The Tiger, February 19, 2024
Head of School Message
A little bit of everything…
There are times in the academic year when we feel as though we have been running around in a whirlwind of activity and events, being pushed and pulled in so many directions. That’s what the last two weeks have felt like at school with so many opportunities for our students to enjoy a range of activities.
Since the Secondary School students returned from their class trips, it’s been non-stop.
Last week, many of our EdTech Committee teachers completed their Apple Teacher Training certificates as part of Stonehill’s preparation to become an Apple Distinguished School. Stonehill has already hosted a visit from an Apple trainer in the Secondary School; the Primary School will all take part in training on iPads on the 23rd of February.
The Secondary School then celebrated Home Language Day with a range of activities on the 7th of February including various singing performances in different languages in the MYP courtyard.
The following day, the whole of the Secondary School was involved in our inter-house Sports Day, which involved track and field events throughout the day (and a teachers’ relay race in the afternoon).
On the 10th of February, we saw two events back to back on campus. In the morning and early afternoon, our High School basketball teams competed in the end-of-season BAASC tournaments, with our boys' team winning their competition. Immediately afterwards, it was time for the International Food Fair with food from around the world and performances from a variety of different people and groups.
This Tuesday saw the beginning of the second season of After School Activities in both Primary and Secondary with sixty different activities in Sports, Arts, Technology and academic support.
On Wednesday, the Primary School hosted a group of parents for a literacy workshop. The Secondary School had offered workshops for parents on Sex Education the week before.
Yesterday, we hosted a visit from SUMAS (Sustainability Management School headquartered in Switzerland), one of our partners for the IB Careers-related Programme, which we will be opening for D1 students in August 2024.
And finally today, our Middle School football teams were at Oasis International School playing against their BAASC opponents.
And while all of this has been going on, final preparations are underway for our Theatre Production of a Midsummer Night’s Dream - we hope to see you all there on the performance dates.
I hope your children have enjoyed everything that has been on offer recently. It’s been a busy time, but always rewarding when we see our students thrive.
Joe Lumsden
Head of School
Whole School News
In Loving Memory of Ms. Swarnalatha Ravoori
It is with profound sadness that we remember and honour our dear colleague, Ms. Swarnalatha Ravoori, MYP Science & Chemistry teacher, who passed away on the 16th of February 2024.
Ms. Swarnalatha joined Stonehill in 2020. She was not just a teacher; she was a beacon of positivity, dedication, and warmth within our school community.
As we mourn the loss of a wonderful educator, our thoughts are with Ms. Swarnalatha's family during this difficult time. May her positivity and dedication continue to inspire us all.
A Midsummer Night's Dream - The Musical
The incredibly talented students of Stonehill International School present, "A Midsummer Night's Dream - The Musical".
In this one-of-a-kind adaptation of Shakespeare's classic, our students will transport you to a world of love and laughter all set to the beat of your favourite '80s hits.
Come prepared to step into a world where the magic of Shakespeare meets the energy of the '80s!
We can't wait to share an evening of theatrical brilliance with you!
Bangalore International Centre
4th Main Road, Stage 2, Domlur, Bengaluru, India
Thursday 29th Feb | Friday 1st March 7pm
Saturday 2nd March 3:30pm | 7pm
Book your tickets HERE!
Congratulations to Ms Preethi Menon!
Here's a post shared by Harper Collins featuring Preethi Menon, our Secondary English Teacher:
Preethi Menon, author of When The Jungles Whisper is here to tell you why you need to get your kids into reading ASAP!
PTA News
The Spectacular International Food Fair!
On behalf of the PTA, I would like to thank this fantastic community for coming together at the annual International Food Fair. The event was a spectacular show of the diversity that we have at Stonehill.
The community has raised close to INR 350,000 which will allow us to support the vaccination drive of 75 eligible children through Reach Lives.
Our top three donors for IFF 2024 are as follows:
- South Korea - INR 62,000
- Ibero America - INR 38,400
- and Japan - INR 32,800
Primary School
The Crucial Role of Play-Based Learning in Primary Education
Over the past 30 years of my career, one teaching approach has stood the test of time in Primary education. It has gained increasing support from educators and researchers alike and it is known as play-based learning. It is relevant particularly, although not exclusively, to students in primary schools.
As you know, in Primary, your child is beginning their educational journey. In school, and at home, we can see the joy children get from play-based learning and the development they make as a result of it. As I will expand on below, play-based learning is not just a beneficial addition to your child’s development, it is a fundamental necessity for your child to learn and grow.
Play is the natural language of childhood, the medium through which your child explores, interacts, and makes sense of the world around them. Here, at Stonehill Primary, play encompasses a wide array of activities, from imaginative play to structured games. These contribute to the holistic development of your child. Research has shed light on the profound impact of play-based learning on various aspects of a child's growth, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. To avoid making this article too academic, I've included a bibliography below if you are interested in a deeper dive into this area.
Cognitive development is perhaps one of the most significant areas influenced by play-based learning. Through play, your child engages in problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. All of these are essential skills for your child’s academic success and lifelong learning. Studies have shown that children who engage in play-based learning exhibit higher levels of creativity, curiosity, and motivation to learn, setting a solid foundation for future academic achievements.
Play-based learning also fosters social development by providing opportunities for collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution. As you know, collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution are important to us in Primary. Through play-based learning, your child learns to negotiate roles, share resources, and navigate social interactions, thereby developing essential interpersonal skills. As educators, we know that children who participate in collaborative play are helped to develop greater empathy, cooperation, and leadership qualities. These are invaluable in both academic and social contexts.
Emotional development is another area influenced by play-based learning. Play serves as a safe space for your child to express their feelings, and develop emotional resilience. By engaging in imaginative play, children learn to regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and develop a positive self-concept. Studies have shown that children who engage in play-based learning are known to develop higher levels of self-esteem, self-confidence, and emotional well-being, laying the groundwork for mental health and resilience throughout life.
Furthermore, play-based learning contributes to physical development by promoting gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness. Whether climbing on playground equipment, building with blocks, or engaging in active games, children develop strength, agility, and physical literacy through play. Research has highlighted a correlation between physical activity and cognitive function, indicating that physically active children can demonstrate improved academic performance and classroom behaviour.
In conclusion, by embracing play-based learning as a community at Stonehill, we are all helping grow a generation of lifelong learners who are not only academically proficient but also socially adept, emotionally resilient, and physically healthy. I’ll leave you with the words of Fred Rogers who said, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning."
Bibliography
- Ali E, Constantino KM, Hussain A, et al. The effects of play-based learning on early childhood education and development.
- Kessel, Julie (2018) "Let Our Children Play: The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Education," University of Montana Journal of Early Childhood Scholarship and Innovative Practice: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1 , Article 5.
- Available at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/ecsip/vol2/iss1/5
- Pang, E. and Simoncelli-Bulak, L., 2017. Benefits of play-based learning in the kindergarten classroom. Success in High-Need Schools Journal, 13(1), p.23.
- The Importance of Learning Through Play in Early Childhood Education: Reflection on The Bold Beginnings Report. International Journal of the Whole Child 2020, VOL. 5, NO. 2 (n.d.)
Peter Spratling
Primary School Principal
PYP Coordinator
The PYP learner in the Early Years
(3–6 year olds)
Experiences during the early years lay the foundation for all future learning.
The brain and body develop faster than at any other point in a child’s life.
Social development also takes shape in these early years as children are naturally inclined to explore, to discover, to play, and to make connections between self, others, and their entire surroundings. Through these interactions, children form their perception of themselves and others in the world (Rushton, Juola-Rushton 2010).
Symbolic exploration and expression for early learners
When children start school, they bring knowledge, experience, and meaning-making strategies. Through play and adult-guided activities, they learn different forms of communication like Language, Mathematics, Art, Music, and Movement. Early learners use these symbolic forms to explore, examine, question, predict, share, investigate, and reflect.
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Primary News
新年快乐(xīn nián kuài le)！Happy Lunar New Year!
This year is the year of the Dragon. To celebrate and promote cultural understanding, all PYP learners enjoyed a fun activity. They learnt to make Tanghulu, a popular Chinese snack.
Tanghulu is a yummy Chinese treat where fruits like hawthorns along with other small round fruits are coated with a sugary layer on sticks. It's crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just like the ones sold on the streets in China.
P7- How the World Works: A Walk Through Our Provocation
The P7 learners started their inquiry journey with the transdisciplinary theme, “How The World Works” through the central idea, “Redesigning Advancements Leads to Changes in Society and the Environment.”
The learners unpacked the big ideas, of redesign and advancements through these lines of inquiry:
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Advancements influence the way and pace humans live
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Redesigning advancements enhances our thinking and understanding
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People's need for progress has impacted their environment and the way they live
PYP Counsellor
Helpful Hints for Raising Kind Children
Every year, February 14th-20th, is celebrated as Random Acts of Kindness Week. It's a celebration of all the ways we can become a positive influence in each other's lives. While it is lovely to have a week set apart to focus on being kind, we believe being kind and caring in our ways of living and being, irrespective of the time of the year, is important. In a school setting, and otherwise too, fostering friendships begins with embodying the qualities of a good friend, notably kindness and respect.
Here are some strategies for parents to cultivate kindness in their children:
Integrate kind phrases into communication
Children absorb the language they are exposed to. Incorporate genuine but compassionate phrases such as "That was such a thoughtful gesture," "You demonstrate such helpfulness," or "I admire your kindness towards others."
Establish expectations of kindness at home
Similar to classroom agreements, collaboratively devise household guidelines that prioritise kindness and respect. Address breaches of this agreement promptly, encouraging reflection and offering opportunities for corrective action.
Model kindness
Children closely observe adult behaviour. The household environment should exemplify kindness through interactions between family members. Practice self-regulation and thoughtful responses, particularly during moments of disagreement, to set a positive example.
Provide opportunities for kindness
Beyond daily acts of kindness, allocate time for children to engage in activities where their empathy can have a meaningful impact. Volunteering in the community, participating in charitable events, visiting care facilities, or spending time at nursing homes are avenues to nurture a spirit of kindness in children.
Neeti Sarkar
PYP Counsellor
Secondary School
In our commitment to fostering the holistic development of every student, we consistently offer a variety of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Connecting their learning to real life scenarios and making learning more experiential, our students went on various trips across the country, exploring diverse cultures.
Home Language Day
On the 7th of February, we celebrated Home Language Day, hosted by the Language Acquisition Department. The events shed light on our linguistic diversity and we saw representations from different languages.
Secondary School Sports Day
The recent Secondary School Sports Day not only celebrated athletic achievements but also brought students from all grades together in a wonderful display of unity. It was heartening to witness students of different grades cheering for each other and fostering a sense of togetherness. The event served as a platform for fostering teamwork and collaboration, emphasising the importance of collective effort in achieving success.
The sportsmanship displayed on the field exemplified the school spirit and highlighted the positive impact of sports in building a strong sense of community. Nehru House emerged as the overall winner, displaying outstanding individual prowess and cohesive teamwork. Bachendri House also deserves applause for their impressive efforts, securing a close second. Kudos to all participants for making the Sports Day a true celebration of talent. The highlight was of course the teacher’s relay where the students cheered and motivated their teachers to gain some extra points for their house!
BAASC High School Basketball Champions 2024!
The recent victory of our High School boys in the BAASC tournament against Canadian International School (CIS) this season is a moment of great pride! Winning the tournament showcases teamwork, dedication, and advanced skill development in sports this year. This is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students, making it a memorable and unifying moment for the entire school community. Congratulations, Tigers!
Secondary News
Exploring Creativity in The Arts
Stonehill International School is a hub of creativity, where students are given opportunities within the Arts Department to explore diverse ways to express themselves.
Visual Arts
The M1 students are currently engaged in the creation of 2D and 3D sculptures as part of their first unit on portraits. With clay, wire, and other materials at their disposal, they are bringing their interpretations of the human form to life, exploring facial features and expressions.
The M2 students have started their second unit with a focus on nature and still life studies. Through sketches, paintings, and other techniques, they are honing their observational skills and learning to see nature in more depth!
As Cadence, M4, Visual Art, mentioned, “We have set up a space in the secondary art studios for students to work on digital art and photography at their own pace. In the first section, are examples of student work in photography, and in the second section, there are examples of digital work that are very light and spontaneous.”
Below are some examples of artwork from M4. They studied still life art and were inspired by 16th - 18th century still life Dutch paintings.
Drama
The M2 Drama students have been engaging with the art of puppetry. Using paper puppets, they have been sharing stories from their home countries. We love to celebrate the diversity within our classroom! Through this method of storytelling, students not only gain a stronger appreciation for their own heritage but also discover common threads that unite us all. Art is the mirror that reflects society.
Music
The M1B students delved into the essentials of rhythm, patterns, and rhymes. Recently, they showcased their linguistic diversity by crafting raps in their mother languages. Utilising advanced software, they created backing tracks and confidently laid down their verses.
The M2B students focussed on composing for multimedia, including video games and advertisements. They analysed pieces from various gaming realms, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share their latest compositions.
The M3B students delved into the transformative power of music. Understanding its ability to raise awareness and drive positive change, they will collaborate with P5 to curate a purpose-driven music concert, which should be a real treat.
The M4 students journeyed through modern-day classics, exploring the fusion of pop music with Western classical pieces. Through individual song rehearsals, they fused their interpretations of the two genres.
In M5, the students are on the verge of completing the first task of their ePortfolio, allowing them to deep dive into a research project of how Art reflects interconnectedness across time and space.
The Secondary Arts Team
Language Acquisition: Home Language Day and Chinese New Year
On the 7th of February, the Secondary school students celebrated Home Language Day. Prior to the day, the students worked on the importance of celebrating internationalism and educating others on specific concerns, mobilising political will and resources to address global problems, and celebrating and reinforcing achievements. On that day, the students celebrated the linguistic diversity at Stonehill and heard as many languages as they could.
As an international community, multilingualism is essential to being open-minded as speaking/hearing different languages makes us more open to dialogue. On the 7th of February, we celebrated this diversity of languages with a few activities.
Our Stonehill Sessions in collaboration with the Arts department was a unique opportunity to immerse in the linguistic diversity within our community. These sessions were a lot of fun as students were keen to share their native language and learn from each other. They organised various mini-workshops to learn various skills and discover each other’s mother tongues.
Boarding News
Throughout January and February, our boarding houses have been dedicated to exploring the concept of global citizenship. We sent out a survey to capture the perspectives of our boarding students on global citizenship, and the feedback has been remarkably positive. This initiative has sparked lively group discussions, emphasising the significance of communal living and fostering a deep appreciation for diverse cultures among our boarding students.
One exciting outcome of our collective efforts is the drafting of a Global Citizenship pledge, which we eagerly anticipate sharing with all boarders next week. This pledge embodies our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and culturally rich environment within our boarding house.
Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about the next steps in incorporating the principles of global citizenship into our daily interactions. Through continued dialogue, education, and shared experiences, we aim to cultivate a deep sense of understanding, empathy, and interconnectedness among all members of our community.
On the 31st of January, the M1-D1 students embarked on Trips Week to diverse destinations across India, ranging from the sandy beaches of Mangalore to the rolling hills of Rishikesh, and the clear waters of the Andaman Islands. This excursion provided a highly educational experience, allowing all students to expand their horizons beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting. Throughout the trip, many forged meaningful connections and friendships, further strengthening bonds with their classmates through shared activities and experiences.
On the sporting front, Stonehill hosted the BAASC Basketball Tournament on the 10th of February. Several of our boarders played integral roles in both the boys' and girls' teams, representing our school with remarkable dedication. Both teams showcased exceptional performance, with the boys clinching victory in the tournament. Although the girls' team narrowly missed the top spot, their performance was commendable. Congratulations to both teams and coaches on their outstanding achievements. We take immense pride in your accomplishments.
Later that evening, the PTA organised the International Food Fair, attracting a pleasant turnout from our boarding families. The stalls showcased cuisines and cultures from across the world and live music from a band performed throughout the evening. It was truly an enjoyable event.
On the 5th of February, our medical team conducted a presentation addressing 'Eating Disorders' for the M1-M5 boarding students. The presentation was both engaging and informative. A big thank you to our boarding nurse, Priya, for putting this together.
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