Shri Shikshayatan School
Shri Shikshayatan School hosted its annual sports meet on December 16.
Surjeet Singh Guleria, deputy inspector general, Special Director-General Headquarters, BSF Eastern Command, Calcutta, graced the occasion as the chief guest, and table tennis player Mouma Das was the guest of honour. Notable attendees included BSF commandant J.K. Singh, principal Sangeeta Tandon, general manager Subrata Ghosh and headmistress Poushali Mukherjee.
During the event, the dignitaries unveiled the school magazine for the academic year 2022–2023.
In her welcome speech, the principal emphasised the significance of sports in a child's holistic development, stating: "Sports is vital for a child's all-round development; it instils discipline and contributes to future success."
The chief guest officially inaugurated the sports meet, and a torch run ensued, featuring national-level athletes Ahana Dhar (badminton), Alolika Sen (tennis), Saranya Chanda (swimming) and Aditi Prasad (karate).
The programme kicked off with a march past by the school's four houses, led by the previous year's winner, Anusuya, followed by Vishakha, a Guides team, Arundhuti and Satavisha houses, accompanied by the school band.
The oath-taking ceremony preceded various displays, starting with a yoga demonstration by Classes VII to IX, showcasing moves such as Surya Namaskar, Vriksha Asana, Janushir Asana and Chakrasana. Following this, Classes VI to IX exhibited their karate skills.
The students also presented a captivating drill display set to Christmas carols, followed by a series of races, including flat, three-legged, lemon, balance and more, showcasing the students' enthusiasm in track events.
A highlight was the tug-of-war between the alumnus and Class XII girls. Teachers joined in the Spoon and Marble Race, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Renowned archer Krity Kurmi demonstrated her skills, providing tips and encouragement to the students.
As a gesture of inclusivity, children from the social organisation Udbhas, working with the marginalised groups, took part in an event and received goody bags.
The principal concluded the event by awarding prizes, with Vishakha House securing the shield with the highest points.
"The annual sports meet at Shri Shikshayatan School was a vibrant extravaganza, showcasing a splendid march past, captivating archery display, serene yoga, dynamic karate performance, graceful aerobics and a burst of colours in the drill. The obstacle and relay races added an exciting twist, while the spirited tug of war among students brought an extra layer of camaraderie and fun to the event," said the principal.
Julien Day School, Kalyani
The 41st annual inter-branch athletic meet of the Julien Day group of schools took place on the grounds of the Kalyani school on December 5. Over 750 athletes from the four branches — Calcutta, Ganganagar, Kalyani, and Howrah — took part.
Managing trustee of the group S.E. Broughton graced the occasion as the chief guest, while chairman J.G. Broughton was the guest of honour. Also in attendance were the principals, vice-principals, teachers-in-charge and junior co-ordinators from the four branches. Special guests included powerlifter Chandana Das Majumder and gymnast Niloy Biswas.
The event kicked off with a welcome dance performed by the host students. Following this, six students performed a slow march, carrying the George Broughton Memorial Flag. The flag was then handed over to chairman J.G. Broughton, who unfurled it alongside the special guests.
The oath was administered by Rachel Wakefield of Class XI, vice-captain of Julien Day School, Kalyani. Following a prayer, the meet was officially declared open.
Athletes from the four branches took part in various categories of races and relays, showcasing a healthy sportsman spirit. The values of sportsmanship and teamwork echoed across the school grounds.
Julien Day School, Kalyani, emerged as the overall winner and received the George Broughton Memorial Challenge Shield Trophy.
Terence John, principal of the host school and director of education and development for the Julien Day Group of schools, delivered the vote of thanks.
The chairman officially closed the annual meet by lowering the George Broughton Memorial Flag.
"The inter-branch athletic meet is a signature event of Julien Day group of schools. Athletes from Calcutta, Ganganagar, Kalyani and Howrah branches came together to take part in this event. Almost 750 participants were there. Children displayed their sprinting talent to the best of their ability. Many talents are spotted here and will be nurtured for regional meets," said principal Terence John.
Purwanchal Vidyamandir
Class XI students from Purwanchal Vidyamandir paid a visit to the social service organisation L’ Arche Asha Niketan (House of Welcome) at Tangra to extend their support by offering donations to its members.
Since 1973, L’ Arche Asha Niketan has been dedicated to providing residential, educational, vocational and outreach services to intellectually challenged adults and children.
Accompanied by their teachers and armed with gifts, the students explored Tangra, taking a tour of the facility. They had the opportunity to witness its meditation centre, prayer and dining hall, organic vegetable garden and activity rooms that foster the development of creative skills, promoting financial independence among the members.
During the visit, the students learned about L’ Arche Asha Niketan's role as a daycare centre, offering special education and physiotherapy to differently-abled children and adults. The students observed how the special children were engaged in activities such as candle-making, crafting greeting cards, creating beaded jewellery, producing paper bags, and practising batik printing, among other skills, leaving them deeply impressed.
A cultural exchange unfolded between the visitors and members, with both groups delivering captivating performances of dance, song and recitation to entertain and engage one another. The visit fostered a sense of bonding between the students and the members.
"Together we can make a difference and leave the world in a better shape than when we found it. The visit had a positive influence on the students," said principal Rani Jessica Gomes.
Abhinav Bharati High School
The junior section of Abhinav Bharati High School got into the Yuletide spirit with a visit to the magical Disneyland. The school grounds was turned into a Disney-themed carnival complete with games, Santa, music, roleplay and entertainment for the students of Montessori, Lower Kindergarten, Upper Kindergarten and Classes I and II on December 22.
The enthusiastic children took part in drills, walks and in friendly races. The children dressed up as popular characters from Disney films. The ground was taken over by several Donald Ducks, Aladdin and his genie, Tom, Jerry, Mickie Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Simba, Alice, Sleeping Beauty and many more popular characters.
Attending to the little Disney characters were 11 Santas who danced along as Christmas carols played in the background.
The school choir sang What a Wonderful World, ushering in the season of joy. This was followed by a drill performance by the students. Young Santas also performed to Let there be Christmas Everywhere.
The flautists of the school also performed. A number of races were lined up for the kids such as Dalmatians are in Town, Make a Wish with Aladdin and Genie and others.
“Magic has immense power in evoking hope and I am elated to witness the magical essence of Sir Walt Disney being brought out through the carnival,” said headmistress Moumita Rakshit.
Ram Mohan Mission High School
Students of Ram Mohan Mission High School marked Chetana Divas in honour of their founder-president, Sankar Biswas, on his birth anniversary on December 1.
Annually, the school commemorates the life and contributions of their founder through various social campaigns. This year, both teachers and students orchestrated a cultural programme and conducted several distributions. The cultural programme featured guest speakers, along with student speakers emphasising the importance of social awareness.
As part of the social initiative, students distributed sarees and blankets to over 200 marginalised women, along with winter garments, school bags, and stationary to needy children in and around the school area. Principal Sujoy Biswas emphasised the importance of empathy and social awareness.
"Our founder-president had wanted the school to be involved in various social causes. I have tried to educate the students according to his ideals and keep the legacy alive. Our students take part in various social causes throughout the year. Founder's Day is special. We involve as many students as possible in the various distributions. The students plan everything and that makes them more aware," said the principal.
Delhi Public School, Joka
Delhi Public School, Joka, showcased a programme for their annual concert, Chrysalis 2023, held on December 16 and 17. Over 1,800 students, ranging from Lower Nursery to Class XI, took part in it.
The collaborative efforts of both teachers and students, who dedicated days of hard work, played a pivotal role in ensuring the event's success.
On the first day, the chief guest was mayor Firhad Hakim. Pro-vice chairman Pawan Agarwal felicitated Hakim, who expressed his amazement at the school's progress during his second visit. He honoured high-achieving students with scholar and honour badges.
Day Two witnessed a diverse array of guests, including MLA Mohan Naskar, Ataur Rahman (registrar of the State Administrative Tribunal) and Avdhesh Kumar of Steel Authority of India, Bokaro.
The students showcased various talents, presenting dances, recitations, musical performances and skits, addressing contemporary issues such as wildlife conservation, women empowerment and historical lessons.
Ballet, classical, and semi-classical dance performances in vibrant costumes filled parents with pride. The students also staged plays in Hindi, Bengali and English. The musical performances by the school choir and in-house band Crescendo received much appreciation.
“Chrysalis is the reflection of our effort to inculcate life skills such as team spirit, leadership, sense of community and belongingness in students. They get the opportunity to discover their strength, nurture creativity and foster respect for religious and cultural diversity. Our purpose was not to select the best performers but to motivate all children to perform to the best of their ability," said principal Writuparna Chatterjee.
