirantan Bhaduri, principal of the New Town branch.

Games and fitness

G.D. Goenka Public School, Dakshineswar

Students of G.D. Goenka Public School, Dakshineswar, took part in the CBSE Far East Zone Cluster Tournament (zonal rounds) and came back with several medals. Schools from all over Bengal took part in the sports meet spread over three days.

G.D. Goenka Public School, Dakshineswar, competed in chess, taekwondo and yogasana championships from the eastern zone, winning medals in every category.

The chess championship was held at Royal Global School, Guwahati from September 20 to 22. The participants were Abhirup Mukherjee of Class V, Aditya Kayet of Class VIII, Srijon Saha of Class IX and Deb Anubhav Bhowal of Class XI.

They ranked second in the Under-19 category and were selected for the national round. Aditya Kayet of Class VIII secured the first board prize on Board No. III.

The Taekwondo Championship took place at H.M. Education Centre, Hindmotor, from September 7 to 11. More than 700 students from 62 schools took part in the championship. Naman Raj Hela, Samadrita Mondal and Madhushree Chatterjee of Class IX and Rajdeep Hansda of Class VIII won bronze medals.

Six students represented the school in the Yogasana Championship held at DAV Model School, Durgapur. The team came third with Antarjita Mondal of Class IX selected for the national round of Rhythmic Yoga.

"The meet is a testament to the talent in our school. Our students have always made us proud wherever they have gone," said vice-principal Aniruddha Bhattacharya.