School E magazine Middle School December to March- 2020-21

Issue
LVG-10/3rd Quarter

2020-21

School is the temple of learning. It is a talent, be it in performing arts, oration,
continuous process and an individual who giving tips on golf, culinary expertise or
is happy to be a lifelong learner, never composing poetry. It has been most
ceases to evolve. The unabated keenness gratifying to see our budding writers
in every member of the Lotus Valley authoring books on genres close to their
family has added several new feathers to heart and with their adeptness they have
its learning cap. Together, we have succeeded in reaching out to their
strengthened the learning of our readers profoundly.
affective skills as well. Afterall, it is
these skills that come handy in life. Lotusians have spread their wings to
explore, design and carve their path and
Our Parent Participation Programmes make a place for themselves in various
have been informative and educative and segments, be it on You Tube, blog writing
have helped us to retune our learnings or holding art exhibitions. The symbiotic
towards better understanding of nuances bond between the school and parents is
in various domains. The school strongly most cherished and to ensure that no gap
believes in celebrating important days to is left unfilled, virtual open houses and
rekindle the flame of gratitude in our parent-teacher conferences were held.
young minds. The distinguished thoughts
of learners on the International Day of With utmost humility we wish to share
Persons with Disabilities, National that the school has been recognised at
Farmer’s Day, International Mountain the Education World Awards 2020 for
Day, to name a few, were not only heart its remarkable contribution in the field
touching but also conveyed their of education. In its tenth year since its
acknowledgement and responsiveness inception, the school has been ranked
towards the society at large. No:3 in Gurugram, No:8 in Delhi-NCR and
No:13 in the country. Achievement is
Celebrations bring everyone even closer. never a coincidence; it is a consistent
The virtual Christmas Carnival and Lohri journey of passion and focus. The LVIS
celebrations with its mystical dance and Roll of Honour is a standing testimony to
music fiesta by our tiny tots was a grand this. Our learners have meritoriously
-joyful treat! Christmas is the time to sought admissions in some of the most
spread love wholeheartedly and Grade X coveted national and international
teachers surprised their learners by universities.
gifting them a fun -filled video of their
cheery presentation. The school believes Every achievement adds newer
that the key to pursuing excellence is to milestones and the Team Lotus Valley
embrace an organic and long-term sets them, achieves them and celebrates
learning process and Lotus Lights and them!!
‘Talentore’, served as discerning
platforms for learners to showcase their
aptitude and immense

‘Discovery’, the word is often related to Dr SHAYAMA CHONA
inventions and creations but this word Padma Shree &
has added many newer connotations and
dimensions to it in the last couple of Padma Bhushan Awardee
months. With ambivalence and
indeterminacy hovering strongly over us, The sole aim has been to never leave a
the past months have led to several gap in the learning of our learners. The
discoveries which until now rested in virtual journey so far has added many
oblivion. To conquer heights, one must be ‘firsts’ to the already illustrious cap of
in love with oblivion because it is there the school. With utmost humility and
that lies the discovery of self. grace, we bow to all the congratulatory
messages bestowed on us. Goes without
How fascinating can be one’s own saying, it is the faith and trust in one
company! These times have given us another that led to seamless shifts of
space for introspection and to delve gears. The love and conviction of our
deeper into self. Most have discovered a parent fraternity has always been the
newer we, the hidden talents have been driving force. We thank them for keeping
relit and the long -cherished desires their faith in us and also standing by us
have been met. The last few months have through this entire journey.
taught us self-love and most importantly,
to extend that love to every soul we Every day is a blessing, a new beginning,
meet, also it has taught us to be more enveloped with hope, faith and belief.
compassionate towards nature and the Together, let us grow, progress and
sinewy power of healing. evolve. Look ahead with open arms with
unabated joyful spirits and vigour to
Each one of us discovered a new us in never quit no matter what challenges
ourselves! The hidden singer, painter, come our way!
baker, story writer, and also how easy it
can be to be ‘आत्मिनभरर् ’. We have
discovered our inner strengths and
potentials. The tasks that seemed
herculean until now, are done with a wink
of an eye! Family time has never been so
appreciated, the candid chats, chitters
and cheers over dining table are second
to none; they have added strength to
familial bonds and have rekindled mutual
love, respect and warmth. Lotus Valley
with its entire army tiptoeing most
confidently, led by its captain, Ms Anita
Malhotra, defying all odds, rose to the
challenges.

As I sit in my office and take a look from Mrs ANITA MALHOTRA
the window at the dew set on the greenery Director-Principal
outside, several rousing thoughts float in
my mind of the year gone by! Unalarmed, State & CBSE Awardee
the world was plagued with uncertainties
of the pandemic, insinuating anxiety and Together, we have added inerasable and
heebie-jeebies but the question is, did unforgettable memories and attained
that relinquish us to see the silver lining to several milestones that seemed quite
the cloud! Most certainly not. ‘Team Lotus unsurmountable until dealt with in unison
Valley’ has been no different…. the with synergetic oneness.
efficacy and beamish promptness with
which every member accepted the Together, we begin the new academic
challenge and switched over to online mode session with novel and bolder vision, with
of teaching-learning is truly remarkable! introspective and ambitious milestones
set, and with compassion and solicitous
No stone has been left unturned to ensure prudence. In every test, let us thank the
that every learner gets the best from his challenges as it helps in our salvation.
mentor. Digital information learning, The goal is to rise together. As I wrap
variety of online resources, interactive up my thoughts for now, the words of
sessions, online events, online assessments, Francis Of Assisi echo in my mind, ‘What
to name a few, not only added diversity is it that stands higher than words?
and enrichment to this experience but also Action! Start by doing what’s necessary,
brought- in innovation and newer then do what’s possible, and suddenly you
perspective to education. To be open and are doing the Impossible!’
embrace changes, also, to have a positive
standpoint towards the challenges that
come our way is the key to success. Often,
it was questioned if too much of screen
space would do any harm but the webinar
session on ‘Good Screen vs Bad Screen’ by
eminent speakers in the field of education
and medicine answered it all.

As I once again set my eyes at the window
to assay dew drops, they seem to have
vanished…thanks to the warmth of the sun.

ACADEMICS…

v ON CAMPUS PRE-BOARD I EXAMINATION
v VIRTUAL ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS
v INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROJECTS

SCHOLASTIC FEATS…

v NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIADS
v INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARK TEST
v INTERNATIONAL STEM TINKERING OLYMPIAD (ISTO)

RENDEZVOUS…

v PARENT PARTICIPATION PROGRAM – Dr. Bansidhar Tarai
v SECOND VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
v PARENT PARTICIPATION PROGRAM – Ms. Swati Kukreja

TREADING TOWARDS BIGGER GOALS…

v S.T.E.P PROGRAMME (Sensitizing, TrainingEmpowering Peers)
v SEWA PROGRAMME
v WORKSHOP ON THE ART OF DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING
v PAUSE BEFORE YOU RESPOND

BRAIN TRAIN…

v INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITIONS
v INTER-HOUSE COMPETITIONS

TEEN VOGUE…

v VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL
v CELEBRATION OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION DAY
v CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL FARMERS DAY
v LOTUS LIGHTS 3.0
v LOTUS LIGHTS 4.0

BEYOND THE CLASSROOMS…

v WORK EDUCATION
v SCHOOL CINEMA
v REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION
v TALENTORE
v PASSION PAATHSHALA
v GROWING GREAT
v ATL KID-EX NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIIP

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS…

v EDUCATION AWARDS 2020
v INDIAN SCHOOL MERITS AWARDS
v THE LVIS ROLL OF HONOUR : ADMISSIONS 2020
v UN@75
v SCHOOL STARS
v PUPPETRY COMPETITION – Shraddha Miglani
v YOUNG ACHIEVER – Arshiya Garg
v YOUNG ACHIEVER– Ashrita Chakraborty
v YOUNG ACHIEVER– Aryan Gupta
v YOUNG ACHIEVER– Smahi Vijay
v YOUNG ACHIEVER - Aahana Jain
v YOUNG ACHIEVER– Ashrita Chakraborty
v IOSA OLYMPIAD 2020 - Mishka Menghani
v RSFI DISTRICT SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP – Tvesha Yadav & Megha Bisht
v NATIONAL TOY FAIR - Subham Bhasin & Vivaan Bhasin
v LOKTANTRA KI CHAUPAL – Rishita Singh

CRUISING THE WORLD…

v INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
v INTERNATIONAL OUTER SPACE
v WORLD CANCER DAY
v INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY

YOUNG MINDS AT WORK…

v CREATIVE WORKS BY LEARNERS

FROM OUR MAIL BOX…

CREDITS…



The school successfully conducted the
first offline Pre-Board examination
from 8th February to 22nd February
as per the guidelines issued by the
Ministry of Education.

Before these offline exams the school
conducted virtual sessions with
students and parents and oriented
them regarding all safety protocols,
rules and regulations to be observed
during the pandemic.

Following SOPs were adhered to in
order to ensure that the Pre Boards
were conducted safely and smoothly at
Lotus Valley:

v Planned/staggered Entry and Exit
of learners to avoid any kind of
overcrowding.

v Markings along the entire route,
from entry to classroom, to
maintain appropriate and safe
social distance.

v Mandatory checking of body
temperature at entry gate by the
school doctor.

v Hand sanitizers were placed at
prominent places like reception,
classrooms, entrance of the school
etc.

v Sanitization was done before and
after the exam.

v Frequent cleaning and disinfecting
of washrooms was done during the
school hours/ exam time.

Annual examinations for Grades IX
and XI were conducted smoothly in the
online mode on Microsoft Teams.

Learners were guided about camera
settings, renaming of PDF files, page
numbers on each page, steps to scan
and upload, and necessary timelines to
be followed. The exam was conducted
seamlessly as students were well
instructed and constantly guided by
their mentors about the code of conduct
to be followed during the exam.

Assessments are an important part of
life and they are stepping stones to
success. A continuous assessment

process in Lotus Valley ensures that the

learners are thorough with their

concepts and assessed on a variety of
application-based questions. The Final
Assessments in the current Academic

Session were conducted virtually on MS

teams.

To incorporate Inter-disciplinary
learning, Research based UT3 was

conducted for Grade IV from 7th Dec to

16th Dec 2020. Learners showcased

their learning through several engaging

projects and flip teaching in groups.
The platform gave learners an

opportunity to not only enhance their

academic profile but also developed

their soft skills like communication,

teamwork cooperation etc. The children
understood the importance of research

and helped in the successful

implementation of application-based

exams.



Research is formalized curiosity and helps in creating new Knowledge…

Interdisciplinary Research-Based UT 3
was conducted successfully in Grade V.
Learners participated in various
activities with great zeal and
motivation. Project-Based activities

were planned in different subjects for

the learners. It was helpful in
building confidence, and enhancing the
presentation and speaking skills of the
learners.



UT II for Grade VI was based on Inter-

disciplinary research work. It was

conducted from 7th Dec to 16th Dec

2020. IDR aimed to promote and

develop student competencies related

to research practice and to benefit

students through activities like

PowerPoint Presentations, flipped

teaching and application based

worksheets. This platform gave the

learners an opportunity to not only

enhance their academic skills but it also

focused on their cognitive and oratory

skills. Encouraging classroom

participation with activities and

discussions, in groups and with the

whole class, kept the children’s attention

in the class and helped them understand

concepts better.



Teamwork is the road to success,.
Keeping the same thought in mind the
learners collaborated together and
turned their love for research into
their IDR work. The process enabled
them to learn about their
shortcomings and help each other in
learning new things. They were able to
analyse, reflect and research the data
on their own and had the confidence to
present it as well. It was a great
opportunity for children to work
collaboratively with their peers, which
in turn helped in the development of
their personality through leadership
roles and team workmanship. The
process enabled them to get a better
understanding of their own strengths
and areas that need more focus .



Learners of Grade VIII had an interesting
experience during IDR. Research-based

learning helped in promoting and

developing competencies related to

research practice and made the learning

process a rewarding and enriching
experience.





International & National Olympiad is
a platform for students of school level
to showcase their skills and talent in
their strongest subject.

It helps to develop in-depth
knowledge about subjects and
sharpens their mind for aptitude and
competitive exams. One can
strengthen the fundamentals of
subjects like Math and Science, which
not only help in cracking Olympiads
but also help in getting good scores in
school-based exams.

Keeping in mind the endless benefits
of Olympiad exams, the learners
continued their journey on the path of
learning in the month of December
and January.

NSO Exam was conducted smoothly
on 19th and 20th Dec’20, and IMO
Exam took place on 23rd and 24th
Jan’21. These exams were scheduled
on Saturday and Sunday. Learner’s
attempted the exam with full zeal and
preparation.

IBT ( International Benchmark Test) is
a high quality skill based assessment.
Given the unprecedented circumstances
this year, IBT was conducted online. The
test was conducted for three subjects:
English , Science , Mathematics.
Each test was for one hour duration.
The dates were as follows:
5th February,21 ( Friday) - English
6th February,21 ( Saturday)- Math
7th February,21 ( Sunday)-Science

This test gives detailed analysis of

learners’ performance in different areas

as well as helps them compare their

performance Nationally and

Internationally.

ISTO is one of its kind Olympiad which aims
to judge the skills of the students on the
following parameters - Innovation,
Creativity, Experiences and Tinkering.

ISTO (State Level) Exam was conducted on
20th Dec 2020 with 42 students appearing for
the Olympiad. Thirteen learners have
qualified for the National level exam which
was conducted on 21st February 2021. The
result of the same is awaited.

Screening Test for Aryabhatta Exam The screening tests were conducted
was conducted for learners of Grades in online mode using Microsoft Forms
and Exam.net.
V, VIII and XI. Ten learners were
This year the Aryabhatta Exam was
selected from each grade for the conducted on 23rd January in the
online mode using Microsoft forms.
prestigious Aryabhatta Exam
conducted every year by Summer
Fields School, Vasant Kunj.



Lotus Valley International School was
pleased to have Dr. Bansidhar Tarai,
parent of Jayaditya Devansh (Grade V
Cedars), onboard for the “Parent
Participation Programme” on 3rd
December. The session on 'Covid 19:
Let's not forget our Safety Measures'
highlighted the origin, modes of
transmission and symptoms of the
virus.

Dr Tarai demonstrated the
correct use of sanitizers and
masks . He also mentioned
the various precautionary
measures to be taken, as well
as the importance of a
healthy diet.

Overall, the presentation was a
much-needed reminder to not let
our guards down. The session
concluded with Dr. Tarai
addressing many interesting and
intelligent queries posed by our
learners.



'Connecting School and Home makes a great community of Learners!' and this is
achievable when there is a regular parent-teacher connect. The year-end ‘Virtual
Open House’ was held for Grades IV-VIII on Saturday, 12th December,
2020. The platform enabled the mentors and parents to exchange views,
feedback and thoughts geared towards the best interest of the learners.







‘Open House’ for Grades IX-XII
was organized to share valuable
inputs about the learners’ scholastic
and co-scholastic journey. It also
aimed to discuss the roadmap for
future learning and success.

A window of 10 minutes was
allotted to each parent and teachers
discussed the progress of their ward
in keeping with various parameters.

On the Eve of Christmas, Ms. Swati
Kukreja, parent of Saanvi Kukreja
(Grade IV-Acacias), added to the
festive cheer by conducting a fun-
filled ‘Craft and Carols’ Session, as a
part of the ‘Parent Participation
Programme.’

The session concluded with swaying to the
good ol’ Christmas carols and reminiscing
the times in school. The message of sharing
love and happiness was well put forth, as
everyone wished each other good tidings
The learners were very patiently for the upcoming festive season.
guided through the activity to create
adorable Santa wall hangings. The
activity intrigued the learners and the
teachers alike as many mentors were
seen testing their artistic skills.





“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.” –
Robert M. Hensel

The human spirit is one of ability, perseverance and courage that no disability can

steal away. We, at Lotus Valley International School, resonate with this belief and

aim to promote awareness on creating sensitivity amongst youth towards Persons

with Disabilities. In December 2020, the

learners of Grade VIII acted

as the ambassadors to

commemorate “International

Day of Persons with

Disabilities”. They actively

engaged the students of

Grades IV & V under the

able guidance of the

Counselling & SEN Dept.

Learners of Grade VIII did
extensive research and prepared
awareness session with a lot of
interactive activities for Grades IV
& V learners.

They empowered them to adapt a
sensitive approach towards Persons
with Disabilities. They familiarised
them with the problems faced by the
differently abled and stressed on the
importance of self-realization, belief,
courage, confidence and sensitivity
that the world needs to offer them..
Grade VIII learners proved to be
the most Impressionable Mentors
for their juniors.







SEWA Activities were done by the
learners at home, and they
demonstrated and shared their
experiences during the “LotusLights”
sessions. SEWA aims to holistically
develop an individual in their
intellectual, personal, social and
emotional growth. This type of
experiential learning helps children to
develop into caring and compassionate
humans.

SEWA activities included- Raising
Community Awareness vis-a-vis Health,
Sanitation, Civic habits and
Environment; Unpaid Teaching and
Assistance in Teaching; Volunteering in
Environmental Protection Activities;
Care for Senior Citizens of our
Community; Helping Parents in
Household chores.



Lotus Valley International
School, Gurugram, organized an
interactive Workshop for its
teachers from Grades Pre
Nursery –VIII on the ‘Art of
Debating and Public Speaking’
conducted by Ms. Kiran Misra, a
Writer, Soft Skills Trainer and a
Senior English Broadcaster at All
India Radio Delhi.

This guided teachers to conduct classroom debates to enhance a learners’
confidence and public speaking abilities. Ms. Misra shared insightful ideas on
how to build arguments, follow correct body language and exercise the right
elements of speech amongst many other tips. She also shared 20 innovative
methods to conduct fast classroom debates which can inspire our learners to be
confident public speakers. Some of the interesting debating strategies that were
discussed were - Four Corners, Tag- Team Debate, Role-Play Debate, Inner/Outer
Circle Debate, Soap Box,, If I Rule the World and many more. It was remarkable
to observe the teachers demonstrate a few of the techniques in their own
innovative ways.

It was indeed an enriching session that
underlined the efficacy of speaking and
debating while also brought forth
creative strategies for effective learning.

Counselling sessions are a gradual
process to mould and redirect children,
and schools have a huge role in
bringing out the best in them. Good
conduct is coveted, but sometimes
young minds need guidance to work on
their emotional health. Through
counselling, children are given a
direction on how to manage and deal
with emotional conflict and difficult
situations in life.

In the above context, Counselling &
SEN Dept. conducted class sessions
titled “Pause before you Respond”
with Grade XI learners which
comprised of real-life
experiences/situations based on two
topics- Cyber Bullying & Peer
Pressure.

They were asked to put themselves
into a hypothetical situation and
express their way of handling those
situations verbally as well as
through Padlet, an application
where they can write their thoughts
accompanied by role-play.

Learners participated

enthusiastically and were apprised

of the plethora of effective ways to

handle similar situations.





Learners of Lotus Valley International Jury’s Appreciation in Octave –
School, Gurugram have made us all Ananya Batra (VII Volga)
proud yet again by winning laurel in
the following events: MOSAIC 2020: At Mosaic 2020 hosted
by KR Mangalam World School on 23rd
HUNAR 2020: Learners participated December, the following learners made
in HUNAR 2020 hosted by Modern us proud:
School, Faridabad on 7th December. •3rd Position in Follow the Famous–
The following learners bagged Nimisha Singh (IV Aspens)
praiseworthy positions: • 3rd Position in Chal Chitra– Ishita
Madhok (IV Aspens)
•1st Position in Octave– Dhruvikaa
Reddy (VIII Jhelum)

GEMS ALL INDIA LITERATURE •Character/ Author Role– Vedika
FESTIVAL: Learners participated in Kapoor (V Olives)

GEMS All India Literature Festival • Elocution – Arshia Pahuja (VI Sutlej)
• Puppetry – Aanya Sahni (VII
hosted by GEMS Education on 30th
December. The following learners Yamuna) & Shradha Miglani (VII

qualified as Top 5 Winners in respective Damodar)
categories: • Blurb Writing – Mihika Singh (VIII

Mahanadi)

LANGUAGE FESTIVAL: Learners
participated in Language Festival
hosted by DPS RK Puram on 15th –
16th January and received the
following laurels:
• 2nd Position - Mehma Singh
Ahluwalia (XI Shakespeare)

HINDI PATRIOTIC SONG
COMPETITION: Learners won the
following at the competition held at
DPSG Faridabad on 23rd January:
• Consolation Prize – Aarohi
Beejawat (III Pelicans) & Siyona
Nagpal ( VIII Brahmaputra

EUPHORIA 2021: Learners
participated in Euphoria 2021 hosted
by CMS, Lucknow from 5th–9th
January and won the following
laurels:
• 2nd Position in Word Play – Agastya
Trikha (VII Volga)
• 3rd Position in Turncoat in Theater

– Aaira Katoch (VIII Brahmaputra)

To promulgate the spirit of HOUSES
camaraderie, ownership and healthy
competition in house tutees, a TAGORE GANDHI NEHRU TERESA
multitude of academic and co-
curricular activities were held for the
month of December 2020 on the
virtual platform.