udgam matters january 2015

Please send your writings and drawings to [email protected]

In a nutshell let me conclude on the reason behind our success: Innovation is in our tradition, Adaptation is our culture, Continuous improvement is our custom and Education is our passion.

Let’s get together and build a school and a country which exceeds the expectations of all the participants!

UDGAM MATTERS

NEW VISTAS…NEW GOALS

January 2015 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 8

50 years is quite a long period. Especially for a school which has spent most of those years in being one of the top 10 schools in the city. To survive 50 years is a feat in itself, however to thrive and climb the pecking-order is nothing short of a miracle. I thank the teachers, parents, students, alumni, trustees, staff and Ahmedabad city as a whole for the contribution in this wonderful achievement. So what is the secret recipe of Udgam which has made Udgam survive and thrive? In one word: Innovation. Udgam School is probably the only school which has changed location and educational board. Seemingly insignificant innovations like worksheets, timing of the school and use of technology has compounded into a journey of the best getting better. Innovation would not have succeeded without the ability to adapt. So the school not only finds ways to solve a problem, but also implements them. Complacency is frowned upon in the school and continuous improvement is encouraged. Take for instance the celebration of Republic Day at the school. Over a 3 year period the middle school section has drastically improved the event from merely a formality to show patriotism to an educative and entertaining event. This year I was amazed at the progress the school has made in merely 1 year. It was not just the quality of each performer which impressed me, but also the plan of the event and the guest speaker. It is a classic example

on how we can improve the overall experience of the participants and the audience by searching for avenues of improvement. Going about the school corridors we find the walls are getting painted and smoothened. We received a feedback from the resident doctor that the rough wall was causing injuries in children. This led to a search of viable options in resolving this problem and today we have got a feedback from the doctor that the cases of injuries have reduced. This is another example of how we can innovate, adapt and continuously improve. I have been an avid user of emails and I promote it often as I find it convenient and effective. About 5 years ago I decided that each teacher should have an email address on Udgam School domain. Today I am happy to say that not only teachers but any employee of the school who draws salary above a certain level has an email address. I have also taken steps to ensure that they check their emails regularly and respond if required. This might seem very rudimentary in a software company however in a school scenario I am thankful to the adaptability of each member to make it possible.

Mr. Manan ChoksiEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A Note from the editor50 years and growing younger everyday, yes that is Udgam School for Children! On January 4th, 2015 we completed our Golden Jubilee. The spirit of Udgam is ever-growing, indomitable and unparalleled. I am proud to present the Golden issue. The cover article by our Executive Director reveals Udgam’s anti-ageing secrets. Memoirs of seniors like Radhika Ma’am, Pratima Ma’am and Villoo Ma’am give an insight to how the Udgam culture developed over the years.This issue of the newsletter tries to capture the fact that teachers miss their students more than they express when they leave school for wider pastures. With a lot of hope they release the tenderly nurtured souls to the real world. Of course the students look back with fondness on the days spent in their alma mater as Shaurya has penned down. The attack in Peshawar School was a heinous act of terrorism which made our students react with disbelief and this is reflected in Dishen’s writing. Nishi has projected well the trust we have in our parents and Raghav has given us a true picture of the mayhem when mother goes on a strike. Advika has written her view about the importance of good manners while Tanya makes us laugh with her nonsense poem. Ansh is just making a foray in writing, ably encouraged by his teachers and parents. We offer you a glimpse into our well stocked school library and a peek into the activities planned for April in Udgam Proactivity Club. Soon the students of Class X and XII will be writing their board exams. It is a testing time for them as well as the school which has nurtured and taught them over the years. We wish them the very best for their exams. As always we are confident that our students willdo their best and make us proud.

We really appreciate your feedback.Please write to us on [email protected]

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Mrs. Sagarika SahanaCOnTEnT ManagER

A Golden EraAdieu Dear Students!Hindi Article Gujarati PoemEnglish PoemResearch Reveals

Book Mark ThisHustle Bustle Glimpses Of Activities Media Buzz Preschool In Action Creativity Thrills

Fun Zone

Before And After School

Enrichment Programs

In April 2015

Make A Note

WhAt’s iNside

‘Age cannot wither her, not custom stale her infinite variety,’ so said Shakespeare. I may say the same about Udgam. For fifty years, Udgam has been associated with quality education, discipline and values, personal attention to students and a homely atmosphere. The swelling crowd on the premises is an evidence of its reputation and popularity among teachers and students and parents alike. The founders of the school had lofty ideals before them and they lived up to them. They rightly named the school ‘Udgam’ which means the source and also the best. Over the years, the school has evolved and progressed, keeping in pace with the changing times and needs. Udgam has made a fine combination of tradition and innovation, experience and freshness, and human power and technology. The school is fortunate to have experienced staff; and the culture and values are handed down each passing year to the freshers, thus keeping them alive.In our journey we have lost some precious souls. My humble tributes to all of them! But the journey of Udgam will continue for years and years. Personally, the journey has been enriching and rewarding too! I remember the day I walked into the premises of the old school and asked the Principal whether I could get a job there. Sarojben offered me the job of a helper to correct class 9 English note-books. From a helper to a primary teacher, to a secondary teacher, to a senior secondary teacher and Principal! What more can I ask for? I wish Udgam and all Udgamites a Happy Golden Year!

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A GoLdeN erA

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”I have been a part of Udgam School close to five decades now. I was fortunate to be trained under the aegis of Sarojben, the founder of our school. Her untiring attitude added to the teachers’ energy and we were inspired to work harder. She would often go out of her way to offer help with our personal problems too. We were in a small building then where every inch of the premises was used. During this time many new projects were introduced. Among them one I would like to point out is canteen run by children under the able guidance of teachers. This made them self-reliant. I remember the Funfairs we used to enjoy, students and teachers alike. Even now we have a variety of projects that are child-centred and fun. Udgam has grown in all ways but the core remains unchanged. The main quality of our school is the child-oriented attitude where parents feel equally involved for the overall development of the child. The personal attention we pay to children and the inter-personal relationship we share is unique. This gratitude carries on over the years. Even our teachers have been with us for a long time and those who join become an inherent part of Udgam. We provide a very comfortable ambience which is valued by all.Today I also remember the people who are not with us but who have helped to shape Udgam, this includes teachers, ayahs and other associates. I wish the Udgam family a marvellous golden year!

Ms. Radhika IyerPRInCIPal

Ms. Pratima PatellDIRECTOR PRIMaRy SChOOl

Mrs. Villoo ParikhhEaD Of PRESChOOl

“Our School completes 50 golden years, out of which I am fortunate enough to have shared 40 such years.”When I joined, our school was preparing children for class XI and the new class X examinations. We had very few students and it felt more homely or like home. We knew all the students by their names and so also their parents. I was just starting out in my career and was a class teacher in the Senior Group. I was always singing, dancing, jumping and running around with my children. I also used to give nick names to some of them like rabbiti, bhusu, jaadi etc. and they loved being called by those names. Ofcourse, Sarojben did not approve of the same, as she thought it was insulting for the child. But these children would draw my attention whenever- wherever and ask to be called by their special name.Also we personally looked into children who had problems – I would be sent to the child’s home to look into the matter, so many children were thus brought out of their troubles in this way. They felt comfortable in school. When I look back, I am lost in nostalgic memories. Even today, although the school has grown tremendously, the personal touch remains. I train my teachers to treat each child with care. We try to give them a happy atmosphere by arranging fun activities and keep our teaching child friendly. Yes, it is a Happy School indeed. Udgam’s Golden era is truly admirable and I am privileged to have played a part in it.

Mrs. Krupali SanghviCOMPUTER TEaChER

Sangat, Kathan, Raj K, Devam, Harshil ,Malhar, Abhijeet, Ahar, Khilan, Khush, Rutvik&Akshat

who fall into talks but rise in grades

Payal, Amay, Dakshey, Chinmayee, Tithi, Ritu Devansh, Manan, Bhumi, Kishan, Yashvi&Niral

whose attitude is the best

Anshu, Dhruvin, Devam, Manthan&Dhruv

whose silly jokes make us giggle

Ashish, Yash, Dhairya, Vijay &Sanjana

whose sweet smile sare so cheerful

Megh, Amay, Rutuja, Devanshi, Jesal, Ravikant, Khush, Nikita, Aradhya, Rutu&Kreya

who are truthful and never biased

Rohan, Nandini, Niyati, Punya, Smit, Pratik, Shreya&RishvaVyas

who always share and do their part

Aarniya, Mahima, Payal, Moksha, Radhika, Kishan, Shikha, Bhumi, Nandini, Shaily&Khushi

who always listen and never intervene

Khooshi, Dhruvi, Tithi, Moksha, Charvi, Mansi&Mohana

whose work is organized and neat

Shreeja, Maana, Meha, Vishva, Krinali, Shailja, Gurleenkaur, Prapti&Bhavnishkaur

whose performance cannot be beaten

Jui, Kaivan, Kalash, Dhriti, Tatsat, Hiteshi& Rishi

who follow directions perfectly

Wonderful memories flood my mind. As I put my brain in re-windI think of special characteristics of each person And will miss all, I am certain.

Just to bid you ‘FAREWELL’ (from my computer classroom) – the word filled with mixed emotions i.e., feeling of joy, happiness & sadness. Three

long years have gone by in teaching you Computers. In these years, we have grown together - both you and me… we have battled together and

we have rejoiced together.

Adieu Dear Students!

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Gaurang, Tvisha, Srushti, Ayush, Kishan, Shann, Dhairya, Mohit, Yash

who are polite and show courtesy

Ujval, Rajvee, Khushi, Jaidev, Aan, Arnav, Nihar & Dhananjay

who collect interesting and cool stuff

Saujas, Dishen, Aamanya, Ishan, Jainum, Preet, Vrushil,

Nisarg, Khwahish, Naman, Bansri, Avi, Janak&Isha

who are kind and never rough

Anish, Jimil, Parv, Maulik, Sanaya, Soham & Shivam

who easily get the teacher off topic

Aayush, Jyot, Anshu, Binoy, Shaurya, Shantanu, Jayveer, Pranshav, Dhruv & Aman

who are the most cheerful students

Aarya, Dhanyata, Zeal, Prateek, Priyam, Punya, Sanjana & Kreya

who are mindful and great leaders

Saumya, Saujas, Shitanshu, Shrey, Nisarg,

Aan, Smit, Dhwani, Ritvi, Pratik & Dhananjay

who excel as a person.

Abhishek, Meet, Kavit, Kathan S, Ritvi, Stuti, Mosam, Prajul & Khush

who are talented but lack applied I.T.

Yash, Saloni, Vinay & Aman

Who are more of kids but still liked due to their innocence.

Rest Poojan, Rishabh, Shreya, Dhruv ,Preet, Mohil, Raahil & all

- The shy, the rowdy, the funny and the naughty

This is the group I will always care for strongly…

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SONALI SHARMA (Primary Teacher)

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Mrs. Sonali SharmaPRIMaRy TEaChER

Mrs. Roshni PatelPE TEaChER

Hetali ShahClaSS 9 D

ROSHNI PATEL (PRIMARY)



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એ �દવસો....

બાર� બા�ુ બસેી એકલતાથી,

�મ�ંુ � ં�ુ ંઆ�

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એવા ંઅ��ૂય �દવસો,

એવા ંઅિવ�મરણીય �દવસો....!

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ક�વા ંઅવનવા ંહતા ંએ�દવસો...!

ચોર-પોલીસમા ંપકડાઈ જવાની,

ફ�ર-�દરડ� ખાતા ંપડ� જવાની,

�પા-�પી રમતા ંપકડાઈજવાની,

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ક�વા ં�શુિમ�જ ધરાવતી એ ગ�મતો;

ક�ટલી મ� આવતી હતી.....!

જયાર� ભણવાની ન હતી કોઈ �ચ�તા,

લખોટ�ઓની રમતમા ંહતી એક અન�ય મ�.

રા�ે બાપાસ;ે

રા�ઓ અન ેપર�ઓની વાતા� સાભંળવામા,ં

હતી િનરાળ�સાહ�જકતા,

અને માતા-િપતાને હસીને મનાવી લેવામા,ં

ઊભરાતી કળા....!

આ� એ�ુ ં�મરણ કરતા.ં...

�ખોમા ંઅ��ુરૂ ઊભરાઈ આવે છે,

અને મા� એક જ આશનો તણખો સળગી ઊઠ� છે;

“�ા ંગયા ંએ �દવસ”


















































































SCHOOL BUS

Dishen MajithiaClaSS X a

16th December 2014 is down in the pages of history as the worst attack in the history of terrorism. And that is a lot. But what made this particular attack worse is the involvement of children. Innocent school going children were murdered. Children who aspired to become doctors and authors in the future reduced to memories and ashes. To think that the attackers thought so less of the poor lives, of the families and would murder them all in cold blood just to make a point. 132 children and 9 staff members were killed. A total of 149 families wept. The seven militants entered the

army run school in Peshawar and went to each and every classroom. They even killed all the children in the auditorium who-ironically-were being lectured on first aid. The school halls which should have been alive with the playful chatter of students were ringing with gunshots as children were fired at. There was little chance of survival for any but many survived. Some lay beside their fellow class mates pretending to be dead while others hid under the benches. But even if a student had survived, it would take an awful lot of time to recover from the physical as

well as mental trauma of this incident. Seeing your friends and family die while you are helpless is something no one should ever have to go through. The world mourns for the dead children, blesses their souls and wishes courage to their families. Many political leaders around the world have offered their deepest condolences and have offered military support but none of it can erase what has happened. And that is the harsh reality. The children will remain dead, the families will weep and the day will remain a black day in history. It will be recorded as Pakistan’s 9/11.

The school is about to end, Everyone is sad but they pretend. Each has a story to tell, Because now we won’t hear the ringing bell.

We all will go on our separate ways, But this school will remain in our heart always.

Now, no one will sit on the first bench when the bell rings,Neither we will be the last bench kings.

Now, no one will tell us that the sun sets in the west,Our teachers taught us what they knew the best.

Teachers were like our mothers, To help us fly, they gave us feathers.

My teachers, one day we will make you proud, Trust me, we won’t be the ones standing in

the crowd. This line is the last,

Which I will be telling you fast. Love you all my crazy friends,

Thankyou for teaching me various new trends

Peshawar Taliban Attack

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Shaurya BalatClaSS X B

SCHOOL IS OVER

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Nishi V ShahClaSS 9 D

When daddy first held my handTo help me cross the road

Oh! So anxious was I that timeThat nervously I gave out a cry

“Daddy I don’t want to”But daddy’s reassuring grip-so tight

Told me not to panic.

The daughter in me had faithFaith in her daddy

WheN

Her daddy-the bravest man on earth,She thought, was there shielding her

And when I was standing on the stageFeeling like a lion trapped in a cage

Not wanting to recite my poemSo frightened was I

I felt all aloneBut just then I caught my

dear mom’s eyeAnd the confidence unfolded in me

Because of the eyes that beamed at meEncouragingly saying “you can do it!”

I suddenly felt I wanted to do itDo it for my mom,

And soon as I finished itI saw my mom gaily cheering

The smile on her lips made me happy.

The loan of love that I get from my parents

I sadly say, can never be repaid by me.

if mother Goes oN strikeMothers are the real managers of the home and without them family member’s life would be jeopardized.We take mothers’ labour for granted. Housekeeping is the most thankless, dead end job that our mothers do. Yet it is because of them that our routine life moves smoothly. If the mothers get frustrated with the demands of the family members they are sure to go in strike. If they go on strike it would mean chaos and confusion in the house.Looking after a house is a 24 hours, seven day a week job. Food would not be available on time. The system of breakfast, lunch and dinner would go totally awry.A similar situation arose in my house, when my mother off hand decided to go on a strike and I remember vividly that it was indeed the day when everything went

wrong in my house! Father was nonchalant, he decided to switch roles and served us with a breakfast that was burnt and we could hardly swallow it down. He was unable to get us ready for school on time and we had to come home, as the school authorities did not give us permission to enter. He took the day off and planned the menu for our food, he couldn’t get even the basic dishes right and we had to order food from a restaurant.My mother didn’t budge an inch she remained in her room the whole day. By evening my father was so exhausted that he literally begged my mother to forget her satyagraha. She made us sit up and understand that we should not take her for granted and that we should help her out once in a while because managing the house with all out demands sometimes gets too tedious and bogs her down.

Raghav ModiClaSS IX D

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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girlsCross-eyed buzzards and bow-legged ants

Admission is free so pay at the doorPull up a chair and sit on the floor

One night mid day two boys went to playBack to back, brother to brother

They drew swords and shot each otherOne deaf police officer heard the noise

He came and killed the two dead boysIf you don’t believe this lie is truePlease ask the blind man, he saw it too.

Advika DevanshiClaSS VI g

As children we are always being told to behave in a proper way. We must have ‘good manners’. But what exactly are good manners? And why should we have them?Good manners means treating others with respect and gentleness, because that is the way we would like others to treat us. It means knowing the ‘magic words’, “Please”, “Thank you” and “Sorry”.

It means greeting others, especially our elders, politely. It means never using bad language, or talking behind someone’s back.If someone is in need of help, we must help that person. When we travel by train or bus, we must offer our seats to those who are old or handicapped. This shows that we have been brought up in a family that believes in good values. We must not be rude to others, lose our temper often, and give in to fits of violence.

A boy must always grow up to be a gentleman and girl to be a lady. In public I never sneeze without a handkerchief held to my nose and mouth. Or yawn without my hand over my mouth. When I eat I must not make noises.A child who is well-behaved and pleasant and helpful to all is an asset to the society. Later on, he or she will turn out to be a worthy citizen of the nation.

Good mANNers

A NoNseNse Poem

Tanya MendirattaClaSS VII E

the kiNG’s BoLd soN

Ansh SatyanarayanClaSS III f

Long ago the brave king of Rameshwaram village died. His young son of 18years inherited the king’s crown. The son was afraid to take big responsibility in the beginning. The hopeful villagers cried for help. The hungry wild foxes attacked the village. They took away small babies and destroyed the farm. The young king said, “If my father could do it, why can’t I? I need to be bold.”He thought of a plan. He ordered his soldiers to play loud drums in the farm immediately. The soldiers were surprised. The foxes were afraid of loud music and ran away. The king asked his ministers to build a boundary wall between the farms and the forest. The foxes never

attacked the village. The villagers were happy and praised the new king.Moral: If you are bold you can do anything.

“Positive student recognition is probably the best incentive and motivator of continued student progress and good behavior.”

Our school implemented atypical recognition and motivation program named ‘Passport to Excellence’ in the month of October 2014 for students of Grade 1 and 4. Passport to Excellence is specially designed booklet that has a space of putting Teacher Reward Sticker/Visa of Performance. The program was created for use in a school setting and is quite similar to actual

concept of owning real Passport and getting Visa. 43 kinds of customized ‘Visa of Performance’ are designed; considering various aspects of child’s learning. One of the objectives of this program is to keep track of the student’s good performance and achievements in an academic year; for each and every student. The sole purpose of giving “Passport to Excellence” is to provide teachers a common space for mentioning all the good deeds of the student.

Ms. Aarzoo DaswaniRESEaRCh COORDInaTOR

reseArCh reVeALsPAssPort to exCeLLeNCe

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SO FAR SO GOODThe upshot of the program is - it is capitalizing positive outcome! Teachers have endless

list of illustrations to suggest desirable changes and improvements are happening among students at large. Students too are happy with the fact that “Fun Element” is added in their routine classroom environment and difficult subjects or activities look interesting. Some of the flipped over amendments are – students reading with joy, grasping teacher instructions, being attentive and alert in class, self push to do best, well-dressed, better behavior and academic outcomes. More importantly, students are self-motivated, enthusiastic and eager to grab a Sticker/Visa in their Passport.

TEACHER’S DIRECT VIEWNidhi Pillai, Maths Teacher commented “One of the student of class 4A was given a sticker

– ‘Your Math has Improved’ and after this he has started taking a lot of interest and has got A Grade for the Jan evaluation”.

Shivani Sheth, ES Teacher mentioned “Students are finishing their work faster in urge of getting stickers especially slow writers. They are showing lot of improvement in almost all subjects.”

Padmavathi Paruchuri, Computer Teacher opined “A Grade 1 child use to be good in computer but while forming the line he always wants to stand first if not like that he would stand like statue and doesn’t move from there, but now after he got the sticker he has changed.”

Khushbu Trivedi, Oral Expression Teacher stated “I observed few children who were not coming out to speak story or recite poem in my subject, but its miracle they performed so nicely because of sticker”.

Pallavi Shridhar, Library Teacher voiced – “The children have been very responsive to the program. They have started reading more, sitting quietly and behaving in a better manner”.

These are just few of many comments given by the teachers. The program has indeed come as a handy tool to reward students for special achievement and small efforts that may otherwise go unnoticed.

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EXHIBITING PARENTS’ ANGLE Passport to Excellence program gave Parents a platform to know their child’s strengths

and good deeds at school. Students’ positive word of mouth and happiness has stimulated Parents to make an equal buzz on the program initiative. Parents are excited and opined that their children are learning better for getting stickers. Children are reading library book daily before going to bed. The program concept has found a place in family talks and discussions. Parents are encouraging the child by saying - like if you get this sticker we will go out to dinner or we will give you some gift, so children are also trying their best to get the sticker. Moreover, like students parents too expect and hope that their children get their desired Visa in their Passports!

VISA OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Not really! Like in real Passport rejection are part of Visa process, so is the case with this

program. Owing a Passport to Excellence doesn’t assure issue of ‘Visa of Performance’. Additionally, rejection doesn’t mean one could not re-apply for Visa. Similar is the concept here! Students do get upset when his/her classmates get so many stickers and they miss out. Parents too become unhappy when their child does not receive sticker in particular subject. However, on the contrary, there are instances where if a child doesn’t get sticker and one of his or her friend gets it, they keep in mind and next time they try to give their best for getting stickers. So it can be said that getting a visa at first attempt or second is not important. But what matters is students’ joyful experience continues along with their genuine efforts!

FUTURE PLANS Passport to Excellence program is gaining admiration and procuring greater engagement

among the student community. The program has even exceeded our own expectation than what was estimated. Eventually, Udgam School intends to introduce the program to other grades of primary section in the next academic year. More Visa of Performance categories would be added to keep the circle of joy rolling. As these simple rewards increases the opportunities to learn about students, find their passion, and make connections to their school spirit. Moreover, Schools in which student leadership is valued, polished and appreciated by the staff are more likely to have an ambiance that is favorable to student learning and growth. Students when given positive feedback and rewarded for a job well done, it’s natural for them to continue to work hard and do their very best. This is definitely essential in elementary grades. Young children are a wondrous group, eager, emotional, curious, sensitive, bubbling with life, and vulnerable. Even the slightest positive recognition does wonders for the child’s morale and enthusiasm about school work and their outlook on school, in general.

Ms.Pallavi SridharlIBRaRIan

Book mArk this

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Ah, finally a piece on our own library! Welcome to the USFC Library-a place

where you will meet Harry Potter mingling with Geronimo Stilton, who is sitting

next to Stuart Little, who is constantly chased around by Scooby Doo, whose

master really hates The Hunchback of Notre Dame, who, after saving the damsel in distress, wants to go to

Treasure Island and meet Tintin, Asterix and Benton, when all of a sudden, The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari

zooms past with the Wimpy Kid and wants to know whether the Pride and Prejudice of Heidi and Jane Eyre

have lessened or not. While this is happening, The Partner from The Firm sues Charlie and the Chocolate

Factory for hiring The Help one too many. Emma and The Twits, who are strolling nearby, give a friendly

wave to the Famous Five, the Secret Seven and the Five Find Outers as they sail past on a voyage to find

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. These nice groups will commence on a Journey to the Centre of

the Earth and also travel Around the World in Eighty Days.

The Diary of a Social Butterfly and The Notebook are choc –a-block with various events such as The

Wedding, investigating a Bag of Bones, surviving a Black Lightning, attending the half term at St.Clare’s,

going for a lacrosse match at Malory Towers and sifting through The Ruins to find Gems from the Vedas.

But what’s this? As night falls, coldly and silently, the sinister Fear Street comes alive with Vampire

and Ghost Stories. Goosebumps erupt on arms as one is given their Last Chance at survival. Along with

Rumplestiltskin, Thumbelina, the Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Peter Pan, Nancy Drew and the Hardy

Boys try and solve numerous mysteries on 22, Baker Street, where The Godfather, Sherlock Holmes resides.

Slowly and surely, as dawn breaks from a bleak Black Friday night onto a cheerful morning, encyclopedias,

almanacs, country guides, dictionaries and thesauri open up to reveal The Secret: Reading maketh

a complete man. Anne Frank agrees, so do Tenali Raman and Matilda. So, what are you waiting for,

readers? Put on your reading caps, pick out your favourite book and just soak it all up! Miss Daisy is Crazy?

Well, Who Shall Tell the President?

Indeed, who shall?

Note: The names of books/series have been written in bold and italicized. Though they are available with

us in the library, it’s quite possible that they have been checked out by patrons. And this is by no means an

exhaustive list. Our library has more than 38,000 books, magazines in twenty different categories and more

than 150 CDs. We are constantly adding to our collection and hope to have an even more comprehensive

and an all encompassing assortment in the coming years.

UDGAM SCHOOL LIBRARY- A CONFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE, GROWTH, ERUDITION AND A JOLLY GOOD TIME!

HUSTLE-BUSTLEMrs.DeepaHemnaniaCaDEMIC COORDInaTOR

SCHOOL EVENTS

SPORTS DAYAll the classes enjoyed participating in a variety of activities and competitions during Sports Day like yoga demonstration, dumbles, lezims, bamboo exercise, gymnastics, formations and competitions like sack race, shotput, relay, slow cycling and so on.

REPUBLIC DAYIndia’s 66th Republic Day was celebrated with great reverence in our school. The day began with a prayer followed by flag hoisting by the Guest of Honour, Retired Wing Commander Rajneesh Lakhanpal. This was accompanied by the Flag Song, our national anthem and the pledge. The programme included speeches in Hindi, Gujarati and Sanskrit and patriotic poems by students. The danceform of Jhansiwali Rani alongwith

awe-inspiring rendition of the same by the students made all bow in allegiance to the brave freedom fighters who laid their lives for the motherland.

GANDHI NIRVAN DAY30th January is a sad day for our country when one of her true sons, Gandhiji, the father of our nation, was assassinated. In an attempt to foster respect for the great soul and all others who lost their lives during the freedom struggle, Udgam School observed Martyr’s Day. After the customary 2 minutes of mourning at 11:00 am the students sang the favouritebhajans of Gandhiji. Strains of ‘RaghupatiRaghav Raja Ram’ and ‘Vaishnavjantohtainkahije’ rendered the air after the solemn silence. Following this the entire school participated in a Drawing Event. The theme was ‘sanitation and cleanliness’ which the school is also actively involved in maintaining.

PRE-PRIMARY

VISITSSUPER MARKETChildren of Nursery class were taken to a nearby Super Store for ‘Window Shopping’. They were introduced to the different sections of the store and were made aware of the large variety of products available. They were also shown the different types of fruits and vegetables on display. The trip developed consumerism in young kids.

PLEASURE CLUB Tiny tots of Pre-primary section enjoyed a wonderful outing to “Pleasure Club” at Ghuma. The day got over quickly for the kids as they were engrossed enjoying rides, toy train, camel cart ride, lunch, puppet show and lastly ‘Dance’ with their friends and adorable teachers.

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CELEBRATIONS

FANCY DRESS PARADEStudents of Senior KG section had a grand Fancy Dress Parade. The theme being “States of India” the school turned into mini India depicting ‘Unity in Diversity’. The event began with a lovely speech on culture, food, capital of states. All of them dressed up beautifully in traditional garbs of the colourful states of our country and enthralled all with their superb performance.

SECONDARY SECTION

VISIT TO A PLASTIC RECYCLING UNITThe first stage of plastic collection for recycling purpose took place in the month of November with creating awareness among children about ‘Recycling’. In the second stage children cooperated by bringing plastic waste from home and making it to presentable quantity.The third stage commenced with some students of Class IX visiting “Sriram Polymers” and “Milan Agro”. This visit was under the aegis of Gujarat State Plastic Manufacturers Association. Students got a knowhow on the process of segregation and the indexing of plastics.The factory visit was followed by a session in which the factory owners,

GSPMA officials and all the participants discussed the various aspects of recycling which was followed by a prize distribution ceremony.

CHARITY A Charity Drive was organized in which students had donated blankets and woollens for all age groups. As a new year gesture, senior students were joined in by teachers to distribute these woollens to pavement dwellers and other needy people. The happiness on the face of the recipients was reflected on the face of our students. We are indeed blessed to be in a position to indulge in such acts of charity.

LIFE SKILLS GESTUREUdgam School imparts quality education and by education we mean all round development that is not restricted to academics alone. It also includes the human values. Students of Class X distributed pillows, cushions, hand made flowers, chocolates, greeting cards, coasters, hand crafted bags to the helpers (Ayahs and peons) of the morning section as a token of appreciation.

CAREER

FOREIGN EDUCATIONA student awareness program was conducted by US based universities in our school campus for the students of

Class XI. Representatives of seven leading universities spoke to the students about avenues of Undergraduate studies in varied streams. The representatives of Iowa, Rutgers, St. Thomas, Missouri Kansas City, Indiana, Kansas State universities and GustavusAdolphus College had a one-to-one discussion with the students after a very comprehensive presentation. Overall the seminar was very educative and our students gained a lot from the discussion.

MOTIVATIONAL TALKA motivational talk was held in our auditorium. It was attended by the students of Class XI Science. The speaker, Dr. ParthaKonar, who is a scientist with Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad, spoke at length about Particle Physics and Cosmology and the interesting innovations that are coming up in the field of Quantum Mechanics.

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LaugH Out LOud

Me: “Should I get in trouble for something

I didn’t do?”Teacher: “No.“

Me: “Good, becauseI didn’t do my homework.”

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GLimPses of ACtiVities

CHARITy DRIVe

GANDHI NIRVAN DIwAS

MoTIVATIoNAl TAlK

RePuBlIC DAy

FoReIGN eDuCATIoN

GANDHI NIRVAN DIwAS

PlASTIC FACToRy VISIT

SPoRTS DAy

FoReIGN eDuCATIoN

lIFe SKIllS

RePuBlIC DAy

SPoRTS DAy

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mediA BUZZ

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PresChooL iN ACtioN

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5 toP seCrets of kids Who rAreLy fALL siCk

CreAtiVity thriLLs

1. They wash hands often: This kills disease causing germs and keep the kids healthy. Most germs are passed on to the mouth through the hands.

2. They are active: Regular exercise helps to keep children fit. This keeps immunity levels high and diseases at bay.

3. They get adequate sleep: Sleep is a natural curative which rejuvenates and helps to keep children fit and fine throughout the day.

4. They don’t touch their mouths: Although our hands look clean they may contain hundreds of germs. The best way to prevent them from going inside our bodies is not to touch our mouths.

5. They eat a healthy diet: The diet of healthy kids is well balanced. They eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Coloured paper, sketch pens, scissor and glue is all you require to make this lovely bouquet.

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fUN ZoNe

2 Fruit Sudoku

Across:

1. Yield of a planted field

4. A kind of three, like oak

5. This machine cligs up fields

8. A place where animals and crops are raised

9. Opposite of stand

10. Sack to carry feed in

12. An animal to ride on

14. A long-necked bird which honcks

Down:

1. A baby horse

2. A baby dog

3. An animal that gives milk,

6. A babysheep

7. Animals that chase mice

8. A kind of evergreen tree

9. Word that rhymes with go

11. Animal with horns

12. Another word for pig

13. What we see with

1. A FARM CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1

4 5 6

7

8

9

12 13

14

10 11

2 3

Pro ACtiVity CLUB UPdAtes

GET YOUR GAME ON!SELECT YOUR SUITABLE TIME FROM ONE OF THESE SESSION OPTIONS!

Before School Activity9.00am to 10.00am

After School Activity5.00pm to 6.00pm

EduSports’ KID-FITFitness Freak

For Class 1 to 4

CricketWin or Lose, Take Equally

For Class 3 to 8

SkatingMove on the Wheels

For Class 1 to 6

Lawn TennisDeuce - Advantage

For Class 3 to 8

FootballKick the Ball

For Class 3 to 8

English Grammar GuruGain knowledge of- Nouns, Verbs,

Adjectives, TenseFor Class 3 to 6

BadmintonStriking a Shuttlecock

For class 3 to 8

EduDice Board GamesPlaying and Learning ‘hands-on’

For class 1 to 3

Table TennisPing Pong Bounce

For Class 3 to 8

BasketballHoop it Up

For Class 3 to 8

Yogafor Body, Breath & Mind

For Class 4 to 8

Mad ScienceExperimental Learning

For Class 2 to 4

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STUDENTS SPEAKMAKE A NOTE

Be Traffic Rules Friendly

Please follow traffic rules inside (as well as outside) the school premises. Slow down and maintain the queue. Be

mindful of the children and other vehicles. Try to arrive a little early to avoid a traffic jam in front of the gates. Please display the Udgam School sticker on the LHS of

your vehicle’s windshield.

Do not take leave for no good reason

Attending school instils a sense of discipline in the child. Absenteeism not

only affects regular studies but also makes things go out of routine. Children should

be kept back home only on health grounds when he or she is feeling unwell. All other

reasons should be discouraged as this hampers their sense of discipline. If not

now, this will also affect their attitude in later life whether during higher education

or in the work place.

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4Breakfast is an important meal

Many children do not like to eat in the

morning, especially the early comers. But

this practice should not be encouraged.

Breakfast is perhaps the most important

meal and kickstarts the day. If a child

comes to school without eating breakfast

it is comparable to a car trying to run

without fuel. Even a bowl of cereal has

plenty of nutrition to last for long.

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Do use the school portal

The web portal of our school is open

to all children from Classes 1 to 8.

Each parent has a unique ID to login. The web portal carries all important

information pertaining to the child as well as assignments and important

announcements. We encourage parents to login at least once everyday. This saves

time and prevents confusion.

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50 GLorioUs GoLdeN yeArs

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Udgam School For Children

Opp. Sardar Patel Institute, Thaltej, Ahmedabad- 380 054 Gujarat.Phone No: 26850339 99251 53153 | Email Id : [email protected]

Pre-Primary SectionNear IOC Petrol Pomp, Jodhpur Cross Roads, Satellite, Ahmedabad - 380 015 Gujarat.Phone No: 26769595, 90999 02221 | Email Id: [email protected]

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50 years ago Udgam School was founded in a small building with only a handful of students. The school flourished with the years and today as we celebrate our 50th anniversary we cannot help but look back at the journey of Udgam over the years. Amidst changes in all possible spheres, what has kept us going and excelling is our Unique Udgam culture. Unique Udgam culture doesn’t comprise one thing alone. It is a cumulative effect of everything that occurred over the past 50 years. It is a blend of innovation with tradition. It is a combination of age old values and technology. It is the trust that change is the only constant. It is the belief that people come first, be it our teachers, students or parents. It is the faith that a school is not made by walls but by breaking boundaries.We are indebted to all who contributed to our unique Udgam culture and all who have been associated with Udgam School, past and present.

oLd sChooL NeW sChooL