PLANTATION DRIVE AT APS MATHURA

‘The greatest gift you can give to the environment is the gift of life through a plantation drive.’ Planting trees is an act that leaves an everlasting legacy for generations to come.

In the realm of APS Mathura, a momentous event unfolded with purpose and intent. The school, driven by its unwavering commitment to environmental consciousness, organized a plantation drive on 24^th May 2023. This initiative aimed to imbue students with an acute awareness of their responsibility towards nature and foster a sense of stewardship. Within the school premises, carefully selected areas were designated as sanctuaries for the planting of trees. Students from classes IX-XII actively engaged in this noble endeavor, demonstrating their dedication and resolve. Before the event, the students were imparted knowledge about the paramount importance of trees in upholding ecological equilibrium and combating the dire effects of climate change.

The commencement of the event was marked by an introductory address delivered by our esteemed Principal, Ms. Anju Malhotra. Her words reflected clarity, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.Saplings of various tree species, meticulously chosen to thrive harmoniously within the local climate and ecosystem, were provided to the students. With diligence and meticulousness, the participants undertook the task of planting these saplings. Adhering to established techniques, they skillfully dug holes, tenderly placed the saplings, and diligently filled the surrounding soil, ensuring the optimal conditions for their growth. The students were enlightened about the criticality of regular watering, the importance of mulching, and the imperative need to shield the nascent trees from external harm.

During this transformative event, the students were encouraged to embrace a sense of ownership over the planted saplings. They were inspired to nurture them with unwavering care and to monitor their development as they matured over time. Esteemed teachers graciously lent their expertise and support, guiding the students throughout the entire plantation drive. Their unwavering commitment created an atmosphere of learning and empowerment.

The event sparked meaningful conversations among the students, igniting a passion for sustainable practices and awakening a deep understanding of the role the new generation must play in safeguarding the environment for future generations. The event instilled the core values of conservation and environmental stewardship within the impressionable minds of the young learners. It served as an experiential lesson, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility towards the environment. By providing an immersive experience, this event played an instrumental role in shaping the minds of the students, empowering them to become guardians of nature and advocates for a sustainable future.

WORKSHOP ON NEP 2020

‘While academic excellence is important, the National Education Policy (NEP) also emphasizes the need to cultivate a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, focusing on the overall development of an individual, including their cognitive, social, emotional, and ethical capacities.’

Ms. Rita Joshi, Zonal President  AWWA, Strike 1, conducted a workshop  on  NEP 2020 at Tarapore Hall on 22 May, 2023, organized by APS Mathura.  To create awareness  about NEP 2020 was the main objective of the workshop.

After a formal welcome, Ms. Joshi started her session. The Resource Person  highlighted the importance of holistic and multidisciplinary education, with a focus on developing children’s skills in social, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. The significance of spiritual learning in shaping a child’s moral character was focused on. She enlightened the audience about division of education  into different levels i.e. preparatory, foundational, middle, and secondary levels.

Collaboration between government schools, teachers, and parents were recognized as  crucial factors for these  actively contribute to a child’s development. The workshop highlighted the role of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). It also outlined the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) for the year 2027, aiming to achieve fluency in literacy and numeracy.

The difference between evaluation and assessment was brought to the notice of the audience. The importance of 360-degree approach for evaluating students’ progress was brought to the notice. The concept of “bag less days” was also introduced  by her.  Additionally, the middle school was highlighted as a critical period for providing exposure for  coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and vocational skills. The workshop stressed on the teaching of 21st-century life skills and recognized the contributions of various agencies like LOK VIDYA, NISHTHA, and NIPUN Bharat in training both the students and teachers.

The Event was coordinated by Ms. Upma Bhargava . The session was  attended by the Principal, APS Mathura, the staff and the parents .The workshop provided valuable insights about  holistic education, fostering spiritual learning, and building strong partnerships between  the schools and the parents. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to actively contribute to the overall development and well-being of their children. The workshop  was highly insightful, enlightening and thought-provoking.

BOOK FAIR AT APS MATHURA

‘Books are the windows to imagination, and a book fair is a gateway to infinite possibilities.’ Book fair plays  a crucial role in imbibing  a reading culture among the students. It’s an opportunity for the students to explore different genres, authors, and ideas, fostering a love for reading.

APS Mathura had organized a Book Fair on 12^th and 13^th May 2023 for the students of classes  I-VIII. The book fair aimed to create awareness about the importance of reading and its impact on intellectual and personal development. It also provided an opportunity to the  teachers to actively engaged with the attendees by guiding them in the selection of  books selection.  It also  allowed the students to explore the stories behind the books, understand the writing process, and develop a deeper appreciation for literature.

The book fair had a significant impact on enriching the school library’s collection, adding valuable educational resources for the students. The  students  discovered  the joy of reading, expanding their knowledge and imagination. The  importance of intellectual and personal development through reading was emphasized through the Fair.

Overall, the Book Fair at APS Mathura Cantt successfully nurtured a love for books and encouraged lifelong learning among the students. It created an enriching and stimulating environment where students could explore the world of literature and embrace the countless opportunities that reading provides.

WORKSHOP ON NEP 2020

 ‘The NEP envisions an inclusive and equitable education system that promotes holistic development and prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.’ The Policy is a comprehensive framework introduced by the government of India to address the evolving needs of students. It also encourages multidisciplinary education, allowing students to choose from a wide range of subjects and fostering creativity and innovation.

On May 13th, 2023, APS Mathura hosted a workshop on NEP 2020 for teachers, organized by CBSE, in the Conference Hall. The workshop aimed to familiarize teachers with the transformative changes in the education system in India. The resource persons for the workshop were Mr. Charles Clarance, an educationist from Agra, and Dr. Sanjiv M Lyall, an experienced principal and advisor.

Mr. Charles Clarance, a former principal at Ragendra Swarup Public School and Dr. MPS World School, and now a freelancer and motivational speaker, provided insights into the NEP 2020. Dr. Sanjiv M Lyall, with 27 years of experience in education and currently working as an advisor and freelancer, also shared his expertise during the session.

During the workshop, the resource persons emphasized that the NEP 2020 aims to bring about significant changes in all levels of education in India. They highlighted the importance of access, equity, equality, affordability, and accountability as the pillars of the policy. The speakers stressed the need for a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, enabling learners to adapt to socio-cultural changes effectively. They specifically addressed the different stages of schooling, such as the Preparatory Stage, Middle Stage, and Foundational Stage, and discussed the pedagogical structure in NEP and the reformation of board exams.

The workshop included a Q&A session where educators had the opportunity to express their concerns and raise queries, which were effectively addressed by the resource persons. Mrs. Anju Malhotra, the Principal, APS Mathura highlighted that the NEP envisions a complete overhaul and re-energizing of the education system to deliver high-quality education with equity and inclusion.

The session was attended by around 70 teachers all over Mathura.Ms. Gudiya Sharma’s coordination ensured that the workshop proceeded smoothly, allowing participants to actively contribute and benefit from the valuable insights shared by the resource persons. Overall, the workshop proved to be a valuable and enjoyable experience for all involved, empowering teachers with the knowledge and inspiration to embrace the principles of NEP 2020 in their educational practices.

CALLIGRAPHY AND POSTER MAKING COMPETITION

A means of self-expression is provided by art forms that transcend language barriers. Powerful mediums like poster making and calligraphy are used to express ideas and share diverse perspectives.

The students of APS Mathura recently had the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and raise awareness through an Inter-House Calligraphy (I-V) and  Poster Making(VI-VIII)  Competition held on12th May 2023.

The aim of Calligraphy competition was to encourage the students to write neatly & present the content in a proper manner. The students exhibited their writing skills through different forms of calligraphic fonts. The assessment was done by a select panel of teachers on the basis of writing style, curves & patterns, legibility & beautification.

The theme of the Poster Making Competition focused on creating awareness among the students,  integrating art with healthy habits. The event aimed to foster the holistic development of the students and encourage their passion and confidence.  Participants from all the houses were given the task of designing posters that would convey important messages and ideas. The students drew inspiration from various sources to create their unique and creative posters.

Through their artwork, the students demonstrated their ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions visually when words fall short. The competition not only honed their artistic skills but also encouraged them to think critically and creatively about the topics they were addressing.

These events provided the participants, a platform to showcase their artistic talents and raise awareness on important issues and encouraged them to develop their artistic skills. Through the fusion of art and education, they  were able to experience the transformative power of creativity and develop into well-rounded individuals.

CHAT SESSION WITH THE PRINCIPAL 2023

An informal Chat Session with the Principal, Ms. Anju Malhotra,was organized  from 8th to 13th May 2023, for parents of students of classes I to VIII. The objective of the session was to provide a platform for parents to express their concerns, share suggestions, provide feedback, and contribute their expertise towards the positive growth of the students. The session aimed to cater  the diverse needs of the students in alignment with the principles of the NEP 2020.

During the session, the focus was on promoting Activity-Based Learning and reducing the burden of heavy school bags. Parents were informed about the significance and benefits of implementing bag-less days for students. The Principal, Ms. Anju Malhotra, emphasized on the importance of early parental intervention in addressing any behavioral issues or concerns regarding their children. Parents were encouraged to monitor and address any behavioral changes in their wards, fostering their holistic development. The ongoing assessment of day-to-day activities was also highlighted, ensuring parents were aware of the continuous evaluation process .

Parents were made aware of their roles and responsibilities as outlined in NEP 2020. They were encouraged to support and guide their children, becoming exemplary role models in times of moral dilemmas. Emotional support, such as praising their children’s hard work and providing advice when needed, was suggested as an essential aspect of parenting. The Principal, also stressed the importance of parental guidance during crucial phases of their child’s education.

The chat session provided a valuable opportunity for parents to interact with the Principal and connect with other parents. It served as a platform for them to actively contribute to the day-to-day activities of the students, aligning with the principles of NEP 2020. The school administration looks forward to the wholehearted support of parents in making the teaching and learning process a resounding success, following the guidelines set forth by NEP 2020.

MEDITATION SESSION

‘Meditation is the art of silencing the mind and awakening the divine within.’ It is the practice of finding stillness within, allowing the mind to settle and the heart to awaken. Through  meditation, we connect with our inner essence, discovering a profound sense of peace and clarity that transcends the noise of the outside world.

To introduce students to various relaxation techniques and rejuvenate their bodies and minds, APS Mathura organized a meditation session on May 10, 2023, for students of  classes I to VIII. The session was conducted by Ms. Pooja Verma, Mr. Alok Sharma, and Mr. Shrigopal Agrawal, who guided the students of different classes  at different  venues.

The session began by creating a calm and comfortable environment, where students were encouraged to sit in lotus pose. The facilitators provided instructions for relaxation, guiding the students to release tension and stress through deep breathing and non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and sensations. As part of the session, the Gayatri Mantra was chanted, invoking the blessings of the Almighty. The students then engaged in a series of yoga asanas, starting with warm-up exercises and stretches, followed by postures such as Padmasana, Sukhasana, Tadasana, Bhujangasana, and concluding with Shavasana.

The principal, Ms. Anju Malhotra, motivated the students and emphasized the significance of incorporating yoga as a daily practice beyond the session. She highlighted the refreshing, revitalizing, and relaxing benefits of the session, encouraging students to make yoga an integral part of their lives.

Overall, the meditation session provided students  a valuable opportunity to experience relaxation, physical rejuvenation, and mental tranquility, fostering their overall well-being and emphasizing the importance of holistic practices in their daily routines.

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

“God could not be everywhere, therefore he made mothers.” – Rudyard Kipling

Every year, International Mother’s Day is celebrated on 2^nd Sunday of May. It’s a  special occasion to honour and appreciate the remarkable women who have embraced the role of motherhood with love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. It is a time to express our  gratitude and celebrate the immeasurable impact mothers have on our lives.

To mark the importance of the day ,on  May 12th, 2023, APS Mathura organized  a special assembly on   Mother’s Day.  The assembly aimed to recognize the selflessness, devotion, and unconditional love of mothers worldwide. Students had been diligently preparing for weeks to showcase their heartfelt appreciation for their mothers through various performances.

The Mother’s Day Special Assembly commenced at 9:00 AM with an enthusiastic audience of students and teachers  gathered in the assembly ground. The event featured a diverse range of performances, including speeches, poetry recitations, and musical acts, all dedicated to express their gratitude and admiration for mothers.

The  Event  was a resounding success as it conveyed the message that mothers are an indispensable pillar of support, providing constant love and care to their children. The students demonstrated their deep appreciation for the selfless devotion of their mothers through their performances.It was  a powerful reminder to cherish and honor mothers not just on Mother’s Day but every day.

COUNSELLING SESSION ON TIME MANAGEMENT

“Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present,” as  said by Alice Morse Earle, highlights the importance of valuing each day as it comes. Every day provides us an opportunity to make choices that can have an ardent effect on our future. Learning to make the most of today is crucial as it helps us to understand the importance of time management, prioritize our tasks and achieve our goals effectively. 

 On 10^th May 2023, APS Mathura organized a counseling session on Time Management for the students  at Tarapore Hall. Honourable  Maj. Gen. Anand Saxena spared his valuable time for this cause. The Resource Person was welcomed by the Chairman, Brig. PS Sidhu,VSM, the Principal  and Vice Principal of the school.

The Principal , Ms. Anju  Malhotra gave a detailed introduction of Maj. Gen. Anand Saxena. Sir  is an Educationist. He holds three different degrees – M.Sc., MA(Philosophy) and Master of Management Studies He has joined the  Indian Army in 1988 and served various terrains in command and staff during his tenure. He is also a You Tuber and a Writer. He has written four books and his fourth book ‘Bulls Eye- Balancing the Wheel of Life ‘has been published in April 2023. Sir has also been an active participant in Lit-Fest & Seminars.

Following the formal introduction, our esteemed guest shared his invaluable insights. He imparted his wisdom by sharing six mantras of Time Life Management, which left a lasting impression on the audience. He drew attention to the fact that  between 18-60 years ,a person  has only 15,000  days in his life, emphasizing the importance of making every day count. He also inspired the students to realize their true potential. The workshop shed light on the harmful effects of mental garbage that social media can have on young minds. The speaker emphasized how social media can create unrealistic expectations, cause stress and anxiety and have a negative impact  on self-esteem. He discussed the importance of being mindful of the content we consume on social media and how it can influence our thoughts and behaviour. The session imparted valuable lessons on perseverance, passion, and self-improvement and the five habits to adopt for a successful life. Our reverend guest also shared Warren Buffet’s 5/25 rule and elaborated on the three rules of willpower. The session culminated with a powerful message that “today is the most important day of your life” and urged everyone to make it count. Our guest’s anecdotes and relatable examples left the audience in awe. He concluded the session by satisfactorily addressing the queries of the students and teachers.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Dr. Shalini Sharma, the Vice Principal of the school. The session was attended by Mrs. Deepika Saxena, Mrs. Daisy Sidhu , the students and staff of APS Mathura .Different APSs also joined the session through virtual platform. The session was thought- provoking and served as a reminder that time is a precious resource that should be used wisely. The audience was left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the significance of managing their time efficiently. The guest’s words resonated with the audience, motivating them to take action towards achieving their goals and aspirations. . By learning to value today, students will be well equipped to live a purposeful and fulfilling life.

APPLAUDING THE WORKFORCE

“No work is insignificant. All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” – Martin Luther King

To applaud the workforce, APS Mathura celebrated the  Labour’s Day on 1^st May 2023. The morning assembly organized by Hoshiyar House encompassed the spirit of Labour Day by raising awareness about the history, significance, and challenges faced by workers. The students emphasized fair wages, safe work environments and  workers’ rights, highlighting the need for a dignified and equitable working environment. The inclusion of a poem recitation helped to create a sense of appreciation and empathy among the audience. A quiz on the history and importance of Labour Day allowed the students to showcase their knowledge and understanding of the topic.  The Doll making and Essay writing Competitions held in the school on the same day engaged the students and provided them the opportunities to express their creativity and thoughts on the subject.

Overall, the  Labour Day Celebration  effectively conveyed the message of appreciation for workers and their contributions. It created an environment of awareness and empathy among the students, promoting a culture of respect and dignity for all types of labour.

WORKSHOP ON DESIGN THINKING,APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING & LEARNING

“ Design Thinking is a mindset, not a toolkit or a series of steps.” Design is not what it looks like and feels like. It is how it works. While Appreciative Inquiry(AI) is a strength-based, positive approach to leadership development and organizational change. It  helps people move toward a shared vision for the future by engaging others in strategic innovation. In NEP 2020, they are given equal importance.

To introduce the educators with a new approach in the field of education , APS Mathura hosted a workshop which was conducted by Amrita Viswa Vidypeetham on 29^th April 2023 in the Conference Hall. The topics were, ‘Design Thinking, Appreciative Inquiry and Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning’. The Resource team included Mr. Shaurya Katappa, who is an astute professional, a Group Process Facilitator. He is a creative leader with a commitment to collaboration, a Persuasive Communicator and decisive Team Leader. He is also a dedicated and personable with extensive training in conflict-resolution techniques and positive organizational culture development.Dr. Gaurav Yadav ,another resource person, is an International Award Winner, Quizmaster, Founder & CEO, EduAce Services and  an Entrepreneur. He has recently been selected by the Economic Times Group(ET NOW) under its series ‘LEADERS of Tomorrow’ for his demonstrated work in the field of school education where he is following his passion of quizzing and developing what he popularly calls as the ‘Smartness Quotient’ among school students.

The Resource team was formally welcomed by the Offg. CCA In charge, Ms. Poonam Arora. After that, Mr. Shaurya Katappa started the session. The audience was asked about their perspective of Design Thinking. Different definitions were shown through PPT presentation just to make them ponder on the right perspective. The participants were enlightened about four attributes of Design Thinking. Use of Design Thinking (DT) in education was elaborated on. The spectators were re-educated about Bloom’s Taxonomy. Thereafter, Appreciative Inquiry was correlated to Design Thinking. The gathering was compelled to re-define AI and DT. Different principles of Appreciative Inquiry- Wholeness Principle, Enactment Principle and Free Choice Principle was elaborated on. A detailed description of 4-D model of positive change was also discussed. Flexibility and adaptability were emphasized in implementing these approaches, as they may require a different mindset and culture than traditional teaching methods. Both teachers and students can benefit from learning about and practicing these approaches, as they can lead to a more engaging, relevant, and empowering learning experience. The workshop highlighted the potential for these approaches to transform teaching and learning, emphasizing the need for ongoing learning and experimentation to continue to improve and innovate.

Dr. Gaurav Yadav laid emphasis on the Assessment and Evaluation, Data and Education, AI in Education and Coding and Critical Thinking Skills. The assessment, its types (Formative, Summative) were explained. Furthemore, he also explained Educational Data, its sources and its objectives. In Analyzing Data, Personalized Learning i.e individual feedback, early intervention i.e. questioning in the beginning, resource allocation, program evaluation and predictive analysis etc. The next thing was AO in Education in which personalized learning, intelligent tutoring system, virtual learning, educational content creation, language learning etc. The next topic was the MATHia Platform in which personalized, interactive, real time feedback. The Resource Person emphasized on the three things which were-Engage, Develop and Demonstrate. The main idea behind it was- ‘A picture is worth a Thousand Words.’  A Trip to the Moon – on Ratio was the next point emphasized by the resource person. He also suggested some AI Tools for Students’ Assessment like- Gradescope and Turnitin.

Overall, the workshop on Design Thinking, Appreciative Inquiry, and the use of technology in Teaching and Learning provided attendees with practical and innovative strategies for improving education. Attendees were encouraged to create a supportive learning environment, involve stakeholders in the problem-solving process, and balance the use of technology with other teaching methods. By adopting these approaches, educators can create more engaging and empowering learning experiences for their students. It was interactive, informative and full of innovative ideas. The takeaway from the workshop was ‘be the change you want to see’.

INTER-HOUSE BADMINTON TOURNAMENT AT APS MATHURA

The Inter-House Badminton Tournament was held in APS Mathura on 21 April 2023.The matches were held in two different categories. Category 1 was for the students of VI-VIII and category 2 for the students of IX-XII. The players from different houses participated with zeal and exuberance. The level of perfection exhibited by the participants clearly showed that the rigorous practice sessions undertaken by the students. They gave their best shots. The results were as follows:

Category 1(VI- VIII)

 Boy’s category:

I.  Arun House

II. Sarojini Naidu House

III. . Hoshiyar House

 Girl’s category:

 I. Hoshiyar House

II. Arun House

III. ArunHouse.

Category 2 (IX-XII)

 Boy’s category:

I. Sarojini Naidu House

II.  Rani Laxmi Bai House

III. Arun  House

 Girl’s category:

 I. Arun House

II. Rani Laxmi Bai House

III. Hoshiyar House.

The event was a great success as exuberance could be seen in participants as well as the crowd. The office bearers also managed the entire event well, and it was an inspiring sight for the audience.