PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER

August 2017

Dear Parents,

Greetings from IIS Pune

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP):

HIGHLIGHTS OF IBDP RESULT OF 2017:

The IBDP results for 2017 batch were declared on 05 Jul 2017. IISP has had an extremely

encouraging result with 93.5% success. The results of 2017 class have surpassed the results

of last few years. The average Diploma Score is 33%. There are 5 students who have achieved

above 40 points. The highest scorers with a score of 43 each, are Siddharth Naik and Isabella

Gupta. The two students who have achieved a score of 42 are Riya Kadam and Dhruv

Chakravarthy. Taran Attavar scored 41 points. Amongst the notable achievements is the

significant increase in the number of students scoring 39 and 38 points. There are two

students – Syed Mohammed Faraz Kirmani and Syeung Ryeul Choi who scored 39 points.

The students who scored 38 points are Nidhi Jain, Anshuman Mahalley, Jiwon Kim, Roshan

Pawar, Rucha Kulkarni and Tanvi Srivatsa. The school consistently maintains the record of

100% success rate in the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay components this year

too. There has been a substantial increase in the number of perfect score of 3 from the

previous examination sessions. We once again congratulate each and every graduate and

wish them luck for their future endeavors.

The new academic year commenced with new hopes, new resolutions, lot of expectations

and a desire to pursue our goals with greater determination. A lot of hard work and

dedicated efforts are required from the DP-2 students to match the requirements of the

rigorous Diploma Programme and achieve the set academic targets. Most of the students

were involved in completing an internship or attending a summer school during the

summer break. The DP-2 students will leave for a Leadership camp to Indus School of

Leadership at Yellagiri near Bangalore in August 2017.

The DP-1 students are finalizing their subject choices and attending an orientation week to

familiarize themselves with expectations in each subject. A small Pre assessment has been

planned by the teachers at the end of the first week to assess the prior knowledge of the

students and provide effective transition support in each subject.

There is general enthusiasm in the air and as Henry Ford has rightly said, “Enthusiasm is

the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes,

the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to

execute your ideas.”

Therefore, equipped with all the above we are armed to forge ahead towards academic and

holistic excellence.

Community, Activity and Service (CAS):

POWER TO ME

Power to me is when I am recognized for what I do and Who I am Power to me is joy because when I am the happiest I attract the happiest; Power to me is being kind enough to every needful even when I'm broke; Power to me is a mother's sacrifice for her child, Power to me is also a father's held tears when his daughter is being sent off. Power to me is holding on to my courage and not giving up, Power to me is also letting go Of what bothers me the most, because I am now free of what held me back; Power to me is the strongest wind of nature and also the shiniest sun in the sky; Power to me is democratic and also autocratic; Power to me is when it has been passed on to become a legacy; Power is passion, Power is dynamic, Power is freedom, Power is the drive to be a HUMAN.

-Risha Rathod

CREATIVITY CLUBS

This year we have opened 14 clubs for the students to explore their creativity skills.

FURTADOS SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Furtados School of Music (FSM) was founded in July, 2011, with a vision to make accessible

quality music education to children and individuals, making the entire learning process

fun-filled, joyous and memorable.

At Indus, this year, they seek to achieve the message of Music that inspires all to pursue

their dreams and be an effectual anchor on days when they need more support.

They present a roster of instruments and programs like Piano, Electronic Keyboard, Guitar,

Drums, Violin and Vocal. Special emphasis is also given to Music Theory and Musical

knowledge to ensure the comprehensive development of a student and eventual musician.

Emphasis has been given to include modern and effective methods of teaching using the

latest techniques and technologies but not forgetting the important and essential elements

of traditional music learning.

HEALTHY COOKING!

We introduced Cookery Club under Creativity in order to enhance the culinary skills of the

students.

Getting children involved in the kitchen is a great way to encourage them to eat healthy.

They will eagerly tuck into something they have prepared themselves and take great pride

in watching someone else enjoy their food. With the support of a cookery club, our students

will learn about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, how to plan and prepare

balanced meals, find out what food is in season, learn about food hygiene and food safety

skills, and, above all, discover that cooking is fun!

We shall share most of the information needed to teach children about healthy eating by

offering them a wealth of recipes and practical tips. Girls have begun trying their hand at

cooking following simple step-by-step instructions. All the recipes will be taken down by

the students in their note book for later references.

DEBATE CLUB

The students engaged in an Introduction session with a twist and were introduced to the

art of persuasion as an important aspect of debating. The students engaged in public

speaking as the first step towards successful debating. Students were given concepts like

power, hierarchy, patterns, identity and asked to speak for three minutes each. Students

were asked to present their beliefs on the concept allotted to them. 12 minutes preparation

time was allotted.

Meanwhile, a 'Speaking Tree' was drawn on the board. Students were asked to stand in the

frame of the tree and speak. The symbol of a tree was used in order to enlighten these young

minds with impossibilities unexplored and to help them realise/accept the many

perspectives that they can build together.

Some of the perspectives were brilliantly expressed and I was surprised at how much I got

to learn from my students that class.

MODEL UNITED NATION CLUB

Model United Nations also known as Model UN or MUN is the educational simulation or

academic competition in which students can learn about diplomacy, International relations

and the United Nations.

MUN Club will involve enhancing student’s researching, public speaking, debating and

writing skills in addition to critical thinking, teamwork and leadership abilities.

CRAFT CLUB

TREE CONSERVATION DRIVE

At Indus, we are striving to uplift the quality of our living environment through active

planting, proper maintenance and preservation of trees in and around our school campus.

During the months of June and July around 400 trees were planted with the help of our

PAC members and the gardening staff. Therefore it is our responsibility to take care of

them.

Areas are allocated class wise so that our students can learn its importance and develop

strategies which aim to improve the coordination and effectiveness of greening efforts

within the current regime. They can help in watering the trees, weeding the area, nurture

and help in disinfecting the plants.

The Activity will be conducted during every Leadership lesson as a part of the

curriculum.

Allotment of areas:

Grade 1 to 5 - Primary Block Lawns both the sides plus the stairways = 36 trees

Admin Circle = 36 trees

Grade 6 - Dining area circle = 12 trees plus Staff Quarters = 06 trees

Grade 7 - Pathway which starts from the secondary block till the Dining Area = 50 trees

Grade 8 - Sports Complex Circle + swimming pool area + Basket Ball Ground = 80 trees

Grade 9 - Football Ground area = 80 trees

Grade 11 - Near the Main Gate (entrance) = 80 trees

Grade 10 and 12 - Amphitheatre both the sides = 110 trees

INDEPENDENCE DAY -TUG OF WAR

FROM THE STUDENT DESK:

Leadership Camp Reflection

We began our highly anticipated leadership camp with sleepy faces and droopy eyes as we

reached the airport for our 5:00 flight. Our tiredness soon faded away as we embarked on

our bus journey, excited to spend the next few days with friends. On arriving at Yellagiri

camp and being divided into groups, all thoughts of looking forward to a good night’s sleep

vanished as my group found out that we had to leave for our OBL – a 30-hour trek – the

following morning at 3am. The fact that the OBL was tougher and required more resilience

and mental strength made the experience all the more enhancing for us. Activities like

bridge-building, cooking our food and building a shelter made the experience all the more

real-life for us. Our patience and willpower was tested the next day as we spent more than

4 hours trying to build a raft with minimal resources. We capped the camp off with a perfect

day involving pistol shooting and the discovery course – a 3 story high obstacle course. All

in all, this camp was one of the best experiences of our lives!

Saniya Shah

Co-curricular Captain

Grade XII

Career Cell: Upcoming University Visits

1. Council for International Schools (CIS) Fair – Monday 4th Sept 2017

Participating Institutions

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

Great Barrington, Massachusetts | USA

Occidental College

Los Angeles, California | USA

Bates College

Lewiston, Maine | USA

Otis College of Art and Design

Los Angeles, California | USA

Beloit College

Beloit, Wisconsin | USA

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, Pennsylvania | USA

Bentley University

Waltham, Massachusetts | USA

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut | USA

Colby College

Waterville, Maine | USA

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York | USA

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey | USA

The University of Akron

Akron, Ohio | USA

Eckerd College

St. Petersburg, Florida | USA

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California | USA

Franklin & Marshall College

Lancaster, Pennsylvania | USA

University of Guelph

Guelph, Ontario | Canada

Gettysburg College

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | USA

University of Kent

Canterbury | UK

Goucher College

Baltimore, Maryland | USA

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida | USA

Ithaca College

Ithaca, New York | USA

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana | USA

Knox College

Galesburg, Illinois | USA

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, Washington | USA

Les Roches Global Hospitality

Education

Clarens | Switzerland

University of Vermont

Burlington, Vermont | USA

Lynn University

Boca Raton, Florida | USA

The University of Manchester

Manchester | UK

Millsaps College

Jackson, Mississippi | USA

Wheaton College

Norton, Massachusetts | USA

2. US University Fair – Wednesday, 6th Sept 2017

A. Temple University, USA

B. California State University, USA

C. Kings Education Pathway Programs - Transfer Assurance to Top 100 US

Universities after completing the 1styear in any one of the below

mentioned institution:

I. Rider University - New Jersey

II. Marymount California University - California

III. Concordia College - New York

IV. Pine Manor College - Boston

D. Laureate Design Universities - Ranked Top 10 Design Schools in Europe

I. NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti - Milano Italy

II. Domus Academy - Milano Italy

E. Hult International Business School - San Francisco, Boston and London

Campus.

F. SP Jain School of Global Management - Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and

Sydney.

G. St. George’s University - For Students interested in Medical, Pharmacy

and Dental Studies Programs.

3. Boston University, USA- Monday, 11th Sept 2017

4. Savannah College of Art & Design, USA- Monday 11th Sept 2017

5. Projects Abroad- Wednesday, 13th Sept 2017

6. Memorial University, Canada- Tuesday, 20th Sept 2017

Middle School Programme (MYP & IGCSE):

The IGCSE program this year focusses upon ensuring that all students become critical

thinkers, active problem-solvers and inquisitive readers. This academic year you can look

forward to encountering a highly intensive and challenging academic program that will

make the students to work beyond their limits.

The Session for the IGCSE began with the CRM day that was organized separately for Grade

10 and Grade 9, on 31st July and 4th August respectively to give an overview of the program

for the entire year.

The Grade 9 (IGCSE) CRMD was organized on 4th August. The IGCSE coordinators (Mr.

Ravikanth and Ms. Shubhra) explained the programme and subject choices to a gathering

of parents and students. A lot of parents and students closed their subject selection in

consultation with the coordinators. Some of the students were referred to the placement

cell, where Mr. Ajay, the in-school career counselor helped them decide on their subject

choices. For more practice and precision with the topics taught in class, home works are

being sent out on a regular basis. The after-school support started on the 21st of August for

Grade 9 and Grade 10. Extra efforts and attention are being put in for Grade 10, as it is high

time they should all be geared for the finals. Formatives were conducted in the month of

August.

7th August saw the start of academic year 2017-2018 at Indus, Pune. Teachers were well

prepared to welcome the students. For Grades 6 to 9, initial few days were devoted to

orienting the students to subject’s choices and options available for the whole education.

15th August was celebrated with great fervor. Post the playing of Indian and Korean national

anthems, students delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of the day. This was

followed by tug of war competition amongst various grades. A soccer match between the

school team and a combined team of teachers and parents was the highlight of the day. The

combined team of teachers and parents pulled off a surprising upset by coming from

behind to win the match with a score of 2-1.

Grade 7 visited the ‘Kelkar Museum’ as part of their learning in their ongoing unit about

culture in second language classes on 22nd August. They enjoyed the experience and gave

positive feedback in their reflection on the engagement.

Gender Sensitization:

Gender sensitization is all about changing behavior and instilling empathy into the views

that we hold about our own and other sex. It helps people in examining their personal

attitudes and beliefs and questioning the 'realities' they thought they know. A Gender

sensitization workshop was conducted for Grade 6-12 students on 23rd and 24th of August.

The sessions were conducted by Ms. Barka, a lawyer and a psychologist. The sessions dealt

with changing behavior and instilling empathy into the views that we hold about our own

and the other genders.

It is all for the sake of a well-balanced society where individuals can be more open minded,

rational and unbiased in their thoughts and actions.

An integrated part of the academic session are the dynamic Leadership Camps. The need

to develop the leadership potentials amidst all and boost, personal and interpersonal skills

is an urgency in today’s world. To facilitate this thought, Grade 10 will be going for

leadership camp to Yellagiri Hills, Bangalore from 6th to 10th September.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

PYP Art Challenge: The PYP Art challenge was held on 24th August. Our PYP students

participated with immense enthusiasm, unleashing their creativity and imagination. They

were given the impromptu themes, to create art works through an array of colours to

represent their thoughts and ideas visually.

Special Assembly PYP also celebrated Ganesh Chathurthi on 24th August. The celebration began with the presentation signifying the essence of the festival and why it is celebrated all over India. As a part of the festivities we had the had the Dhol ( Indian Drum) playing to bring alive the spirit and vibe of this joyous festival, we also quizzed children on their knowledge of Ganesha and ended the celebrations on a sweet note by distributing the delicious chocolate ‘Modaks’ which is customary during Ganesh Chathurthi.

Whole Education program

We are ecstatic to present the learning and development that is continuously taking place

in the PYP. The Whole Education Program is running successfully and our young

explorers are committed to learning in this holistic environment that extends its support

in shaping the knowledge, skills and attitude to empower our PYP learners.

Behtar India Campaign:

We, at Indus International School Pune, have always upheld the community flag and provided our students with avenues to be agents of positive change. Yet again, we have associated with a national campaign called BEHTAR INDIA which has been launched by NDTV and DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance Company Limited. Grades 5 attended a session in school today conducted by the organizers of this campaign and were provided a detailed insight into the programme.

This campaign aims at creating nationwide movement, focusing on its three platforms –HEALTH, CLEANLINESS & ENVIRONMENT. Developed as a path breaking 360 degree campaign, it allows citizens, school children and corporates, to supplement the local administration’s efforts to drive awareness and tangible progressive actions towards building a better India. Through an innovative and engaging technique, the campaign has designed a contest for schools (and students) which will transform the core campaign beliefs into action. Students will be given the opportunity to make tangible difference in society, in the next 6 months - through 3 tasks - all leading up to 1 amazing goal – "BEHTAR INDIA".

Professional Development for Teachers:

Professional development is a strategy schools use to empower educators, so that

they continue to strengthen their practice throughout their professional career.

The most effective professional development engages teams of teachers to focus on the

needs of their students while making learning relevant, challenging, engaging and

significant.

On July 27th and 28th 2017, all our PYP teachers participated in- “Making The PYP

Happen” workshop, led by Leda Cedo an International Baccalaureate workshop leader and

consultant. The two day comprehensive workshop focused on concept driven inquiries,

transdisciplinary teaching and learning, along with best pedagogical practices that make

thinking visible in classrooms.

When time set aside for professional development is used well, the evidence of

accomplishments are visible to all. We are sure that learning at IISP will be filled with

new discoveries and explorations, now that our teachers are IB trained.

Finland Study Tour: Ms. Rachna Gupta - Centre Head of IELC - Koregaon Park and Ms. Anjali Kudale - EYP Coordinator - IISP visited the University of Jyvaskyla on a study tour, to explore the best pedagogical practices of Finland. Through the five-day intensive workshop the team members got an opportunity to visit various schools, interact with the early years practitioners and learn from the experts. The course gave our Indus delegation a platform to understand different perspectives of Education and bring back the best practices that can be implemented at our school thereby, providing our learners with a more enriching learning experience.

Sports Arena:

Zila Parishad at IISP

On 17 August 2017, ten schools were invited at INDUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PUNE,

organized by Mr Ajit Singh, Head of Sports and Pastoral Care, participated at the ZP taluka

level football tournament. The events began at 10 am in the morning with the final match

being played the next day. This was an immaculate show of performance, integrity and

team spirit shown throughout the tournament by all (under 14, 17 & 19) youngsters who

represented their schools. Indus was graced with competition from across Pune, namely,

Riverdale International, Blue Ridge High School, Sankriti High School, Vidya Valley School,

etc. All schools played with heights of passion for the sport as some were more successful

than others. Our Eagles who played for the under 17 girls section displayed a fantastic touch

for the game and after having faced off two challenging opponents went to the finals

putting up a great show there too. They took the tournament by storm and were able to

bring the 1st place trophy home for Indus. These young Eagles are now being entitled to

play state level football and are currently ongoing rigorous practice for the same. On the

other hand, the under 17 boys’ team, though very motivated and talented, were not able to

display the same level of success as the girls. However, this loss for the boys have only

motivated them further to work harder for the next tournament. They are greatly looking

forward to the next competition and their shot at redemption.

Taluka level Taekwondo competition was organised by “Zila Parishad” on 20th Aug’17.This

competition was attended by more than 100 students from all over Mulshi Taluka. This is

the first time when our school participated in Zila Parishad Taekwondo competition. The

students showed great talent and skills during the competition. Out of the 6 students who

participated, 4 students managed to secure the following places.

1) Parnika Nagrani (Grade 9), Second place

2) Ahan Valsangkar (Grade 6), Third place

3) Kaavya Ajoy (Grade 6), Third place

4) Raj Mandal (Grade 10), Third place

Taluka level Badminton Tournament:

Also our U17 girls team is the winner of Tal.Mulshi: Ananya Bhaskar, Geet Saraswat & Niki

won the match in Taluka Level.Match was held in Ranilaxmibai Girls Sainik Shool,Pune.

They will be playing next match in District Level.

Friendly Matches:

Badminton Match

INDUS participated in a friendly badminton tournament organized by Riverdale

International School on 15th August 2017. 8 students participated in it. Our school won 13

matches out of 17. We won 4 out of 5 matches in boy’s singles, 3 out of 4 in girl’s singles,

both boy’s doubles, 2 out of 3 girls’ doubles and 2 out of 3 mixed doubles. Our students gave

their best performance and made our school proud.

Basketball Match

The friendly match with Riverdale School on Saturday 26th August was something new and

exciting. The match was well received and the girls of INDUS managed to win by a score of

16 to nil. Whereas the boys of INDUS on the other hand lost by a difference of 12 points.

However this match managed to prepare them for the districts that they are to take part in

and managed to provide them with insight on how to further build their teamwork.

Boarding at INDUS:

Celebration of Festivities

Ganpati Celebration: Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is the Hindu

festival that reveres god Ganesha. A ten-day festival, which typically falls in Gregorian

months of August or September is marked with installation of Ganesha clay idols. The

festival ends on the tenth day after start, wherein the idol is carried in a public procession

with music and group chanting, then immersed in nearby water body, thereafter the clay

idol dissolves and Ganesha is believed to return to Mount Kailash to Parvati and Shiva.

Students at INDUS boarding celebrated the Ganpati festival with enthusiasm and

devotions.

Dahi Handi Celebrations:

The celebration commenced with boys and girls of all grades building a human pyramid

attempting to break the earthen pot. After several trials, the boys finally managed to punch

the handi (pot) allowing the girls to snatch the opportunity in bringing the handi down.

The event brought together children of all ages in unity to complete a task, and show the

trust and strength that people can have together as a unit. At the end, we were provided

with snacks and sweets as a parting gift to end the celebration. Everyone who participated

in the celebration had a very jubilant experience. It was a joyous celebration enjoyed by

one and all.

Visit to Joshi Miniature Railway Museum, Pune

Yoga Camp:

Yoga Camp was organized for the boarders by Mrs Padmini Jog, wife of an Army Officer. It

was a truly inspiring camp that helped them in various demeanors. To begin with, the stress

that was built in them due to school-related assignments had begun to lessen as the

calmness they experienced managed to balance and center them. Secondly, as the

instructor, Ms. Padmini Jog taught them, that age is simply a number when it comes to

physical exercise as she herself was 73 years old but was performing such strenuous

exercises that were truly inspirational. This yoga camp helped the boarders to develop

closer bonds with one another and developed a true spirit of calmness.

Trekking: The first weekend, 12th of August gave everyone an enthusiastic boost with the picnic at Manas Lake where all boarders enjoyed the calmness of the scenic beauty, reviewed their memories with some outdoor games and had a fun trek with house parents to and back from the lake. The trek allowed us to understand how to collaborate with others and to ensure we work as a team and wait on one another. Moreover, it gave us a break from the stress we have due to work and increased the appreciation we have for the nature. It made us understand the simplicity of how life is in rural areas as we walked down the lake. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we would love to have this more often.

Cooking by Anshuman from Grade 9:

Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes and cooking. It’s about harnessing

imagination, empowerment and creativity. Grade 9 student, Anshuman Bhattacharya is

very passionate about cooking. Under the guidance of the Head of Boarding, Mr Ajit &

supervision of Sodexo manager, he decided to cook something delicious. His menu

contained Chicken Parmiagiana and Chocolate Cream Cake with a Dark Chocolate

Ganache.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT IISP:

PYP Gender Sensitization Week – 4th to 8th Sept 2017

Leadership camp begins for Gr 10 – 6th Sept 2017

MYP Art Competition – 8th Sept 2017

Leadership camp ends for Gr 10 – 10th Sept 2017

PYP Roald Dahl Day – 13th Sept 2017

Midterm 1 begins for Grades 6 to 12 – 14th Sept 2017

PYP Hindi Divas

MYP Trivia Day – 20th Sept 2017

Midterm 1 ends for Grades 6 to 12 – 22nd Sept 2017

PYP – Declamation Inter House Competition

Leadership camp begins for Gr 11 (Batch 1) – 25th Sept 2017

MYP Debate and Elocution Competition – 28th Sept 2017

Leadership camp ends for Gr 11 (Batch 1) – 29th Sept 2017

Leadership camp begins for Gr 11 (Batch 2) – 29th Sept 2017

PAC Meeting (IISP Team) – 29th Sept 2017

Leadership camp ends for Gr 11 (Batch 2) – 3rd Oct 2017

SANDEEP CHHABRA

PRINCIPAL

August 2017