School Magazine

FROM THE ACO’S DESK: Health and Wellness in School

Health and wellness are crucial to the happiness and success of both students and teachers. For students, wellness begins with balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and comprehensive health education—nurturing habits that support lifelong well-being. Nutritious meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with proper hydration, provide energy and focus for learning.

Physical activities like yoga, sports, dance, and physical education classes boost mental clarity, resilience, and overall mood. Wellness also includes mental health support, with resources like counselling and stress management to help students handle academic and social pressures. Club activities, music, and art further enhance well-being, offering creative outlets for expression and joy.

For teachers, a school culture that emphasises wellness is equally vital. Access to resources like professional development on stress management, opportunities for physical activity, and a positive work environment contribute to personal well-being and professional enthusiasm.Health-conscious educators experience less burnout, stay energised, and create dynamic, engaging classrooms.

By integrating health and wellness into the school culture, institutions support a balanced environment where both students and teachers can thrive. They organise fitness activities, offering nutritious cafeteria options, and prioritising mental health support. Prioritising health in schools not only enhances academic outcomes but also promotes a nurturing space where everyone feels empowered to take care of their mental and physical well-being, creating a ripple effect that extends to the entire school community. By weaving wellness into the school’s fabric, we create an environment where everyone can thrive, promoting academic achievement, nurturing well-being, and fostering a supportive space for all. - Mridula Menon ACO-Middle Stage

Key Moments at NCFE

• Parent Involvement

• Teachers’ Day

• Ganesh Chaturthi

• Hindi Diwas & Onam

• Bank Activity
  
  

Parent Involvement Program: A Success Story

At NCFE, we believe education is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the classroom. This belief was exemplified during our Parent Involvement Program, AMITIE, an event designed to strengthen partnerships among parents, teachers, and students. The day began with students welcoming parents with handmade cards and flowers, followed by cultural programs that celebrated the theme of friendship and the special bond between parents and children. Parents were then invited to participate in classroom activities, gaining firsthand insight into their child’s school life and observing teachers’ innovative methods for making learning engaging.

One highlight was a parent-child cooking session, where families teamed up to prepare simple dishes, filling the atmosphere with laughter and unity. Students also showcased their talents in singing and dancing, bringing joy to the audience and instilling pride in everyone present. The event concluded with parents sharing heartfelt stories of their involvement in their children’s learning, underscoring the positive impact of family engagement. The program reminded everyone that education thrives when families and schools work together, celebrating the shared experiences and partnerships that shape students' futures.

TEACHERS’ DAY

“One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai

Teachers play a significant role in shaping students' futures, serving as our guiding pillars and role models. They dedicate themselves to imparting valuable life lessons, and we look up to them with admiration. As every year, on September 5th, 2024, the school honoured its wonderful teachers with a vibrant program filled with entertaining skits, graceful dances, melodious music, and engaging games.

Manuja and Karnik from Class 12 C hosted the first half, bringing smiles to the teachers with their humour and quick wit. The event began with a heartfelt speech of gratitude from Manuja, followed by a series of activities designed especially for the teachers. A lighthearted skit by students from Grades 9, 10, and 11 featured amusing imitations of some beloved teachers, each performance followed by a lively dance, much to the teachers' delight. After significant effort and planning, the 12th graders energized the stage with captivating dance performances that truly impressed the audience.

As tokens of appreciation, each teacher received a handwritten letter from 12th graders along with a chocolate. The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the Head Girl, Nidhuvana, expressing gratitude to everyone who made the Teachers’ Day celebration a success. It was truly a joy for the students to honour and celebrate their dedicated teachers on this special day.

GANESH CHATURTHI

Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity who embodies wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. This festival holds particular significance in Maharashtra, where it is celebrated with immense fervor and devotion. However, it is also celebrated all over India with equal abundance.

The celebrations begin with the installation of intricately crafted idols of Ganesha in homes and public spaces.Homes are adorned with colourful decorations, including flowers, lights, and traditional motifs, creating a festive atmosphere. Each day, devotees perform prayers and rituals, offering sweets like modaks which are considered Ganesha’s favourite—as well as fruits and flowers.Throughout the festival, cultural activities flourish. Local communities organize vibrant processions that feature music, dance, and theatrical performances, showcasing traditional art forms.

At NCFE, this auspicious day was celebrated with great grandeur by the Foundational Stage. Our cherished parents joined us in this momentous occasion, contributing to its resounding success. The event commenced with the worship of the idol, accompanied by heartfelt prayers, followed by a series of cultural programs that showcased our students’ talents. The celebration

was further enriched by the esteemed presence of our respective ACOs from the Foundational, Middle, and High School, adding to the spirit of the day.

Traditions in Harmony: A Blend of Hindi Diwas and Onam

On September 13, 2024, students of Grades 9 and 10 led a special assembly to celebrate Hindi Diwas and Onam, highlighting India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. The assembly aimed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of both Hindi Diwas, honouring the significance of Hindi as a national language, and Onam, the vibrant harvest festival symbolizing unity in Kerala. Throughout the celebration, students actively participated in engaging activities. They crafted beautiful Pookalams (flower carpets) as a tribute to Kerala’s traditions and composed Hindi poetry, enhancing their linguistic skills while connecting with cultural narratives. The approach allowed students to explore the importance of both festivals meaningfully.

By the end of the celebration, students confidently articulated the value of both Hindi Diwas and Onam. They demonstrated greater proficiency in Hindi and enthusiastically participated in traditional Onam customs. This collaborative experience fostered inclusivity and respect for India’s cultural diversity, culminating in a creative project that showcased their learning and strengthened their sense of community.

Banking Buzz @ NCFE : Developing Financial Literacy

The students of Grades X and XII organized an interactive exercise to teach basic banking concepts, financial management, and responsible money habits. The "NCFE Bank" mock activity aimed to equip participants with essential financial literacy skills, offering practical experience in managing finances, understanding banking procedures, and making informed financial choices.

Setting up a full-scale mock bank, students led activities allowing participants to deposit and withdraw money, transfer funds, and inquire about loans. Through hands-on experience, participants learned how to apply for loans, review interest rates, and understand repayment plans, gaining insight into the array of services banks offer.

Student volunteers took on banking roles, providing financial advice and creating passbooks, cheque leaves, account opening forms, and pay-in slips, with the working ATM model serving as the event's highlight.

The event welcomed special guests, including Mr. Bazid Shaik, Deputy Vice President of Axis Bank Ltd., along with the Board of Management from Vijay Kiran Group of Institutions, who engaged with the students and shared valuable insights.

ATL ACTIVITIES

The Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) at the National Centre for Excellence is a creative space fostering innovation and scientific inquiry. Supported by the Government of India, ATL provides tools like 3D printers and robotics kits, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning and develop practical solutions to real-world problems, encouraging a culture of innovation. The Core ATL Students Team consists of ATL Student Ambassadors, Design and Digital Team, Finance Team and the Project innovators. The projects currently operative in ATL are INSPIRE Award, Manak, Youth Ideathon 2024, School Innovation Marathon.

The Youth Ideathon 2024, held by the ThinkStartup in collaboration with CBSE, aimed to encourage students to think like entrepreneurs by developing innovative startup ideas. Students from grades XI and XII participated as interns and ambassadors, guiding younger students (Grade IV to Grade XII) in generating over 300+ creative ideas. The initiative promoted innovation in areas like sustainability, Indian heritage, and technology. Six ideas from the school were among the top 1,500 selected nationwide. The students prepared video pitches for the second phase, and two teams were placed in Top 500 among 50,000 ideas submitted to the Youth Ideathon competition. This incredible achievement by our students was applauded by the School leadership team and the management.

In ATL, we had mentoring sessions from the experts and exposure visits were conducted. A dynamic 3-hour session was held where the students explored the fascinating world of physics through live demonstrations and interactive experiments. This event is specially designed to ignite the spirit of innovation among students and enhance their understanding of fundamental physics principles, including electricity, magnetism, optics, and mechanics.

The participants

1. Experienced captivating experiments that illustrate core physics concepts.

2. Engaged with practical activities to gain application skills.

3. Participated in insightful conversations with leading experts in the field.

4. Learned to think critically and apply physics concepts creatively.

5. Discovered new ways to incorporate physics into everyday life and technology.

6. Connected with professionals and likeminded peers.

A Mentor-Mentee meeting was held to focus on several key deliverables aimed at enhancing the innovation ecosystem within the school. The session provided essential training and guidance to the students for their participation in innovation-based competitions, including the INSPIRE Awards Manak and Youth Ideathon. Mentees were briefed on the upcoming School Innovation Marathon, with a detailed discussion on its objectives, structure, and expectations. Finally, the meeting involved a strategic discussion with School Innovation Ambassadors (IAs) to further strengthen mentorship and support for students, fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem within the school. ATL sessions equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in national-level innovation competitions, increasing their chances of success.

A visit to UR Rao Satellite Centre (ISRO) was arranged as an exposure visit for problem identification for ATL projects. During the visit to ISRO, students explored the satellite and rocket models, learned about rover mobility, and the objectives of missions like Chandrayaan 1, 2, 3, and Gaganyaan. They also gained insights into satellite production, testing procedures, and upcoming missions. The concept of the Reusable Launch Vehicle and the workings of Chandrayaan 3 were also explained, enriching the understanding of space exploration and satellite technology.

The ATL team had the opportunity to present their projects to the Management and the Principal. The students were praised for their efforts and received constructive feedback on further developments.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The NCFE Girls Volleyball Team showcased remarkable teamwork and determination at the CBSE Clusters Championship 2024 in Gulbarga and at the SNIS Inter school Competition, earning the runner-up position.

The NCFE Athletics Team delivered an outstanding performance at the ‘Volksfiesta’ Inter school Competition, hosted by Deens Academy. The team bagged an impressive total of 23 medals, including 9 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication.

Aaradhana S Gowda of Grade 12 showcased her exceptional swimming talent at the CBSE Clusters Swimming Zonal Level Competition, winning:

Gold in 200m Breaststroke

Silver in 50m Breaststroke

Silver in 100m Breaststroke

She secured qualification for the CBSE National Swimming Championship 2024, where she added to her achievements by bagging a Bronze Medal in the 200m Breaststroke

BOOK CLUB-NOVELLA

October’s Monthly Theme: Whispers of the Haunted!

As a part of our continuous efforts of introducing new genre’s to our readers, we took up horror as the theme for this month. With Halloween coming up in October, we found horror to be a perfect match for the month. Small Spaces by Katherine Adren was chosen as the book of the month and our readers were given a choice of reading The Night Garden by Jonathan Auxier or City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab if they wished to.

Whimsical Wall Display!

Our talented head designer, Anumegha Roy from class 11 D, along with our creative team from grade 9, transformed our bulletin board into a spine-chilling scene, bringing horror characters to life and crafting an atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the theme of the month.

Cultures & Chapters Celebration!

On the 30th of October, Novella had its weekly meeting with all its members dressed in ethnic wear. This meeting focussed on discussing the genre of the month, significance of Halloween and lots of other creepy details! Members filled out sample LinkedIn pages posing as their favourite characters. This activity enhances storytelling skills, allowing students to craft compelling narratives about their experiences and aspirations and it allows students to express their creativity.

Recent Picks from Our Committee’s Bookshelf

Here’s a glimpse into our committee’s latest reads and their thoughts on each one!

● Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides - Aarhi, Designer

The story centers on Alicia, a patient who murders her husband in a moment of betrayal. Now under the care of a dedicated psychotherapist, he delves into her mind, trying to uncover her thoughts as she communicates with him, unraveling the mystery behind her silence.

● MONEY Master the Game by Tony Robbins

This book provides information on how to achieve financial freedom and also provides extensive knowledge on investing.

● Solo Levelling (the manhwa)- It was a great manhwa with all the best aspects of anime. The art and the plot were fabulous. It was evident that much thought had gone into the dialogues of each character considering smart wordplay and pure comedy in some parts of the story. It's a great manhwa with around 200 chapters that anyone could easily glide through.

● The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes-Pratik NM

A very captivating book that cannot be kept down. It has amazing plot twists which are completely unpredictable.This is based on the stories of two Hawthorne brothers and connections with their family on their father's sides.

● Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari - Akanksha, VPE

This book is perfect for anyone seeking a light yet engaging read. The author’s simple, concise writing style drew me in, making me—a devoted fiction fan—fall for a non-fiction book that’s entirely outside my usual genre.

SUBJECT CORNER

Careers in Social Science

Social Science is the study of people and how they live together. It includes subjects like History, Geography, and Civics. There are many jobs in Social Science that help people understand the world and make it better. One interesting job is that of a historian. Historians learn about events from the past and explain how things have changed. They work in museums, schools, or write books to share their knowledge. Another career option is that of a geographer. Geographers study the Earth, its land and its climates. They help plan cities and protect nature.

In Civics, people study laws and government. Some people who study Civics become lawyers or work for the government. They help make rules that keep people safe and solve community problems. There are many other jobs associated with Social Science. People in these careers try to solve problems and make communities better. These jobs are great for people who enjoy helping others and want to make a difference. Careers in Social Science are interesting and help us create a better world - TS. Sanjana, VII C

Importance of Social Science

Social science is crucial for understanding human behaviour and societal dynamics. It helps decode complex social issues like inequality, health disparities, and economic challenges, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and effective policy. By studying fields such as psychology, sociology, and economics, social scientists uncover insights that promote social justice, guide economic stability, and improve public health. This understanding is essential for creating cohesive, adaptable communities that thrive amidst change. Ultimately, social science enriches our comprehension of society, enabling positive transformation and equipping us to address global issues thoughtfully and responsibly. Education is one of the most important social sciences, exploring how people learn and develop.

By studying societies and how people behave and interact we can help in building better societies. We can improve the way our governments work we can improve our education system and we can create better ways to help all the members of our society. - Poorvika Hanuman, VII C

Toy-Based Pedagogy:Joyful Discovery Through Learning

Toy-based pedagogy is an innovative approach that uses toys as tools for learning, encouraging students to explore concepts through hands-on, experiential activities. The goal is to make learning interactive and enjoyable, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in an engaging manner.

At NCFE, we have implemented toy pedagogy in the following ways:

• Treasure Hunt with Prepositions: Small toys were hidden around the room and clues with prepositions, such as “Look behind the bookshelf” or “Check under the desk” were given to the students. This activity makes learning prepositions into a fun, hands-on game.

• Pattern Recognition: Students were told to arrange colorful blocks in different patterns and they were also asked to identify and extend the pattern.

• Hopscotch Game: Students used hopscotch for addition and subtraction.This game-based activity enhanced their motor skills and balancing.

• Simple Geometry: Students learned different properties of a 3D object like rolling, sliding, and shadows formed.

• Skip the Rope: Students learned subtraction through skipping the rope.