CAREER CONFLUENCE

“Don’t be pushed by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” - Roy T. Bennet

A hallmark of education at Blue Bells is helping to develop an openness to life and accepting the unexpected challenges that might come our way with a cheerful countenance. There is a concerted effort to involve students in different aspects of life outside the classroom so that they are able to relate these learnings to their day-to-day activities. Our style of education integrates book learning with direct life experience and helps students understand the art of living to enable them to emerge as successful individuals.

It is with the objective of gaining an understanding of real-life choices that the Group organises Career Confluence each year under the aegis of The Health & Wellness Programme and under the patronage of Dr. Alka Saxena, Deputy Director (Health & Wellness), BBGS. A unique initiative, the Confluence provides a platform for students to interact with experts in the field of career counselling.

Ms. Gagandeep Kaur, Director, Unique Psychological Services (UPS) was invited to conduct the session this year. Ms Kaur is a double Gold Medalist in Clinical Psychology and is the recipient of Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Presidential Gold Medal. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of child and clinical psychology with diverse areas of expertise.

Exclusive online sessions with Ms. Kaur were held for students of Classes IX to XII on 19 and 20 November 2020, and for their parents on 5 December 2020.

Ms. Kaur, who was welcomed by The Health & Wellness Ambassador and the Peer Mentor, introduced the students to a host of emerging careers in science, commerce and humanities. She also introduced them to new age career options covering vocational careers, skill-based careers, careers that go beyond familiar streams along with a range of courses. Besides this, she talked about the many unconventional careers that students could explore and opt for and those best suited to their aptitude, interest, skills, passion and personality. Additionally, she also helped students understand the importance of planning for their career early, busted some common myths, and covered other aspects to enable students to choose the right option while selecting their stream.

Ms. Kaur addressed parents of students in Classes IX to XII on stream selection, effective career planning and career options at an informative session on 5 December 2020. The objective of this session was to help parents better understand the many career options available so that they can in turn help their children choose an option based on their skill, aptitude, interest and passion.

The last part of the session on all days was an interactive Open House that helped address several concerns of students and their parents regarding career choices. The session was very informative and all queries were responded to everyone’s satisfaction.

Students and parents were also informed about the Career Counseling Committee available at the schools to address concerns and queries of both.

With an overwhelming participation by students and parents, the Confluence was a huge success.

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Blue Bellians Enjoy International Cultural Exchange with Vietnam

Exposure to other cultures, ideas, values, beliefs and religions brings us closer globally and helps build a stronger understanding and appreciation of each other.

It is with the idea of developing cross-cultural appreciation that Brahm Dutt Blue Bells Public School regularly organises programmes that introduce students to other cultures and traditions.

At a recently held online session, students of Class VI interacted with students of Ha Hoa High School, Ha Hoa District, Phu Tho Province, Vietnam to get a better understanding of food and clothing of both countries.

BBPS students shared details with the partner school of Indian cuisines and clothing that they had spent time in researching. In turn, the Vietnamese students shared many interesting facts about their food habits, cuisines and traditional dresses.

It was a fantastic learning experience for both sides and helped broaden students’ knowledge of a country and its culture through its food and clothing.

It was a delight seeing young, active minds engage and learn from each other.

‘Empezar: A Beginning- Health & Wellness Fiesta 2020-21

“True happiness is not in how much you have but what you do to bring a smile on someone’s face”

The festival of lights, Diwali, reminds us that lamps are lit not just to decorate homes, but also to communicate a profound truth about life - when the darkness within us is dispelled through the light of wisdom, the good in us wins over the evil.

In recent years, however, people have moved beyond just the lighting of lamps. Today, the extravagance shown during these celebrations has not only affected the environment to a great extent, but has also put people’s health in peril. The impact of this is visible with the rise in air pollution levels each year at this time. Besides this, on view is the callous wastage of resources, accumulation of debris on roads, which all combine to affect the health of both people and animals.

It is with these concerns in mind that Brahm Dutt Blue Bells Public School annually organises Empezar: A Beginning - Health & Wellness Fiesta 2020-21, an intra-school event for students of Primary Wing held under the aegis of the Health & Wellness Programme.

Celebrated from 2 to 12 November 2020, the event’s theme this year was ‘Safe & Green Diwali’. Multiple activities, designed specifically to sensitize students and celebrate the festival in a safe and environment friendly manner, were conducted online by Value Education facilitators for their respective classes.

Activities included story narration around the theme for Classes I&II. Class III designed beautiful rangolis using recycled paper and materials available at their homes. Class IV’s task, which they participated in enthusiastically, was to create lanterns using old newspapers, old greeting/wedding cards, coloured chart papers available at home. Class V used their creativity to design attractive greeting cards using Mandala and Doodle art forms. Students of all classes participated with a great deal of interest and excitement. The activities achieved their objective of teaching students something of importance and value while allowing them to have fun and spread happiness and joy.

To continue with this knowledge sharing on the topic, a Special Assembly was conducted on 11 November 2020 for Classes III-V through a webinar by the members of the Health & Wellness Council. The Health & Wellness Team conducted a talk show for students on how to celebrate a safe, healthy and green Diwali. This was based on a module created by the Health & Wellness Resource Center Team after thorough research, under the guidance of Dr. Alka Saxena, Deputy Director (Health & Wellness), BBGS. The idea was to enable students to feel, help them internalize and then sensitize others around them on this important matter. Donning the roles of eminent personalities, Council members discussed the importance of safe and green Diwali and covered the following points:

• The way Diwali is celebrated at present and its harmful effects (supported by a video)

• Consequences of children working in firecracker factories, environment and health hazards

of not only crackers, but also generation of waste through flowers, gift wrappers, etc. as well as adulteration

• Pollution and other harmful effects on the environment

• Impact of the above on both humans and animals especially during Diwali

• Wasteful expenditure

• Adulteration, over consumption of sweets, and tips for dealing with it

• Safety tips to follow during Diwali (Dos and Don’ts)

At the webinar, Dr. Alka Saxena talked about the poor Air Quality Index after Diwali and also highlighted the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle which need to be kept in mind to ensure the true spirit of festivity. She also reminded students about the Pandemic and to be mindful of safety measures while enjoying the festival

The webinar concluded with a message by Dr. Saroj Suman Gulati, Founder Director, BBGS who emphasised the importance of celebrating Diwali while keeping in mind, not only our safety, but that of the environment as well.

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STORY NARRATION SESSION

“The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.” —Brandon Sanderson 

At Brahm Dutt Blue Bells Public School, we truly believe in the incredible impact that stories have on young minds. With this thought in mind, the school organised ‘Story Narration’ as part of its Library Month activities.

Organised under the guidance of Ms Soumya Gulati, Deputy Director, Academic Development and Innovation, Blue Bells Groupof Schools, thesession was conducted by renowned storyteller, Ms Shalini Tayal. Ms. Tayal narrated two stories for the students of Grades III – V, both of which were highly appreciated by students and teachers. 

Ms. Tayal’s ability to dramatise the stories, give different voices to different characters, and her use of catchy and fun phrases, kept the audience engaged and enthralled. It was a delightful culmination of  the second week of 'Library Calling'.

‘Shraddhanjali- A Bhajan Sandhya’

Everything that is in the heavens, on earth, and under the earth is suffused with connectedness. God’s peace is in our hearts and we radiate it out to everyone we touch.

The legacy of great leaders and visionaries is the set of values that they leave behind. Our Founder Chairperson Shri B.D. Gulati, who lives on in our hearts as a prayer and a blessing, has also left an indelible mark on us.

On 27 November 2020, the Cultural Departments of all schools under Blue Bells Group of Schools, organised a virtual Bhajan Sandhya in memory of our beloved founder. Held virtually, the calming bhajans and the rhythmic play of instruments created a perfect setting to remember him and his teachings.

At the end of the programme, the school leadership addressed and thanked the virtual gathering. They also encouraged everyone to take inspiration from Shri Gulati’s life and reflect on his words of wisdom

Gurpurab Celebration at Brahm Dutt Blue Bells Public School

Guru Nanak Jayanti marks the birth of Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhism, and is celebrated with great zeal across India.

Brahm Dutt Blue Bells Public School celebrated Gurpurab with excitement and fervour this year as well. Students of Classes V and VII shared the principles and teachings of the Guru with the audience. Videos on his life and his spiritual journey  were played for the students. These reiterated the message of ‘One God’ and ‘Eternal Truth’

A serene and calm atmosphere was created by the soothing ‘Shabad’, sung by the young singers. A small skit on the teachings of Guru Nanak was the highlight of the programme. It proclaimed that the essence of religion is in engaging man to constantly remember the divine at all times and at all places.

Vice Principal, Ms Arpita Acharya appreciated the efforts put in by the children and teachers. She shared a message of universal brotherhood. The programme concluded on a festive and devotional note.

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World Mental Health Day

“True Health is positive energy in the mind, body and spirit.”

Mental Health is integral to living a healthy and balanced life. This year’s World Mental Health Day on October 10 coincides with a changed routine life in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these unprecedented times, the students and the facilitators are juggling to adapt to the new system of virtual learning with limited outdoor activities.

The Ministry of Education, Govt. of India has undertaken ‘MANODARPAN’ initiative covering a wide range of activities to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers, and families for Mental Health and Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. In this context, a Mental Health Week was planned from 4th to 10th October, 2020 on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.

In sync with the ‘MANODARPAN’ initiative and the goal of the World Mental Health Day campaign of increased responsiveness in mental health, the Health & Wellness Team under the guidance of Dr. Alka Saxena, Deputy Director, Blue Bells Group of Schools took up the initiative to organize awareness campaigns on how to effectively cope with the new normal.

The team organized a webinar on Mindfulness for the teachers of Blue Bells Group of Schools on October 8, 2020. The Resource person, Ms. Saumya Sharan, a well-known Clinical Psychologist at Circle of Life, India, explained how mindfulness would help students and teachers to focus on the present moment helping to build a positive environment in these challenging times.

A circular apprising about GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH FEST’2020 (9-11 October 2020) organized by Fortis Mental Health Program under the aegis of Dr. Samir Parikh was sent to the students to help them build a better understanding of positive mental well being.

A Poster Designing Activity was scheduled for Classes VI–XII. The activity was conducted through Zoom Session on October 21, 2020 for students of classes IX to XII and from October 19 to October 23, 2020 for classes VI to VIII in their respective Life Skills classes. Students enthusiastically participated in the activity and created thoughtful e-posters as well as posters on A3/A4 sheets on the given topics related to Mental Health and Well being.

The inspiring response of the teachers and students corroborated the belief of the team that with the right information and knowledge we can grow comprehensively.

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Blue Bellians Celebrate Children’s Day

“To me, there is no picture so beautiful as smiling, bright-eyed, happy children; no music so sweet as their clear and ringing laughter.” —P.T. Barnum

At Blue Bells, we truly believe that the most precious thing in this world is the smile on the face of a child. It is with this in mind that the school organised a day full of fun-filled activities for Classes Nursery-V on the occasion of Children’s Day.

Students of  Nursery-UKG wore Nehru Caps that they learnt to make during their craft sessions. Teachers shared photographs of them as toddlers. It was fun to see the little ones trying to guess the names of their friends in the pictures.

Class I and II students created ‘I Am Special’ badges and talked about their uniqueness. Their cute and innocent reasons added much warmth to the programme. Students also had a Popcorn Party in which they watched award-winning animated movies while relishing popcorn.

III-V Class students wore funny hats. A presentation on the significance of the day was shown to which was followed by fun activities including Tongue Twister Challenge, Treasure Hunt, Pictionary, Heads On.

The activities were a huge source of entertainment to the students. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and have them giggling and enjoying each activity wholeheartedly.

‘Effective Reading’ sessions by Blue Bells Pubic School

“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest people.” – René Descartes

As part of its continual commitment to enhancing the skills of its students, Brahm Dutt Blue Bells Public School recently organized sessions on ‘Effective Reading’ for Classes III-V in collaboration with well-known children’s publisher Scholastic India. The sessions were supported by Ms Soumya Gulati, Deputy Director - Academic Development and Innovation, Blue Bells Group of Schools.

At the sessions, held between 2-9 November 2020, resource persons introduced students to different literature and stories and conducted interesting activities around them.

With the help of simple props, effective voice modulation and interesting expressions, Ms Renu Chamarty, resource person for Class III, narrated the story of Dr Dolittle by Hugh Lofting. Her cheerful narrative kept students engrossed and helped them understand the importance of using elements for more impactful and effective storytelling.

Ms Nikita Dutta Gupta conducted sessions for Classes IV & V. She introduced students of Class IV to the classic novel Heidi by Johanna Spyri and took them through the plot, setting and characters. She conducted an interesting quiz based on the characters of the book which students participated in with great enthusiasm. At her session for Class V, Ms Gupta brought to life the social setting in England at the time that Charles Dickens wrote his popular novel A Christmas Carol. She shared many interesting facts about the author and talked in detail about his background. Students found the session engrossing and participated with a great deal of interest.

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Mindfulness in Education – A Webinar

‘The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness’ –Lao Tzu

The Health & Wellness Team, under the guidance of Dr. Alka Saxena, Deputy Director (Health & Wellness), Blue Bells Group of Schools, recently organised a webinar for teachers across all its schools.

Well-known Clinical Psychologist at Circle of Life, Ms. Saumya Sharan, was invited to help teachers understand mindfulness and guide them on how to incorporate it into their lives to help combat daily stress.

Ms. Saumya, who regularly conducts workshops on mindfulness in schools and corporates, began by talking about the importance of mindfulness and its need in the education sector. She drew attention to the current struggle that both teachers and students are facing while trying to cope with the demands of the virtual medium. She explained how mindfulness can help in concentrating on the present moment and in building a positive environment during these difficult times.

She shared some simple and practical tools that can be built into our daily lives to address issues such as mental stress due to long distance learning, non-existent social sharing, mental stagnation, monotonous schedule, digital absenteeism, behavioural and emotional difficulties, bullying, non-responsive attitude, among others.

Ms. Saumya ended the webinar with a short session of mindful breathing to give everyone a first-hand experience and help them get them started.

The webinar was also attended by Dr. Saroj Suman Gulati, Director, Blue Bells Group of Schools who appreciated the timeliness of the webinar to help teachers and students tide over this difficult period in everyone’s lives.

Dr. Alka also spent time in helping the audience understand what mindfulness is about and that its practice does not require any special infrastructure. It’s an anytime, anywhere practice with tremendous health benefits.

The webinar was informative, enlightening, engaging and relaxing and appreciated by all participants.

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