The Tiger, August 18 2023
Head of School Message
As this is our first edition of The Tiger for the AY 2023-’24, I’d like to first welcome everybody to the new academic year. We have almost a hundred and fifty new Tigers joining us this year, and over five hundred returning students. It’s been great to see everybody on campus over the past two weeks and the school is already buzzing with activity.
This year we will be trying to ensure that all of our parents are able to experience life at Stonehill even if they can’t get to the campus regularly. Your children enjoy many different events and activities while at school, and we would love to find ways to share these with you as often as possible. We want parents to be as involved as much as they realistically can in our community, and I would encourage you to read, watch and listen to the material that we create so that you have a good idea about what’s going on every week.
Once in two weeks, our team will produce ‘The Tiger’ newsletter. This includes articles written by Principals and teachers in both Primary and Secondary. Throughout the year, different departments and grade levels will contribute, so by the end of the year, regular readers will have had access to the complete picture. There is also a section from the Boarding programme every edition as well to keep our parents of Boarding students up to date with all developments.
In addition to The Tiger, all sections of the school will also be producing short videos of life on campus throughout the year. This will bring to life some of the events that we run, and although they are a little time consuming to make, we feel that it is a valuable exercise, particularly for those of you who can’t be on campus easily.
Finally, don’t forget that there are many events that you can and should attend at school. Both divisions will be running workshops throughout the year on key topics, the school is hosting a Back-to-School Day on September 6th for parents to meet teachers and learn about the programmes. There will be multiple Parent-Teacher Conferences throughout the year, and the PTA will be hosting a number of different events for you to participate in. Also, I’m sure your children will be involved in various sports competitions, arts performances and exhibitions between now and next June - make sure you come along to support their efforts.
Let’s make this a year to remember at Stonehill and make sure that our whole community enjoys the benefits of being a Stonehill Tiger.
Joe Lumsden
Head of School
Whole School News
The Overdevest Family Re-visit Stonehill After 6 years!
Matthijs, Frederique and Isabelle Overdevest were in Stonehill from 2014 to 2017. They paid us a nostalgic visit on the 3rd of August 2023.
The memories came flooding back as they walked the familiar paths, reliving the unforgettable moments that shaped their journey here. It's heartwarming to witness the strong bond they've maintained with Stonehill even after these many years!
Class of 2023 Alumni Visit Stonehill
Embassy Cares
In July, our Stonehill community joined Embassy Group for their annual distribution of learning resources at the Stonehill Government School.
Education is a stepping stone towards a better future, and by supporting initiatives like this, the Stonehill community and Embassy Group are committed to making a positive difference.
Primary School
The 2023-’24 academic year started really well. The students are already showing their independence when arriving at school, going to their classes to deposit their bags and then out to play with friends. It is wonderful seeing our teachers and teaching assistants helping learners who need a little bit of extra support when saying goodbye to a loved one for a while.
This is one small way the PYP team shows they care deeply for your children. Parents, thank you too for working with us, together we make a great team!
I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work in developing high-quality learning spaces this week. Thank you also to Ghouse (Facilities Manager) and his team for their work painting the school and helping us create wonderful environments for the children.
I have included some images below so you can see how inviting these spaces are, at an age-appropriate level. Even better than seeing these images, you will be able to see these spaces for yourselves! You are invited into school, with your child, on Friday the 25th of September for our ‘Hopes and Dreams’ meetings to meet your child’s teachers. We really look forward to seeing you all.
PYP Coordinator
In the bustling hallways and playgrounds of our school, one thing remains constant, the desire to connect and belong.
As we embark on a new academic year, it's essential to reflect on the significance of creating a belonging classroom. A space where every learner feels valued, respected, and included can have a profound impact on their learning journey and overall well-being.
What is a Belonging Classroom?
A belonging classroom is more than just a physical setting with desks and chairs; it's a learning environment where learners feel like an integral part of a supportive community. In such a space, children are encouraged to express their opinions, share their experiences, and embrace their unique identities without fear of judgement.
The Benefits of a Belonging Classroom
Enhanced Learning: When learners feel safe and valued, their ability to learn and engage in the learning process is amplified. A sense of belonging fosters a positive mindset that encourages active participation and a willingness to take academic risks.
Positive Relationships: Building strong relationships between learners and between learners and teachers is a cornerstone of a belonging classroom. These relationships create a network of support that helps children navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.
Emotional Well-being: School can be an emotional rollercoaster for learners, but a belonging classroom provides a stabilising force. Feeling accepted reduces stress and anxiety, promoting better mental health and emotional resilience.
Creating a belonging classroom isn't just about individual learners; it's about building a community that extends its positive influence beyond the classroom walls. Learners who feel they belong are more likely to exhibit kindness, empathy, and inclusivity in their interactions with others. As these learners grow and move through life, they carry the lessons of belonging with them, shaping a more compassionate and understanding society.
Let's work together to ensure that every learner at Stonehill feels like they truly belong in our school community.
Zita Joyce
PYP Coordinator
PYP Counsellor
Helpful Hints for Setting Routines That Support Learning
Begin by establishing important times
Mealtimes and bedtimes should be as non-negotiable and consistent as possible, especially on school days. Children love consistency. Their minds and bodies will adapt.
Prepare your child
If you need to get your child to buy-in to a schedule, make sure to talk with them about why you are putting routines in place. They need to be able to view this as something that benefits them and not as something that curtails their freedom or independence. When children know what to expect, they will grow to be confident to take the initiative to do things independently.
Share ownership
When children feel like they are seen and heard, they are more likely to comply. It would be wise to consider any inputs or ideas your child might have to include in their daily routine. Listen actively. Co-create a schedule. You could give them a few choices of activities to pick from to include in their routine. This sense of autonomy will help them develop self-management skills and be more responsible.
Be patient
Settling into a new routine can take time. It can be frustrating when it does. As a parent, knowing to expect hiccups along the way will help you not get stressed. It is best to avoid making big changes too quickly and expecting your child to adapt immediately.
Be a good role model
It is important to have and follow your own routine that your kids can see and emulate. Your children will be more willing to embrace and adjust to their new routine when they see you set a good example for them.
If you have any questions or concerns, or need more support in helping your child settle in, you may write to me at neeti.sarkar@stonehill.in
Neeti Sarkar
PYP Counsellor
Primary News
Harnessing the Magic of Doraemon and Nobita: A Journey of Learning in the P6 Classroom
In the realm of education, innovation knows no bounds. And what better way to ignite young minds than through the enchanting world of Doraemon and Nobita, the beloved Japanese animated characters? These iconic figures have found their way into our classrooms, seamlessly blending entertainment and education to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Here are some of the ingenious ways in which Doraemon and Nobita are driving learning within our educational sphere in P6.
Unveiling Solutions with Doraemon and Nobita: The Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Picture the excitement as students embark on a scavenger hunt inspired by the ingenious gadgets of Doraemon. With a spirit of adventure on their side, they decipher clues, unearth treasures, and unveil virtual gadgets to address various challenges. This immersive activity not only fostered critical thinking and problem-solving but also infused an element of fun and intrigue into the learning process. By emulating Doraemon's knack for inventive solutions, the students were prompted to think creatively and develop a versatile approach to overcoming obstacles.
From Imagination to Reality: Empowering Students as Innovators
Taking inspiration from Doraemon's inventive gadgets, the students were encouraged to turn their imaginative ideas into real-world solutions. Tasked with designing and creating their own gadgets to address personal challenges, the students bridged the gap between fiction and reality. This hands-on experience equipped them with invaluable skills – from design thinking and prototyping to practical problem-solving. By materialising their ideas, the students grasped the transformative power of innovation, discovering that they too can effect change through their creativity. Some of the gadgets that were created by our students include a ‘Calming Pillow’ with magic beads to massage your neck and relieve stress and a ‘Lollipop Communicator’ that helps one learn languages and become better communicators.
Essential Agreements: Learning Values with Doraemon
Beyond gadgets and inventions, Doraemon and Nobita contribute to shaping young minds in matters of character. The students delved into episodes of the animated series, extracting valuable life lessons on respect, responsibility, honesty, and safety. These virtues were then woven into the fabric of their daily school life through the creation of essential agreements. This integration not only cultivated positive behaviours but also nurtured a sense of empathy and consideration among students, fostering a harmonious and respectful school environment.
Embarking on an Attribute Journey: Bringing Home The Doraemon Adventure
The journey of learning takes a creative twist as Doraemon becomes a vehicle for driving the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. The students will be extending their connection with Doraemon beyond the classroom, inviting the character into their homes. Over weekends, Doraemon will become a partner in exploring the attributes – students will capture photos of Doraemon engaging in various activities that exemplify these attributes. This immersive experience will strengthen their understanding of traits such as being principled, open-minded, and balanced, fostering a holistic approach to character development. To kick-start the process, Doraemon visited the homes of the P6 teachers and shared some experiences together.
The infusion of Doraemon and Nobita into the classroom signifies the limitless possibilities of modern education. The P6 Team is poised to harness the magical allure of these beloved characters to drive a year of exploration, curiosity, and holistic development. As we embrace these innovative approaches, we are confident that our students will not only excel academically but also emerge as responsible, creative, and compassionate individuals poised to conquer the challenges of the future.
The Extended Music Programme
The Extended Music Programme (EMP), an integral part of the school for over a decade, showcases some of Bengaluru's finest musicians offering personalised music lessons in various instruments. The students have the opportunity to specialise in their chosen instrument. They are presented with ample chances to perform at school assemblies, recitals, and other concerts held throughout the year.
One of our most anticipated events are the bi-annual recitals, one in each semester. These carefully curated performances involve both teachers and students across different age groups, classes, and levels of musical expertise. In addition to recitals and school assemblies, our students had the honour of performing at the CAS Team's Advantage Elder Care event last year. This allowed EMP students from both primary and secondary levels to showcase their talents to the wider community.
The upcoming year promises an exciting journey of musical exploration and advancement within our program. Our focus will be on enhancing performances and engaging in RSL (Rockschool Ltd) and Trinity exams. These internationally recognised exams offer students the opportunity to showcase their skills in a structured and standardised manner. The exam preparation not only improves technical proficiency but also brings a sense of achievement through internationally recognised certifications.
Last year's recitals received much acclaim from both students and the entire Stonehill community. These performances contribute to building confidence and provide a platform for students to refine their abilities, develop stage presence, and create enduring memories.
Secondary School
Back to School!
This academic year started with buzzing enthusiasm! Twelve new teachers have joined the team, bringing with them a wealth of experience from across the world. The Secondary team (59 teachers in all!) began immersing themselves in a shared learning journey in preparing for the new academic year.
We couldn’t wait for our new students to join us for the student orientation, and in no time the school was buzzing with four hundred secondary students on the first day of school!
In the first few days, the Homeroom Teachers ensured that the students develop relationships and bond together. We have had students transitioning from various other schools and countries, as well as from P8 to M1 and M5 to the Diploma Programme. The students have quickly begun to adapt to their new learning environments and we are all looking forward to the year ahead.
New Plans
The Secondary team is focusing on shared goals of strengthening existing systems like the ASAs, the Student Council, and the House system. This year we will also place a stronger focus on our students' physical, social, and emotional well-being. In the DP specifically, we have identified developing self-management skills as a priority.
Events Underway
Resonating with Stonehill's mission of providing “stimulating, engaging academics integrated with enhanced opportunities for Technological innovation, Sports, and the Arts”, our students attended their first football tournament, Vivum, at TISB. Twenty-one of our students also participated in HMUN, joining over 1000 delegates from 80+ schools worldwide.
We started this week by celebrating Indian Independence Day and National Liberation Day of Korea. Here's a true example of unity in diversity!
Renewed Team Spirit
To ensure team spirit and cohesion, the entire Secondary community is strengthening the House system, expanding its scope to not only involve students in sports but also CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) and other departmental events.
We are working towards strengthening our ASA and offering a wider range of activities for the students to choose from. Our ASAs start from 5th September. Please be sure to keep an eye out for information about signing up.
Congratulations!
Our students continue making us proud in their pursuits outside of school. Aryan, M4, took the initiative and helped coordinate the 3rd Karnataka State Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged at Padukone Dravid Center for Sports Excellence.
Secondary News
English Language and Literature
The first Term has had a busy start, both across the Secondary School and specifically in Secondary English Language and Literature classes. Please have a look at some samples of our students’ learning experiences below.
M1: Learner Profile Skits
As a way to demonstrate their learning on the IB Learner Profile Attributes, the students wrote and performed skits in which they were tasked with showing how these attributes can be used to solve real-life problems and build consensus. Can you guess which Learner Profile Attribute is being demonstrated in each skit below?
M3: “Won't You Celebrate With Me?”
The M3 students shared their interest on social justice issues with each other after studying Lucille Clifton’s ironically titled, “Won’t You Celebrate With Me?” Please have a look at a sample of the poems below, reflecting both students' concerns and their creative writing skills.
M4: Bio Poems as Introductions
The M4 students also introduced themselves to their classmates using poetry, specifically “Bio Poems”, inspired by George Ella Lyon’s poem, “Where I’m From”. This task was useful in helping students learn more about their peers, and exposing them to literary techniques which they will learn about in the upcoming units. Please see some examples below.
D1: Human Bingo and Peer Suggestions
The D1 students started the year with a short activity called Human Bingo, in which they had to find a classmate that fulfilled clues provided by the teacher (such as “ can write their name in three languages” and “has read the entire “Harry Potter” series). Following this, the students looked over the English course outline and considered possible challenges over the year. Finally, the students provided possible strategies and solutions to these challenges, based on their personal experiences.
Mathscape Beginnings
Charting the Course of the First School Week
Excitement soared for the M1 students in the first week of school. There were introductions and icebreakers. Visible Thinking through the compass technique and new hopes were explored. NEWS (Need to know, Excited about, Worried about, and Suggestions) ensured that the M1 students shared insights, unbound.
D1 MATH AA SL-1
A clear understanding of Command Terms in IBDP Mathematics is crucial to student success. The D1 students expressed their understanding of each command, supported by their teacher who gave them examples of problems.
M4 Enrichment
The students delved into the roles of a few important civilizations and made posters. They came up with their own number system.
The world is round. Keeping this in mind the theme in the classes revolved around Circles. The M3 Section 1 Maths students bonded in a circle time activity and the D2 AA SL students learnt strategies to make a unit circle.
M3 Math Section-2
The M3 Math, Section 2, students had an engaging icebreaker where they explored diverse number types and their distinctive representation requirements. The students were guided toward a thoughtful appreciation of numerical complexities and effective communication strategies.
News on Math Competitions
Twenty-five M2 and M3 students attempted the online Gauss Competition on May 18, 2023. We are so proud of Somin, Cadence, Jiwon, Kyumin, and Koshi who made it to the top 10%. Congratulations!
What's happening in Secondary School?
Boarding News
On the 4th of August, our campus was abuzz with excitement as we welcomed twenty seven new families to our boarding community.
The New Student Orientation was a day filled with introductions, campus tours, and interactive sessions to familiarise our new students with the boarding life, academic offerings, and extracurricular activities.
We extend our heartiest welcome to all the new families and wish them a rewarding and fulfilling journey ahead.
The start of this academic year has been nothing short of inspiring, as both returning and new students have embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with learning and growing together. We look forward to further exploring the talents, achievements, and stories that make our boarding house a dynamic and vibrant community.
This year, our boarding enrolment has reached an impressive count of a hundred and six students, a testament to our nurturing and academically enriching environment. The girls’ boarding house is now at full capacity, marking a significant milestone. The trend of an upward growth in girls' enrolment is particularly remarkable, highlighting the diverse opportunities and inclusive atmosphere that our boarding house provides.
As we reflect on the events of this past week, one thing is abundantly clear, our boarding house is not just a place to stay but a place to thrive as well. Whether it’s the spirited conversations during meals, the late-night study sessions, or the shared joys and challenges of academic pursuits, every experience here contributes to the holistic development of our students.
The first two weeks of the new academic year have set the tone for what promises to be a year filled with growth, friendship, and achievements. An exhilarating adventure awaited our boarding students at The Boot Camp. This outdoor Adventure and Training Facility, managed by retired defence personnel renowned for their expertise in leadership development, team building, behavioural skills, and more, set the stage for a day of growth and excitement. Organised into six groups, the students conquered challenges and engaged in spirited competitions that showcased their resilience and teamwork. The outing proved to be an exceptional learning experience, fostering invaluable experience, unity and collaboration, communication skills, and self-discipline.
Over the summer, two of our D2 boarders enrolled in summer school programmes. Kinjal went to Harvard University’s summer school to study International Trade and Financial and Managerial Economics. Samyak spent twelve days at Imperial College London studying Medicine and Life Sciences as a part of the Imperial Global Summer School.
It is with immense pride that we congratulate Sheni, D1, one of our talented boarders, on her exceptional achievement. Sheni has been selected for the International Music Tour in the United Kingdom, an opportunity that highlights her remarkable musical talent and dedication. She will be participating in The Harmony Chorus of the 2023 International Concert Tour to London and the Isle of Man, scheduled to take place between the 28th of August 28th and the 6th of September 2023.
On the 15th of August, the boarding community gathered to commemorate the 76th anniversary of India’s Independence with a grand flag hoisting ceremony.
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