JBCN Newsletter-Snippets -Quarter 2 18th August, 2012 - 7th November, 2012 | Page 3

SNIPPETS Mumbai | 18th August, 2012 - 7th November, 2012 | Vol.2 www.jbcnschool.edu.in Pages 3 | Free LeapStart Orientation “Would you not love to play had you known how to?” These were the lines that caught the attention of all at the Workshop conducted by Leapstart for JBCN Senior Kg parents on a Saturday afternoon. Led by the very eloquent Mr Kishan, the programme went on to explain the origin, philosophy of Leapstart and the alignment of its ideology with the vision of the school. Mr. Kishan put forth obvious but seldom acknowledged facts about the importance of sports in our lives. He made us realize the minimal time spent in a day pursuing a sport which according to him is a motivation and encouragement for our children. It was an interactive session which made us sit up in our chairs and think about our fast paced lives. The workshop ended with enjoyable games to acquaint us with the activities they conduct in school to train children in skills required for a sport. Literacy Fortnight The literacy fortnight, was held from 6th September to 12th September and had varied activities planned for the learners to showcase their talents and skills. The objective of the fortnight was maximum participation and opportunities to develop speaking and reading skills. The various activities were Story Telling, Elocution, Speeches, Marathi Choral Recitation, Inter-house debates, Creative writing, Handwriting, Drop Everything and Read, Visit of Mobile Crèche and Poems Come Alive. Along with this we also had Clifford the Dog visiting us with the Scholastic Team. The Story Telling Competition showcased the narrative and elocution skills of the 1st and 2nd Graders. Their narrations were enhanced by beautiful costumes and props. The Elocution competition proved to be tough for the judges who were amazed with the effort of the participants. The poems and speeches prepared by the learners showed their exposure to reading. The Inter-house debates were thought provoking and involved the audience too who carried on the rebuttal even after the time was up! The winners were the Titans and the Vikings. Every event showcased the talent and confidence of the learners. The Marathi Choral Recitation was a treat to watch. Learners conveyed the meaning and tone of the words very beautifully and in a language they are not as fluent in. Drop Everything and Read is a beautiful practice we follow every year at JBCN. This year too every member of the school – learners, teachers, non teaching staff and support staff stopped work and assembled at a designated area. They then read books, novels, newspapers or magazines that they had carried along, for an hour. The objective of this practice was to promote the importance of reading for the entire school community in the day and age that we live in. We also had children from the Mobile Crèche visiting our school during this fortnight. Learners of grades 5-7 interacted with them. Mobile Crèche is an NGO that provides basic education to children of construction workers. Our learners read stories from the books that we gifted to them. They then illustrated the stories along with the children and presented it to the group. Our learners were amazed to see the thrill and excitement these less privileged children have about school and education. The interaction showed our learners how the lives of these children, devoid of basic amenities and comforts taught them to value education. The highlight of this fortnight was the inter house competition-Poems Come Alive. The houses were expected to enact a poem using various means like costumes, props, music, action, and dance. Each house put up a fabulous show and showcased the skill and talent of their house members through maximum participation. It was a joy to watch Wordsworth's Daffodils swaying in the breeze, Roald Dahl's Porcupine and Cinderella and Batty by Graeme King. Though the Titans took home the trophy, everyone felt that each house was a winner.