The Tiger, September 15th, 2023
Head of School Message
Hello Stonehill Community!
I feel as though we have spent a lot of time together recently. We were delighted to see over eighty parents at our PTA Coffee Morning on the 1st of September. Two days later, we welcomed approximately three hundred and fifty parents on campus for our Back to School Days in Primary and Secondary.
Finally, on Saturday, 9th September, we had around six hundred parents on campus for our delicious Back to School PTA Barbeque.
Our next challenge at Stonehill is to host thirteen visitors for our Accreditation and Evaluation visit. All international schools are required to be re-accredited by an accreditation body and re-evaluated by the IB every five years. The process is intensive and begins eighteen months before the visit. Schools complete surveys and undergo a thorough self-study of every aspect of school life. This is what we have been doing since 2021. Four hundred and fifty of you completed the parent survey back in October 2021, which was one of the first tasks of the whole process.
Stonehill is accredited by NEASC (The New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and CIS (The Council of International Schools). These are the two main accreditation agencies in the international education world with years of experience in assessing the quality of the various schools around the world. Many of us at Stonehill also work for these organisations as volunteers, which means we visit other international schools as part of the accreditation teams. The advantage of doing this work is that we see what is working well in other schools and bring it back to Stonehill.
We also have a number of teachers who support the IB in the evaluation process. This is also a five-year cycle, but much more focused on curriculum and the teaching and learning in the classrooms. The two processes together (accreditation and evaluation) give a school a really detailed picture of its strengths and weaknesses.
We should receive the final report from the visit in November, and we will use the recommendations as a source of evidence when we begin to create the next Strategic Plan (2024-2028) for the school. We are confident that the visit will be very successful and are looking forward to presenting our school community to the visiting team.
Joe Lumsden
Head of School
Whole School News
Celebrating Founder's Day - 8th September '23
On the 8th of September, the Stonehill community came together to celebrate Founder's Day. This year, we commemorated an incredible milestone - 15 years of unwavering dedication to excellence in education.
Over the years, Stonehill has been a beacon of knowledge and a nurturing home for curious minds. Our initial journey with eighteen students to the thriving educational institution we are today is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of everyone who has been part of the Stonehill family.
Students and staff were treated to delicious ice cream, a reminder to savour the simple pleasures along the way!
As we reflect on our journey, we express heartfelt gratitude to our Founder, Jitu Virwani, and his unwavering commitment to providing a world-class education.
Cheers to Stonehill!
Stonehill Founder's Day Run is in Two Days!
We're excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming annual Stonehill Founder's Day Run!
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together to celebrate our Founder, Mr. Jitu Virwani, Chairman and MD Embassy Group, and enjoy a healthy and fun-filled day.
This year marks a milestone for Stonehill - 15 years of excellence in education and community building. What better way to commemorate this achievement than by taking part in the run with friends, family, and colleagues.
Whether you're an avid runner, a casual jogger, or you’d like to enjoy a leisurely walk, we encourage everyone to join in and be a part of this exciting event.
Congratulations, Durriya!
We are so proud to announce that Durriya's (Grade 12) independent History research paper on Nazi propaganda has been featured in The Concorde Review, an international journal that publishes works of high school students in the fields of History, Political Science, and Social Sciences. She is the sole Indian student to be featured in this journal in this edition. Congratulations Durriya!
Read it here: https://ow.ly/TTB750PKyhu
Alumni Spotlight!
The Class of 2023 Alumni, Kshama Patil, Seema Santosh, and Lila shared invaluable insights on preparing for college with our M5 students. Throughout the interactive session, our Alumni shared their own experiences of overcoming obstacles and adapting to the demands of the Diploma Programme. Their visit was not only inspiring but also a testament to the strong bond that connects our school community.
Primary School
Dear Primary Community,
I am sure you’ll remember that my article for Tiger 1 was about children as learners. My Tiger 2 article was about teachers as learners. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, this article is about the other members of our community who are also learners, our parents.
Ms Zita has also written about parents as learners, and provided many resources for you, below.
It was incredible to have over two hundred parents and family members visit Primary School on the 6th of September for our Back to School day. Parents learnt about the PYP, play-based-learning, Toddle, and transdisciplinary inquiry-based learning. I am grateful to all of my colleagues who helped make the afternoon a great success, and to all of the parents and visitors who interacted with learning experiences.
I now invite parents to help us better understand how we can support you. Today, all Primary parents will receive a Google Form from me. The form asks for your feedback regarding which learning areas you would like us to provide more information sessions on. I have also asked what frequency you would like parent meetings, whether you prefer meetings in school or online and whether you would prefer us to split the Primary and Secondary meetings (and P1/P2 within Primary).
Once I have received your responses, I will talk with my Primary colleagues and then I will contact you to announce the next parent information sessions.
Please remember to complete the Google Form as your view will inform our action.
My best wishes,
Peter Spratling
Primary School Principal
PYP Coordinator
Stonehill’s PYP Community of Learners
The IB PYP at Stonehill connects a community of learners (students, teachers, parents, guardians) who celebrate a common humanity and share a belief that education can help to build a better and more peaceful world.
The aims of our IB PYP learning community are to:
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live peacefully together by engaging with different ways of knowing and being
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prioritise people and their relationships
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assume shared responsibility for learning, health and well-being.
The IB Learner Profile provides many opportunities to explore attributes that underpin these outcomes, supporting everyone to be principled, caring and reflective community members.Â
The partnerships between home and school provide the foundation to support students’ learning, growth, health and well-being and agency. Our Primary School flourished last week during the Back to School event when all members of our learning community grew as learners. They were all committed to the common goal of supporting and reflecting on transdisciplinary learning experiences and improving student outcomes. Â
Thank you to all of you who joined us and actively participated in the Back to School sessions. For further inspiration you can scan the QR code to access PYP resources from the event, for strategies to support inquiry at home, many questions to make inquiry a part of your home culture and some reflection ideas.Â
In addition, the images below show the latest development of the Toddle Families App including attendance and attendance excusals, how to access the school’s curriculum and policies, how to get involved with your child’s learning, and much more.
PYP Counsellor
Helpful Hints For Navigating Your Child’s Challenging Behaviours
In the world of parenting, one thing's for sure – challenging behaviour in children always comes with a story. I've learned that when we tackle these situations head-on, the key is to start by de-escalating the tension. Only then can we guide our little ones toward managing those intense emotions. Remember, a frazzled adult can't help a frazzled child. So, even when your child's emotions are running high – be it anger, stress, or frustration – it's crucial for us, the grown-ups, to stay composed.
Step 1: Find Your Zen
Before you can help your child, you must first help yourself. Take a breather – give yourself a timeout, take some deep breaths, snack on something, sip a glass of water, chat with a friend, or don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
Step 2: Reflect and Understand
Once you've regained your composure, take a moment to reflect on the situation. Recognise the feelings and thoughts that emerged during the storm. Consider what your child might require to prevent such behaviour from recurring. But remember, before engaging with your child, ensure calmness. Take a moment to think about what your child is going through too.
Step 3: Reconnect and Teach
Give your child some time to cool off before attempting to reconnect. Acknowledge and validate their feelings. Then, present them with choices for what happens next and how they can handle similar situations better in the future. Discuss any consequences and follow through with consistency. Most importantly, remind your child that your love for them remains unwavering.
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
P8-Learning Support
How is everything connected?
In our first inquiry unit for this year, students are exploring the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; particularly, the impact of decision-making on people and the environment. The students will focus on recycling both in the home and at School as well as investigate the different ways schools have developed recycling and other environmentally friendly policies.
Communication, or the transfer of facts and ideas, is an important concept in this unit. The students will learn that communication involves the activity of conveying information and meaning. They will explore how people use both oral and written interviews to communicate ideas. Also, a related concept to this unit is structure. Structure is the organisation, pattern and elements of text, in any format. Structure helps promote the comprehension and effectiveness of communication. For example, a written structure may involve an introduction, development and conclusion. The students will look at interviewing techniques to gather information to write an article about recycling. Each skill will better support the students as they prepare for their PYP Exhibition.
Check out their article here:
The Recycling Interview
Introduction
Recycling is good for the environment. Recycling is important because landfills are filled and nature is being damaged. We can save trees by recycling paper. If you do not recycle, give stuff away for free, the earth will die! This is because waste is toxic and poisons the earth.
We can make a greenhouse by turning kitchen waste into compost. Compost can feed plants because nature can show us how to reduce waste. We decided to interview Ms. Kassandra to find out if recycling is important to her and why.
Body
After interviewing Ms. Kassandra we can see her personality and it tells us she likes to recycle. She said separating the garbage is important. She recycles because she knows she needs to separate the garbage. She said that recycling is important. However, she said when we burn paper to recycle we cause air pollution.
When she sees rubbish, she recycles it. She wants to recycle water for her plants, but she cannot. Ms Kassandra should use a small bucket so it is not too heavy at the max. And she can take it downstairs. Ms. Kassandra disagrees that she would recycle more if she had more information because she recycles a lot. It tells us that Ms. Kassandra is a good person because she loves to recycle.
Conclusion
Ms Kassandra likes nature and recycles. When she does this she is helping the environment. She loves protecting the earth.
P8 Learning Support Students
Kassandra Rieck
PYP Learning Support Teacher
Secondary School
Dear Secondary Community,
Now that we have restructured and developed foundational components of Senior School life, such as the ASAs , the House System and Student Council, it's time to focus on other aspects of student learning, both inside and outside of the classroom.
ASAs
The ASAs have kicked off to a good start this academic year. We are trying to involve as many students as possible, both in terms of participation and leading the activities.
The ASAs have expanded to offer a wider range of activities, including those conducted by external vendors and tutoring sessions by specialist teachers in different academic subjects.
We started this semester with a total of thirty-five different ASAs being offered - here is a glimpse of the ASAs in action!
University Visits
Though it’s only been a month since we’ve been back, we have already had 60+ universities visit Stonehill, and we have hosted five university fairs.
Extending learning beyond classrooms
Sustainable Projects
Our D1 students are working on upcycling waste material into usable products.
Our M2 students have started working on drip irrigation beds and developing methods to conserve water.
The Houses have started working on projects based on the themes allocated to them. For example, as a part of their focus on Sustainability, Gandhi House started their own herbal garden in a discarded bathtub from the school junkyard. They are also working on upcycling waste materials to promote sustainable living in the Stonehill community.
Tech Opportunities
Considering the mission of our School, in terms of “enhanced opportunities” to learn technology, the Design department is preparing our learners for upcoming Hackathons across the world. The students are participating in the Uber Global Hackathon and the Echelon Coding events organised by Bangalore International School.
eWaste Project
Our DP Computer Science students have begun work on their eWaste project. Their focus is on understanding how different components work in electronic devices. They are helping our middle school Digital Design learners to reuse waste for various creative projects. Currently, the students are working on board games.
Field Trips
Our M2 Science students extended their learning of irrigation techniques when visiting an organic farm to investigate problems and learn about solutions used to increase productivity.
Our M3 students visited the Bangalore Palace and came back with immense knowledge of its Art and History. They were excited to learn that Bangalore Palace was the private residence of the Royal Wodeyar family and how closely it was built to resemble Windsor Castle in the UK!
Secondary News
MYP Design
M1 Design
In a bustling classroom filled with high energy, something extraordinary is taking shape. A group of talented M1 students with sawdust-covered hands and faces glowing with excitement are channeling their creativity into crafting wooden desk organisers. This woodworking project is not just about creating functional storage solutions but a journey of skill development, teamwork, and self-discovery.
As any teacher will tell you, maintaining a tidy classroom can be quite a challenge, especially when you're dealing with young learners. Pencils, erasers, markers, and papers often find their way into a chaotic jumble on the desks. It was this daily struggle that inspired their dedicated teacher, Mr. Mohammed, to introduce the idea of creating desk organisers.
The joy of working on wood is a tactile craft, and students immerse themselves in the process. They measure, cut, shape, and assemble each component, gaining an appreciation for the precision and attention to detail required.
is a tactile craft, and the students immerse themselves in the process. They measure, cut, shape, and assemble each component, gaining an appreciation for the precision and attention to detail required.
The journey of students creating wooden desk organisers through woodworking is a testament to their passion, creativity, and craftsmanship.
M2 Design
Empathy, Design Thinking, and Mobile App Development: A Perfect Combination!
Our designers started this academic session with a lot of enthusiasm. They enjoyed different activities during our learning-to-learn week. They kicked off their unit in the most innovative way possible. For this unit, they have been tasked with designing and programming a mobile application using MIT App Inventor to solve a problem on Sustainability for their client.
To ensure that they are creating an app that will truly meet the needs and desires of their client, the M2 students created a Google Form to emphasise and define the problem statement. This primary research allowed our M2 students to understand what their clients would like and need in their mobile applications.
Later, the students summarised the needs and preferences of their clients through researching existing products. Armed with this information, they will now apply the Design Thinking framework to generate ideas for the perfect app. The Design Thinking approach allowed our students to empathise with the needs of their clients, generate creative ideas, and research materials, and ensure they spread awareness to solve a sustainability problem.
This connection between the different age groups of clients has provided a truly authentic learning experience that cannot be found in textbooks. They learnt the importance of empathy, understanding, and creative problem-solving, using their understanding of Sustainability learnt in their I&S class!
M3 Design
Currently, the M3 design students are engaged in their Web Design Unit. They have acquired proficiency in HTML and CSS. These students have successfully identified their clients' issues and formulated research questions, a crucial step in the Design Thinking Process. They have prioritised their research questions. Moreover, they've evaluated existing websites as part of their work and are actively crafting a comprehensive design brief. The students found great satisfaction in the process of creating websites through HTML coding and are simultaneously developing stylesheets to ensure consistency in the appearance of the content.
M4 Product Design
Our M4 product design students are diligently engaged in a unit centered on the creation of an inclusive product. Their approach to this endeavour has been methodical and professional.
Firstly, the students have meticulously identified the precise target audience for their product, providing a comprehensive explanation and well-justified rationale for addressing a specific need in the market. This initial step underscores their commitment to a thorough problem-solving process.
Furthermore, they have conducted extensive research and thoughtfully framed research questions, which serve as the foundation for the development of a comprehensive design brief. This strategic approach ensures that their design process is well-informed and purpose-driven.
In parallel, our students are also actively immersed in a lamp project. Their creative journey has included the generation of innovative product concepts and the subsequent creation of prototypes. Looking ahead, the students are poised to elevate their designs by crafting a 1:1 fidelity model. This endeavour will involve the skillful use of materials such as wood and acrylic, employing a range of hand and power tools to ensure precision and quality in their final product.
Here are some photos of their prototype development.
M5 Product Design
The M5 students are currently immersed in a project aimed at creating products designed to improve productivity. Their approach to this endeavour has been both systematic and inventive.
To commence the project, the students initiated the ideation phase, where they sketched out their innovative concepts. Subsequently, they rigorously assessed these sketches against pre-defined design specifications to ensure alignment with their project goals.
Building upon their initial ideas, the students then proceeded to develop more detailed drawings, subsequently generating a comprehensive cutlist. This meticulous planning phase paved the way for the successful execution of their product-making task.
Simultaneously, these industrious students have been honing their woodworking skills by undertaking projects that benefit the community. Aarush, August, Oni, and Milo have collaborated to design and construct a practical shoe rack specifically tailored to meet the needs of Secondary School students. This initiative demonstrates their dedication to combining their newly acquired skills with a commitment to community service.
D1 Design Technology
The D1 DT (Design Technology) students have been actively engaged in a Classic Design Unit as part of their coursework. Throughout this unit, the students have gained a profound understanding of the significance of classic design products and have identified the key characteristics that define a product as a classic design.
A pivotal aspect of their learning has been recognising the paramount importance of form and function in the design process. This dual emphasis ensures that the products they create not only possess aesthetic appeal but also serve their intended purposes effectively.
In parallel, the students have embarked on a skill development journey focused on mastering various hand and power tools essential for crafting woodworking-based products. This practical aspect of their education equips them with the hands-on expertise needed to bring their design concepts to life.
As part of their creative exploration, the students have undertaken the task of crafting key hangers inspired by specific classic design products. This practical application of their knowledge allows them to translate their insights into tangible, functional creations, merging theory with hands-on craftsmanship.
M4: Digital Design
Our M4 learners started their exciting journey by exploring different activities during the learning-to-learn week. Our learners designed a trolley for a supermarket using cardboard. The first unit for them is Importance of Innovation where our learners will be developing their automation skills. Currently, they are developing coding skills using Arduino microcontrollers. The students developed simple circuits like blink lights and used Arduino C to control them. They are also working on their ePortfolio to show the progress of their learning using the Design Cycle.
M5:Digital Design
Our M5 learners explored different activities during the learning-to-learn week. They made different types of robots including writing robots and makey makey circuits. The first unit for them is living together in a highly interconnected world where they will be developing their coding skills. They are currently learning Database and using MySql to execute queries. They are also working on their ePortfolios to show the progress of their learning using the Design Cycle.
Individuals & Societies
The M5 students are learning a unit on biomes. One of the activities required the students to establish links between the factors affecting climate and how they impact where specific biomes will be found around the world.
The students conducted presentations on how rain shadow deserts occur near mountain ranges, how cold ocean currents lead to desert formations, and how prevailing winds contribute to coastal green belts and inland dry areas in the peninsular part of Africa.
The students also learnt about plant and animal adaptations within these biomes and showcased their understanding through group work displays, before moving on to developing critical thinking skills on palm oil plantations and sustainable management in rainforests.
The academic year for the M5 students began with thought-provoking discussions on the intriguing topic of superpowers and supranational organisations.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a superpower, the students examined the interdisciplinary factors of History, Geography, Economics, and Politics.
As an integral part of their curriculum, the students delved into the events and aftermath of the Cold War, a prolonged period of distrust. They generated various forms of media such as political cartoons, posters, videos, and comic strips to scrutinise the Cuban Missile Crisis, arms race, and proxy wars that occurred during this era.
These activities reveal the diverse range of insightful discussions and projects that the M5 students were engaged in during the first two months of the Individual & Societies course.
Boarding News
Boarding life is a unique experience, offering a blend of academics, personal growth, and communal living. It’s about striking a balance between studies and leisure, creating lasting friendships, and fostering an environment that promotes holistic development.
Boarders learn not only to excel academically but also to thrive in a supportive and inclusive community.
Last weekend was abuzz with activity for our boarding community, showcasing the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie that defines life at our boarding school. From Friday to Saturday, our boarders were treated to a whirlwind of engaging activities, delicious food, and memorable moments.
On Friday, the 8th of September, the students kicked off the evening with a refreshing night swim. They were treated to some yummy snacks and hot chocolate. It was a perfect way to unwind after a busy week of classes.
The eagerly anticipated PTA Back-to-School BBQ, held on the 9th of September, was a resounding success. It was a fantastic morning of delicious food, fun and coming together as a community.
Our boarding staff recently took part in a First Aid training session on campus conducted by the Academy of Global Education in Bangalore. Being equipped with the knowledge and confidence to administer first aid, perform CPR, and operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can truly make the difference between life and death in critical situations.
This training not only bolsters the safety and well-being of our students but also underscores our unwavering commitment to creating a secure and nurturing environment within our boarding community. Thank you to our Head Nurse, Jemila, for organising the training.
The Boarding Council elections took place this week. It was truly inspiring to witness the next generation of leaders stepping up. We eagerly await the results.
Sheni, D1, one of our exceptionally talented boarders, recently returned from an International Music Tour in the United Kingdom. This was a fantastic opportunity for her to showcase her musical talents on the world stage. We are so proud of her achievements. Here's what she had to say:
"Hello, everyone! As part of my music education, I recently embarked on a once in a lifetime journey to the UK and the Isle of Man to attend an International Music Tour. This incredible concert tour took place from August 28th to September 6th and was organised by my music school. I was joined by fellow members and our director and mentor, Ms. Sandra Oberoi. The experience was nothing short of thrilling and joyous…..We had an incredible time travelling together, forging friendships and memories that will last us a lifetime.”
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