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Std XI & XII is the phase in which students are interested in exploring the various opportunities for their future career. The steady rhythm of Std I to X is over and now the students (& parents) start looking out for newer options for a good career- they long to reach out to the various upcoming fields/dimensions for better success in the current market. Instead of limiting the options to the conventional stream/options, we understand that this is the right time to get introduced to the emerging opportunities on national or international level as well. It is this very thought which gave rise to the idea of providing students insight into various future opportunities with the help of experts/professionals in the respective fields.

The much awaited Career Counseling Session on career opportunities in Japan, held on Friday, dt. 6^th November 2017 was a great start for the Career Counseling planned for our students of Std. XI & XII.

Dr. Vipin Deo from Shizuoka University, Japan conducted a very informative session about the career opportunities offered under the ABP (Asia Bridge Program)sponsored by the Japanese Government in an endeavor to open new pathways of higher education in Japan, for deserving students from India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. He was accompanied by Mr. Ulhas Acharya, Director, CEO, Sun and Sands Info Pvt. Ltd.

He not only presented a vivid picture of the Shizoaka University and the Japanese culture & lifestyle but also briefed about the various facilities available for the students, once they are accepted as scholars under this program. Dr. Deo presented the entire admission schedule (ABP) for the current year including the important dates for the entrance exam etc. He also distributed the brochures and admission schedule copies to the students. Mr. Acharya assured the students about the security of students in Japan. He expressed confidence in the Japanese security system especially regarding the safety issues of girl-students.

We shared the enthusiasm of the students as they asked questions and got their queries resolved. We felt the message had definitely reached the students when many of them stayed back even after the session to interact with the guests.

So, here’s to a great start for the bright future of our children!!…- until the next session, keep yourselves tuned in…

Gokul Ashtami was an occasion of fun and frolic, an absolutely exhilarating time for all the dancing and frolicking young Govindas of Std I & II as well as the little ones from the Pre-primary section!
The teachers charmed the children with the stories of the fun-loving Lord Krishna. ‘As Lord Krishna was born on Janmashtami Day in the month of Shravan at midnight, this day is celebrated all over India with much festivity. The devotees observe fasting and pay their obeisance to Lord Krishna.’ They told the kids, as they listened in rapture.

The upbeat mood for the Dahi Handi Celebration was all set by feet tapping songs and the festive wear in which the young students were decked up!
In accordance to the custom, when the students made a huge circle by holding their hands and sang with their teachers, the fun had merely begun. Just as Lord Krishna and his poor cowherd friends loved milk, curd and butter kept in high hung ‘Handis’, three beautifully decorated ‘Handis’ were hung in the Kg Sports Area. And weren’t the little prancing ‘Gwalas’ all too thrilled to break these ‘Handis’ with the help of the school staff!! Not only did they dance and sing to the tune with their teachers but also enjoyed the ‘Prasad’ later consisting of puffed rice and sugar burst.
As the child Krishna enjoyed the dance with his friends, our little children also danced joyfully to their heart’s content as they cheerily said, ‘Govinda Ala re Ala’!

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Pornima was celebrated in its true spirit by our students of Primary Section. Not only did the young students enjoy making lovely Rakhis for our City Rakshaks- The Soldiers, the Police & the Fire Fighters but also wrote letters full of heartfelt thanks and adoration for them.
Every civilian is indebted to our Indian soldiers who sacrifice their personal comforts for our well being and security. As an acknowledgement to their loyalty, duty, personal courage, selfless service, integrity and honor, colorful Rakhis made by std IV and V as well as the letters written by Std. IV to VII were sent by post to our national heroes- the Indian Soldiers!

On the day of Rakhi Pornima, all the children from Std I, II, III, along with their teachers visited the Police Station at Warje. The cheer and encouragement by the Police Staff was very heartwarming and our young ambassadors responded enthusiastically. As a token of respect and affection towards these persons who protect the civilians through thick and thin, the little ones tied Rakhis and gave them the letters of thanks they had written for the ocassion!

Police Inspector, Mr Bajirao Muley appreciated this gesture and engaged with everyone in a friendly interaction. He pointed out the drawbacks in studying only theory or bookish knowledge and expressed the importance of developing practical approach towards life through direct learning. Mr. Muley said that such student visits were a welcome approach towards understanding the facts in life. He added that even if English is a language in demand and a popular medium of education nowadays, the children should also be well versed in their mother tongue.

The Rakhi Celebration continued in great rejoicing at the Fire Station at Erandwane. Mr. Kamble and his team caught the attention of all the young minds as they started demonstrating various fire extinguishers used for extinguishing different types of fire and also the equipments used for the different types of rescue operations. They also shared vital information regarding safety measures with all. Their thrilling demonstrations were complimented by the excited expressions in the kids’ eyes. The celebration reached a special moment when the students tied Rakhis and gave the Bravehearts, their letters of thanks!

These festive moments were the best Rakhi gifts one could think of having as all bonded over the delicate silk thread of affection and appreciation!!

The Independence Day has a special place in the heart of every Indian. Not only does it symbolize the celebration of 70 years of Freedom but also extends an emphatic message of the progressive future of our country.

The 71^st Independence Day of our motherland, India was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor at the Basketball Ground in the school premises. The national flag was hoisted by the Chief Guest and PTA Vice Chairperson Mrs Archana Patil. Our Director, Anvit Sir and Principal Radhika Madam along with all the office bearers were present on the occasion.

Standing in attention, students of Std VI to XII as well as the entire staff and the parents present, paid their respect to the tricolor and sang the national anthem in one voice.

In accordance to the present challenges faced by our country and to redeem the glory of our motherland, the students pledged to work towards a responsible tomorrow. They pledged to free India from poverty, dirt, corruption, casteism & communalism; and to create a new India!

Some student representatives viz. Parth Patki, Amogh Phadke, Anurag Pendse and Akash Gokhale presented speeches in which they addressed some common issues which we face in our day-to-day life and the hurdles we need to overcome for the India of our dreams! The students referred to environmental hazards due to overuse of resources like Water, Electricity Food etc. They also suggested the ways in which we can counter these issues and lead our country towards sustainable development.

“Our school has taken many efforts in environment conservation like STP (Sewage Treatment Plants) and also, the Organic Garden now has come a long way since the start of the activity” Anurag and Parth mentioned with pride in their voices. Akash emphasized on the need to take care of hygiene and of avoiding littering around. ‘Food wastage can be controlled by cooking and serving strictly as per the requirement, also the excess food can be donated to the needy and the spoilt food can be deposited in the compost bins’, suggested Amogh, one of the student representatives. The progressive message given by these students was heartily reciprocated by the children in the audience through their spontaneous clapping.

The thought provoking speeches were followed by an equally amazing song ‘Jagat sare’ by the school choir of students from Std III to X. The choir also presented the heartwarming patriotic song ‘E Watan, E Watan..’
The programme concluded with the distribution of cakes to commemorate this joyous occasion.

KG Section

The Independence Day celebration for kindergarten to 2^nd Std. was held on Friday, 11^th of August 2017.

The children were educated by explaining that the Independence Day of our country is celebrated on 15th of August of every year because India became a free and independent nation on 15^th August 1947. The teacher explained the importance of Independence Day to the children and also explained the struggle for freedom.
The children were all ears when they were told stories about how our great leaders fought and won our freedom from the British rule. They were also told stories of the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and how he led the freedom struggle by conducting various non-violence movements and how his philosophy inspired Indians across the nation to fight for the freedom in their own states.

The teacher educated the children by telling that Independence Day is celebrated every year across the nation and as a patriotic celebration, the present Prime-minister of our nation will hoist the national flag at Red Fort, located in New Delhi; after which he will address the people of this nation with his Independence Day speech.
Children also received information about the national symbols such as national flag, national anthem, national emblem and the three sections of our Indian army and how they protect us from enemies.

Kg. Section entrance was decorated with pictures of freedom fighters and great INDIAN HEROES like like Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and great INDIAN HEROES like SACHIN TENDULKAR, KALPANA CHAWALA, APJ ABDUL KALAM, SHIVAJI MAHARAJ ETC. Along with the eighth Wonder of the World, our india’s beauty and pride Taj Mahal. Classes were decorated with tri colour smiles and some craft activities were taken in the class. The little ones poured out their hearts when they sang to the tune of patriotic songs like ‘Nanha Munha Rahi Hu’ and ‘Baalveer Mi Bhartiya Sainik’!

Sr. KG made an exciting trip to the Corneaa Cotton Shirt Factory based in Kothrud. A class at a time rode merrily on a bus, sang songs and did a city tour too on the way.

The kids entered factory through the cutting area. The tailor master demonstrated how to put the materials in layers on the cutting table, how to make markings using a pattern and then to cut the layered material. The children also saw how different machines are used to cut material with more or less layers.

In the interiors canvas was stuck to collars and cuffs and then fused. In the stitching area the shirts were being stitched using sewing machines and then the kids moved to the finishing area where the room was bustling with activities like adding the finishing stiches, buttons, sorting of shirts by sizes, attaching the labels, ironing the shirts, adding foam in between and the final wrapping. The kids were very excited to see the finished product at the end.

It was a treat for the children to watch the skilled workers working on a simple looking piece of cloth to transform it into a smart shirt. Now they knew everything about how their dad’s shirt was made from scratch!

The spectacular journey of the girls’ volleyball team from Z.P. to nationals and the experience of organizing and coaching the National camp in the school made us think of organizing the 1st ‘Late Dr. Sudheer Phatak & Mrs Vaidehi Phatak Memorial U/12 VolleyBall Tournament’ For Boys & Girls.

This tournament was held over the last weekend of February with a great response of around 22 teams of boys and 16 teams of girls participating in the tournament. These included teams from Saswad, Ahmednagar and Baramati too.

The opening ceremony of the tournament was graced with the presence of our Director Mr Anvit Phatak, Mr. Yogesh Deshmukh – Mandar Developers, Mr. Shyam Palsule – Poona District Volleyball Vice President, Mr. Akshay Tavare – NIS coach, Mr. Umesh Zagade – PWD Engineer, Beed District and Ms. Zeenal Zala – National player.

The tournament was played by League cum knock out basis. The results for tournament are as follows:

GIRLS: The top two teams – Millennium team A and B won us the 1st and the 2nd place, that too in a close match between them with the scores: 25 – 23 and 25 – 22. The team from Saswad secured the 3rd place.
BOYS: Atmamalik school played really well, deserved the gold while defeating Millennium boys in a close fight with scores: 25 – 23, 25 – 22. Millennium boys who were the runners-up displayed a good performance in the earlier matches too winning against the strongest team from Maharashtra – Pride English School. Shivaji English Medium School secured the 3rd place.

Congratulations to the managing committee and the coaches for planning, organizing, co-ordinating and implementing a huge event.

The KG kitchen seems to always be busy with the plethora of activities going on. The month of February was no exception.
Nursery children learnt how to pick and clean the spinach from the given bundle. The children learnt that they have to break the stem in order to get only the fresh-green leaves. Similarly, the next show-and-learn activity done was peeling the green peas. The teacher demonstrated how to peel the green peas and the kids did the same. Using their nimble fingers the kids peeled the green peas very quickly, took the peas out of the pods and kept them in a bowl making a visible effort to not drop any on the ground.

It was juice time for the Junior kids as they learnt to extract the juice from mosambis. The tables were ready with mosambis cut into halves and a manual juicer, over which the kids precisely placed the half and pressed it with all their strength to get the juice out. Many kids were surprised at the revelation of the strength they require to get the juice out. They questioned the teacher about the need of the sieve-type filter and after seeing the juice in the flask and seeds and pulp stuck in the filter, they got their answer. They collected the juice in a single bowl, added sugar to the juice and mixed it well. After getting their share of the juice in a glass, they gulped it down. Wiping their lips off, they said “yummy”

These activities not only develop the finer motor skills but make them aware that each thing has various properties attributed to it, like its type, colour, shape and uses. Through short discussions and some examples the teacher got this information out from the students.

The school held its greatest annual function, the Gathering for Pre-primary section and standards 4 to 9 and 11 during mid-February. It’s an event held every year, but this year was different as it had many faces. The pre-primary and the higher standards performed in different sessions. The higher standards worked in groups to showcase the two mega-dramas – “Marathi Bana” and “Ganyachi Goshta”.

Cute little anchors, who were also dancing on the same dance number, introduced every item from the pre-primary section– each of which was based on the theme “vacation”. The dance numbers, choreographed by the teachers, and executed by the tiny l’il kids draped in splendid costumes were all super-hit. The kids decide to burn all their bad habits and start afresh with good habits through “Havan Karenge”. “You only live once” spirit of “Venga Bus”, the “Girlpower” Spirit of “Badal pe pav” and the sizzling portrayal of “Selfie le le re” were in keeping with today’s trends and tomorrow’s dreams.

“Ganyachi Goshta” which was the story of the songs which was indeed a novel concept with the perfect drama-dance combination. With this theme we also introduced the live dialogue delivery from the stage. The dramas portrayed stories in different parts of the country, conveying some social messages. The rain dance in “Ghanana Ghana”, the sword dance in “Azeem-o-shan” and the light dance of “Om Namoji” were stellar performances that appealed to the senses. The trendy and catchy “Fulpakharu” and “Duniya ka nara” were breathtaking! Truly International, it had everything from “Rang de Basanti” to the classic moves of Michael Jackson to the arresting performance of Spanish “Senorita”. It was indeed a very pure transition from the old to the new, from the basic to the classic!

“Marathi Bana” left no stone unturned in depicting the land of Maharashtra. Dahi handi, Ganpati, Gondhal, Diwali something that the audience never tires of re-living. The pledge taken in “Freedom” was very original, powerful and interesting. “Koli Song” took us to a whole new world of coastal Maharashtra. The innocent and playful spirit of “Mangalagaur” brought a nostalgic smile to all faces. When Shivaji entered in a procession with the live rhythms of dhol-tasha the audience roared with joy. The shows got gentler on the senses with more power and impact.
The gathering also included a session for the big kids from standard 9 and 11, who left everyone awe-struck with their mesmerizing moves on the Bollywood-hits.

What’s important is the fact that everybody was really happy being there in full masti. Hats-off to the Millennium team for such an awesome presentation. Not to forget the hundreds of hours put in to planning, organizing and managing such a mega event. Kudos to the team and the children!

In the last few years, we’ve had great results in individual games like Badminton, Table Tennis, Skating, Gymnastics and Rope Mallakhamb. Also, we’ve had great results in team games like Basketball, Volleyball and Kho-Kho.

Our success filled us with hope about our Football teams too. True enough, recently our U12 Girls teams got 1st place in Indira National School Invitational Football Tournament.

We got bye in first round , we played second match which was semifinal against host Indira National School & we won by 3-2 in penalty shootout.

In the final round we played against Indira National School ‘B’ team 7 and won that match by 1-0.
All the girls had a very good experience with their very first tournament.
Congratulations Girls and all the Coaches!

About 50 students of standard 9 volunteered to participate in the ‘Plastic Waste Free Environment’, an initiative by the Government of India and PMC. This initiative was brought in practice in Pune city with the help of school and college students. PMC provided the kits consisting of hand gloves, masks, caps and cloth bags for collection of the waste.

Before starting for the campaign, the student saw a video on Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan and took an oath of spending 2 hours per week cleaning the surroundings. Principal, Mrs. Radhika Vaidya congratulated all the students for participating in the mission and also wished for everyone’s safety.

The students accompanied by teachers, worked in groups for a couple of hours to clean the surroundings in the vicinity of the school and in the process they also inspired some locals around them.
This is what some of the students had to say “If we spoil nature, nature will spoil us! If you do not wish to clean the city, at least do not litter it.”