Newsletter

From our Principal

Creating Leaders of Tomorrow
Issue 108, January 2012

One smile begins a friendship,
One word can frame the goal
One laugh can conquer gloom.

One step can start a journey.
One touch can show you care.

One life can make a difference,
You see, it's up to you! 

Dear Parents,

The beginning of a new year and a new term brings with it excitement and expectations. To continue to maintain the academic rigour, the tests in Mathematics and English on the opening day of school, that is 4^th Jan., struck the note of seriousness.

As stated before we closed for the Winter Break, when we returned, the question papers of the half Yearly Examination were discussed as per the Mark Scheme during the first week of this term. This allows for students to see their strengths and improve areas where they have not fared too well. The Holiday Homework too has been corrected and feedback given in class.

January 15 marked an important date in the application calendar with the completion of college application to a majority of colleges in the UK and the US. Do check your mail this week for an update on the incredible offers secured by Young Indus Eagles – it deserves a space all its own.

On Saturday 07^th Jan, 2012, Grade 11 attended a workshop conducted by Mr. N.S. Nandagopal on the Extended Essay. A registered professional chemical engineer in Texas, USA, he works as an independent consultant involved in conducting review classes, workshops and training seminars for working professionals across the globe. He is engaged in developing and teaching review courses for the FE and PE Engineering License Exams in the USA since 1984. This workshop has exposed the students to a meaningful and structured approach to the Extended Essay.

Later during the day, Mr. H.S.M. Premson our school Librarian gave a presentation on "Citation and Bibliography” for Grade XI. This is an important aspect and will serve the students in good stead not only in their IBDP submissions but also other research papers that they will write later as they pursue higher studies.

The required IB submissions have been happening by the students of Grade XII throughout the month of Jan. Revision has started from 16-Jan 2012 for Grade XII, as all portions have been completed.

Anushka Srivastava, Anvisha Agarwal and Varshinya Chari took part in the Rashtriya Vigyan Chalchitra Mela and Competition in Bhuvaneshwar that marked the 99^th Indian Science Congress Festival. Film makers from about 187 countries attended. Indus was the only school that despite not having Film Making as a subject, submitted an entry.  They made a mark with their film on Anti Smoking. Under a special category, recognition came our way with a national award of Rs. 30,000 and a certificate. Our students were interviewed by the local press and were also made facilitators in a discussion headed by Ms Shruti Binish who had encouraged, motivated and guided the students in their achievement. What started as a submission in Project Based Learning went beyond the classroom to gain acclaim at the national level. This was a splendid opportunity for our team as they interacted with experienced film makers. The film has also been screened on 20^th Jan., in the science Festival in Pune.

“An experience is meaningless without reflection”, keeping this in mind the students of the Action Team in PYP were given opportunities to reflect on their experiences as an action volunteer and on their observations that they felt strongly about. The students decided to sum all this up and share it with their peers through a whole PYP assembly. Students of Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 participated in the assembly and reflected on their experiences. They presented role plays on food wastage and the 3 R’s .They also screened a video clip to sensitize their friends about hunger and poverty in the country and how they as a small group can contribute in a small yet special way by not wasting food. The action volunteers shared the different actions taken by them till now and their plan of action for the next month. They also gifted 350 blankets to their friends from IICS which were bought in collaboration with the parents, teachers and collections from Mufti days.

Students of Grade 4C initiated the action of teaching the “concept of Multiples” to the students of the community school. Their teacher Ms. Jasjit reported this initiative and supported the students in visiting the community school, encouraged them to interact with their friends and teach Multiples through games and teaching aids.

Robotics Classes have commenced from 4^th Jan for Grades 6, 7 and 8 after the winter break.

In order to address the issue of academic defaulters, we are continuing the system of Study Circle in the Senior School. This is showing encouraging results as students have become more responsible in their completion and submission of work.

28 schools participated in an Inter School Aquatic Championship at the Cambridge Public School on 12^th Jan. We won three individual gold medals, two individual silver medals, two individual bronze medals, one team silver and one team bronze. We stood third with 95 points. Please refer Appendix 1 for details.

On the 12^th January our Green Ambassadors from the Conserve My Campus Club competed with each other to become school champions so that they could participate in the city level semifinals. Out of 30 students from the MSP, Drisya Antose of Grade 6 and Nikita Ganesh of Grade 7 emerged as school champions. As such they represented Indus at the semi finals. There were 10 participating schools and 46 students. Both our Indus eagles- Drisya and Nikita have made it to the top 10 and have qualified for the finals. The taste of success has whet their confidence equipping them to face the challenge ahead.

The Times NIE (Newspaper in Education) organized a Fun fest on 16^th January. This fest included events like painting, poetry writing, vegetable carving, dance etc... There were a number of students from Grades 6 to 9 who participated.

On behalf of the Wellness curriculum, Ms. Spoorti Shankar conducted a session on Gender Sensitization and sex education for our boarders from Grades 6 to 11 on 12^th Jan. The following week she along with Ms. Shruti Kotian conducted a session against bullying with the boys of Grade 7. On 13^th Jan., Ms. Vidhi conducted a session on Cyber Safety for boarders. This too was followed by a session the following week with all the students of Grade 6. These sessions have an interactive component that allow for student voice, thus ensuring involvement that will result in better understanding and awareness.

Ankur Rupani of ITARI conducted a workshop on Goal Setting and Mastery with senior students on 25^th Jan. We continue to stress the need to set goals as this will help our students succeed in life.

Inter House Basket ball and Foot ball matches were held in the month Jan 2012 for the students of Middle School.  Please refer Appendix 2 for the results of these matches.  Inter house matches not only inculcate house spirit but also a spirit of competition.  In such matches we are able to pick students for the school team.

In the Student Council election nominated Grade 4 students, who have been displaying leadership skills, outlined their strength and showcased areas where they had displayed leadership. Students of Grades 3, 4 and 5 listened to the speeches and later voted for the student council members by secret ballot. Student voice was strongly evident through their choices, and the student to student connect across grades was very heartening.

The most important highlight in the Senior School was the election to the Student Council. Grade 11 Students who were nominated by their teachers addressed the whole school on their goals and what they have done so far. This was followed by the students of  Grades 6 and above voting for the various positions, after which the selected candidates were interviewed by a team of senior teachers and the Principal. Based on this, there was another interview with the CEO, Lt. Gen. Arjun Ray, for the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl. The results of the entire Council Positions were announced in an assembly on 18^th Jan. The Head Girl appointed is Sonia Sharma and the Head Boy Vir Mehta. Please refer to Appendix 3 for the details of the other positions. After this announcement, practices were scheduled for the Investiture which was held on 26^th Jan.

The New Parent Induction in PYP on Jan 18^th, saw approximately 10 parents for an overview of the PYP program. It was heartening to answer pertinent questions about the routines involved in the settling in process. They also met our PAC representative, Ms. Sabitha, who welcomed them and explained the various components of the PAC. We thank parents for their interest and Ms Sabitha for her valuable time.

There was a whole school Fire Drill on Jan 18^th . All present followed the fire drill routines in a calm and orderly manner, once the siren sounded. The session outlined a set procedure that must be followed in such an emergency.

In their individual house meetings, students of Grades 3-5 discussed the core values of Love and Respect and shared their views on various ways of depicting these values in tableaux. This freeze frame was presented on Jan 26^th in our Republic day celebrations. Students and teachers displayed creativity and an understanding of how these values are applied in real lives.

The Grade XI students have been conducting a Food drive in conjunction with the students of Grade 7 for the Kalahalli Orphanage over the past 2 weeks. We are proud to say that they have collected more than the projected target of 200kg worth of food. This is a commendable initiative by the students of Grade 7. Grade 11 students rewarded Grade 7 with a mufti day on Monday 23^rd Jan., when the students came dressed in casual wear.

Sonia Sharma the newly appointed Head Girl along with her team members will be addressing the girls at Kalahalli Orphanage on personal hygiene and sanitation. She is presently conducting a “sanitary napkins” drive for the older girls in the Orphanage. This will be delivered shortly to the orphanage.

Support Classes for English, Math and Gen Science for Grade 6 students, English, Math, Physics and Chemistry for Grade 7 and 8 is being conducted regularly. Support Classes as per the schedule sent to the parents also continues for Grade 10 and 12.

As promised the Collated Homework for the week is sent to Parents of students in the MSP on every Monday.

The Times NIE Spell Bee – 2011- 2012 contest was held on 18^th Jan. 2012. This was a preliminary round in which the students of Grades 6 to 9 were involved. The top 15 will make it to the city finale. One winner from each city will be selected to represent the city in the National Grand Finale which will be held in Mumbai in February 2012. There are grand prizes at every stage and the National Finale will be telecast on Times NOW. The National winner will represent India in the Scripps Spelling Bee competition to be held in the U.S in May 2012.

The American Scholastic Mathematics Association (ASMA) Math contest was held on 20^th Jan. for selected Grade 7 and Grade 8 enrichment students. 

The Leadership Camp for the students of Grade 8 was organized in two groups, at the Indus School of Leadership, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu from 15^th to 19^th Jan. and from 22^nd to 26^th Jan. 2012. The camp which is a part of our school-wide Leadership Curriculum is aimed at developing certain leadership competencies and skills in our budding leaders. A total of around 90 students from Grade 8 A, B, C & D attended the camp.

26^th January 2012- Republic Day was a coming together of the whole school to celebrate a day of national importance. By hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem we pay homage and celebrate the legacy we have gained by our freedom fighters. Some of the highlights of the first session include the tableaux presented by the students of the PYP, house wise, on the themes of Love and Respect, which are two important core values of the school. The students of the Indus International Community School in a short dance drama showcased the Right to Education. This was followed by a Debate on the Topic “Schools have failed to prepare students for leadership roles in the 21^st century.”

Each house had two speakers, one in support of the topic and the other in opposition to the topic. The topic was announced an hour prior to the debate and students were allowed to work in the library, where they could refer to books, magazines and newspapers. The use of the internet was not allowed. Much confidence was displayed. Please refer Appendix 4 for the results of tableaux and debate.

The day was a very special one in the Indus Calendar as the members for the student council administered the oath of office. Those appointed went through a process in which they were first nominated by teachers and later students from Grades 6 upward exercised their choice through their votes. The third round was an interview with the Principal, Vice Principal and the senior teachers. The students were lastly interviewed by the CEO Lt. Gen. Arjun Ray.

Class photograph sessions were held in the third week of January across all grades.

Students of Grade 10 have been registered for the IGCSE for the session June 2012.

An Orientation of the IGCSE was conducted for parents of the SEN students of Grade 9 on 13^th January between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. This was meant to allow parents understand certain recommendations made by the school in the selection and number of subject options.

Yoga and Aerobics have been scheduled for all boarders from the beginning of this term. Grades 10 and 12 are exempted as this time is for them to study

The Head of Boarding Mr. Wayne Fernandez, in his meeting with all the boarders at the beginning of this term stressed upon certain policies and expectations of the school that centered around discipline, grooming and routine.

Nearly 40 boarders went on a trip to Mysore during the third weekend. This outing is also a part of our ever striving effort to balance academics with relaxation through a process of learning. Mysore has much to offer and the excursion strengthened ties as well.

Five students from Grade 7 travelled to Mumbai to take part in the First MUN hosted by the Singapore International School. The five delegates and what they represented are:

1. Aashna Bafna- France UNGA
2. Ashna Moogi- Iraq UN Women
3. Hersh Singh- France Interpol
4. Rohan Deb Roy- Iraq Interpol
5. Kartik Kapai- Iraq UNGA

The MSP Orientation for the parents of students, who have joined the Indus fraternity after the end of the First Term, was held on 27^th morning. They were given an insight into the MSP by the Coordinator. We appreciate the time taken by the parents who responded to our invitation.

Students of Grades 6 to 8 in an Inter House Competition on 31^st January had  to choose from 3 events- Inter House Poster making, Inter House Poetry writing and Inter House Essay Writing. The topic was announced on that day. The best essay will feature in the school magazine. Grades 9 to 12 competed in the Inter House Table Tennis for boys and Inter House Badminton for girls.

Our Indus Athletic team participated in the Head Start Inter School athletic meet held at Kanteerava Stadium on 25^th Jan 2012.  We won 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze medals.  Please refer Appendix 5 for the detailed results.

In the Inter School Cricket and Football Tournament held at Gopalan International School, Indus emerged winners. Please refer Appendix 6 for the list of winners.

The Indus College Counseling Department welcomes parents and students of Grades 8 - 11 for Mr. Benjamin Folk’s presentation, A Roadmap to College, on Wednesday, February 1 from 4 – 5.30 pm at The PYP AV room in Indus International School to explore Summer opportunities, SAT preparation and various college options.

The action does not stop. The most awaited year of the day will be 18^th February-The Senior School Indus Day. It will be a memorable day .We look forward to see our students speak and sing in their respective second languages and also dance to the tunes of Spanish, French, Korean and Indian folk songs.  There will also be a play in English.

The following is scheduled for Feb: 

• Annual Indus Day Celebrations  on 18^th February
• The Acer Test in Mathematics and English on 8^th and 9^th  Feb
• IInd Midterm tests for Senior School
• Chess for Grades 6 to 8

Last year in March we saw our MUN participants win laurels for Indus in Shanghai. This year the HMUN is happening in Beijing. For more information on this programme please contact the Activities Co-ordinator Shruti Kotian.

Every step that we take meaningfully fulfills the journey ahead, for we believe that the journey is the reward. On that positive note we move ahead and into the 29 days of February.

Appendix 1

PERFORMANCE OF INDUS SWIMMING TEAM IN THE INTER SCHOOL AQUATIC CHAMPIONSHIP HELD AT CAMBRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOL  ON 12 JAN 2012

Number of Schools participated:  28

Number of Medals won by Indus Swimmers:

Individual Gold      - 03

Individual Silver    - 05

Team Silver          - 01 

Individual Bronze  - 02

Team Bronze        - 01

TEAM OVERALL POSITION: III (95 POINTS)

Appendix 2

INTER-HOUSE BASKETBALL MATCHES (GIRLS) POINTS TABLE -2011-12

INTERHOUSE FOOTBALL MATCHES (BOYS) POINTS TABLE -2011-12 

Appendix 3

NEW STUDENT COUNCIL 2012-13

Whole School Positions: (Grade 11)

Phoenix House  

Hercules 

Pegasus   

Orion   

PYP House Captains: (Grade 4)

Sacha Utting (Hercules)

Anaya Bhammar (Phoenix)

Reva Shinghal (Orion)

Vibhuti Amin (Pegasus)

PYP Sports Captains:

Aryan Chaudhary 

Shivani Bahl

PYP International Ambassadors:

Varun Agrawal

Aanya Sehgal

PYP Activities Coordinators:

Aaina Shrivatsa

Roshan Barat

PYP Prefects:

Kunal Agrawal

Megha Alluri

Appendix 4

RESULTS OF TABLEAUX AND DEBATE COMPETITIONS 

Tableaux:

I Place – Phoenix House

II Place – Orion House

Debate:

Best Speaker – Rahul Manay – Phoenix House

Best House – Phoenix 

Appendix 5

HEAD START INTER SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEET

Appendix 6

INTER SCHOOL CRICKET TOURNAMENT HELD ON 27-01-12 AT GOPALAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The following Indus students were part of the Tournament    

INTER SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT HELD ON 24 AND 28 JAN AT GOPALAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The following Indus students were part of the Tournament

With Warm Regards,

Mrs. Sarojini Rao

Principal

Indus International School, Bangalore