NOVEMBER 2024

SMILE is Excelsior’s Annual Day programme. Across the school all the students from grades 1-12 participate on the theme chosen. This year it was The Soundtrack of our Lives. Students showcased state wise songs & dances. Some classes upheld the legacy that musical legends had left behind. The Annual Day was celebrated on Nov. 14th for the Junior section & the Chief Guest was Mr. Sajju C. Mathew, Sr. Coordinating Editor, Children’s Division. M M Publications. Prof. Dr. C. T. Aravindakumar (Vice chancellor – M. G University) was the Guest of Honour for the annual day programme for the Senior school held on Nov. 15.

Under the auspices of the Mathematics department a talk on the theme ” Way to Maths Balance” was organised for students of Grades VI to IX on November 21st, 2024 . The Speaker for the session was Dr.G.S.Venu, Principal, Harvest Public School , Malapuram who is a passionate Maths enthusiast, with a post-graduation in Meteorology, and a Doctorate in Naturopathy and Yoga Science.

It was an interactive session where the Speaker kept the students engaged with thought provoking questions. Through anecdotes he pointed the need for Self-discipline, Determination to not give up easily, and Reading habit as a few basic factors for growth. Through examples from Maths textbooks, he made the students realise the continuity of the concepts as they move grades and the importance of learning Mathematics for its wide application in real life.

On November 26th, India celebrated Constitution Day, commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949. To mark this significant occasion, our school conducted a special assembly where we all gathered to read aloud the Preamble of the Constitution. The Preamble outlines the fundamental principles that guide our nation, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a powerful reminder of the values upon which India is built.

As citizens and children of this great country, it is not enough for us to simply repeat the words of the Constitution. Our true tribute lies in how we live our lives. By embodying the core values of the Constitution, we contribute to building a society that upholds justice and equality. Whether in school, at home, or in the community, we must strive to respect the rights of others, promote fairness, and foster a spirit of unity. In doing so, we honour the vision of our founding fathers and help shape a brighter future for India.

Students of grade 7 researched, scripted and presented radio shows on Radio Excelsior 2.0, on various themes, through the month of October. This was part of their Skills unit on communication.

Fine arts department field tripwas to the – painting and sculpture exhibition ‘Echos from the Earth’ Kottayam Public library.

Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW) – 28th October to 3rd November 2024.

As part of observing Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW) – 2024, the Social Science Department of Excelsior English School organized Poster making and slogan writing competition for students from grades V to X on the theme “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity”

Jamboree is a fun, food and games carnival held at Excelsior every year. This is an opportunity for students to try their skills in culinary, art, singing and games both physical and virtual.

Grade VIII B ‘s assembly Theme: Mental Health 8^th November 2024. They highlighted the need for mental and emotional well being and how to deal with distress caused by various factors.

As part of Kerala Day celebrations on November 1, 2024, a special assembly was held with students from Prep II to Grade XI participating. Antique items from earlier times were showcased, and an exhibition organized by the Malayalam department featured various coconut-based products, including sweets, intricately designed shells, toys, and coir products.

Grade XI and XII students opting for CS, IP and AI attended the talk on “AI and the Future of Education Empowering Next-Gen Creativity and Critical Thinking” by Mr. Ajith Balakrishnan, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Rediff.com. The talk was organized by Talks India and Kottayam Public Library. Mr. Balakrishnan provided a brief explanation of what AI is and addressed the common fears associated with it. He also gave a concise overview of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and the role of AI in education.

Two of our students raised questions about whether the critical thinking abilities of children might be reduced due to overexposure to AI tools. They also wanted to know how soon AI is expected to develop expertise related to understanding and processing human emotions. In response, Mr. Balakrishnan advised embracing new technology rather than fearing it, noting that similar concerns have accompanied every technological advancement, such as the invention of the steam engine or the computer.

REPORT THE RAJAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SCIENCE EXHIBITION –‘CIENCIA’ 

A ten-minute 3D video, where the viewers witnessed their journey through the vast expanse of space tracing the early footsteps and further explorations off Earth was streamed. The video began by telling the story of the first astronauts and giving a detailed description of the famous Apollo missions which took the attention of the world since it was able to take mankind to the Moon. Then, it further expands on the Indian Chandrayaan missions’ story: discovering water on the surface of the Moon, sending Chandrayaan-2 to attempt a perilous soft landing, and Chandrayaan-3 placing a vehicle into a controlled landing near the south pole of the Moon, an uncharted territory so far. Among the interesting stories, it has very first monkey in space, Albert II, who soared high in a rocket in 1949, paving way for later human spaceflight. What brings it all together is high visual quality, fascinating storytelling, and inspiration in then milestones which have expanded our knowledge of space. The students presented impressive exhibits, of course, including some innovate projects such as the “Obstacle Avoiding Robot,” which is a very skillful detection and avoidance method, even in that it changes its direction when it encounters an obstacle.

 Another highlight was the “Smart Blind Assistance System,” designed for the convenience of the visually impaired people so that they could safely navigate their surroundings more effectively. These two projects showed great creativity, technical skills, and dedication to pursuing solutions that might improve people’s lives. The students also gave thought-provoking presentations on the effects of GST, stating the economic landscape before and after the introduction of the GST. They highlighted how GST streamlined taxation by replacing multiple indirect taxes with one tax and increasing the transparency in transactions and making it less burdensome for compliance by business. scientific principles. The students further presented a very interactive demonstration of forensic science.

Shirin Chandy

Principal

OCTOBER 2024

The CBSE Cluster Basketball Championship was hosted by Lakeford School, Kavanad, Kollam from 27th September to 1st October , 2024

45 schools from all over Kerala participated. Our Under 19 Boys (category) team bagged the  third runner up position.   CONGRATULATIONS to the team and their coaches for this excellent achievement.

On October 4, 2024, the Malayalam department organized the Social Service Day as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in the school. Students were educated on the importance of keeping their surroundings clean and tidy. Grade VIII students volunteered to clean the school campus and donated plants to the school garden. The teaching and non-teaching staff cooked 20 kg of tapioca, serving it with green chili chutney to students and teachers. It was a truly memorable and rewarding experience for everyone.

The students of Grades XI and XII had an eye-opening interaction at the District Court as part of the Samvada programme, organised by the District Legal Services Authority. This unique initiative gave them invaluable first-hand insights into the working of the justice system, both within and beyond the courtroom.

Witnessing live court proceedings, they observed justice in action—where words carry immense power and verdicts shape lives. Engaging in discussions with seasoned judges, they delved deeper into the intricacies of law and justice, gaining an understanding far beyond what textbooks can offer.

This rare opportunity to interact directly with judicial authorities not only broadened their perspective on the legal system but also sparked potential future interests. The experience bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, making the complexities of law more relatable and tangible for them as future citizens.

Prep Academy conducted a career guidance session for the grade 11 students. It was informative and engaging. Mr. Allen clearly outlined the various fields and examinations, covering a wide range of options and colleges. We appreciate Prep Academy for organizing this valuable session, which provided essential insights for the students’ future career paths. A few other academies like Santa Monica,                           too have conducted career guidance classes at school for the students of grades 9-12. 

Introducing the ‘Balance Your Screen Time’ campaign, an initiative by the Computer Science Department made alive the pros and cons of excessive screen time. Excessive screen time can have negative impacts on our physical and mental well-being. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of mindful technology use and encourage individuals to strike a healthy balance between online and offline activities. They kicked off the campaign with an energetic rally by the junior school students. They marched through the corridors, shouting slogans and delivering passionate speeches in classes. The goal is to promote healthier habits that enhance overall quality of life.

Culinary Culture’s Day as a part of World Food Day celebrations was held by the department of Home Science. Competitions included “Cook off”, “Ladle Legends”, and  “The Great Hunt”. Students from grade 5 to 12 were the participants of the events. The event culminated with talk on Lifestyle Diseases by Dietician Shilpa Chandran. The objective of the programme was to create an awareness on healthy eating and lifestyle.

On World Postal Day, October 9th, Grade 1 students visited the local post office for an educational tour where they learned about the significance of the postal system. The Postmaster explained the different types of letters, showed the red letterbox and explained how letters are collected and sent to different destinations. This engaging visit deepened their understanding of the postal system and sparked curiosity about the role of letters and communication in connecting people worldwide.

On 8 October 2024, the editor and officials of Kalikkukka, a children’s weekly magazine by Malayala Manorama organized a session with students from Grades I to III. The goal was to connect with the students and learn more about their interests and skills.

Grade XII Commerce students visited Ideal Coir tuft, KINFRA Industrial Park, Kunnamthanam  as a part of their Business Studies project.The major activity of this company is manufacturing  of carpets and other floor coverings made of jute mesta and coir.

This visit provided an insight into the process of production and packaging.The management was very cooperative and provided us with more information regarding the production process of coir mats, rubber mats and plastic products.It was an experiential as well as educational field visit for the students.

Our alumna Aleesa Ann Abraham has joined London School of Economics for Post-Graduation in Economics. Excelsior family is proud of her achievement

 The DC books set up their stalls at Excelsior English School on 7th & 8th of October opening up a varied collection of books. The students were encouraged to buy books and add to their personal collection. The school also bought books to stock the library. This opportunity is given to students to encourage reading skills. Ms. Anna Vinay, Arya, and Maya Rose were the esteemed guests who graced the occasion and had the honor of inaugurating the book fair.

The Regional Youth Festival Bhavasutha under the banner of Central Sahodaya Conclave, Kottayam was  conducted on October 23 & 24 at The Baker Vidyapeedh Senior Secondary School, Kottayam. Our students performed in an exemplary manner bringing several accolades to the school. We have secured the overall 3rd position & the runner up position in categories 2 & 4. Mathew Binoy (category 4) was awarded Best Actor prize and Neriah Anna Rajesh (category 2) declared Kalathilakam of this category.

Excelsior English School emerged the champions and secured the  Ever rolling trophy for Celestra 2024 ,the inter school cultural fest conducted by Good Shepherd Public School, Thengana

We won Best team for  Fashion show, Prize for Best model – Leona Catherin and Best make up- Namritha T Binu. The winners also included Avaneebala S -1^st & Aksa Mariam Abey 3^rd for Mannequin Design. For JAM session Rohit Cherian Pothen secured !st &Arunima Roy the 2^nd positions.. For Word Wizard First position was bagged by Irene Nathani

 Entrepreneurship students  of XI and XII visited Kelachandra PVC Company, a well-known manufacturer of PVC pipes and fittings. The purpose of the trip was to understand the manufacturing process of PVC products, learn about industrial practices, and see how raw materials are converted into finished products.   It specializes in producing a wide range of PVC pipes and fittings used for water supply, sewage systems, and agricultural purposes. The company has been in operation for 27 years and is known for its quality and sustainability practices.

PRINCIPAL’S COLUMN SEPTEMBER 2024

The Term 1 examinations started on the  2nd of September and went on till September 13 for students of grades 5-12.

The students of the junior school celebrated Teachers day on September 5. A loving tribute was paid to the teachers in the form of songs and dance.

On Sept 13th Onam celebrations took place for the students of Prep 1- grade 4. Students came in the traditional onam attire. They put up several programmes reminding one of the essence of the festival. The arrival of Maveli was the highlight of the event.

Excelsior English School participated in the Central Sahodaya Conclave, 2nd Inter School Roller Skating Championship, where our talented students showcased their skills and determination. Their hard work paid off, as we earned several medals and proudly secured the overall second position. Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship!

Excelsior English School won the second prize for the Sahodaya Quiz Competition held at Amrita Vidyalaya, Changanacherry

Congrats to Jefry & Diya who won the prize.

For the TRIVIDHA Interschool Fest held at BMM School we won second prize for the Product Launch event, second prize for Marketing and second prize for Smash the Bug event.

The students of Excelsior won the First Runner up trophy for the Inter School  Badminton competition held under the Central Sahodhaya Conclave banner. They  secured four gold medals & one silver thereby ensuring the overall second position.

Central Sahodaya  Conclave— Prize line up for Badminton Tournament

Boys doubles-Anand G Nair & Muhammed Ishaan Riyas

Boys singles-1st prize – Muhammed Ishaan Riyas

Girls doubles- 1st prize – Tanvi S Pillai and Avni Mehta

Girls singles -1st prize- Avni Mehta me

Girls singles second – Tanvi S Pillai

 The Central Sahodaya Conclave Kottayam Inter-School Digital Fest Competition, hosted by Excelsior English School on 28th September, was a resounding success! Eight schools came together to participate in four exciting events:

• ⁠ ⁠Website/Web/Mobile Apps
• ⁠ ⁠AI/Robotics/IoT
• ⁠ ⁠Visual Coding/Games
• ⁠ ⁠Tech Talk

The top two overall winner schools secured an incredible opportunity to:

• ⁠ ⁠Fly to the Middle East and participate in the International Digital Fest
• ⁠ ⁠Participate in the National Digital Fest in Maharashtra

We can’t wait to see our young tech enthusiasts shine on the bigger stage!

And the winners are…

• ⁠ ⁠Lifevalley School: 1st Prize
• ⁠ ⁠Excelsior English School: 2nd Prize

Special mention to our individual winners who made a remarkable impact at the competition with their outstanding performances:

• ⁠ ⁠Rohit Joe Mendus XII A- Web Designing 1st Prize
• ⁠ ⁠Darshan Dhanish and Neeza Tresa Mathew (Grade X) – Web Designing 2nd Prize
• ⁠ ⁠Rhea Anna Ajai IXA – Tech Talk 1st Prize

Congratulations to all participants! We look forward to seeing the impact of our young tech enthusiasts on the global stage!

The Pathfinders 2024 team initiated a project to support hungry birds. They have placed bird feeders throughout the school campus. They are filled with bird feed and hung on the branches of the trees on the campus. Kudos to the team 

SIGN LANGUAGE PROJECT

This sign language programme initiated by the Student Council is a remarkable initiative that brings awareness and inclusivity to our school community. By introducing basic sign language lessons at the beginning of the school day, each student council member is actively participating in enhancing communication skills and fostering a more inclusive environment.

Learning sign language promotes empathy, understanding, and diversity among students. By equipping students with basic sign language skills, we are not only empowering them to communicate with those who are deaf or hard of hearing but also promoting a culture of respect and acceptance for individuals with different abilities. Sign language can come of use in times of trouble too. In conclusion by embracing diversity and fostering understanding through initiatives like this, we are not only enriching our educational experience but also building a more compassionate and inclusive community within our school.

Shirin Chandy

Principal

PRINCIPAL’S COLUMN AUGUST 2024

The  National Handloom Day was celebrated by the Home Science dept on August 7th. The highlights were a cover page designing competition using Fabric collage,  Posters containing information on Indian textiles and fashion from Olympics 2024  displayed on the bulletin board and students of grade 11 putting up a power point presentation on traditional weaves and prints of the different states. Grade- 12 students made designs on fabric using block printing method. The school faculty was dressed in various handloom outfits.

The 1st edition of Excelsior Express our school newsletter. Refurbished and student friendly was released on August 11.This is a newsletter with information about the school elections. The editorial team has given the newsletter a more reader friendly design in sync with the need for more student access to the newsletter. Happy Reading.

The students of Grade X conducted their school assembly on the topic Role of students in the society – a matter of great importance as young minds can make a difference with their ideas and actions. They need to get encouragement from people around them to take the step forward.

On Aug 15th EXCELSIOR ENGLISH SCHOOL celebrated the 78th INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY. The day was filled with numerous activities conducted by the Social Science dept.

BULLETIN BOARD COMPETITION

As part of this year’s Independence Day celebrations the Social Science department organized a class bulletin board competition. The theme for the competition was ‘Viksit  Bharat’

EXHIBITION

As part of this year’s Independence Day celebrations the Social Science department organized “Tiranga Tribute”  (Exhibition) for grade VI to IX

QUIZ COMPETITION

“Unleash the Patriot” was the title for the Quiz Competition held  for students of grades VIII and IX.

 CULTURAL FIESTA

The Social Science department organized “Azadi Ka Utsav”  ( Cultural Fiesta). Programmes like patriotic dance, songs, Independence Day Messages, mime, etc were part of the fiesta.

A patriotic fervour spread through the campus encouraging students to participate in the activities.

From Aug 14 – 16 ARANGU – the School Annual Youth Festival was conducted. A plethora of events were arranged off stage and on stage. This was an opportunity for students across the school to showcase their creative talents in literary and art forms. It was open to students from grades 3-12. The school wore a festive look as the stages and venues came to life with strong but healthy competition in dance, music, mime, recitation, elocu, extempore to mention a few of the events conducted. The event management team worked tirelessly to put up a great show.

A seminar was held for students of Grades 6, 7 and 8 on Radio & Podcasting as part of their Skills course. The seminar was facilitated by Ms. Lakshmi Parvathy, an RJ, podcaster and journalist from Manorama Online. It was an interactive session which the students greatly enjoyed.

Excelsior organised a student leadership training camp for 2 days – 27 &28th Aug.

We saw the need to offer students with such opportunities outside academics. The camp was under the banner of *SchoolWizard* an educational organization which focuses on bringing out the best in every child by identifying and nurturing their innate talents. Their workshops offer intensive Skill Development and Value Enrichment to shape confident and capable Individuals. It was open for students of Grades 8, 9, 10, 11&12. It was a power packed programme on financial literacy, personality development, judicial literacy and cyber security.

PRINCIPAL’S COLUMN JULY 2024

Parent  orientation – Grades 1 – IX

The school arranged a parent orientation for the parents of students of grades 1-9. This is as per the instructions of CBSE. This will further be uploaded on the school website. The parents were informed about the Learning Outcomes of each subject of each class. It clearly indicated what the students will be proficient in by the end of this academic session.

On 1st July, AI, CS and IP students of Grade XI had an engaging and relevant field trip to Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam. A hands-on session on Introduction to AI and its application was conducted in their Hitech Lab. The students were also exposed to the process of Design Thinking. Their labs and workspace was a learning experience for the students.

Elizabeth Ann Thomas our alumnus is a recipient of the fully funded DAAD-EPOS Scholarship, to pursue her Masters in Development Studies ( Environmental Governance) at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The scholarship (50 lakhs) is awarded to students pursuing Development-related Postgraduate Courses and is issued by the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service.

Grade IV students presented the different branches of medicine on behalf of Doctor’s day observed on July 1st. A special assembly at school was organised to pay tribute yo the selfless service of doctors.

Our CS, IP and AI students got to experience the cutting-edge of robotics technology at the ‘Make Your Robot Tick’ National Level Competition organised by MITS in partnership with ESIGELEC, France.  This included a talk on Robotics, STEM and GEN AI, Demo of the ISRO ROVER, Navigation BOT and various other projects. The day was a delightful mix of learning, hilarious games and delicious treats.

A visit to the ‘Silk India’ exhibition was arranged by the Home Science and Fashion Studies students of grades 11 &12. The students could gain an understanding of  various textiles, weaves and traditional prints of India.

Sathya Prasad of Grade 5 is the second runner up in Regional SIP Abacus competition Central Kerala held  in Ernakulam.

#Plant 4 Mother Campaign

 More than 80 students and their mothers from Prep 1 to Grade IV took part in this campaign with the help of 15 teachers. A sapling was planted at home collaboratively by student and the mother. The sapling planted was accompanied by a placard displaying the name of the student and the mother.  A photo of the mother and child planting the sapling along with the placard  was taken on Saturday morning ( 27/07/24). The photo was uploaded in the drive provided by the school on the same day 27 July 2024 .This is a Shiksha Saptah activity – an initiative by CBSE.

Student Council Election 2024-’25

The annual election took place this year too with great enthusiasm. Several students registered for leadership positions. The new student council is a team of 22 members. The Investiture ceremony invested them with their badge of office. The Chief Guest was Dr. Raju Sebastian HOD English at SB College Changanassery.

A mini research is a small-scale study that focuses on a specific topic or question, often conducted within a limited time frame and with fewer resources compared to full-scale research projects. Statistical mini knowledge helps Psychology learners use proper methods to collect  data, employ the correct analyses, and effectively present the results. Statistics mini is a crucial process behind how so many discoveries have been made in the field of Psychology. An assignment to do a mini research on any topic that caught their interest.11 researches on various topics like assessment of depression among adolescents, anger levels of menopausal women, depression in old age people, anxiety in mothers of children with Down syndrome were some topics among the 11 planned.

PRINCIPAL’S COLUMN JUNE 2024

Teacher Orientation Series 2024

The new academic session started with a full day orientation for the teachers on New Innovations of NEP 2020 and its Implementation in the school curriculum.

The resource person Mr. Renjith Rajan, District City coordinator – COE Training, took the teachers through a day long highly informative conference, the highlights being the Holistic report card, Class management and National credit framework. The 2^nd day of the orientation series was spent in a houseboat which included a trip on the tranquil waters of the Kumarakom Backwaters. It was a day well spent with a few games, good homely food and calm rejuvenation as prep up for the academic session ahead. Day 3 was inhouse orientation by the Secretary and Correspondent Ms. Rosey Mathew and Principal Ms Shirin Chandy dealing with teaching practices, exam routines, events, school trips and all other school related activities.

Merit Day –

The Merit Day is celebrated every year to honour the achievements of the students who fared excellently in the AISSE and AISSCE of the current year. This year too the students who secured A1 in all subjects and subject toppers were honoured at a function at school. The orientation for grade XI students and parents was also conducted soon after the Merit day programme concluded.

PTC Grade X / XII –

The PTC held for grades X and XII was to update the parents about the previously conducted Cyclic 1 and PA 1 and they were informed about the schedule of academic progress, exams and assessments to be conducted as well as preparations for the CBSE Board examinations.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

The Science department of Excelsior English School celebrated the World Environment Day at school. The day began with a special assembly conducted by Grade XII A students. The students presented speeches, skits, and thought-provoking videos that focused on the theme of the year ” Land restoration, desertification and draught resilience.” and highlighted the significance of environmental preservation. They touched upon topics such as deforestation, water scarcity, air pollution, and the importance of biodiversity. A pledge was taken to upkeep the sanctity of the environment.

The assembly successfully inspired and educated the students, promoting the significance of individual contributions to saving the environment.

Utilizing old newspapers, craft supplies, and glue, students from Grade V to IX created eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags. This activity aimed to address the issue of plastic pollution and promoted the use of sustainable alternatives. To add an element of creativity and to highlight the importance of recycling plastic, students in Grade IV were encouraged to create crafts using discarded plastic items.

NATIONAL READING DAY

P.N. Panicker’s efforts are commemorated by the nation on June 19th as National Reading Day. Excelsior English School began its month-long reading campaign on the same day.

Department of English organised a ‘Book and Author’ quiz for the students of grades 8 and 9. Following that a pencil drawing competition for the students of grades 9 and 10 was conducted. The entire school went into D.E.A.R mode for the last hour, with students, teachers, admin staff and support personnel all devoting their time for reading.

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

Excelsior English School observed International Yoga Day on Friday, June 21, 2024. The special assembly, conducted by the Grade VIII A students, featured demonstrations of various yoga postures and their benefits, a Rhythmic Yoga Dance, and a speech by Dr. Archana on the theme “Yoga for Women Empowerment,” emphasizing the importance of daily yoga practice.

ASSEMBLY ON INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

The school assembly conducted by Grade XII B highlighted the theme of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Students spoke about the importance of choice in decision making especially among the youth.

Addiction is not an illness but a person caught in any sort of addiction and needs connection & compassion & support during and after rehabilitation.

The urgent desire to the youth to be in the present, escape reality appear ‘cool’ & to fit into peer groups are the determining factor leading to loss of foresight that could wreak their lives. It was a call to strengthen & invest in prevention rather the rehabilitation which is not fool proof.

March 2024

VIBRANCE- ANNUAL EXHIBITION BY FASHION STUDIES DEPARTMENT

The annual exhibition by our Fashion Studies students was a resounding success. It showcased the creative blend of expression in our students in the field of fashion.
Our students’ dedication and creativity were evident in the meticulous planning and execution of each exhibit. The exhibition featured an array of captivating displays, including student-designed crafts and art and trend-setting accessories.

PREP -I and PREP -II

The students celebrated Activity Day themed “Incredible India” . It was a vibrant and educational event designed to introduce young learners to the rich culture, heritage, and diversity of India. The event aimed to foster curiosity, creativity, and a sense of appreciation for India’s traditions among the little ones.
Children dressed up in traditional Indian attire such as sarees, kurta pajamas, and turbans. The “Incredible India “themed Activity Day was a memorable event that celebrated India’s cultural tapestry through engaging performances, artistic displays, musical renditions.

Micro skills Awards for Prep I to Gr IV ( Term II ) were distributed on 19 March 2024.
These awards are to encourage soft skills in the students.

We are planning to start a pre KG section called Balavatika for preschoolers. Parent orientation for Balvatika took place on 9th March

Students of Grade 8 A and B created short video films based on their own scripts, as part of Skills development class. (Introduction to cinema unit). Teams came up with their own concepts and script; shot and edited the videos themselves. These videos explore a range of subjects including sports and the pandemic lockdown, and they have been able to inject humour, and satire to their productions.

The School Year-end Examinations for grades 5-8 & CBSE Board Exams for grades 10&12 were conducted effectively.

The academic year 2023-’24 has come to an end. The school closes on April 4 for the summer vacation .

Shirin Chandy
Principal

February 2024

LEADERSHIP RETREAT PROGRAMME – Excelsior English School Director Er. N. J. Mathew & Registrar Mr. Jinoy Kallukalam attended a “LEADERSHIP RETREAT” Programme held at Amrithapuri Campus, Vallikavu, organized by Central Sahodaya Kottayam & Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 

On 8th February 2024, Grade 3B hosted a special assembly to commemorate the National Day of Sri Lanka.

On Feb 9th 2024 Grade 7 B conducted an assembly urging everyone to embrace fountain pens and stop the use of plastic ones as part of an initiative for sustainability. Encouraging eco-friendly habits, they highlighted the environmental benefits of reducing plastic waste.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY GRADE VI-A  TOPIC :LIFE SKILLS – Life skills are abilities that help promote mental well-being and competence in young people as they face the realities of life. Life skills teach us how to make our lives easier and simpler, how to live a positive life, and how to spend our time wisely. Life skills are an important component of school education.

ACHIEVEMENT – Our student Niya Ann Abraham Grade X secured First   position in (under 16 girls category) the State Mountain Cycling Championship held at Kaliyar estate, Thodupuzha. She has been selected to the Kerala team for Nationals, which will be held at Haryana.

LIVE WEBCAST – Live webcast on modalities for the conduct of Board Exams 2024 was screened for the senior teachers.

FIELD TRIP – The children of Prep I, Prep II & Grade I were taken to an enriching field trip to the Children’s Library and Park. The purpose of this outing was to introduce the young learners to the joys of reading, storytelling, outdoor play, fostering their cognitive, social and physical development. It was a day filled with learning and fun. Students of grades 3&4 also visited the library.

INNOVATION DAY EXHIBITION – Innovation Day is commemorated on February 16 to recognize the role that new knowledge plays in making a country more advanced and powerful. The main idea behind this day is to appreciate the efforts of those inventors who are bringing innovation and change in the field of science and technology. The Innovation Club of Excelsior English School celebrated the day by hosting an exhibition. Students explained their models to visitors demonstrating their humongous contribution to society.

VISIT TO POOR BOYS HOME -Students  of Excelsior English School from classes 5 to 8 visited the Poor Boys Home near Kanjikuzhi,  Kottayam. This home provides shelter and support to orphaned children aged 10 – 17 years. The interaction between the students of Excelsior and the children at the Poor Boys Home optimized the spirit of solidarity and empathy. Through this exchange the students not only provided tangible support but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and compassion within the community.

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY – International Mother language Day ‘Loka Bhasha Samanvayam ‘was observed in Excelsior English School. Students from Prep I to Gr IV performed songs, stories , speeches & poems in several global languages. There was also a detailed narration of number names in nine languages. Language Quiz by the Principal Ms. Shirin Chandy was the highlight of the day. Students were also taught a Kannada song by Ms. Seema.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY – The assembly was conducted by Grade 6B themed Education. The class tried to reiterate that education must help us to transform from mirrors to windows. Education is about strength of mind, intellect expanded and character formed.

Children talked about famous personalities in the field of education and interesting facts on schools from all over the world. The girls danced to the song Aashayein from the movie Iqbal to encourage the desires in their heart to bloom as absolutely nothing is impossible. 

NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY

The Science department of Excelsior English School celebrated National Science Day from 26 to 28 February 2024. The theme this year was ‘Indigenous technologies for Viksit Bharat.

Science exhibition, SCISCAPE was organised for grades I to IV on Monday,26 February and for grades V to VIII on Tuesday, 27 February 2014. The exhibition was inaugurated by School Director Mr N J Mathew and was addressed by Principal Ms.Shirin Chandy.The exhibits were open for parents and students between 10 am and 12 noon.

Ball Mill for crushing heavy metals like aluminium , Oxy hydrogen generator to produce energy from water, Taser gun that helps police capture the suspect and the kinetic wheel were some remarkable exhibits. The highlight of the event was ‘Dress up like a Scientist ‘ contest for grades 1 to VIII.It was a great way to encourage curiosity and learning about different fields of science.

ANNUAL ACTIVITY DAY

A year long training in different activities culminated yesterday with an excellent show of skills on stage.

Skill development is an important facet in today’s education. Along with textbook knowledge one must be honed in some skill outside the textbook.

The students choose the extracurricular activity of their choice. The activity mentors train the students right through the year.

The various activities are dance, zumba, chess, roller skating, karate, yoga, abacus, basketball & digital painting. Each activity has its own specific skills that students need to inculcate. Dance helps to build confidence & eye, hand & leg coordination. Chess prepares one for decision making, problem solving, strategic planning & risk management.

Each activity fine tunes specific skills & students learn and master these skills.

Students of grades X and XII have started their respective SSE & SSCE 2023-’24 examinations.

JANUARY 2024

School reopened on January 3, 2024. The CBSE Model Practicals were conducted for the students of Grade XII followed by the Board Practicals for the academic year 2023-’24. It was conducted under the supervision of external examiners arranged by the Board.

The Mathematics department hosted the Mathematics exhibition where students brought live models, static ones & also an assembly was conducted by grade XI on Jan 29 on Maths & its utility in everyday life.

A team of young people from Honda Motorcycles visited the school to spread general awareness on Road Safety Education to the students of grades III – VIII.

On the occasion of 75th Republic Day, the National Flag was hoisted at school by the school Director, Er. N. J. Mathew.

Celebrating Youth Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the school conducted several programmes like elocution, skit & presentations about Swami Vivekananda.

Students of grades V-XI watched the live session of the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme organised by the Central Government of India. They also participated in the Pariksha Pe Charcha painting competition arranged by the Ministry of Education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kottayam.

Series of revision exams were conducted for students of grades X & XII to make them ready for the upcoming Board exams. Hall tickets will be distributed next week.

Excelsior hosted a workshop on the Role of Performing Arts in Holistic Education under the Central Sahodaya Conclave banner in association with Furtados School of Music. Four eminent resource persons conducted the one day workshop which was highly informative & impactful.

The Annual Sports Day was inaugurated by Ms.Rakhi Zachariah (Arm Wresting Champion). The school flag was hoisted & pledge taken. Several sporting events took place. The students exhibited good team spirit & healthy competition.

The school conducted a medical camp for its educators to help them with necessary awareness of their health.

Principal

Shirin Chandy

DECEMBER 2023