PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER

November 2014

Dear Parents,

Greetings from IIS Pune

Theatre Day:

IISP held its first ever Theatre Day on October 12, 2014. The vision behind this event was

to enable each student to perform on stage. It was heartening to see almost the entire

parent body turn up for this event. Parents were overjoyed to see their children in

colourful costumes and performing confidently on stage. Food stalls were organized in

the lawns outside the Academic block where the students and parents could buy from a

wide spread of food items, giving the day a festive ambience.

From Reception to Grade 12, a total of 25 plays were presented. The opening ceremony

included a beautiful Ballet performance by our PYP and MSP ballerinas, followed by plays

by IELC Koregaon Park, IELC Bhosale Nagar, and the ESL students’ from South East Asia

who joined Indus this year. A surprise element for Indus parents and students alike was

the attendance of Aditya Singhal, famous child actor and winner of India’s Best

Dramebaaz competition hosted by Zee TV, as an honorary guest at the ceremony. Aditya

embellished the event with his moving performance. After the opening ceremony, plays

were performed simultaneously at four venues.

PYP:

1. Navratri Celebrations:

The Navratri Celebrations at IISP

were a resounding success.

All of the credit goes to the PYP

Parents led by Ms. Aarti Karve –

The Grade 1 PAC Rep.

Ms. Karve and the parents who

volunteered took all of the

initiative for organizing the Garba

event from start to finish.

We would like to Thank them for

all their efforts and also for

ensuring that the children had a

wonderful insight into Culture through this platform of International Mindedness!

2. Kala Ki Khoj:

We are very proud to announce that

YUN HUI LEE of Grade 4 won the

Nation Wide Talent Hunt; Pune

Division – KALA KI KHOJ!

She sang the song: ‘Let It Go’ from the

film FROZEN which was not only

inspirational but also enthralling!

Her voice control and modulation left

the judges as well as the audience in

awe!

We are very proud of her achievements and wish her all the very best!

3. PYP Assemblies:

The PYP Assemblies have seen the children discuss International, National and Regional News apart from discussing the health benefits of various fruits and vegetables.

Their research on a wide variety of professions has increased the awareness of the entire PYP.

4. Joy of Giving Week:

The Joy of Giving Week was celebrated from 6th – 10th October 2014.

During this week, the children did at least

one thing in a day which made someone

else happy.

They entered these acts of kindness in

their diaries and will continue doing the

same for the rest of the year as part of the

Community Service and Leadership

initiatives.

We are very glad to announce that as part

of the Joy of Giving, our Grade 1A student

Siddhant Pandit has adopted a calf and

will look after it.

5. International School Library Week:

During the International School Library Week, students participated in the DEAR

Initiative – ‘Drop Everything and Read’.

During this time, a signal sounded.

Upon hearing the signal, all students and teachers dropped everything they were

doing and read.

This was a great way to further

enhance the love for reading.

6. 100 Years of the German Language:

The German students of Grade 3,

presented a German song on the

occasion of celebrating 100 Years of the

German Language which was held on

7th October 2014.

7. KICK – Keep India Clean Kids

We are ecstatic to announce that 4 students from

Grade 3 have created a BLOG called:

‘KICK – Keep India Clean Kids’

It is a club that has been started by: ANANYA

GANESH in association and partnership with her

brothers and a friend from Grade 3:

YUVRAJ THORAT

AADIT GANESH

ARJUN GANESH

This initiative was strted to try and clean a

public space every week and write about it

in their blog. We are delighted to share this

blog with all the parents and students of

IISP: http://keepindiacleankids.blogspot.in/2014/10/what-is-

kick.html

Do please have alook at the link and

comment on the same as it will encourage

them in their efforts as they have worked

really hard at the clean-ups as an inspiring

team!

8. Theatre Day:

Sunday – 12th October 2014 was a day when stars were born…

We bring to you snippets of the day that was.

9. Diwali Celebrations:

IISP – PYP Celebrated Diwali by bringing in the splendor and joy of the festival.

We would like to thank Mrs. Shefali Ganesh – An IISP Parent, for sharing the

significance of Diwali with the children during the PYP Assembly.

The students also came in traditional wear and made diyas.

MSP (Middle School Program):

JOY OF GIVING WEEK

2nd October -8th October

As the school was closed for festive holidays, we at Indus International School, Pune celebrated ‘Joy Of Giving Week’.

All the students were requested to give anything, whether physical help, time to read a book to someone, help to parents at home, teaching servants kids at home for some time, teaching ICT to somebody who is not hands-on with it etc. during the time of ‘Joy of Giving Week’ period.

Students were expected not to accept any money of gifts out of this service, as it is a form of community service given back to the families, schools & society.

Sports

MSP basketball matches followed the knockout series of matches. While students cheered their house mates on, teams played against each other sportingly to win the gold. Pegasus finished first followed by Hercules in the second place.

Beginning 27th October, whole-MSP drill practice will take place during the WE period. Individual sports will not take place until Sports Day is over.

Professional Development

A workshop on ‘Writing Effective Report Comments’ was conducted by the MSP

Coordinator, Ms. Anita for the MSP as well as the IGCSE teachers on Saturday, 18th

October.

IGCSE:

Examinations over and the reports analyzed, Indus celebrates the spirit of Diwali in many

splendored hues. The parent teachers meeting Open Day concluded on 11th October. The

parents met the various subject teachers and discussed the progress of the students. The

teachers also learnt about their perspectives.

A reminder as the festivities come to an end, at Indus - we prepare for Sports Day

Celebrations and that the pace of academic rigor will only fasten as we move in to

November preparing for the forthcoming Half Yearly Examinations.

IBDP:

A rigorous and relevant education is a product of effective learning, which takes place when

standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment interrelate and reinforce each other.

When assessment is viewed as the end goal or finish line, the test or exam itself becomes a

stumbling block for the students. However, when curriculum, instruction, and relevant

learning become the focus, the tests will take care of themselves. It is our endeavor at Indus

to help students to become independent leaners and to provide them the opportunity to

find innovative solutions.

The highlight of this month was the first Mid Term Examination followed by a plethora of

activities -inter school debate competition, inter house matches, a fruitful Parent Teacher

Interaction, Diwali festivities marked by celebrations and a small Diwali Sale organized by

DP students as a part of their CAS programme in the school.

The extra academic support classes have been put in place after analyzing the mid- term

performance of the students. Grade 11 students have started working on the Extended Essay

Topics. A few students are also busy preparing for their SAT exam. The SAT coaching is

organized for the students on campus thrice a week for two hours after school by a reputed

organization.

Grade 12 students are working on their Internal Assessments in different subjects which

would be externally moderated by IB. The College application process for final year

students is taking place. The early applications have already been sent for US and UK and

the rest would be completed by the first week of December. A two day TOK camp was

organized on 17 & 18 Oct for providing guidance to students in the essay writing. The aim

of the camp was to provide an immersion experience to students and bring in different

perspectives through the subject teachers on the Prescribed Essay Titles given by IB. Our

best wishes are with the class of May 2015. As Lydia M. Child has rightly said, “Belief in

oneself is one of the most important bricks in building any successful venture.”

Career Cell:

GRADE 12 APPLICATION COUNSELLING

Grade 12 students completed their priority applications on 15th Oct for the following

universities in UK:

Oxford University, Kings College London, Cardiff University, University of East Anglia, The

University of Sheffield and St. George's University London.

USA:

Georgia Tech University

Students are working closely with the Guidance and Placements cell to complete their top

priority university applications having Early Action deadline of 1st Nov 2014. Students’

essays are being reviewed by the department and given detailed feedback based on our

prior experience. The essays are also reviewed by the English department and

recommended constructive modifications before the students upload them for

applications.

PSAT TEST AT INDUS PUNE

The much awaited PSAT test was conducted on Saturday, 18th Oct 2014 at Indus

International School, Pune. Total 46 students from Grade 8 - 11 appeared for PSAT this year.

University Visits:

1. UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA (RANKED AMONGST WORLD’S TOP 30 UNIVS)

UBC official gave a prolific presentation on UBC programs, rankings, campus, and application requirements. Students of Grade 11 & 12 were enthralled by the university and are quite keen to apply to this top rated university.

2. PRESENTATION BY INDUS ALUMNUS: SUMERA DEANE: 6thOCT 2014 Students of Symbiosis Institute of Media Communication conducted a workshop on

Careers in Media and Advertising Industry. One of the presenters was an Indus

alumnus who completed her IBDP in 2013 and is currently studying at SIMC. Grade

11 students were given complete insights of the advertising industry and career

opportunities.

3. SEAMLESS EDUCATION ACADEMY: A MEDIA SCHOOL: 20TH OCT

4. Cologne Business School (CBS), GERMANY, 14th Oct 2014

UPCOMING UNIVERSITY VISITS & PRESENTATIONS:

In the month of November, we have invited Australia’s best universities for a

university fair. Parents are requested to attend these universities fair and collect

maximum information pertaining to Australian Education System.

1. SIEC UNIV TOUR – AUSTRALIA, ASIA 12TH NOV 2014: 2:40PM – 3:40pm

2. Kaaiser Australian Univ Fair- 20th Nov 2:40pm – 3:40pm

niversity

3. Presentation on Internships: 10th Nov 2014

4. Presentation on Summer Programs: 17th Nov 2014

Community Service:

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

The month of October was loaded with community service activities in Indus

International School, Pune. There were lots of projects being conducted in IIS, Pune for

Community Service.

In PYP, students of grade III, Ananya Ganesh, Aadit Ganesh, Arjun Ganesh and Yuvraj

Thorat have taken an initiative to keep our surrounding clean. They have also blogged

their activities online, please find the link below.

http://keepindiacleankids.blogspot.in/2014/10/what-is-kick.html

To share their love and spread light of peace and happiness, grade VIth, VIIth & VIIIth have prepared Diwali goody baskets for less privileged children. These baskets were handed to the children who are supported by Tara Mobile Crèches. Thank you to all students and parents for their support.

IGCSE students of Indus International School, Pune have visited various campsites of Tara Mobile Crèches. This is an NGO which looks after the children of construction workers, and children age’s ranges from infants to 15 year old.

The students have visited three different locations Hill View Residency, Kothrud, Kalpataru Harmony, Wakad, and Park Street, Wakad.

The activity was based on awareness on balanced diet and sanitation. Students of IISP, have shown immense zeal and enthusiasm, in conducting this activity. They have used the latest technology and gadgets to make the message delivered more interesting and inclusive.

Grade XI and XII students had organized a Diwali sale on 21st October 2014. Students had

put a lot of efforts in making handmade cards and candles. The funds generated will be

used to support their CAS Projects at Bhukum School and within the campus.

On Theatre Day on 12th October 2014, IIS, Pune has collected donation for the Jammu &

Kashmir Relief Fund. This initiative was taken by the students of grade XI & XII. Thank

You to all the parents, students, staff, and all those who have donated generously.

Leadership at Indus:

In October, students of MSP, IGCSE and DP completed the Goal Setting module of Leadership Curriculum. Ms. Razia Mukadam conducted follow-up workshops with the students of Grade 6 and 7. Overall, student awareness of the process and the importance of goal setting has increased; they are able to set simple, yet specific and relevant personal, academic and leadership goals for themselves. Goal Setting has given them the focus and direction to tap their inner potential, so that they accomplish more in a short span of time. Students have become more proactive and rigorously carried out fund-raising activities for Jammu and Kashmir and the student-led pseudo NGO "IN-KIND" that works to make educational supplies accessible to underprivileged children in Pune. The Head Girl, Head Boy and House prefects have established concrete house visions and are taking initiative to implement the same. The student council regulates student discipline on campus; it ensures that junior students are punctual for assembly, checks uniforms, ID cards, etc. These activities are giving more meaning and enjoyment to their school experience and are a great forum for developing long-lasting bonds with their peers.

The Leadership Curriculum has Whole Education as one of its components. Senior

students were therefore assessed on their attitude during rehearsal and their performance

on Theatre Day, which took place on October 12, 2014.

Beginning November IISP students will advance to the next module of LC - Public Speaking - which has been recommended as a forerunner to Persuasive Communication. The focus this academic year will be to master students' public speaking skills. A workshop on Emotional Intelligence will be conducted in January 2015.

The PYP too have finished writing their goals and action plans and are excited to

implement them. Each child's goal will be shared with his/her parents for review. We

look forward to parents' support in helping our youngest talents to shine in their chosen

goals.

International Trips:

Students of Indus enjoyed an invigorating yet relaxing 5 days at the Andaman Islands. Arriving in two batches at Port Blair, on the 28th and 29th of September respectively, students of IISP, were excited to begin their scuba diving expedition.

They visited two popular diving sites at North Bay and Chidiyatapu under the guidance of Infinity Scuba and spent two whole days, immersed in the aquamarine waters surrounding Port Blair. They snorkeled and dove in batches while others enjoyed activities like, jet skiing, banana boat rides as yet a few relaxed and sun bathed on the white sand beaches. Students also got to experience a taste of history and culture as they visited Ross Islands, the Cellular Jail and a local museum. They trekked to the highest point in the island from where the spectacular sight of the two oceans meeting took their breath away. Students enjoyed shopping at the local emporium on the mainland and brought home several mementos for family and friends. They were fortunate to see a variety of flora and fauna that abounded there and enjoyed a variety of lip smacking food.

They returned home on the 1st and 2nd of October satisfied with all they had explored and experienced at the islands.

Sharing an Experience:

It is a heartwarming experience for us and one strewn with pride as we share with you the

achievements of Ms. Madhuri Savdekar.

She is the perfect example of the fact that a person can dawn many hats and excel at

wearing them all. Not only is she a crucial member of the IISP family who greets us with a

smile each day but is also a well accomplished author.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Madhuri whose book on, 'Hotel Marketing', has just

been published for the Welingkar Institute, Mumbai. Her insight, dedication and

commitment will surely shape the lives of not just post graduate students but also

everyone she comes in contact with.

We are extremely proud and wish Ms. Madhuri all the very best!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT IISP

Sports Day – PYP - 6th November 2014

Sports Day – Senior School - 7th November 2014

Children’s Day Celebrations - 14th November 2014

Table Tennis – PYP - 20th November 2014

PAC Meeting with IISP Team - 21st November 2014

Working Saturday – Classes for Grades 6 to 12 - 22nd November 2014

PUNE INSPIRE - 29th November 2014

SANDEEP CHHABRA

PRINCIPAL

NOVEMBER 2014