Gajera Global School
- Feb 10, 2022
- 18 min read

ECHO E-NEWSLETTER ( January-2022)

Message from Trustee

Gajera Group of Schools work with the vision to Education, Enlighten and Empower each and every child.

Through hard work and dedication we are making them masters to control the globe. We help them to grow into dynamic and influential global citizens, equipped to play a leading role in whichever walk of life they choose. Our excellent team ensures that every student is guided and cared for to ensure that their individual needs are met and they come out as to exceed expectations of their own. We invest our time and energies in our nation's most valuable resource - our children.

In the current global scenario, it is becoming much easier to connect online, but, unfortunately, the human touch & sensitivity is missing from all over. It is easy to buy things online from anywhere in the globe, but, much difficult to buy trust & respect of the other person! Our children have dreams; they are ambitious & are full of zeal. This needs to be fueled with proper guidance & mentoring by dedicated educators. If nurtured properly, our students are capable of achieving just anything.

On behalf of entire team of Gajera Group of Schools I assure you each student of our school, a journey of joyful learning. As parents, let it be your commitment to join hands with us in all aspects of your child’s growth, as, your involvement & participation in school’s calendar will enthuse both, the teachers & your child, thereby, bringing much positive results.

Principal's Message

I am happy that we have begun with offline classes. Classes had just started in the offline mode when a spate in covid cases led us to go online again. But thanks to god, the government has issued a new directive and learners from grades 1st to 12th are back in school in the face-to-face mode. All said and done, I feel that the next year will go on as usual without any more hiccups, as the COVID 19 situation has improved. It is no longer the scourge it was in the beginning of the year.

As we are close to the end of the session, the annual examination is round the corner. As such, both learners and educators are working on a war footing to improve learners’ understanding and preparedness. To boost their confidence and performance, tenth graders will take pre-board examinations as they do every year before appearing in the finals.

Apart from academics, we went on with all the planned activities as per schedule.

A major event that took place this month is the opening of the upcycling studio in our school. Our learners can apply design thinking skills by using discarded objects and turn them into useful ones. The studio at our school is the second of its kind in the entire country.

On the occasion of Uttarayan, our learners were shown how to avoid hurting birds while flying kites on the occasion. This might look like a small step, but the learning and values it inculcated will remain forever with them, turning them into responsible and sensitive persons.

Integrated Learning

Mask Making Activity

Mask making activity part of integrated learning 22nd January, 2022 k-making

Learners of the 3rd grade took part in a mask making workshop as part of their lesson on domestic animals. The activity was done to help them retain learning through action and play. The project helped them by doing a hands on training on the topic of discussion.

Inculcating Social & Moral Values

Shots Taken

5 January 2022: Vaccination Drive for Learners

Learners between the ages of 15 and 18 were inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the government’s drive to inoculate young children in the second phase of the vaccination drive. The vaccine was administered by SMC officials. Children were vaccinated as part of the government’s drive to safeguard the health and safety of everyone in the country.

Inauguration of Upcycling Studio @GGS

8th January 2022

Ms Surbhi Rathi founder of HastKaagaz and Ms Juhika Devi gold medalist in painting and Arts Faculty at Auro University joined GGS for the inaugural ceremony of Upcycling Studio.

As part of the ceremony, the " Trash to Treasure " workshop was held by Ms Surbhi Rathi who showed us how to make paper out of newspapers and create a sculpture. Mr Harshal Mistry upcycling mentor shared how an X-ray film can be converted into a pouch. Ms Juhika Devi regaled us with the experiences she has had as an art mentor. These and many other sustainable ideas were shared at the upcycling workshop held at Gajera Global School. The workshop was organized to develop awareness about the importance of reusing waste materials to lessen the burden on the already stressed resources of the earth. The speakers showed how simple yet creative ideas can transform an ordinary object into a work of art.

School Competitions & Celebrations

National Pedestrian Day

11th January 2022

A special assembly was conducted at school on the occasion of National Pedestrian Day to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and rights and responsibilities. Learners were informed that pedestrians have the right of way and that they too need to follow certain rules for their as well as other’s safety.

The day was celebrated to inform learners how to keep themselves safe and sound while walking on the road. Simple rules like not texting and walking, not listening to loud music on the road were some of the tips shared at the assembly.

Kite Making Competition for prep learners

12th January 2022

Prep learners of the school celebrated Uttarayan in a unique way by making and designing their own kites on the occasion of Uttarayan in January. They took part in the competition online and displayed their designs on camera. Through the activity, they improved their creative skills.

The competition was held in conjunction with Uttaryan in which people fly kites to celebrate. Apart from celebrating the occasion, they also learned about the safety of birds and themselves.

Shloka Recitation Competition for Grades 1 - 5 Learners

11 January to 15 January, 2022

For the learners of grades 1st through 5th, a sloka competition was held at school from 11 January to 15 January.

The competition was held to raise awareness about the ancient Indian wisdom that has shaped our culture. Learners used the SM school space to participate in the competition.

Republic Day Celebration – online for prep learners

24th January, 2022

For the young learners the prep classes 24 January was celebrated as Republic Day, the day on which India was officially declared as a Sovereign Democratic Republic. They learnt about the struggles and challenges faced by the freedom fighters and learnt how it is a celebration of democracy and individual freedom. This day is celebrated every year as part of the culture.

Republic Day

26th January 2022

Gajera Global School and its learners celebrated seventy-three years of India as a democratic republic. Present on the occasion were Mr. Nazmi Khinkhabwala, who represented India in table tennis and has a gold medal to his credit, Ms. Maitri Patel, the youngest female commercial pilot in the world, and Dr. Nikhil Jariwala, Consultant Physician, Cardiologist & Diabetologist at Venus Hospital, Surat. The celebration was marked by a colorful cultural programme. Learners from 6-8 grade joined the celebration online.

Jingle Writing Competition

24-29 th January

A jingle writing competition was held in the SM school space to motivate learners to think creatively. Learners were asked to make videos or sent in written jingles for the competition. The competition was held to keep learners motivated and engaged in school activities as they are attending classes online at present. By giving their creative energies a direction, the competition aimed to engage them in creative endeavors.

Virtual Educational Excursion

Virtual Excursion: Gujarat Tourism ( for prep learners)

Gujarat takes the pride in the abundance of its beauty, so we at GGS took this opportunity to explore our lovely state where people are sweet and humble. we took our tootlers on virtual educational excursion, where we showed them abundance and top rated beauties of Gujarat. Learners get to know about various different cultures and how differ from city to city.

Raspberries farm Virtual Trip (Grade 1)

Raspberries are one of the favourite fruits for young children because of their bright red colour. To show them how these attractive fruits end up in our fridges and dining tables, learners of grades … were shown a video in which they learnt the entire process, right from the garden through the factories to our kitchens.

Workshops & Webinars

Fire Mock Drill Session For Educators

3 Jan 2022

A fire drill was held for the educators of GGS to introduce them to various safety devices, norms and protocols to be followed in case of an emergency. Educators were given a demonstration of how to move the injured to a safe place before the arrival of doctors, how to handle and operate fire extinguishers and how to decide what type of extinguisher to use.

Since disasters come unannounced, they cannot be prevented, but knowing what to do and how to respond in an emergency can save lives, particularly in a public building. The workshop was held to enable them to respond effectively, should the need arise.

Signs to Hearts

6th January 2022

A workshop on sign language was conducted at school by Ms. Shambhavi Thite for the learners of grades 6th through 11th as part of a sensitization drive towards the differently-abled. The session was conducted with a view to developing sensitivity to those less fortunate than ourselves. It was intended that learners would become better communicators to make themselves understood.

Save Birds

7th January 2022

A workshop on saving birds was conducted by a leading animal welfare organisation in Surat at the school. Learners learnt how to respond when they see birds caught in threads during the Uttarayan festival. During this season, many birds succumb to their injury as most of us do not know how to take care of them.

Team Prayas teaches young people how to treat their wounds thereby sensitising them to the suffering of ur avian friends. Organisation conducted a webinar on the topic at school to prepare learners for the occasion.

Orientation Session of IBM for Skill Development

17th January 2022

Mr Abhishek Kumar of IBM conducted a workshop on IBM’s skill development program for young learners between the ages of 13 and 18. The series of workshops has been designed to prepare learners for the current job market where skills have become more relevant than qualifications. The workshop was conducted to show learners how they could attend the skill building workshops online from the comfort of their homes.

Online Pre-Orientation Session for TiE Surat’s TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Program

17th January 2022

For the learners of GGS who are taking part in the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program, a pre-orientation session was held to accustom them to the modalities of the programme. The session sought to help learners prepare better for the TYE programme. This programme seeks to educate young people on how to start a business and write engaging business plans to attract investment.

Webinar on Design Thinking for learners

19th January 2022

Mr Sunny Kabrawala of Star Insight hosted a webinar for GGS learners to demonstrate how design thinking can help young people become industry leaders and problem solvers. Learners participated actively and learned how their preconceived notions restrict them from thinking creatively. The seminar was held to show how we may break down mental barriers and address challenges, whether they be corporate or personal. The learners had an eye-opening experience when they discovered that artistic talent has little to do with creativity and invention. The workshop was specifically held for the learners of grades 8th through 11th.

Talk show on Artificial intelligence: Current Trends and Future Scope

28th January 2022

Dr. Mayuri Mehta joined us for a talk show and explained how a computer can predict what we must or may do in the future using algotherims and electrical impulses sent by the brain.

She discussed how machine learning and data science can alter the way we interact with machines and of course humans, and how we set ourselves for the future. The talk show was held to inform learners and listeners about the possibilities of machine learning and artificial intelligence. She discussed how electrical impulses released by the brain may be collected by machines to help us learn more about ourselves.

Learners' Corner

Follow Your Passion by Dolly Yadav

At my school, our teachers always motivate us to follow our passion but it is just as important that we take care of our passions outside of the classroom. This will make us better humans or global citizens. First think - What Are You Passionate About?

Are you into reading? Or how about movies? Do you love to spend time in nature camping and hiking, or is the weekend at an all-inclusive resort? Regardless of what you are passionate about, foster that passion, and allow it to grow.

For me, my passions are reading, lying very still while binge watching tv, doing drama, and all things travel. All of these passions take time, so I have to pick and choose when I am able to follow them, but I always make sure it happens. In fact, I choose to go in administrative services and I am reading books. It might seem counterintuitive, but it has a way of working itself out. I think that everybody should have a schedule to read. It can be amazing. You can read whatever you feel at the moment. Sometimes it is a magazine, other times a novel, and sometimes you can even wind up reading a newspaper article. All of these help you to relax and enjoy life just a tiny bit more.

Dolly Yadav (Grade-8/A)

Achievements

AWS Young Builder’s Challenge by CBSE

We are proudly announcing that Aditanaan Bhagat (6th grade), Archi Ambani (7th grade), Devashree Deshpande (7th grade) , Kahan Jadav (7th grade), Manya Shah (8th grade) and Nirja Patel (8th grade) have successfully completed the AWS Young Builder’s Challenge organised by the CBSE for the learners of 6th through 12th. As part of the project, learners came up with solutions with the theme “How will AI change the future of the country”. They used an online platform called code.org on which they wrote codes and built their apps to solve problems in the fields of education, healthcare, agriculture and transportation. We congratulate them for having completed their projects.

Nitya Bajpai of grade 6th made GGS proud by scoring grade A1 in the National Level competition called Concours Roman Rolland 2021-22. Mentored by Ms Ripal Master, she scored an aggregate of ninety percent in the competition. The examination was held by Prayatna Educational Society, India in with Francaise de Rouen-Normandie, France. GGS congratulates her for her achievement.

Educator's Corner

Why Coding is important for kids?

Coding in this generation has become very important. Coding is the core of the technology. You cannot create if you don’t know how to code.

Coding is the process of using a programming language to get a computer to behave how you want it to. Coding is a skill where you take instructions and convert it into a language the computer understands. Coding allows us to create things such as computer software, websites, apps and video games.

I think advancing in learning the skill will prove to be more beneficial than thought not just for the kids or youth but also for the middle-aged or even older for that matter. I feel there is no harm in inculcating something in the foundation and to support that, kids should also learn to code.

There are so many reasons to learn to code. From problem-solving skills, job opportunities, critical thinking, and creativity, there are so many reasons to learn programming. Let’s review why kids should learn to code.

It activates their thinking ability. Computer programming brings the creative element out of every child. Because programming requires the use of logical thinking, children tend to think differently.

It builds problem-solving skills. Learning to code gives the children a chance to learn this skill in their growing age that will go a long way with them throughout their life.

Develops elasticity. Failing and then succeeding is the best way to learn. Children fail to do a certain task but their passion to succeed does not decrease. This teaches them to remain optimistic no matter what and that in the end you try, try and finally succeed.

Computer programming is the future. Indulging in something that has a bright future since the start will definitely help the kids to master it in their growing period and they don’t have to learn it later on for better career prospects.

A child expands their creativity when they learn how to code. Coding is important to learn because computer programming teaches children to experiment and gives them the confidence to be creative. They will have the chance to design something that is entirely their own.

Coding is learning while having fun. If you want to give your child something enjoyable to do which will also be educational and help them to learn, learning to code is the perfect gift.

I believe that changes are necessary with time and for the better of course. Accepting newer mediums and methods for a better future is harmless and who knows while trying to teach the kids something, you also fall in love with something unimagined!

By Chaitsi Desai (IT Educator)

Just a Teacher

I heard you say the other day,

“oh, you’re just a teacher anyway.

You laugh and play your day away.

You’re free at 3, and have your summers off.”

Yes, this is the thought when you think about teacher, but this profession is much more than leaving at 3 and getting the summers off. And especially in this pandemic we educators have our own ups and downs, from schools shifting online to offline and then to online again. We might be adapting to new schedules and different ways of teaching. On top of it all, we’re trying to keep up with the needs of our students, family, and our friends.

It’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed. You may need a reminder that practicing self-care is essential to your well-being, especially during times of uncertainty and transition. You may be looking for ideas on how to practice self-care — or how to find time to practice self-care.

So here are the five ideas for practicing self-care as you teach during the coronavirus pandemic.

1. Set and maintain boundaries.

Dealing with routine and schedule changes can be difficult. Working from home can blur the line between the start and end of a working day. Determine a schedule that takes into account start and end times, self-care practices, and breaks.

For example, when-then sentences can assist, set and hold boundaries. You would possibly write, “When it's 10 a.m., then I will take a five-minute break.” Post your when-then sentences close to your work station as a visible reminder of your self-care commitments.

2. Reflect on your needs and feelings.

It is important to recognize and name your emotions. If you notice new emotions, think a little.

Name your emotions and explain why you feel this way.

Think about what you may need now and in the future.

Make your time every day to do things that aren't tech-related. "You can take a walk, sit outside, read your favorite book, go hiking, exercise, meet your family and have fun."

3. Recognize what is under your control and what is not.

In a rapidly changing world and sudden changes in your teaching, it may seem that there are more questions than answers. This can lead to worry and anxiety. One way to get a perspective is to see what is under your control and what is not.

For example, you can learn different ways during distance learning and learn how to meet the needs of thinking students. One of the things you can control is the ability to screen students. One of the things you can't control is understanding when you can return to teaching students directly.

Allow yourself to be defenseless and say you don't know anything.

4. Recognize moments of gratitude and joy.

Look for moments of joy and connection and hold them. Write down a humorous moment, something that made you smile, or something that you are grateful for. You can write these moments in your diary or write them down on paper and post them near your workplace. You can also share these moments with your students and ask them to share their own.

Our students and families are going through a lot right now (as are all of us teachers!), and these moments of joy and connection can mean so much in the midst of such turmoil.

5. Use self-care routines throughout your day.

Starting and ending your day with self-care practices can be very helpful. For example, you might start your day with a guided meditation and end your day with exercise. However, it is important to find a small way to take care of yourself throughout the day. As a lunch break, consider trying this deep breathing exercise for your teacher.

Whatever self-care practice you choose, don't forget to practice it all day long. Stop thinking about your feelings when you are upset. Please be careful about self-talk. Can I talk to myself as much as I talk to my friends? When you are worried, remember what you have in your control.

At last, I want to conclude with

Your most precious asset just deserves a lot.

And being just a teacher, I am not.

I dare you to take a closer look,

Being just a teacher doesn’t come in a book;

It comes from the heart and it’s a passion you see.

So, being JUST a teacher is fine by me.

-Shivani Vaghasiya (Mother Teacher)

Parents' Corner

Becoming an ECO School

To have the sustainable lives of living organisms, Biodiversity is the most important feature of our planet. It deals with nature’s variety and the variabilities among the plants, animals, and microorganism species. Having knowledge of Biodiversity is the need of the hour to maintain the ecological system on the planet.

The activities being carried out in a school towards becoming an ECO school encourage the children towards knowing about the nature its benefits. Their participation through the campaigns and competitions will be taking them to protect the environment along their journey fostering the changes in the community at large.

With the technical advancement, we have to keep the wellness of the Environment in the mind before carrying out any projects irrespective of its size. So, the effective and collective involvement of the growing generation towards protecting the ecological system will bring a good impact on the environment globally.

- Dhanya's mother from 5-A

Think, Ask, Rise

Think, Ask, Rise....the tagline says it all...gajera global school provides ample opportunities to its learners and proves this tagline time and again. Here the child is not only taught to be academically inclined but it emphasizes on all round development of the child , be it. Sports, music, drama to name a few. Not only the management but the educators are proving it time and again that our learners are in safe hands. They have been really struggling hard to cope up with these difficult and unexpected times, not letting the future of the learner to take a backseat.

What really touches my heart is that the school is always open to all kinds of feedback from parents to improvise on their shortcomings. Its commendable that parents are made a part of schools family in every possible way. I am proud to be a gajerians parent in every possible way and know for sure that my child's future is in a very secure hands.

-Mira Ravin Patel (Mother of Kiaan Patel)

Good Reads

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin

4.32 avg rating — 44,139 ratings — published 2010

Don't miss the beloved Pete the Cat series' debut and bestselling book! Pete the Cat takes a stroll along the street, his brand-new white sneakers in hand. As he treads over piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other large messes, his shoes turn from white to red to blue to brown to WET! But Pete keeps moving and groovin' and singing his tune, no matter what colour his shoes are...because it's all good. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes interacts with the reader by asking questions about the colours of various foods and items. Download the free groovin' music to keep the party going.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

4.30 avg rating — 690,734 ratings — published 1960

In this Dr. Seuss Beginner Book, Sam-I-am asks, "Do you like green eggs and ham?" Do you want to live in a house or with a mouse? Do you want to go on a boat or with a goat? Is it better to be on a train or in a tree? Sam persists in his questioning. Dr. Seuss' popular favourite has earned its place as a children's classic with distinct characters and unique rhymes. The list of venues to eat green eggs and ham, as well as those with whom to share them, grows longer and longer in this most renowned of cumulative tales. Follow Sam-I-am as he claims that this unique snack is a wonderful snack that should be enjoyed anywhere and in any way. Beginner Books, designed by Dr. Seuss, enable youngsters to read independently by using simple words and drawings that provide hints to their meaning.

Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey

3.92 avg rating — 19,616 ratings — published 2020

Dav Pilkey, the creator and artist of the worldwide famous Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, has created a groundbreaking new graphic novel series. Li'l Petey, Flippy, and Molly teach twenty-one rowdy, humorous, and creative baby frogs to the art of comic production in Cat Kid Comic Club. Readers may see the development, missteps, and improvements that come with experience and persistence as the story unfolds with mishaps and laughter. Squid Kid and Katydid, Baby Frog Squad, Monster Cheese Sandwich, and Birds Flowers Trees: A Haiku Photo Comic are just a few of the mini-comics included as stories-within-stories, each done in a different style, incorporating humour and drama, prose and poetry, and illustrated in a variety of media, including acrylics, pastels, coloured pencils, felt-tip markers, clay, hand-made cardboard sculptures, photographs, pipe cleaners, construction paper collage As they dive into this new graphic book adventure from Dav Pilkey and his emotional, hilarious, and fantastic cast of characters in the Cat Kid Comic Club, readers of all ages will be inspired to create their own stories and unleash their own creativity.

Super Rooster Saves the Day by Maureen Wright

4.19 avg rating — 282 ratings — published 2020

Spy School (Spy School, #1) by Stuart Gibbs*

4.03 avg rating — 24,833 ratings — published 2012

Ralph the rooster has aspirations to be a superhero. The other farm animals, on the other hand, aren't so sure—except for Rosie the pig. Ralph's dearest friend and confidante, she believes in him. There aren't many opportunities for Ralph and Rosie to be superheroes and save the day while they're hanging out at the farm...until the farmer puts on the radio and the "Chicken Dance" song starts playing. POW-WOW! Ralph suddenly appears to possess superhuman abilities...or does he? Join Ralph and Rosie as they show how to be a true superhero by believing in yourself and being a nice friend. No, not at all. A case of mistaken identification has occurred, but that doesn't stop Ben from attempting to transform into a supercool covert spy who always gets the girl. And, after a series of humorous misadventures, Ben finds that he might possibly be a reasonably decent spy...if he can survive all of the assassination attempts!