The end of the
semester always comes upon a school with a breathless rush. In reviewing and
reflecting, everyone in the school whether students or staff can look back with
a sense of happiness at all that has been accomplished. While the list of what
needs to be done next grows alongside, this is a time for giving and I am happy
to reflect on time, effort, money which are donated so generously by so many.
Giving Initiative
The upcoming
weekend sees a wonderful initiative by students of Form 9 & 10 to the
village of Hazipur. In collaboration with the Eyecare Hospital they have
arranged for doctors to run an eye camp with testing of villagers and follow up
treatment recommendations. There is a special focus on hygiene with a nukkad
natak performed by the students. A new library is being inaugurated equipped
with books donated by students.
On Wednesday
16th we have our annual Day of Sharing which focuses on the contributions and
talents of the support staff. There is a
talent show of support staff members with our children as audience. This is
designed to create a connection between students and these vital members of our
school community.
The Christmas
Carnival on Thursday 17th is a labour of love by parents and students. All the
food is home cooked and all parents are invited, so I do hope to see you there.
There are games stalls run by students, a
raffle and a special auction of the
dresses of Belle from the Founders Day performance of Beauty and the Beast. All
proceeds go to the Sai Bal Sansar & Indira Public school. I would like to
take this opportunity to give enormous thanks to all those parents who have
been working so hard to make this event successful.
Day on Wheels
Primary school
students have responded enthusiastically to the Day on Wheels. Dozens of
bicycles, scooters, skates and roller blades have been brought in. The walkways
were converted to wheel zones with one-way systems. A fringe benefit of this is
that children are learning early, the benefits of lane driving, keeping to the
left and learning road sense. It is a skill they will use for the rest of their
lives.
Student Led Conferences
Across the
school from Form 3 – 9, students have been sharing their learning progress and
goals with parents. It involves reflection, careful planning and some tension.
It is always surprising to see how nervous students are as they plan what to
share with their parents. The learning process is invaluable because the most
effective way of students improving is when they identify their own areas of
development – more effective than being told what to do by adults. Thank you to all the parents who so
enthusiastically gave your time, listened patiently, supported and sometimes
challenged your child. It leads to a lifelong learning.
Student Council
Ten days of lead
up, campaigning, posters, speeches and politicking culminated in the secondary
school student council elections. Between the elected and the nominated
positions, I am happy to report that we have a very good council in place who
will I am sure, take up the baton of leadership. It is an important feature of
the culture of Pathways to encourage student leadership and voice and the year
ahead promises to be interesting.
School Council President Karan Pandanda
Student Council 2016-17
And finally….
All good wishes
to all of you for the festive season. I
hope you have a happy and safe family time together. We look forward to seeing
all our students back in school on 14th January. Please note that presence on this day is an
expectation of all children. If for an exceptional and unavoidable reason your
child will not be in school on that day, leave must be applied for from the
Principal.
As always, for
the month of January, school will begin at 9.30 am.
Dr. Shalini
Advani
School
Director
