PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER

March 2018

Dear Parents,

Greetings from IIS Pune

INDUS DAY (Senior School):

Indus Day was, as each year, a much anticipated event. It was a spectacular display of the student creativity, confidence and on-stage charisma.

The evening opened on a ceremonious note with the lighting of the lamp, invocation song and dance which welcomed the audience as well as invoked the blessings of God. The principal, Mr. Sandeep Chhabra spoke lucidly on the way ahead for not just Indus International School, Pune but education in the world today. He outlined the several new initiatives that were undertaken at the school in the past year and was immediately followed by the three student reports which elaborated upon the academic achievements, sports progress as well as the environmental initiatives supported by the school in the past 8 months.

The school's musicians and singers took to the stage next to weave a melodic spell that comprised of a variety of instrumental performances accompanied by the choir that lifted beautiful strains of harmony into the soft evening light. The 'Lamthai' performed by girls of grades 7, 9 and 11 was a treat to watch as the dancers graceful movements and dresses in a riot of colour brought synchronized beauty to the stage. They also performed at the Thai Film Festival in Mumbai and received accolades on the Thailand news channel on 29th Mar’18.

The middle years play titled 'Perspectives' was the first dramatic production that took to the stage that evening. It was a bold take in minimalistic style on the many forms of discrimination that exist in our society and the world today. This was followed closely a speech presented by the CEO of the Indus Trust-Lt. Gen Arjun Ray, who put forth an impassioned speech on the digital revolution and the impact of technology on our lives. Concepts such as design thinking and preparing our students for life were pondered upon through his speech. The 'Taekwonmu' that came onto stage next, was a energized performance which amalgamated the martial arts into musical format and presented the old vs. new culture of Korea. It was received with much appreciation and applause for

it innovativeness.

The senior school production by grades 9 and 11 explored the value system and its degeneration in the social fabric today. They put forth a thought provoking production titled 'The Beast' that was an adaptation of the Nobel prize winning book 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding. It gave the audience a glimpse of the savagery that underlies even the most civilized human beings and urged each one to cultivate values as the only moral grounding to withstand the vagaries of life. After this, the national and school song brought the wonderful evening to a close.

Parents, guests, teachers and students left with another memory of a fantastic evening, discussed over dinner at the picturesque Indus campus.

Primary Years Programme (PYP):

Leadership Class Summit Week

The leadership curriculum at IISP aspires children to feel motivated and confident while

simultaneously laying a strong emphasis on the 21st century skills. Leadership is a journey

to understand and, go beyond ones potential. At Indus International School- Pune,

Leadership is about self - discovery through goal setting, evolving as a persuasive

communicator through personal ILED’s and, applying principles of design thinking

through real life problems. The students displayed the school motto “In Omnia Paratus” -

prepared for all challenges, through various presentations while our parents participated

in leadership and team building engagements.

Our grade wise leadership summits were held during the week of 5th to 9th March 2018,

wherein children got an unique opportunity to present various competencies and skills like;

goal – setting, creativity & innovation, stress-management, risk-taking, persuasive

communication skills, time – management, shared responsibility, resource management,

problem solving, life skills, mindfulness, planning, organizing and team building etc.

Here’s a peak into the Leadership Summit of Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, which was a great success.

Field Trips in the PYP

Prep 2

While children can undoubtedly benefit from learning to care for animals, there are many

ways to teach students responsibility and appreciation for animals without putting them at

risk. As educators, it’s our responsibility to guide the young minds to understand how every

life is valuable. Keeping this in mind, the learners of Prep 2 visited the RESQ, an animal

rescue centre and shelter home to demonstrate their responsibility towards the well- being

of animals.

The young eagles of Indus were engaged in an interactive session where the centre’s

volunteers discussed about the 4L’s of treating animals in our community; look, learn about

them, leave them alone and love them. It was overwhelming to see the Prep 2 learners’

whole- heartedly listen to the stories of each abandoned or wounded animal at the centre,

as they bonded with them. ‘Treat Buckets’ was the favourite engagement of the day at

RESQ, where every animal was treated with goodies by our young volunteers.

Grade 3 The students of grade 3 are inquiring into the transdisciplinary themes - How the world works under the central idea is -Energy may be converted, transformed and use to support human progress. As a part of the unit of inquiry they visited the Chinchwad Science Park. To extend their understanding about different forms of energy and how they can be converted, transformed and transferred from one form to another to support human progress. The learners first visited the energy room where they were able to see the different working models created to show the whole process of energy change from its form to its function and hence enabling them to make real life connections. The conversion and consumption models also lead the students to think and reflect on their roles as global citizens and how the energy consumption in our day today life is affecting the world and will it impact the future. For better understanding of energy in relation with science and every day examples the learners also explored the other sections of the park as well including the automobile room and the science room. The trip was full of excitement and gaining an understanding of the unit.

Grade 5

As a part of the transdisciplinary theme ‘Where we are in place and time’ our Fifth Graders

were ecstatic to visit the Jadhavgarh Fort to gain an insight into the history and significant

events related to the fort. The culture and traditions of the Maratha community were

evident which supported the learners’ inquiry as they made connections. The museum at

the fort helped them to get an understanding of the lifestyle and a peek into the festivals,

transportation and household articles of that era. They were fascinated by the experience

of how we as a society have evolved from 18th century to the 21st century. This was a fabulous

learning experience for all our Grade 5 students.

End of unit celebration Grade 1, enjoyed delving into the inquiry under the transdisciplinary theme, "How we organise ourselves". Students articulated good thinking and organising skills through various engagements involving food processing. Our students learnt about different origins of food, how it is processed and what changes it goes through before it is consumed. It was wonderful to observe the children at their curios best and to see the enthusiasm on their faces during this joyous learning process.

Indus Day Celebrations at the IELC’s

The Early Learning Centre in Bhosale Nagar and Koregoan Park, showcased confidence and creative expression through their Indus Day celebrations. It was indeed wonderful to see children perform on stage, with a positive attitude, contagious energy and so much enthusiasm. We are immensely proud of our young Eagles.

Middle Years Programme (MYP):

END OF UNIT CELEBRATIONS

At Indus, end of unit celebrations have opened a portal for the students to showcase their

skills and talents along with their learning not only to their peers, but to the parents and

the faculty members.

On the 23rd of March, MYP celebrated the end of Unit 3. Students and teachers came

together to organize this event to make it a successful one. Corridors of the MYP foyer and

the classes were full of student’s displays which showcased their learning though the term.

Students were confident communicators and effective collaborators. A wall was dedicated

to celebrate the ‘Empowerment of women’ which was an initiative taken up by the

‘Individuals and societies’ department. Among the large variety of display, few notables

were thought provoking poems, projects related to sparrow conservation as a part of

Service as Action, presentations displaying knowledge of the Sciences and a fine display of

art work.

Students of MYP also discussed various ATL skills and explicitly explained how those skills

were developed through the unit. They focused on how they have imbibed IB learner

profiles through the course of these units. Students and teachers received positive feedback

from those in attendance.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP):

Career Cell:

‘THE WORLD’S A STAGE’ FOR OUR STUDENTS

This is the best time of year for the counseling staff as we get a chance to help celebrate the

admissions our Year 12 students are receiving. Because April 1st was the deadline for US

universities to make their offers from regular deadline applications, the offers are flooding

into students’ inboxes. As well there is a steady flow of offers from other countries our

students have applied to.

We have surpassed the 5 million US dollar mark (from all countries) in scholarships for

Class of 2018 and we don’t have all the scholarships recorded yet. It seems the US has

increased their offers of money since the statistics indicate that international students are

also looking elsewhere for good university education options besides the US.

This is a list of the 20 countries our students have applied to so far this year:

Australia

Canada

Caribbean Grenada

Denmark

Dubai

France

Germany

Hong Kong

India

Ireland

Japan

Korea

Lithuania

Netherlands

Singapore

Sweden

Switzerland

Thailand

United Kingdom

United States

One of the most challenging questions parents and students ask college counselors is

“Which offer should I take?” That question is asked many times but counselors can only

help discuss the pros and cons in light of what the family priorities are. We cannot make

the final decision even though we might have our own personal preference. The final

decision has to be the responsibility of the family.

Here is a web-link that might be helpful in making that final decision. The article written

by Ellen Richards is a fairly comprehensive one so scroll down on the page until you find

that particular article:

“Master the college choice: how to choose and how not to”

https://www.unigo.com/admissions-advice/once-accepted-how-do-you-choose-between-

colleges/168/1

UNIVERSITIES VISITING INDUS CAMPUS THIS MONTH

We are happy to have universities from around the world seeking out our students. The

visits to our campus give students (and parents) a first-hand introduction to a wide variety

of English-language programs worldwide.

King’s Education Campuses in US and UK

Russell Square International College Mumbai, India

Monash University Campuses in Australia, Malaysia, China, India,

Italy, and South Africa

St. George’s Medical University Grenada, Caribbean

Flame University Pune, India

Tulane University US

University of Glasgow UK

University of Southern California US

St. Andrews University UK

Queens University Ireland

O.P. Jindal India

COUNSELORS’ ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH

The Placements Counselors are busy meeting Year 11 families and discussing university

options in light of students’ current academic performance and countries of interest.

We are also busy meeting with Year 12 families as they try to sort out the best fit university

from the offers they have received to date. For most families this is a complex task and one

that needs careful consideration.

There are some Year 12 students who are still working on their application process to

university programs around the world where there are still application deadline options.

This is stressful as there are limited options open. Some late students are applying to

Australia or New Zealand since their academic year opens the first of February, 2019.

Counselors are also meeting with incoming Year 11 families from inside and outside the

Indus Year 10 program to look at course selection for the IB years with career interests in

mind.

Summer programs are of interest to Year 9 and Year 10 students especially so the

Placements Office is sending out emails with options to these students and parents. The

summer school process is most often a mini-university application as students need

counselor and teacher references, grade documentation, and personal essays written for

admissions.

Year 12 final transcripts preparation is under way so that this very important school

document is ready to send out to all the identified final choice universities as soon as the

IB final grade scores are published.

Year 12 graduation slides are under way with student’s best offers listed along with any

scholarships attached to their first choices.

Hosting visiting university admissions people is also a time-consuming task to provide a

forum of students for them and make the necessary pre-arrangements. On the day of the

visit counselors often have a meeting with the representative outside the presentation time

to address questions and issues specific to our counseling process with students and

parents.

SAT and ACT preparation for our Year 10 students is under way at this time for families

that intend to apply to the US or to Singapore; both of which need either an SAT or an ACT

score. Present Year 10 students need to take their first exam in October, 2019 in order to

have results in time for early admissions at the beginning of Year 12.

IMPORTANCE OF SAT / ACT IN UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS It is extremely important for students to create an option where they can use their SAT scores with the application. A student might think that SAT is required only for USA & Singapore, but the fact is SAT Scores can be utilized worldwide. SAT scores can make a significant contribution to admissions decisions when colleges, universities, and systems of higher education use them properly. The SAT scores are valid for five years, most universities/ colleges accept scores up to five years. Countries accepting SAT score include: USA Australia Singapore Hong Kong China

India UAE Along with scholastic successes achieved, community services performed, activities pursued, essays written and books read, SAT or ACT scores are extremely important in the admissions process. We strongly recommend that students of Grade 11 must create an option by either appearing for SAT or ACT in May – June 2018

ACT Test Dates & Deadlines

ACT Test Date ACT Registration Deadline ACT Scores Available

April 14, 2018 Mar. 9, 2018 Apr. 24, 2018

June 9, 2018 May 4, 2018 Jun. 19, 2018

July 14, 2018 Jun. 15, 2018 Jul. 24, 2018

SAT Test Dates & Deadlines

SAT Test Date SAT Registration Deadline SAT Scores Available

May 5, 2018 Apr. 6, 2018 May 18, 2018

June 2, 2018 May 3, 2018 Jul. 11, 2018

Presently we have a good group of Year 10 students preparing for their first test in October.

These students are most timely and will have an advantage in their results by the end of

next school year, Grade 11. The coaching company that comes to our campus especially for

boarding students, TestRocker, will be opening another class for the Pre IB students during

this month and running through the month of May. This group will also be prepared to

take the test for the first time in October, 2018.

Creativity, Activity and Service (IBDP-CAS):

“Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are

the same- with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand

instead.”

― Mother Teresa

From the Student desk

Asavari singh Grade 11

Working with RESQ – an NGO, that operates as a charitable emergency hospital for the

abandoned and injured animals- has taught me how to understand that all lives matter.

Working at RESQ I have understood the importance of life and how fragile and delicate

one’s life is, irrespective of the fact that it is an animal’s life or a human being’s life. Here at

RESQ I assist in caring for the injured and abandoned animals, which brings out a sense of

pity for the animals. RESQ had been my inspiration to become a Veterinarian so that I

could help these animals who are left to fend for themselves, in this world dominated by

humans who do not think twice before degrading the world we are living in. RESQ has

become a pivotal part of my life and it will remain very close to my heart because the work

I do there is my contribution in the betterment of society.

With this interaction with animals of various species and ages I am learning how different

animals react to certain situations which would be helpful knowledge for my future career.

Interacting with animals in itself in a very calming process, thus this is almost my weekend

recreation, but with a purpose. Working with RESQ is my way of giving back to society by

assisting the Vets, para-vets and care-takers.

Interaction with animals which paves the way towards better animal handling for future

professional courses. Learning how to handle the animals in various situations I would

encounter in my career as a veterinarian.

MY SECOND PROJECT: I was invited for the second time to the Pune

International Literary Festival in September 2017

(the first time being in 2015 to be a part of the

Young Guns Event, where I was interviewed for

my writing and stories that were published). On

8th September 2018 I had the privilege to

interview Samrudhi Kerkar who is a girl

revolutionizing our outlook on education. I was

given this opportunity under the mentorship of

Majari Prabhu – a renowned author who is also

the founder of PILF. This was a completely new and fascinating experience for me. I had

previously been the emcee for various shows held at the Learning Tree School among other

platforms, however this being such a prestigious platform had left me with butterfly in my

stomach. I learned that maintaining my composure while also keeping the audience

interested is the key to a successful show. The training I received while doing my LAMDA

courses for Speaking Verses and Prose played an important role in my success, as I used the

skills I had learned at that time to present well and add intonation to my voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Kr9bCHB_E – Link to the Interview

The Pune International Literary Festival is a yearly festival organized by Majari Prabhu

where we see a confluence of young and established writers. This festival helps promote

Literature and acts as a stepping stone for young writer, while also encouraging children to

take interest in the fascinating world of literature.

I was a volunteer at the Treasure Island area at the Pune International Literary Festival.

This area was exclusively dedicated to events taking place solely for children. I assisted the

writers and the speakers conduct their events (assisting in managing the audience, handing

out supplies, assisting in carrying out the various activities planned for the children). The

event was held on 8th Sept (12:15 – 19:30), 9th September (10:00 – 19:10) and 10th September

(10:00 – 20:00).

This particular activity is very close to my heart as

Literature, to me, is one of the most fascinating aspects of

life. Volunteering at PILF was a great learning opportunity

for me as I stepped out of my comfort zone and learned to

successfully tackle problems and learned to not give up

easily, but tackle it with a fresh outlook. I believe my

communication skills have also improved as I was

constantly working with the authors and the attendees of

the festival.

Viren Gehani Grade 11

Creating an opportunity for some underprivileged children I cooperated with Round

Table India (RTI)’s Area 3 to take 150 underprivileged students from 4 rural schools for

an inspirational movie, ‘Secret Superstar’.

As a personal initiative, I managed to take all these children for a Burger 👑 King Meal as

well. For most of them, it was their first burger ever, which they truly did enjoy.

Not many children from economically challenged families get the chances that the more

privileged amongst us do (and this disparity is seen in almost every aspect of our day to day

lives).

Philanthropy and donating to charities does help reduce the gap but I honestly believe that

creating such experiences for them ourselves, not only helps in the same direction but also

brings immense inner joy to us; and that feeling is truly unmatched.

At the end of the day, the smiles on these children’s faces were a priceless emotional

experience. I want to make it a point to do it more often.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT IISP:

School re-opens after Spring break – 3rd April 2018

Mock Exam Results (Set 2) – Grade 10 – 9th April 2018

Mid Term –II results (Grades 6-9 & 11) – 12th April 2018

Study Break for Grade 12 commences – 13th April 2018

Parent Teacher Meeting (Grades 6-11) – 14th April 2018

Inter House Debate (Grades 6-8) – 16th April 2018

Inter House Debate (Grades 9) – 17th April 2018

Inter House Debate (Grades 11-12) – 18th April 2018

PYP Spell B Challenge – 19th to 20th April 2018

Study Break for Grade 10 commences – 21st April 2018

Science Week Begins – 23rd April 2018

IBDP (Grade 12) Final Exam commences – 27th April 2018

Science Week Ends

PAC Meeting (Internal)

Leadership camp begins for Grade 6

Mufti Day (PYP) – 30th April 2018

Leadership camp ends for Grade 6

Leadership camp begins for Grade 7

Leadership camp ends for Grade 7 – 4th May 2018

SANDEEP CHHABRA

PRINCIPAL

March 2018