Journeying Together November 2017 Vol. 17

In this Issue:

Beyond the Classroom Guest Lectures Global Citizenship

Project Based Learning Medical Camp Children’s Day Celebrations

Students’ Corner Awards and Accolades Empowering the Educator

Our trip kicked off to a wonderful start, as we boarded the flight to Pune. We took a bus to the campsite,

where we were warmly received with hot chocolate. We were introduced to the instructors and campsite

rules. We camped in underground dorms, a different experience entirely. We were on our toes all the four

days with activities evenly spaced out. We had fun rappelling, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, swimming

in lakes and raft building. divided into 4 groups. The overall experience allowed us an opportunity to

come out of our comfort zone and make new friends.

- R Harini, Grade IX

Memoirs

Reliving History

The students of grade VI visited the Egmore Museum as part of our History Class. We had an

opportunity to view many old sculptures, inscriptions, manuscripts and fossils. The Indus Valley

civilization which we had read about in our history text books came alive for us in the museum. We

also got to see the first model of a bicycle. It was a fun experience coupled with a lot of learning.

- R Ria and Veyasri M, Grade VI

Beyond the Classroom

Travelogue

Bags heavy and hearts light, the students of grade X set out on their long awaited excursion to

Munnar, Kerala. We stayed at Kalypso camp, Suryanelli for 3 days, participating in team and

character building activities. Going head to head trying to earn points in order to win a special

prize at the end, one would expect team hostilities, yet instead all it did was bring us all closer to

one another. The activities ranged from using pipes to pocket a marble into a hole, to designing,

building, and testing a raft fit for 6. We got a chance to stay in Thekkady for one night and

experience Kathakali, a traditional dance form and Kalaraipayattu, the skilled martial art form.

The next day was just as beautiful, with the group taking a tour of the Periyar National Park.

Overall, none of us could have asked for more.

- Aishwarya Mathanan, Grade X

Star Studded Trip

The students of grade IV visited the Birla Planetarium as part of our experiential learning on the

topic „Exploring Space‟. We saw a huge circular room with a dome on the top. The stars suddenly

appeared on the dome when the room went dark. We also saw a 3D show on dinosaurs.

- Ahalya Chandrashekar, Grade IV

The students of grade VIII went on a tour of Mandagini Seals, a factory in Royapuram. Upon reaching,

we were first taken to the biogas plant which converts food waste into methane that can then be used as

fuel for cooking. We were also given an insight into its eco-friendly working process which helps to

preserve the environment.

We also had an overview of the manufacturing process, unloading bay, storage area, manufacturing

machinery, packaging materials and the store where all the finished goods are kept for Quality Control

check. The yoga presentation at the end of our visit highlighted the importance of health and hygiene .

The visit ended with a lunch hosted by them.

The tour, our first to a factory, was an insightful and interesting learning experience.

- R Ananyaa, Grade VIII

Reaching Beyond

After the factory visit, the students of grade VIII

visited „Uthavum Nanbargal‟, a home for the

destitute as part of the „Joy of Giving‟. This was an

attempt to reach out to society and appreciate the less

fortunate. The orphanage, with around 30 children

was small and clean. The children there, are given

free education till their graduation/marriage. We

shared the gifts that we had taken with us. It was one

of the most memorable trips ever.

- Kavya Ramesh, Grade VIII

The teachers entertained the students on the occasion of Children‟s Day, with

dance, drama and music.

Celebrations and Festivities

The Child in Us

The students from grade II to XII attended a medical camp in school where doctors from

Chettinad Health City gave them a thorough physical check up.

Health is Wealth

The Tamil students of grade VI enacted a

skit in Tamil, „Thangamambazhamum

Suttukollum‟, based on the wit and

intelligence of Tenali Raman.

- Sririsha B, Grade VI

Project Based Learning

Weaving with Words

The students of grade II and III were

an enthralled audience to a story telling

session by Crea Shakti which aimed at

stimulating young thinking minds.

We, the students of grade VII were involved in

creating a report card on Babur‟s skill and

personality, based on our understanding of

the rise of the Mughal Empire.

- Ananya Subramaniam and

Reshmi Balakrishnan, Grade VII

Grading the Greats

Tenali Time

Global Citizenship

Catch Water, It’ s Free !

The students of grade VI Suryagandhi, VII Manickam and X Desh visited the Akash Ganga Trust,

Rain Center in Chennai, run by Dr. Shekhar Raghavan. He has initiated a door-to-door campaign

in Chennai to create an awareness on the importance of rainwater harvesting. At his centre, we

learned about rooftop harvesting, filtering rain water, recharging and servicing wells and gutters.

We were informed about the traditional rainwater harvesting structures in Rajasthan called kunds

and its method of functioning.

- Students of Grade X, Sai Charan T and Sandhya Kanakasri Melpakkam, Grade VII

Let us harvest the Rainwater,

Which makes our life feel better.

It is safe & clean, pure & free,

So we can live our life in glee.

Oh rain! Every drop you pour around,

We collect and store it underground.

Your tears of joy with compassion,

Makes it best for irrigation.

Save the water with fine planning,

Use it for gardening, cleaning & flushing.

Harvest water while it rains,

To make life better without pain.

- B Aishwarya, Grade VII - Radhai T C, Grade VII

They students of grade XI have been working on the topic of body shaming among kids and young adults.

The project, with its potential to bring about a change in the immediate environment, also has a much

wider range. The students are working on blogs, street plays, short films and posters. Meanwhile, to

catalyze their work, they had a guest lecture by Ms.Fathima, creative head of „Potato Potato‟ to help

transform the project into a campaign. Recounting various real life examples of ad campaigns, she

connected very well with the age group and laid the track for an effective campaign. Body shaming is a

problem which can be tackled and solved practically by rooting it out of the young minds who make up

tomorrow‟s India.

Please visit our blog at https://yoursimperfectionally.tumblr.com/

- S Solaisantosh, Grade XI

I’mperfect

Last without Plastic

The students of grade VI are enthusiastically working on reducing the use of plastic. They

conducted surveys across the school, analysed data and recorded their findings in the form of

charts which they have displayed in all the staff rooms. With their campaign, they hope to reduce

the usage of plastic in their immediate environment.

- Students of VI Samandhi

The Grand Finale

The students of grade XII staged a play on Dental Hygiene for students of the Primary during their

special assembly. It highlighted the need for proper healthcare and the dangers that one might face if

personal hygiene is neglected. This play was performed in Tamil for the students of Sigappi

Ramaswamy school.

The session with nutritionist Ms Padma was an eye opener as she explained the benefits of breakfast,

especially since students tend to skip this most important meal of the day. She explained that eating

isn't just a daily activity but much more than that.

The students of grade XII staged a street play for the senior school to raise awareness on the

importance of menstrual health. The play talked about the need to support, rather than stigmatize

menstruation. It highlighted the hardship and scorn women face when trying to convey their problems,

and what can be done by society as a whole. They were also involved in creating subject centric

educational videos for students in the rural areas.

- Roshan Sreekanth, Vishva Shanmugam M V and Amrita Meena Vellayan, Grade XII

Ms. Padmapriya, from Sanitation First

addressed the Sociology students of grade XI

on environmental sustainability through

Eco-Sanitation.

Plans for Tomorrow

A Reality Check

“Throwing away food is like stealing from the table of those who are poor and hungry”

Appreciating this statement in its entirety, we visited the Ayyamittu Unn initiative at Besant Nagar,

loaded with biscuit packets, fresh fruit, sambar rice and curd rice. We were amazed at how

hygienically the fridge has been maintained. As we placed the food, one of us volunteered to enter

our contributions in the register maintained by the security guard. This visit taught us to respect

food as we realized that so many people around us go without food.

- S Yamini, Grade IX

The students of grade VI Roja too visited the community fridge. They are working on posters for

their campaign against food wastage.

We visited the Brownstone Apartment as part of our GC project to learn about composting. We

learnt how the waste was segregated and put into four large compost bins to turn into manure.

The best part of the visit was that we could feel the texture of the compost.

- Vedhika Vinod and Bhavna Badrinarayanan, Grade VI

We also got an opportunity to visit the Brownstone Apartments to learn how compost is prepared.

The instructor told us how it takes nearly a month for compost to be made. We never knew it takes

so much work to make the compost which feeds the plants.

- K Nithin and Anika Jahnavi Sridharan, Grade VII

Feeding the Plants

Fitness and Health

The students of grade VIII Neelam are working on the topic 'Growing up Healthy‟. Focusing on

the theme of fitness, the team started with a fitness self evaluation under the supervision of

Nirmal Raj Sir from the PE department. This was followed by sessions with Ms.Preethy and

Ms.Amala on various aspects of staying fit and healthy. Our current project involves making a

calendar with daily pledges to motivate one to become fitter.

- Aditi Sutar, Grade VIII

Guest Lectures

The Commerce students of grade XI and XII

attended a session on „Career Guidance and

Career Options in Commerce‟ by

Mr. Anirban Sinha, Chartered Accountant

and Director of Business Finance and

Global Pricing Head at CSS Corp.

Harish Krishnamurthi, horticulturist from „Offshoot‟, had an interactive session with the

students of grade VI on „Structure and Function of Plants‟. It was a magical moment for all of

us to see plants sprouting at such close quarters.

- Athreya Sunil, Grade VI

Dr.Ramya from Chettinad Health City

spoke to the Biology students of grade

XI on „Respiration in Plants‟

Our Principal addressed us on the topic „Natural

Resources‟. He explained how everything and

everyone is a resource. He showed us the state of

our capital Delhi, which has become very polluted.

As the future generation, he emphasized that it is

our responsibility to not only conserve these

resources, but also protect our environment.

- Grade V Students

Dr. Kala Baskar, Director-in-charge, Centre of

Cyber and Forensic Information Security,

University of Madras, delivered a lecture on

Internet Safety. She talked about the many ways

people can hack into devices, like phishing and

keylogging, to access our personal information.

She also gave us some tips on how to protect

ourselves from being hacked.

- Juhusree P, Grade VII

Mr. Vijay Kumar, an expert in the field of

Chemistry, delivered a lecture to the

students of grade XII on the topic

'd and f block elements‟, besides giving

valuable tips for their Board Exams.

Ms. Subashini, Senior Dietician from

Chettinad Health City, gave a presentation to

students of grade VII on Junk Food and its

ill effects on the human body.

- Tarun Ramkumar Gargeya, Grade VII

Mr. Davonte Ponnuswamy, an

Australian national, addressed the

students of grade VI, giving them a

birds eye view of the culture and

life style in Australia.

Awards and Accolades

R Gourav of grade XII won the 3rd place

in the ASISC National Level Badminton

Tournament.

Master Hariharan Iyer of grade III has

proved his mettle in the field of archery

by winning gold, silver and bronze medals

at various prestigious events at the state

and national levels. He is ranked

All India No.2 in the U-9 category.

Our U-13 cricket team was placed

runners- up at the Little Star Cricket

Academy tournament. Dhruv Thirumalai

and Vishal Sachin Perla of grade VII were

adjudged Best Batsman and Best Fielder

respectively. During the course of the

tournament, Vishnu (grade VI) , Dhruv

Thirumalai (grade VII), and Akash (grade

VIII) won the Man of the Match trophy.

At Champion Trophy Academy cricket

tournament, our school was the runners-up in

the U-11 category, Dhruv Thirumalai of grade

VII was the Man of the Match and best

batsman, while Veera Rajavel of grade VI and

Vishal of grade VII also won the Man of the

Match awards at various levels.

Master Arun Solaiyappan of grade X

received the Young Achiever award

for completing grade VIII exam in

Trinity School.

The tiny tots of grade III and IV

had a fun time dunking the ball

into the basketball ball hoop in

their friendly match with

students from the „Apps Eden

Sports Academy‟.

Advaith S J of grade V was runners-up in

the Sub-Junior Table Tennis category at

the City Schools Tournament.

Empowering the Educator

The MGIS workshop held at our school

premises, gave an opportunity for teachers

from our school and the group schools to

share their teaching methodologies and

skills. The focus of the workshop

encouraged experiential learning

in the classroom.

Students’ Corner Children’s Day

Children‟s Day, or Bal Diwas, is celebrated in India on the 14th of November every year, which is

the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru. It is celebrated across the country to increase

awareness of the rights, care and education of children. Despite it being celebrated in their name,

children these days, myself included, don‟t regard it with much significance.

In my opinion, the concept of Children‟s Day and how it is celebrated in India are two entirely

different things. If the day is dedicated to children, it should focus on them and what makes them

happy, or at least focus on spreading awareness on issues pertaining to them. Instead of doing

that, or declaring it is a holiday, it has become a day where Nehruji is half heartedly remembered.

Other countries, such as Australia, have Children‟s Day extending into periods as long as a week,

with many festivals and celebrations.

I personally do not regard Children‟s Day as having any significance. Taking an example of

Women‟s Day, it is internationally celebrated on one date (8th March), unlike Children‟s Day,

which varies from country to country. The international aspect of any special day makes it easier

to get everyone involved and conscious of it and actually support the cause. Children‟s Day may

be an afterthought in the minds of kids today, but if changes are made to the way it is presented

and celebrated, it will become a day to look forward to.

- L Saidarshini, Grade XI

सकू्तानि– Wise Words

सत्यमेव जयत ेिाितृम।् Truth triumphs always, not lies

संघेशकक्तिः कलौ यगेु। Unity is strength in Kali Yuga.

मौिम ्सवाार्ा साधिम।् Silence is an instrument that achieves all ends.

काञ्चिेि कायाससद्धिः। Money accomplishes all work.

बदु्धिः यस्य बलं तस्य। One who has got intelligence has got power.

- Compiled by Vasundhara Gayathri Krishnamurthi, Grade VII

पणु्यस्य फलसमच्छकतत पणु्यं िेच्छकतत मािवािः। फलं पापस्य िेच्छकतत पापं कुवाकतत यत्ितिः॥ People want to enjoy the fruits of good deeds, but do not want to perform good deeds.

They don‟t want to be punished due to their sins but continue committing those sins even

after knowing that they have consequences.

- Compiled by Aashritha Ravi, Grade VII

La Lampe du Soleil

La lune brille

avec contentement

Les étoiles dansent

avec heureusement

La nuit est

noire et bleue, bleue, bleue

Le soleil vient

vite, je veux

Mais, pour le soleil, il y a

beaucoup de temps

Alors, je dois

plaire les lampes

- Ananya Vijay Ganesh, Grade VII

Translation

The moon shines

with contentment

The stars dance

with happiness.

The night is

black and blue, blue, blue

I wish the Sun

would come out fast.

But, for the Sun,

there's a lot of time

So, I should probably

light the lamps.

- K Sharvadharshi, Grade IX

- Aruna Selvan, Dept of Computer Science

Teacher Editors - Dr. Sarayu Ganesan, Ms. Yoshida Menon and Ms. Anuradha Babu

Student Editors - Ms. Samyuktha Sreekanth and Mr. Rithvik Senthil

Design and Technical Support - Ms. Preethi E

Photography - Mr. Ganesan and Mr. Sugumar

In anticipation……

In December…

December 05 - International Math Olympiad

December 08 - Geo Genius Geography Olympiad

December 23 to January 02 - II Term Holiday

CA/SA– Please refer to our website for dates of examinations.