The Triannual Newsletter
Community Outreach at Stonehill
Volume 13, Issue 3, May 2024
- Head of School Message
- Perspectives from the Primary School
- Perspectives from the Secondary School
- Boarding Focus
Head of School Message
Community Outreach at Stonehill
One of the biggest challenges that international schools around the world face is the possibility of ending up in a socio-economic and geographical ‘bubble’. Students at such schools typically live in more affluent, possibly gated communities around the city, they are transported by private vehicles to world-class facilities on a beautiful campus, and they run the risk of never having to experience what life is like for the vast majority of the people who live in close proximity.
This is one of the main reasons why it is vital for international schools to develop programmes that encourage students to engage with the local community in meaningful ways.
The International Baccalaureate programmes all have end-of-programme ‘action’ standards and requirements that students need to meet, and very often students will use their PYP Exhibition and their MYP Personal Project to take action with the local or sometimes wider community.
Students in the DP need to meet the objectives of the CAS programme, and this requires involvement in various service-related activities.
The key to the success of such community outreach programmes for schools is the learning that takes place for the students engaged in the activities, not the outcome of the activities themselves. Students may raise money from bake sales or school-based activities to support a local charity; however, unless a whole school community unites behind one cause, it’s unlikely that the amount of money raised will have any meaningful, sustainable impact on the recipients. Instead, the objective is for students to recognise and reflect on the challenges that others in the community face so that ‘community service’ becomes part of their value system. One would hope that in future, some of these students would then end up in roles or jobs that provide them with opportunities to have a more significant impact in their communities.
We see this shift in the changes in language used to describe the work that students do in local communities. Originally, such activities were referred to as ‘Community Service’; however, this terminology is also used for punishments given to those convicted of low-level crimes. Furthermore, it does not suggest that any ‘learning’ is taking place in the activity, which is obviously key for a school. ‘Community service’ then morphed into ‘service learning’ in the educational world, with the emphasis now on the learning that takes place when students are engaged in service activities. More recently, schools have started to use the word ‘action’ so that engagement with a community is not limited to ‘providing a service’ for others. As always, we see the debate taking place in the contested use of language.
However we refer to it, opportunities for students to engage in a meaningful way with members of the local community is a powerful educational strategy. The students need to be taken out of their bubble and they benefit from reflecting on the challenges of addressing community needs, particularly in areas in which resources are scarce. This newsletter will show you exactly what we have been doing at Stonehill to provide our students with these valuable opportunities.
Joe Lumsden
Head of School
Perspectives from the Primary School
Fostering Community Engagement
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at Stonehill stands out for its holistic approach to learning, which extends beyond the classroom walls.
At the heart of the IB PYP philosophy, and the Approaches to Learning (ATL) at Stonehill lies the notion of nurturing globally-minded citizens who are academically proficient, socially conscious and empathetic individuals.
Community Outreach plays a pivotal role in achieving this objective, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. In other words, it involves students taking action.
Engaging in community outreach offers benefits, for both our students and the communities they serve. Firstly, it provides students with practical opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills they acquire in school to address real-life issues.
An example of this would be the recent, and ongoing PYP drive to support the local Stonehill Government Higher Primary School. The PYP students learned the value of empathy, cooperation, and civic responsibility through hands-on experiences. Other examples would be how our PYP students are involved in recycling plastic or helping clean up a local lake. The community outreach fostered a sense of belonging and connectedness among students, teachers, and the wider community.
By actively involving various stakeholders in collaborative projects, we help create a supportive ecosystem where everyone works towards common goals, strengthening the bonds within the community. For our students, this meant taking action where they identified certain needs.
From an academic perspective, community outreach aligns seamlessly with the enhanced IB PYP framework, which emphasises the development of key transdisciplinary skills such as communication, critical thinking, and social awareness. Through community service projects, students engage in meaningful inquiries that integrate multiple subject areas, promoting interdisciplinary learning and holistic understanding.
When our PYP students visited the Stonehill Government Higher Primary School they had to establish whether their initial thoughts and preconceptions matched the reality and needs of the students and staff at the local government school. Once they had met the government school head teacher, our students returned to Stonehill and took action to support the needs which were identified. This community outreach encouraged our students to become reflective thinkers and principled individuals. By reflecting on their experiences and the impact of their actions on others, our PYP students developed a deeper understanding of ethical considerations and learned to make informed decisions guided by principles of fairness and justice.
In conclusion, community outreach should not be seen as an extracurricular activity. It is an integral component of the enhanced IB PYP framework. It empowers students to become compassionate, globally aware citizens. We believe that by actively engaging with our local communities, we enrich our students’ learning experience. We also instil the values of empathy, cooperation, and social responsibility that extend far beyond the classroom, which will stay with our students for life.
Peter Spratling
Primary School Principal
Primary Focus
Recycling Plastic
Mr. Ankit, the Founder of Trash to Cash, a waste management service, and representatives from Bisleri recently paid a visit to Stonehill to engage with the P8 students. Their purpose was to educate the students about sustainable recycling methods for plastic and e-waste.
This session aimed to highlight the significance of recycling and complement the ongoing PYPX initiatives.
Following the session, a group of P8 students felt inspired to take action. Zoya, Mrunal, and Valeria delivered a presentation during Community time, raising awareness among all Primary students about the impact of single-use plastics. Their aim was to encourage self-reflection and promote responsible, sustainable choices.
The P8 students then sent a reminder email to the PYP teachers, encouraging students to bring in their plastic items.
Continuing the journey towards responsible plastic disposal is another step forward in Stonehill’s commitment to thoughtful and sustainable action.
A P8 Student's Community Outreach Initiative
Hi! I'm Yuvraj from P8!
This year, for the PYP Exhibition, my friends and I researched the topic of Quality Education.
We visited the Stonehill Government School as we wanted to learn more. When we got there, everyone was super excited to talk to us.
Perspectives from the Secondary School
CAS and Service in the Secondary
As an IB school, we've witnessed the profound impact of CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) in the Diploma Programme and Service in the Middle Years Programme. These are not just checkboxes but powerful catalysts for personal growth.
They play a pivotal role in our students' character development, fostering values that shape them into well-rounded individuals ready to confront global challenges. CAS and Service aren't just about giving back; they're about learning through real-world experiences and equipping our students with the skills and mindset to thrive beyond the classroom.
In the Diploma Programme, CAS embodies the essence of holistic education. It's not just about exploring passions in the Arts, Sports, or Community Service but about applying them in real-life situations. This is more than just logging in hours; it's about stepping outside the classroom and growing in all aspects. The students learn to think creatively, solve problems innovatively, and appreciate diverse perspectives by engaging in these practical pursuits.
Service instils empathy and a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment. Volunteering at government schools, orphanages, or old age homes exposes students to different realities, nurturing compassion and understanding.
Initiatives like recycling drives, lake clean-ups, working in animal shelters, or assisting peers and teachers in school, foster a culture of environmental stewardship and mutual support.
In the Middle Years Programme, Service takes centre stage as students delve into meaningful community engagement. It goes beyond charity; it's about actively contributing to positive change. Participating in service projects teaches students the value of collaboration, problem-solving, and civic engagement. Whether organising fundraisers, advocating for social causes, or mentoring younger students, Service in the MYP cultivates a sense of agency and purpose.
Engaging in Service in the MYP
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Churchill's words emphasise the importance of service in shaping a fulfilling and meaningful life. While acquiring wealth and success may sustain us financially, it is through acts of generosity and service to others that we truly enrich our lives.
The Service component of the MYP is built around the idea that by dedicating oneself to helping others, individuals often discover their true purpose and identity. It emphasises the profound impact that acts of service can have, not only on those being served but also on the individuals performing the service. It plays a crucial role in their holistic development as individuals with strong moral values and a sense of social responsibility.
MYP Service as Action initiatives aim to meet one or more of the following seven learning outcomes:
- Become more aware of and increase their own strengths and areas for growth.
- Undertake new challenges that develop new skills.
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Show perseverance and commitment in activities.
- Develop international-mindedness through global engagement, multilingualism and inter-cultural understanding.
- Discuss, evaluate and plan student-initiated activities.
- Consider the ethical implications of their actions.
These initiatives can be direct or indirect and can be based on advocacy or research. Engaging in service initiatives not only aids in achieving learning outcomes but also shapes students' character and worldview.
Through these experiences, students develop empathy and compassion as they encounter various social issues, fostering an understanding of others' challenges and needs. Service builds character, instilling qualities like responsibility and kindness, essential for personal growth. Additionally, community engagement cultivates a sense of belonging and responsibility towards local communities, while fostering gratitude by recognising one's privileges. Collaborating in service projects enhances social skills, teaching effective communication and teamwork. Ultimately, these experiences instil a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment, empowering students to positively impact society beyond academic achievements.
During this academic year, the students initiated several service projects and participated in teacher-led service initiatives.
E-Waste Awareness and Drive
The students visited a dry waste segregation plant to learn about the challenges faced and raise awareness in the community about the importance of waste segregation, reusing and recycling.
Campaign Against Food Waste
A group of passionate M4 students took the initiative to raise awareness about the issue of food wastage within the school community. In their role as sustainability warriors, they took up positions near the entrance of the cafeteria, at the food counters as well as the plate disposal counters and advised students to be cautious about how much food they take on their plates. They created posters and put them up around the cafeteria to draw further attention to their cause.
Old-age Home Residents Visit Stonehill
Elder Advantage Care home residents visited Stonehill and had lunch with the M3 students. They interacted, entertained and served them lunch. The students organised games, made cards, and gave them return gifts.
Community Outreach in the Diploma Programme (DP)
Over the 2023-’24 academic year, the DP students have been actively engaged in community outreach and have successfully managed to tap the roots of several problems. Here are some of the many student-led initiatives:
Reach Lives
Reach Lives, a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting underprivileged children, collaborated with students from our school on many occasions this year. During our annual Diwali Mela, several students from Reach Lives Orphanage actively participated in student-led workshops, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration.
In November ‘23, some of our school students visited the orphanage to conduct a Mental Well-being Workshop, engaging with the children in meaningful conversations. Beyond these meaningful interactions, our Diploma Programme (DP) students took the initiative in fundraising for the orphanage through various events. Profits generated from events like Miles for Smiles, Mosaic (Humanities Fest), and a plant sale fundraiser were all directed towards the cause. In total, a sum of 15,000 rupees was contributed to the orphanage, highlighting the impactful efforts of our DP students.
Honey Hill
Honey Hill is a service group committed to supporting small-scale honey farmers in rural Bengaluru, facilitating the development and expansion of their products and markets. Over the past year, Honey Hill has experienced significant growth across various facets, effectively utilising the grant offered by the Dr. Siva Kumari Programme to enhance the livelihoods of the farmers they collaborate with.
CyteCare Support
Another service-oriented entity is the CyteCare support group. CyteCare, a hospital specialising in cancer care, is the focal point of this group, which is committed to engaging directly with patients through hospital visits and activities. The team conducted several visits to the hospital, collaborating with management to strategise their initiatives for the forthcoming years. Additionally, they organised a heartwarming performance on Valentine's Day for the patients, fostering a sense of companionship and joy amidst their medical journey.
Boarding Focus
Community Outreach is an integral part of our boarding culture, where students are continually encouraged to participate in or create opportunities to engage with their local community. Over the years, our boarders independently plan and organise many initiatives like helping abandoned animals, maintaining the environment, and aiding the underprivileged. Such initiatives are crucial for developing a global mindset.
The Eldercare Club is a unique initiative with a vision to create a positive impact on the lives of elderly individuals in our local community. This idea eventually blossomed into a meaningful initiative that actively supports the elderly and under-resourced homes in our community.
On their first visit to ‘Little Drops’ home for the aged, the students served South Indian cuisine to the residents. As they continually organised fundraisers and activities for the residents, a transformation was evident not just within the group but the boarding community as a whole. Along with raising funds and providing companionship to the residents, there was a growing sense of empathy and desire to serve amongst the boarders.
Through simple acts of kindness, the students made a tangible impact on both the residents as well as the boarding community.
With Ms.Glenda's guidance, the Eldercare Club has become a source of personal growth and fulfilment to the students, reminding them of the importance of giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.
Furry Friends is a programme that aims to provide an educational and service-oriented experience for students by supporting local animal shelters. Charlie's Animal Care introduced the children to wagging tails and eager eyes that triggered a strong feeling of passion and duty.
The value of visiting an animal shelter goes beyond generosity; it demonstrates a collective commitment to creating a more compassionate and inclusive society. The students have realised the great influence that love and compassion can have on the lives of those in need.
The Puttenahalli and Hesaraghatta Lake Clean-up drives exemplify our boarding's commitment to community engagement. What began as simple monthly visits to Puttenahalli Lake has evolved into a collaborative effort uniting boarding students across various grades. Under the guidance of Ms. Shelley, our students contribute to their community by removing harmful plant species that hinder the lake's natural biodiversity. Moreover, they actively tackle plastic pollution, heightening their environmental consciousness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards conservation.
These outings have not only deepened their connection with nature but also fostered bonds with the local community. Collaborating with day school students and volunteers, our boarders have spearheaded a collective effort towards the restoration of the lake. This initiative has instilled in them a heightened awareness of their societal role and the importance of active contribution. From logistical organisation to fostering teamwork and leadership skills, students from grades M1 to D1 have actively participated, gaining invaluable life lessons in the process.
Stonehill United began in 2022 through a collaboration between Stonehill International School and Stonehill Government Primary School. This programme advocates for a holistic approach to raising and developing students from government schools. Operating on a bi-weekly schedule, Stonehill United welcomes a small group of students from Stonehill Government Primary School to our campus, where they participate in planned activities utilising our world-class facilities to enhance their understanding of team-building, independence, and critical thinking. This academic year held great promise for the group, marked by a fundraiser.
This year's fundraising efforts will be used towards procuring science and sports equipment and enhancing their playground.
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