Echo E-newsletter August (2022)
TRUSTEE MESSAGE
At GGS and all the schools managed by the Gajera Trust, we think of happiness as a cyclical idea. For us, it is the gratifyingly liberating experience of extending and improving our "Circle of Life" through our activities, projects, convictions, and efforts to help others. Every student at Gajera Global School is given the opportunity to grow intellectually independent, creative, and curious, as well as to have a greater sense of social responsibility both at school and in the larger community. The school equips pupils to "Go Forth Empowered "as envisioned by the Trust.
To this end, GGS uses a holistic approach to help learners develop well-rounded personalities. It offers a setting that encourages children's curiosity about the world and creates real-life experiences to give them hands-on training. The school is unwavering in its belief that every child may be helped to realize their intrinsic potential by being nurtured and supported. We are dedicated to providing integrated support for education that takes into account each student's interests, aptitudes, and needs within a shared curricular framework that reflects and encourages an understanding and appreciation for diversity in our community as a vital component of school life.
Apart from these activities and beliefs, we have declared ourselves a green school, for which we were recently awarded. I congratulate the school and its principal on its remarkable achievement. I hope we will continue to achieve success and reach the goals that we have set for ourselves.
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
Do your absolute best. Give your all, and accolades will come your way. This was proved in letter and spirit when we were named the Most Eco-friendly School of 2022 at the renowned National School Awards in appreciation of our dedication to restoring the greenness of the environment. The recognition came as a result of the schools efforts to integrate environmental education and conservation into our core
curriculum.
A team is only as good as its captain, according to a common proverb. The teams leader encourages the best qualities in each member. They make choices, direct events, and inspire others to do the seemingly unattainable. Take the struggle for India's independence as an example. Mahatma Gandhi is always mentioned when discussing India's struggle for independence. Nelson Mandela comes to mind, too, if you want.
Because of their leadership, these people have become icons. They set out on a modest errand. In the end, the mission helped them achieve greatness. In many spheres of life, we still need leaders who are like them. If we have an army of capable leaders who have been groomed, we will undoubtedly lead our country to new heights. In light of this, GGS gives its students roles and the freedom to decide on many issues pertaining to the school. Our children, it is hoped will acquire the necessary skills by leading their peers and lead the nation from the front in future.
Apart from these notable events, we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with a unique idol made of alum that dissolves completely in water. We have been celebrating this festival in an eco-friendly manner for the past three years and this year too was no exception. Before that on 15th August, we observed the 76th Independence Day which was graced by the presence of Trustee Shri Chuni Bhai Gajera.
Before I end, a word of appreciation for the entire team that has published this newsletter on time.
INTEGRATED LEARNING
EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS
VISIT TO VATSALYADHAM
To commemorate Friendship Day, students in the prep grades visited and interacted with their peers while learning about how children at Vatsalyadham live and learn in the residential facility. They observed how youngsters there produced works of art and science and underwent experiences to learn more effectively and acquire the necessary life skills for better understanding of life and learning.
VISIT TO THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR’S OFFICE
For students, going on an excursion provides three incredible advantages Being self-reliant, understanding how to interact effectively with strangers, taking notes, and reporting are all examples of self-responsibility. GGS took the learners of grades 8 through 10 to the District Collector's office in an effort to improve these skills. They were able to see firsthand how law and order is upheld, how local self- governments operate, and how the administrative and legal work for the entire district is completed thanks to their visit. They spoke with Mr. Aayush Oak, Collectorate, who gave an explanation of the position in state administration and the carrying out of government directives.
VISIT TO AQUARIUM
In order to supplement what they learned in the classroom and to further their understanding of UNSDG target 16, students in grades 4 and 5 at GGS visited the Subhash Chandra Bose Aquarium. When they arrived, the subjects and creatures they had learned about leaped out at them in vivid forms. They were now alive, breathing creatures with whom we needed to coexist, not just names to be recalled. Additionally, they saw firsthand how the extinction of one species may have an impact on the ecosystem as a whole.
FIRE STATION
First and second graders were taken on an educational field trip to the fire station in Pal in order to inspire and inform them of the firemans essential contribution to society and life. They came to understand the crucial role these organizations play in maintaining our constant safety and security. The trip was also planned to help achieve UNSDG target number 16, which calls on countries to establish strong institutions to protect the weak. The emergency services umbrella includes the police, fire department, and health departments, all of which must be strong and autonomous in order to be able to help anyone, regardless of caste, creed, sex, or religion.
EVENTS
WORLD TRIBAL DAY
India’s population is dominated by indigenous tribes that make the country more diverse and beautiful with their traditional customs and culture, vibrant costumes, music, and folklore. Yet they have usually stayed secluded because of their archaic practices and exclusion. On World Tribal Day, August 9, a special assembly was convened to acknowledge the cultural contribution that each tribe has made to the country. In addition to recognising the contributions that indigenous people bring to the globe, it was done to advance and defend the rights of the worlds indigenous population.
RAKSHA BANDHAN
GGS learners celebrated Raksha Bandhan in a unique way on this beautiful occasion. They vowed not just to safeguard and care for their sisters, but also to protect the environment and reverse climate change. During the event, students tied the traditional rakhi on the hands of their brothers, in exchange for which the brothers promised to protect them if the need arose. The festival is celebrated at school as a tradition. It reminds learners or the cultural values that make us stand out with our unique traditions.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
GGS invited Ms Priya Doshi to school for a talk show on International Youth Day. She is a serial entrepreneur and leadership mentor who epitomizes the freshness and energy of the young. Learners discussed issues ranging from empowering youth to become leaders and creators. Leveraging the full potential of all generations is necessary for the world to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For sustainable growth to occur, generational solidarity is essential. To ensure that "no one is left behind" we must work together to promote effective and equitable intergenerational partnerships. To raise awareness of challenges and problems that the youth faces.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Gajera Global School celebrated the end of India 75th Independence Day on its grounds with the rest of the country. The attendance was quite strong and encouraging despite the bad weather. Mr. Chunni Bhai Gajera, a trustee who attended the seminar, urged parents and educators to place more emphasis on skill-based learning than on getting better marks. Retired Dy SP Mr. JP Kotadia, retired Air Force Officer Shri S. S. Champawat, Corporal Mr. Nileshbhai Patel, paediatrician Dr. Apoorva Shah, ex-Lions Club secretary Mrs. Gitaben Desai, and psychiatrist Dr. Mukesh Jagiwala were among the notable visitors at the event.
WORLD SANSKRIT DAY
Sanskrit is unquestionably one of the sweetest languages in the world, according to many. Two of the greatest epics in human history were written in this language. While some may argue that nationalism obscures our point, any scepticism can be dispelled by attentively listening to hymns and shlokas. No one can ignore the harmony and rhythm of this 6,000-year-old language. In actuality, Sanskrit is the root of numerous languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, and Oriya. To raise awareness about the language and to help revive its lost glory, learners of the school held a special assembly in which all the activities were done in Sanksrit. Patriotic music, prayers, and dances were performed along with a patriotic song. Finally, a young dancer gave a Bharat Natyam performance to a Sanskrit tune.
NATIONAL SPORTS DAY
National Sports Day is celebrated on 29 August, the birth anniversary of Hockey player and three times gold medal winner in Olympics, Major Dhyan Chand. The theme of National Sports Day 2019 was “Fit India, Young India”. Students at GGS remembered the outstanding performance Indian athletes displayed at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games in London as they observed Sports Day today. Children spoke about the lives and accomplishments of their favourite athletes while dressing as those athletes. They played out the parts and described their struggles to everyone. A variety of games were played in the indoor stadium to commemorate the event. Different groups of students competed for honour and the satisfaction of victory
GANESH CHATURTHI CELEBRATION
Learners of Gajera Global School ceremonially placed the Vighnaharta idol on the pedestal on Ganesh Chaturthi in accordance with its long-standing tradition on the occasion. This marked the start of the ten-day Ganeshutsav, a celebration of the deitys feats that is celebrated all over India. According to legend, Ved Vyas spoke while the boy lord worked as scribe and authored the Mahabharata. When the Lords quill ran out of ink, he stopped writing and fractured the tip of one of his tusks, which he then used in place of the quill. According to Hindu custom, Lord Ganesha is usually worshipped before any other deities. Considering that Lord Ganesha is referred to as the Vighnaharta, it is thought that beginning something with his blessing will erase all barriers. This years idol was notable for being entirely made of alum, which totally dissolves in water. To leave the least amount of environmental footprint possible, we decided to use this substance for the idol. The idol we selected will leave no residue in the water body, allowing the water to remain clean, unlike straw- and chemical-coloured clay idols. In every part of our life, we shall keep working to protect the environment.
COMPETITIONS
CREATIVE ART
On Wednesday, August 17, an art contest for the school's kindergarteners was conducted in the assembly hall. The tournament was organised as part of the school's strategy to teach through activities that help concepts stick. The competition helped them retain the knowledge they had learned in the classroom, making it less of an effort and more of an occurrence. They also learnt to co-operation, teamwork and discipline.
SHLOKA RECITATION COMPETITION
First through fifth grade learners of GGS competed in a shloka reciting competition. Shlokas are devotional chants that aid in meditation and provide mental clarity and tranquillity. The young students transformed the assembly into a holy place as they sang the lovely yet challenging hymns. 2nd Round: The second round of the competition was held on 22 August.
PEM
A parent educator meet was held at the school on 27 August before the commencement of the Half Yearly examination scheduled to start on the 12th of September. Parents took stock of the syllabus and the progress made up this point. They were also informed of the commencement of a series of competitions called Maker’s Day, which is held every year to commemorate the birth of late Trustee Mrs Sunita Chunibhai Gajera.
LEARNER'S CORNER
The Guru
My diamond is covered with dust,
I am scared of cleaning it,
It can dazzle my eyes
I work to weave a graceful garment
But I do not wear it,
I am scared of my own riches.
My room is dark,
My own candle is until,
Light is just an effort away.
Dust heaps on my mirror,
I can unblemish it,
But the sloth in me does not permit.
I am standed in my own shell,
The shell has become tougher,
And I am weaker
You enter me through an extraordinary series of reactions,
Energy is liberated to provide me the warmth
You burn your fuel to lit my cells,
Being one with you beings a sence of well being,
You shake my sences
And cause a wakefulness…
By Dhruvi Patel (Grade IX)
EDUCATOR'S CORNER
-By AKANKSHA CHAMPANERI (Grade Pre-Primary)
“Give your stress wings and let it fly away.” —Terri Guillemets
“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” —Hermann Hesse
Through our lives, we do countless tasks that may either help us make a living or make us happy and content. Some of us will do some activities
regularly in their leisure time for pleasure like playing indoor/outdoor games, painting, cooking, reading, singing etc. Such activities doing regularly in the leisure times are called ‘hobbies.’ Hobbies play a very important role in our lives. In today’s fast and competitive world, we often get time for ourselves. Due to Busy schedule and
sometimes because of over time we feel tedious and stress. That is why we need to indulge in something in between to keep our minds fresh and active. As per my experience and understanding, Hobbies are the better way to keep ourselves fresh and active. One of the main benefits of having a hobby is that it is a major stress-buster. As we are aware, stress is a major health issue because of a busy life style. To get rid of stress one should be discipline in their life style by doing physical activities, eating healthy food and having a hobby.
Hobbies offer you a great opportunity to take a break and forget the worries of your life. They allow you to explore yourself and realize your potential in different areas. Engaging in certain hobbies can help calm your stress and reduce your physical and mental risk for health problems associated with stress. There are many ways to alleviate stress, including meditation, deep breathing, and the use of relaxation techniques. You can
also engage in your favorite hobbies to reduce your stress. Other than health benefits there other benefits like improves creativity, time management, quality sleep, reduces risk of metabolic diseases, promotes immunity, and improves focus and memory.
My hobby is painting. I have started again recently and doing it regularly after a long break. With this I have seen a drop in the stress levels and I am able to manage the official and the personal more efficiently. I used to think I do not have time to spend on my hobbies, but now I understand that we can make time when needed. I wish others also can experience the positive vibes by starting their passion activities.
-By Chaitsi Desai
(IT Educator)
GOOD READS
Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston
Sequel to Amari and the Night Brothers, a New York Times bestseller! Fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Never moor will adore this spectacular second book in the New York Times and independent bestseller Supernatural Investigations trilogy, where Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black.
Amari Peters thinks her first full summer as a Junior Agent will be a breeze after locating her brother and saving the entire magical realm. Amari schedule is already full due to the strict anti-magician agenda of the terrifying new Head Minister, strong rivalries among Junior Agents, and Quinton curse, which is only becoming worse. As a result, she declines the opportunity to lead the covert League of Magicians when it offers her the chance to defend magiciankind. She has got lot on her plate.
My Reading Adventures: A Book Journal for Kids by Anne Bogel
This special notebook inspires young readers to savour books more, offers them excellent recommendations for what to read next, and aids in their retention of what they've read.
Do you have a young reader at home? Or would you like to see your kid show more of a passion for reading? Your child was considered when creating this notebook.
With a diary tailored specifically for children, Modern Mrs. Darcy blog author Anne Bogel hopes to foster in your child a lifelong love of reading. Kids will discover amusing lists of books to read for all genres and interests, imaginative reading-related activities, and room to keep track of what they've read and want to read within.
Neverlanders by Tom Taylor
In this gritty young adult graphic novel series from New York Times bestselling author Tom Taylor (Nightwing, Superman: Son of Kal-El, DCeased, Injustice), and powerhouse illustrator Jon Sommariva (Harley Quinn), Neverland has turned into a war zone and it's up to a new group of lost teens to make things right!
Bee and the other fugitives form their own adopted family. Therefore, believing Paco to be another lost kid when he saves her life, Bee invites him to join their team. The world has also forgotten about someone. The truth is that Paco is a Lost Boy from Neverland, not just a lost teenager. Additionally, he needs Bee and the others to accompany him.
This Appearing House by Ally Malinenko
Another stand-alone creepy middle grade novel from the Ghost Girl author, featuring a terrifying house and a girl who is tormented by her experience with cancer, loss, and healing, is available for lovers of Nightbooks and Ghost Squad. Are you bold enough to enter? The house at the end of Juniper Drive hadn't existed for as long as anyone could recall, then one day it appeared.
Jac is counting down the days until the five-year mark since receiving her cancer diagnosis, when she would hopefully be deemed NED, or "no sign of disease" Jac is beginning to question whether these are symptoms or if something weird is happening as a house appears, her hands start to shake, and she falls off her bike.
Tumble by Celia C Perez
A captivating tale about a little girl who fills in the blanks of her origin story from the family of legendary luchadores she's never met comes from the acclaimed author of The First Rule of Punk.Adela "Addie"Ramirez, 12, must make a significant choice as her stepfather suggests adoption.
Addie adores Alex, the only father figure she has ever known, but with a new half-brother on the way and a major school play coming up, she feels as though time is passing too quickly. The first of her countless inquiries concerns the young man in the photograph that she discovered concealed among her mother's belongings.
