‘Inizio: A Beginning’ Health & Wellness Fiesta 2020-21

“True happiness is not in how much you have but what you do to bring a smile on someone’s face”

The festival of lights, Diwali, reminds us that lamps are lit not just to decorate homes, but also to communicate a profound truth about life - when the darkness within us is dispelled through the light of wisdom, the good in us wins over the evil.

In recent years, however, people have moved beyond just the lighting of lamps. Today, the extravagance shown during these celebrations has not only affected the environment to a great extent, but has also put people’s health in peril. The impact of this is visible with the rise in air pollution levels each year at this time. Besides this, on view is the callous wastage of resources, accumulation of debris on roads, which all combine to affect the health of both people and animals.

It is with these concerns in mind that Blue Bells Model School annually organizes Inizio: A Beginning - Health & Wellness Fiesta 2020-21, an intra-school event for students of Primary Wing held under the aegis of the Health & Wellness Programme.

Celebrated from 2 to 12 November 2020, the event’s theme this year was ‘Safe & Green Diwali’. Multiple activities, designed specifically to sensitize students and celebrate the festival in a safe and environment friendly manner, were conducted online by Value Education facilitators for their respective classes.

Class III designed beautiful rangolis using recycled paper and materials available at their homes. Class IV’s task, which they participated in enthusiastically, was to create lanterns using old newspapers, old greeting/wedding cards, colored chart papers available at home. Class V used their creativity to design attractive greeting cards using Mandala and Doodle art forms. Students of all classes participated with a great deal of interest and excitement. The activities achieved their objective of teaching students something of importance and value while allowing them to have fun and spread happiness and joy.

To continue with this knowledge sharing on the topic, a Special Assembly was conducted on 11 November 2020 for Classes III-V through a webinar by the members of the Health & Wellness Council. The Health & Wellness Team conducted a talk show for students on how to celebrate a safe, healthy and green Diwali. This was based on a module created by the Health & Wellness Resource Center Team after thorough research, under the guidance of Dr. Alka Saxena, Deputy Director (Health & Wellness), BBGS. The idea was to enable students to feel, help them internalize and then sensitize others around them on this important matter. Donning the roles of eminent personalities, Council members discussed the importance of safe and green Diwali and covered the following points:

• The way Diwali is celebrated at present and its harmful effects (supported by a video)

• Consequences of children working in firecracker factories, environment and health hazards

of not only crackers, but also generation of waste through flowers, gift wrappers, etc. as well as adulteration

• Pollution and other harmful effects on the environment

• Impact of the above on both humans and animals especially during Diwali

• Wasteful expenditure

• Adulteration, over consumption of sweets, and tips for dealing with it

• Safety tips to follow during Diwali (Dos and Don’ts)

At the webinar, Dr. Alka Saxena talked about the poor Air Quality Index after Diwali and also highlighted the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle which need to be kept in mind to ensure the true spirit of festivity.  She also reminded students about the Pandemic and to be mindful of safety measures while enjoying the festival

The webinar concluded with a message by Dr. Saroj Suman Gulati, Founder Director, BBGS who emphasized the importance of celebrating Diwali while keeping in mind, not only our safety, but that of the environment as well.

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CAREER CONFLUENCE

“Don’t be pushed by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” - Roy T. Bennet

A hallmark of education at Blue Bells is helping to develop an openness to life and accepting the unexpected challenges that might come our way with a cheerful countenance. There is a concerted effort to involve students in different aspects of life outside the classroom so that they are able to relate these learnings to their day-to-day activities. Our style of education integrates book learning with direct life experience and helps students understand the art of living to enable them to emerge as successful individuals.

It is with the objective of gaining an understanding of real-life choices that the Group organises Career Confluence each year under the aegis of The Health & Wellness Programme and under the patronage of Dr. Alka Saxena, Deputy Director (Health & Wellness), BBGS. A unique initiative, the Confluence provides a platform for students to interact with experts in the field of career counselling.

Ms. Gagandeep Kaur, Director, Unique Psychological Services (UPS) was invited to conduct the session this year. Ms Kaur is a double Gold Medalist in Clinical Psychology and is the recipient of Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Presidential Gold Medal. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of child and clinical psychology with diverse areas of expertise.

Exclusive online sessions with Ms. Kaur were held for students of Classes IX to XII on 19 and 20 November 2020, and for their parents on 5 December 2020.

Ms. Kaur, who was welcomed by The Health & Wellness Ambassador and the Peer Mentor, introduced the students to a host of emerging careers in science, commerce and humanities. She also introduced them to new age career options covering vocational careers, skill-based careers, careers that go beyond familiar streams along with a range of courses. Besides this, she talked about the many unconventional careers that students could explore and opt for and those best suited to their aptitude, interest, skills, passion and personality. Additionally, she also helped students understand the importance of planning for their career early, busted some common myths, and covered other aspects to enable students to choose the right option while selecting their stream.

Ms. Kaur addressed parents of students in Classes IX to XII on stream selection, effective career planning and career options at an informative session on 5 December 2020. The objective of this session was to help parents better understand the many career options available so that they can in turn help their children choose an option based on their skill, aptitude, interest and passion.

The last part of the session on all days was an interactive Open House that helped address several concerns of students and their parents regarding career choices. The session was very informative and all queries were responded to everyone’s satisfaction.

Students and parents were also informed about the Career Counseling Committee available at the schools to address concerns and queries of both.

With an overwhelming participation by students and parents, the Confluence was a huge success.

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‘MYSTERY SKYPE’

BLUE BELLS MODEL SCHOOL ‘MYSTERY SKYPE’ – THE FOURTH SESSION OF INTERNATIONALISM

It is rightly said, “There are hundreds of languages around the world but a smile speaks them all.’ The session with South Korea today witnessed the aforesaid quote. The students of Blue Bells Model School are progressing towards internationalism with each passing day taking baby steps every day, they reached South Korea today via Zoom Platform. They had an interactive session – ‘Mystery Skype’ with Pungsaeng Middle School, in South Korea. As an ice-breaker activity the students had a face to face YES / NO question rounds about their countries. The students were put into different breakout room where an interaction took place among the students of both the country. The interaction revolved around prevailing education system in both the countries and the online classes being conducted presently all around. Overall it was a fun-filled learning experience for the students.

INTERNATIONALISM WITH MACEDONIA

BLUE BELLS MODEL SCHOOL ORGANIZED THIRD SESSION OF INTERNATIONALISM  WITH MACEDONIA

 At Blue Bells, we firmly believe that providing opportunities for    Global collaboration not only engages students, but it also builds cultural understanding and empathy. The inspiration of dance and music plays a vitally positive role in nurturing the body, mind and spirit. To achieve this goal, the students of Class IX had an interface with the students of Foreign Language School – Step by Step, Skopje North Macedonia on December 30, 2020 on a virtual platform. The agenda of the interaction was ‘Coordinate-Calibrate-Rejuvenate’ - Healing with Dance. The students had an engaging session wherein after an introduction they were shown a presentation about various dance forms in India. Dance videos of   two students demonstrating the mudras of Bharatnatyam and Kathak were appreciated by all. Our students shared with their global peers the therapeutic quality of dance as a performing art form. All the guest students enjoyed the quiz that was based on the presentation.  It was an enriching and meaningful collaboration which promoted the building of peer relationships, through peer interactions.

INTERNATIONALISM

BLUE BELLS MODEL SCHOOL CELEBRATED CULTURAL CONNECT WITH FESTIVALS IN SECOND SESSION OF INTERNATIONALISM

We at Blue Bellsbelieve that children are the best ambassadors of goodwillhighlighting the vision of ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam ‘or  World is one big family. The activities at school are designed to foster the intrinsic talents of our scholars along with establishing cultural exchange with the schools across the globe . In furtherance of this vision , the students of Class VIII had a rendezvous with the students of Aban School 3, Russia, Krasnoyarsk Region on December 24, 2020 on a virtual platform . The agenda of the interaction was ‘Festivals – Let’s Celebrate Cultural Connect’. The students had an interactive session wherein they exchanged information about celebrating various festivals in their respective countries . Knowing about different festivals lend a glimpse into each other cultures and integrate the essence of learning through co-operative group discussion and sharing. Blue Bellians apprised the Russian students about the celebration of Diwali and the students of Aban School from Russia shared their traditional way of celebrating New Year and Christmas. It was a great learning experience for the students as they got an opportunity to appreciate each other’s traditions and culture.

INTERNATIONAL CLASSROOM-A MAGICAL INTERCULTURAL FRIENDSHIP NETWORK

FIRST SESSION OF INTERNATIONALISM BY BLUE BELLS MODEL SCHOOL IN INTERNATIONAL CLASSROOM-A MAGICAL INTERCULTURAL FRIENDSHIP NETWORK

The Blue Bells philosophy of learning is conceptualized around this principle of internationalism. With globalisation making the lines between national borders and cultures increasingly supple, the commitment to accommodate a plurality of voices - be it in the classroom, in action or through perspectives - becomes imperative. At school , the students are encouraged to think globally, appreciate differing points of view and understand that the world is a complex, changing place.

In sync with the same vision, the school became a proud member of International Classroom -A Magical Inter Cultural Friendship Network with representations from Serbia, Turkey , Macedonia and India. The First Module presentation on Etiquettes of Digital Communication was organized on December 17, 2020 on the Zoom Platform. The students presented their research on Etiquettes to be followed with students , teachers and strangers. The students had a good exposure and learning experience meeting the other students from different parts of the world. It was a first step to develop international camaraderie and association.

‘LA FÊTE DE LA LANGUE’— A FESTIVAL OF LANGUAGES CHAPTER II 2020

‘La Fête De La Langue’—A Festival of Languages Chapter II 2020 is a befitting platform to understand more deeply the preeminence of languages for it is, the power, life and instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation. We at Blue Bells believe that every language is a projection of a different vision of life which contributes in transcending barriers and strengthening emotional bindings across humanity.

In an effort to celebrate the grandeur of languages and appreciate them in their varied moods and genres, we hosted ‘La Fete De La Langue’-A Festival of Languages on November 27 & 28, 2020 under the aegis of GPSC. The event was an earnest effort to expand horizons and comprehend the galore of languages. Ms. Soumya Gulati, Deputy Director, Academic Development and Innovation BBGS, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The two-day mega event commenced with the lighting of the diyas to pay our obeisance to Late Shri. B.D. Gulati ji, Founder Chairman Sir, BBGS. The Principal of the school accorded a warm welcome to the august gathering emphasizing the key role that language plays in one’s life. Ms. Soumya Gulati declared the event open amidst the talented and over enthusiastic contestants.

Around 30 schools with 350 participants and 13 interesting and absorbing events made this Fest spectacular. The audience witnessed the Live Events like Suno or Buno, Grammothon – Kahoot Quiz, Lingua Arte’, Comicostaan, Mai Kavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Contra Opinion and Mime. The students fervently participated in the events and the jury members were astounded by their multidimensional expertise and skills. Apart from the live events, the students also participated in the competitions wherein they sent their submission for adjudgment. The events were-Gita Karamyog Shlok Gayan, Collage Making (Spanish), French Cuisine, Creative Photography and Perspective Photography.

In the Closing-cum-Valedictory Ceremony, the students presented a well-orchestrated programme highlighting the importance of language with a dance presentation. The kaleidoscopic glimpses of the various events were mirrored through display of Snapshots. The Overall Winners Trophy was bagged by St. Xavier’s High School, Gurugram. The moment became momentous when Ms. Soumya Gulati, Deputy Director (Academic Development & Innovation), BBGS and Ms. Komal Dua – the Jury Member, congratulated the participating schools for their commendable endeavours. ‘LA FÊTE DE LA LANGUE’-A Festival of Languages was a humble attempt of the school to bring the grandeur of language alive.

World Mental Health Day

  “True Health is positive energy in the mind, body and spirit.” Mental Health is integral to living a healthy and balanced life. This year’s World Mental Health Day on October 10 coincides with a changed routine life in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these unprecedented times, the students and the facilitators are juggling to adapt to the new system of virtual learning with limited outdoor activities. The Ministry of Education, Govt. of India has undertaken ‘MANODARPAN’ initiative covering a wide range of activities to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers, and families for Mental Health and Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. In this context, a Mental Health Week was planned from 4th to 10th October, 2020 on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. In sync with the ‘MANODARPAN’ initiative and the goal of the World Mental Health Day campaign of increased responsiveness in mental health, the Health & Wellness Team under the guidance of Dr. Alka Saxena, Deputy Director, Blue Bells Group of Schools took up the initiative to organize awareness campaigns on how to effectively cope with the new normal. The team organized a webinar on Mindfulness for the teachers of Blue Bells Group of Schools on October 8, 2020. The Resource person, Ms. Saumya Sharan, a well-known Clinical Psychologist at Circle of Life, India, explained how mindfulness would help students and teachers to focus on the present moment helping to build a positive environment in these challenging times. A circular apprising about GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH FEST’2020 (9-11 October 2020) organized by Fortis Mental Health Program under the aegis of Dr. Samir Parikh was sent to the students to help them build a better understanding of positive mental well being. A Poster Designing Activity was scheduled for Classes VI–XII. The activity was conducted through Zoom Session on October 21, 2020 for students of classes IX to XII and from October 19 to October 23, 2020 for classes VI to VIII in their respective Life Skills classes. Students enthusiastically participated in the activity and created thoughtful e-posters as well as posters on A3/A4 sheets on the given topics related to Mental Health and Well being. The inspiring response of the teachers and students corroborated the belief of the team that with the right information and knowledge we can grow comprehensively.  

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Diwali Celebration

‘May the supreme light

Illumine our minds,

Enlighten our hearts,

And strengthen the human bonds in our homes and communities’

Diwali is a festival celebrated by all religions all over the world around this time of the year. To mark the auspicious day, the celebration of Diwali came alive at Blue Bells Model School.

The assembly commenced with the significance of the day followed by melodious rendition. Students gave a talk on 'Diwali-Festival of lights'. They also shared the information in form of an enlightening speech and poem about the ill effects of bursting crackers on human beings, animals and nature, as well as ways to celebrate ‘Green and Safe Diwali’. The celebration ended with a wonderful dance performance by our students and teachers followed by a pledge on 'Green and Safe Diwali'.

The event symbolised the spirit of festivity and excitement clearly reflecting that how the festival's spirit is alive amid the on-going pandemic.

To unleash the creativity, Art Department organised 'Deepotsav' wherein activities like paper Rangoli, toran and wall hanging were included. The students participated enthusiastically in the activity.

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41st FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION

STEPPING INTO A GOLDEN ERA : 41st FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATED AT BLUE BELLS MODEL SCHOOL , SECTOR 4, GURUGRAM

‘Education is the hub of social reform and empowerment ….’

November 10 is marked as a golden day in the history of Blue Bells Model School as it was on this day that the foundation of an exemplary institution was laid. The school commemorated 41 years of its spectacular journey on November 10, 2020. The celebrations commenced on a pious note with a Hawan adorned by the gracious presence of Dr. Saroj Suman Gulati, Honourable Director, BBGS. The day’s celebration marked a nostalgic journey into the school’s promising beginning and the vision with which it was conceptualised. Shri Mahesh Chandra- Chairman BBGS, Mr. Ashish Gulati, Vice Chairman BBGS, Dr. Saroj Suman Gulati, Director BBGS, along with other coveted members of the Management graced the occasion.

Mr. Ashish Gulati , Vice Chairman , BBGS headed the Panel Discussion on the topic –‘Rethink and Reinvent -Schools in Context’ under the umbrella theme –‘Blue Bells Stands for Transformational Changes’. The school Alumni from the First Batch were specially invited on the occasion. The talented ex-students who have made a mark in diverse professional fields deliberated on rethinking and reinventing learning strategies and pedagogy in context of the new normal.

As a part of ‘Experienced Expression’, former teachers of the school shared their memories and expressed heartfelt feelings of their long association with the institution. A presentation on the glorious journey of 41 years showcasing varied milestones conquered over the years and the phenomenal transitions initiated by the school in the field of education, took everyone down the memory lane.

A myriad of activities were planned to contribute towards an all-round development of the young Blue Bellians. The zealous students showcased their innate acumen in several competitions like Poem Recitation and Photo Collage Making wherein the students put forth their unique innovative skills. Online Quiz which unfolded questions on the theme ‘How Well You Know Your School’ witnessed students’ exuberance in attempting the questionnaire.

Addressing the audience Shri Mahesh Chandra Ji, Chairman BBGS and Dr. Saroj Suman Gulati, Director BBGS motivated all to pledge and reinvest themselves to the cause of selfless service to society and carry forward the rich legacy of the school by working towards positive change and holistic growth of the future generations.