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Teacher’s training and induction programme

June 14, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates /by Seema Joshi

“If improvement results from change, there must be something to initiate that change. And what’s going to initiate it other than staff development?” – Guskey (quoted in Asayesh- p. 24, 1993).

Educational reform requires the teachers to not only update their skills and information but also to totally transform their role as a teacher. Professional development is a key tool that keeps teachers abreast of current issues in education, helps them implement innovations, and refines their practice.

As Atmiya Vidya Mandir is committed to bind excellence to all its students through a competent and proficient teaching staff, the school continues to move into different phases of educational reform but one factor that remains consistent in school plan is the need for professional development of all teachers. Catering to this need, in the beginning of the session 2011-12, teacher’s induction and training programme was organized. This programme focused on the smallest unit in education, which is the classroom full of all varieties of students. This programme helped teachers not only to update their skills and knowledge but also to totally transform their roles as educators.

During the one – week – long session, the school principal, Vijay Sir, explained the most effective format of Unit Plan and Daily Lesson Plan. He also presented the new home-work policies which are intended to make students self-dependent and responsible towards their studies. He also stressed upon evaluating students’ progress on daily basis and put that into grades. The corrective measures for poor grades will ensure teacher’s extended support to those learners.

A lot of brainstorming took place about the functioning of different committees of teachers for smooth running of co-curricular activities. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion was held about the revised CCE format and its role to check students’ multifaceted development.

To vastly varying degrees, all the sessions contained elements of faculty and facility introduction, classroom management, student discipline, professional conduct, and professional obligations. In subject meetings, teachers discussed about a variety of teaching techniques and evaluation processes.

Educators have access to an expanding body of knowledge in regard to their content area, teaching techniques and meaningful engaged learning for students. This increased flow of information – along with the current focus on educational standards that emphasize in-depth learning experiences and problem-solving abilities in mathematics, science, social studies, and other disciplines – has made it imperative that teachers are prepared to implement change in the classroom.

Thus, this training and induction programme aiming at professional development, helped the teachers as individuals and as educators but also enriched teaching and improved learning for all students. It is an essential link to higher student achievement.

One of the most exciting parts of this training and induction programme was the workshop on use of technology encouraging teachers to take on new and expanded roles, both inside and outside of the classroom. Within the classroom, technology supports student-centred instruction. Outside of the classroom, technology supports teacher collaboration. Instead of working in isolation, teachers can work together on school wide programs. Professional development is an integral part of the overall technology plan, which clearly identifies specific learning goals to achieve.

Thus, through such teachers’ induction and training programme, Atmiya Vidya Mandir holds a shared vision of what and how students should learn, and it acknowledges the importance of ongoing professional development in promoting student learning.

AVM back into the buzz

June 8, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates /by Seema Joshi

With a big bang of class 10th’s extraordinary results, the slumber of summer vacation is over……. hence a band slipped, a spring was touched, the gear was adjusted and the wheels of session 2011-2012 revolved in their new orbit ….seemingly unheard click and the rattle of the cogwheels, the AVM campus is back into its daily order of activities.

The first day was a unique experience for almost every student. It’s school time again! Students were probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that vacation is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while. The unease of new students diluted into a pool of activities specially designed for them keeping them consumed and cheerful.

The first day of class sets the tone for the rest of the term. It is natural for both students and teachers to feel anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. To reduce students’ anxiety and uncertainty, all the teachers created a relaxed, open classroom environment conducive to inquiry and participation, letting the students know what is expected from them and how can learning be enjoyable as well as fruitful.

Besides being in strong bond with their own group of students, the main attraction of all the teachers is the Junior Cluster classroom of Std I, no less than a haven in itself with little angels. The youngest group in the school, seeing their innocent faces, no one can avoid spending a few moments of playing and having fun with them. One can see Swayam Madam carrying small kids in her lap giving them an affectionate feel. Having the role of more than a Class teacher, Shreejichintan Ma’am and Bhavna Ma’am are handling these kids with lots of love and care. Their class room walls are lined with eye-catching wallpaper, covered with gothic-inspired motifs, and there’s a cosy feel to the whole place.

No different scene is in Senior Cluster where Vijay Sir, Ashish Sir, Prajval Sir and Pravartak Sir can be seen being with the new students; counselling and guiding them, more than playing a care-giving role, aiming to create a conducive, fun and secure environment for them.

The new activities which are carefully designed and put on the action will add verve to their humdrum hours. There is a bouquet of games and activities lined up especially for our enthusiastic learners which will eventually enhance their academic progress.

Thus the school has resumed its teaching-learning routine. Though some of the students are still having a mixed feeling of nostalgia and pleasure yet with attuned fun and activities; the school is resonating with the laughter and incessant chatter of its lovely students.

Journey towards Excellence continues…

June 1, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates /by AVM Teachers

Jim Rohn said “For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward”. And there were indeed multiple rewards for the students of standard 10 who were self-disciplined and also worked hard throughout the year. It has been the tradition of AVM students to make their parents and teachers proud, and this batch has enhanced that reputation by securing amazing numbers in recently announced CBSE 10th standard result.

With the new CCE system in place by CBSE, it has become a sort of a challenge for students, unlike before, to score such marks as the evaluation takes place throughout the year. But when the challenge is higher, the excitement gets even higher upon reaching the goal. And that is visible amongst the students, parents and teachers right now.

Here are some statistical highlights of the result:

Sahishnu Patel has got a perfect score of 10.0 CGPA.

9 students in total have scored over 9.0 CGPA.

80% of the students have scored above 8.0 CGPA.

A 100% result was never in doubt, but to see these many students scoring high marks in board exams is very heartening for the school and the parents. With the blessings of the founder and inspirer of our school, H.D.H Hariprasad Swamiji, the school has achieved such a success, second year in a row.

Here are the rankers of the school:

Swamishree’s Visit to AVM and His Encompassing Divine Aura

May 11, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Value Based Education /by Seema Joshi

He loves unconditionally, stabilizing all emotional upheavals…

He guides influentially, channelizing all energies…

He pats affectionately, shedding off all vices…

He speaks persuasively, directing to a meaningful life…

He dwells in our heart, uniting it to the Supreme…

He who awakens, H.D.H. P.P. Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj.

It was a time worth cherishing, when Swamishree’s lotus feet tread on to the soil of Atmiya Vidya Mandir after several months, re-charging and sanctifying it once again.

The school campus looked like a bejewelled temple awaiting its Lord. The stage was a kaleidoscope of colourful flowers and there was a bustle of activity all around. A welcome ceremony and cultural programme was organized to offer our reverence and gratitude for this long awaited visit. The students sporting colourful attire presented a gratifying cultural programme displaying their improvised creativity, doubled up with Swamishree’s presence. In the ceremony, Swamiji rejoiced listening from Paras Sir about the active participation of all students in different house activities and morning assembly programmes throughout the year. He wore a glad and contented look when Prabhudarshan Sir presented a brief report about implementation of CCE and teachers’ untiring efforts to promote holistic development of the students.

In this magnetic-divine-temple arena field, our music teacher Somnath Sir with a group of students presented melodious bhajans. It all started slowly and gracefully, increased its intensity with a regular tempo and rhythm, with a graceful flowing style and tapered to a soothing end.

The next day, Swamiji first called a meeting of teachers and non teaching staff in the auditorium, where Swamiji explained His noble mission behind this school to gift the society mentally, morally and spiritually strong individuals. In His soul-stirring discourse, He evoked the teachers to teach the students with unconditional love, unshakable devotion and dedication. He made it very clear to the teachers that in this milieu of mutual respect and recognition of personalities between the teachers and students, the latter cannot be just studious but he observes, and teachers should set the example of an ideal life being the role models. Swamiji extended His wish in making of influential personalities like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Swami Vivekanand through Atmiya Vidya Mandir.

The downpour of His blessings proved to be historical this time as Swamiji called a felicitation ceremony for the recently joined prominent members of AVM family, respected Dr. Vijay Patel, Ashish Patel and Mrugesh Patel. In this programme, in the presence of P. Fuvaji, P. Ashokbhai and all elderly members of AVM, Swamiji Himself conveyed students that these members are His choicest and will contribute significantly in all-facet progress of the school. Swamiji expressed His pleasure saying that now the development of the students is ensured by the strong team of academically and spiritually sound teachers in the leadership of respected Vijay Sir, Ashish Sir and P. Swayam Ma’am. Calling out to Him devotionally, they beseeched His grace and guidance.

A memorable evening indeed that would be firmly etched in one’s heart forever including the new members (the principal and the vice-principal) those who are the choicest and most beloved for Him, whose thoughts, actions and heart attuned with SwamiShree’s words and His noble mission for the school.

It is a matter of utmost privilege for the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir that no matter wherever Swamiji goes or with whomsoever He remains …..He always asks for the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. Every time when He returns from His vichran, He wishes to meet AVM students first of all “Badhha Dikarao na Darshan karva chhe”. With this fact of being first in His wish or priority list …students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir are destined to lead an ever happy and ever progressive life.

Enshrining students with Master’s touch, Swamiji expressed His wish to personally meet with the students. He counselled the students, meeting them individually, a special energy, a strong vibration and a distinct aura gathers around Him. Students shared their emotional upheavals and distractions, once again they avail the opportunity to be encompassed in His Divya Drishti and being soaked in His loving glance. He spent a considerable time with the students of Std XII. SwamiShree motivated them to concentrate their energy on the set goal of cracking the competition with exceptionally good performance. He suggested them that the negative thoughts should be shunned deriving strength from the God through prayer. “A good student ‘extracts’ the best out of teachers and asks creative questions – he does not ask for dates or facts or mere descriptions, but stimulates the intellect of the teacher”. He strengthened the aspirations of the students to become a Bhoolku Scientist or Bhoolku Engineer following a set routine and consistent effort coupled with prayers. Transmitting the piousness through His sight, words and touch, He bestowed ultimate confidence and positivity upon them.

Reflection of students’ high spirits during Swamiji’s stay in the campus resulted in the phenomenal success of World Maths Day and World Spelling Day. Swamishree chose to visit Atmiya Vidya Mandir when students were juggling with the preparation for final exams and World Wide War of numbers and spellings hence they emerged triumphant.

Swamiji’s visit to AVM was more like the warmth of a blazing flame on the frozen feet…like an unspoken prayer coming out of a joyous heart already heard by the almighty.

AVM Turned into a Fantasy Land!

April 17, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates /by Seema Joshi

Powerful, invigorating and enduring learning experience seldom takes place without getting out of one’s comfort zone. Considering this the need of the time, the post exam phase was all set to give a different experience to the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir strengthening their team work ability and coordination.

The three day adventure camp in the school proved to be an exciting and a unique learning opportunity for the kids to indulge in education, fun and adventure while further developing their personality. This adventurous camp was organized hiring expertise from Edufit Company which is well-known to conduct various adventure activities under the supervision of experts and professionals.

Fun, frolic and a lot of excitement coupled with ascending daring level among the students to drive away the phobia for many risky yet thrilling tasks. Students of Std VI to X were relishing their leisure in an adventurous way by taking part in rock climbing, river crossing, net crawling, pitching tents, body balancing, Commando net and many other dares.

Enjoying the activities after finishing their exams, this camp also helped the students to test their physical abilities to cope with adverse situation as it emphasized the need of being fit and active all the time.

Leveraging on this extensive experience, this adventurous carnival put forth many exhilarating activities (for the students) which were organized under the supervision of experts and were meant to provide great adrenaline rush to the participants. These activities were organized in compliance with the different age groups amongst students.

These Group Activities proved to be great for educating students about team work and build up trust upon the other members of the team. These activities were also apt for enjoying a feeling of togetherness with peers, teachers and house masters. Students tried throughout the camping time to update their managerial skill smeared with a gala and fun-filled time of their lives.

The centre of the attraction was the Zipline activity. This consists of ropes tied at two ends and a glider that goes from one end to another. It provides a feeling of flying to the rider, who is harnessed to the glide with the help of sturdy and safe equipment. Another activity was climbing the Alpine Towers that comprised of a 50 foot high structure (set up along the new school building). The contraption consists of platforms, logs, nets and suspended ropes. The students were to utilize varied challenging pathways up to the platform at the top.

The camp was intended to provide basic activities such as keep checklist, building tents, camping preparation, safety tips and some frequently asked queries regarding camping and above all managing in odd and unfavourable situations and preparing oneself to embrace the hardships and challenges with confidence. On the last day, a snake-show was organized where the snake charmer was called in to make the students aware about myths and facts about snake bite.

Thus the school designed a safe environment in natural settings where experimentation and exploration was encouraged and there were no failures but only mistakes to learn from.

The Amazing Art Mela at AVM

April 13, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Creativity /by Seema Joshi

Pampering their creativity and tapping into their inner artist, the recent Art and Craft Fair at Atmiya Vidya Mandir was a real treat to fondle students’ inclination towards drawing, painting, moulding, colouring and craft. Experts from Pidilite industries, who have excelled in the field of art and craft, were invited to organize a workshop for the students of classes 1 to 6. In this Art Fair, there was something for everyone, delivering more than just art, reason to celebrate childhood at fullest; with a whiff of summer and monsoon in the air, the buzz of nature’s colours just flourishing. With the countdown of summer holidays and amidst all this excitement the Art Fair gave one more reason to rejoice their senses. An essence of all the creativity and imagination was on the move in the Art fair.

Art fair for the children of primary classes focussed on colouring activities. This steadies the hand and helps them cultivate their imagination. They loved doing the rainbow, clouds and also attempted to draw vague creations. During this Art Fair, even monochromatic scribbles on a piece of paper gave the kids a sense of accomplishment, because they’d created something that wasn’t there before. And as they progressed towards using multiple colours and forming recognizable shapes, they gained even more confidence.

Students of Std I, II and III were trained extending their imagination and creating creatures with their thumb impression. The vegetable print making encouraged them to develop liking for vegetables and learning to cut them in various pattern to learn vegetable print making. They loved making finger puppets by assembling small handy things.

Exposing them to the Modern Art, students of Std IV, V and VI were taught the technique of mosaic painting. Tickling their creative skills, they learnt to make photo frame to gift their dear and near ones. Tampering their artistic fervour for painting, students were also trained to glass painting where they were to design and paint on the engravings showing their stunning clarity and choice of colours.

Expressing his joy on this workshop, the Art teacher Manish Sir told, “Passion, energy, intelligence and creativity” of students for art is on work. Crafts offer children the opportunity to express themselves in two- and three-dimensional ways. Students can develop vital problem-solving skills without having to rely on areas of expression that may be more challenging”. The painter, artist and gifted teacher Manoj Sir said, “Creative projects offer these students the freedom to show what they know without the constraints of printed text”.

Thus, the Art Fair consisting of a thematic variety brought out the sheer brilliance and unmatchable imagination of each student.

They moved like the breeze blowing rapturously laden with enticing scent in the fists of the weather,

They scrambled like butterflies on fragrant flowers, like the buds pestering to blossom,

They sang like the exuberant river spumes froth rendering the dulcet melody of the immortal song of life…

They are our dearest children, our precious pearls from Std I and II, who adorned the prayer hall stage with their gripping performance. It was a glorious spring day made to order….the Satyam house members trained these tiny tots to display the power of prayer. It was a part of extracurricular activities serving the very purpose of channelizing the bursting energy and gifted qualities of these children. “We figure out if our child is shy, extrovert, boisterous or artistic. Then give him various options that complement his interest and temperament,” said Sharmil Mam, the Satyam House Convener (Junior Section).

The programme was loaded with exciting skits, song and dance performances by the students of I and II Std, which captured the hearts of the audience. These tiny tots were trained to perform brilliantly, giving a colourful ambience by their dedicated teachers and didis, who had strived hard to train them.

This memorable morning’s proceedings commenced with a willful prayer sung by these children “O Lord teach me to be kind…” It was followed by an action song “All things bright and beautiful” The innocent children attired in saffron and red, illuminated the stage while the audience watched them with rapt attention. The dazzling display of talent by these children was amazing to watch with their spectacular performances. Their innate inherent spontaneity of expression and the confidence kindled by Satyam House members was beyond comparison.

Then, the curtain rose to reveal the “dance skit” with a backdrop setting of the holy palace of the God as the play entitled “Heavenly Abode” began. Students dressed in celestial costumes depicted the happenings and procedure of Heaven where there are different sections handled by many angels to receiving prayers and delivering blessings. But the most highlighted part of the performance, which was also the message of the skit, conveyed the need of developing the sense of gratitude towards the received blessings. These children through this skit enkindled in the audience the sense of gratitude towards the God and the need to acknowledge His unconditional love. They presented beautifully How to pray and what to pray. The message conveyed by these children was to thank the almighty for His love, to express gratitude for the everyday miracles that occur that we often take for granted and to be grateful for the power of choice. This skit was a sort of fairy tale fiesta, and icing on the cake was the final burlesque performance of children playing the arch angels.

Finally they waved at the audience with their lovely and enchanting singing “Teri hai Zami…Tera Aasma….Tu bada meherban…”. The message conveyed by means of dance, skits and enactments synchronized so beautifully showed the outstanding caliber of the small students. The audience watching was surely in a quandary as each child seemed to outdo the other. The applause they received was deafening and they did deserve it.

The very presence of respected Vijay Sir and Ashish Sir made the moments of the programme special as they were present to witness the bubbling enthusiasm of these tiny tots. It was amazing to see the creativity displayed by these small students in their efforts to perform as per the guidance of the teachers. When complimented for their support, the teachers from Satyam House expressed happiness for being involved in the event. Many of them said, they were re-living their own childhood through these kids! Our youngest student, six-year old Aaryan from Std I, also was not far behind in the dance and skit, he came dressed as arch angels, with crown and star- headed-magical wand and a cute little outfit. Though he could not understand what all the fuss was about, he enjoyed prancing around, lapping up all the attention he was getting.

It was a performance par excellence. The senior students were caught up working merrily with their tall presence to help these small kids to perform with a backdrop of ongoing presentation through projector, the confidence and enthusiasm of these children was infectious which made their face luminous. On this day, the morning sun did not seem brighter than the dazzling and sparkling light in the eyes of these enthusiastic kids.


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