The Graduating Batch of 2021-22

To celebrate the progression of students from pre-primary to primary phase and grade 5 to middle school, the Bodhi International School celebrated Graduation Day and applauded the young enthusiastic learners for their commendable performance in the session 2021-2022. The programme began with a welcome speech by Blossoms and grade 5 students. A glimpse of the year-round learning was also shown. Our Chief Guest, the District Collector, Mr. Himanshu Gupta, and our dynamic Principal, Mr. Chander Dev addressed young Bodhians with their motivational words. This was followed by the distribution of graduation certificates to the young learners in graduation gowns and caps along with the unique lines describing what they aspire to be when they grow up. The graduating students left everybody spellbound as they danced and showed their gratitude towards everyone who helped them grow. The programme culminated with a vote of thanks by the students themselves, followed by the most awaited Hats-off ceremony.

"PYP exhibition is all about Student Learning."

5th March 2022 was a day to celebrate 'Inquiry and learning'. It’s a milestone for every primary student that represents the culmination of who our students are as learners and demonstrate what they achieved in all areas of the Primary Years Program. In their journey, the learners explored local and global issues and learnt to make connections and dig deeper. Generally organised in the final year of the PYP program, this exhibition involves students working together to conduct an in-depth inquiry where they identify, investigate and find solutions to real-life issues and problems.

PYP students ask and answer three key concepts about their topic which includes:
• Attitudes and attributes – Students showcase the attitudes and attributes that they have been learning and developing over the past 5 years during their teamwork.
• Skills – Students showcase their thinking, social, communication, self-management and research skills that they have learned to conduct authentic investigators.
• Action – As part of the exhibition, students act on their inquiry on the local and global issues that they have investigated.

The PYP exhibition helps students develop and display the attributes of the IB learner profile. It engages them in developing their critical literacy and inquiry skills. The action element of the exhibition is seen as a key element in developing international-mindedness in students. India’s best international schools encourage parents' involvement to build confidence in students and help them able to act independently.

At Bodhi, the theme for this year was ‘Sharing the planet” and the students developed their central ideas based on the UN SDGs. They were in groups of 5/6 and worked very closely with their mentors. Each group did an in-depth inquiry into the SDG that they had chosen and reflected upon it with how it had affected the children across the globe and the Earth. They laid out a well-curated display and each member had a designated role which they portrayed in front of parents. It was a big challenge to present an offline exhibition after 2 years of online education but the children lived up to and beyond all expectations. The various SDG chosen by the students were Quality Education, Good Health and Well Being, Gender Equality, Clean and Affordable Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Reduced Inequality, Zero Hunger, No Poverty and Climate Change, and Life on Land. The confidence with which the students communicated their learning to the visitors was astounding.

We were happy to welcome our students who were eagerly waiting to start their new academic session with a traditional welcome!

Ms. Manya has over 14 years of experience with the IB PYP curriculum. She is a scholar from a convent and a Post Graduate of Delhi University. She has multiple certifications from the IB, Harvard, Dale Carnegie, AFA, VIMHANS, and more. She has not only led the PYP Curriculum but has also been a Master Trainer for educators ranging from curriculum designing to nurturing positive relationships within classrooms.

Besides having corporate experience, Ms. Manya has held portfolios in academic and co-curricular areas. She has been involved in curriculum expansion and mentoring facilitators to build a dynamic and student-centric environment incorporating modern pedagogy and educational practices. She has also spent over a decade with children with special needs, promoting and facilitating inclusive education. As a part of the management team in her previous experiences, she has played a pivotal role in Pre-Authorization, Authorization, and successful IB PYP Programme Evaluations. She has worked with students ranging in age from Kindergarten to secondary in a variety of roles.

She unconditionally advocates the importance of creating globally competent life-long learners who have an enhanced understanding of the world around them and believe in taking action and aiming at the well-being of one and all. She places student growth at the center and believes in fostering 21st-century skills and developing attributes of the IB Learner Profiles along with critical and creative thinking skills. She is adept at the development of work programs for students and teachers.

Rich in the entire gamut of school administration inclusive of curriculum planning, teacher training, and development of managerial aspects of School Education, Ms. Manya believes in a rigorous approach to learning and teaching focused on students and their individual needs. Educating the child as a whole, and focusing on academic, social, and emotional growth is always her area of focus.

Most importantly, she brings a belief that students are at the center of all school-related decisions.

We wish her all the best for a fruitful term at Bodhi.

The students of BIS participated in a science activity, which was focused on saving the earth. The activity had active participation from students who showed their interest in learning and making this world a better place to live in. They also learnt about the important role they can play in saving the earth through their everyday activities.

Bodhi International School organized an orientation program on 2nd April for the new set of parents along with the existing parents to familiarize them as partners in progress with the curriculum, rules and regulations of the school, teaching methodologies, and the co-scholastic activities. The orientation began with a thought: “A parent is a teacher at home and a teacher is a parent in school and the child is the center of our universe.”

Welcoming parents to the new academic session, Mr. Chander Dev, Principal BIS spoke about the mission and vision of the school, how the school works on instilling core values in the students, and the benefits of effective communication between parents and teachers. He emphasized on a strong connection with the school patrons. He even sought support and suggestions from the parents to provide the best education and growth opportunities to the children of the school and shared a few tips on good parenting.

The parents were introduced to the PYP Coordinator Ms. Manya Jain who took them through the pedagogical journey of what is IB PYP and how does a child inquire and become a lifelong learner. The parents were also briefed about the rules and regulations of the school.

Later in the day, the respective teachers gave an overview of the various subjects and the activities which would be undertaken in the year ahead. Not to forget, the co-scholastic activities were also discussed that gave the parents an idea of the curriculum which is self-directed with hands-on learning activities that not only give our students a medium to fully utilize their creative talents and energies but also help them in their all-round development.

The annual academic awards for the year 2021 were given away on the 9th of March, 2022.

The Executive Director, Mrs. Nitu Bothra and the Principal, Mr. Chander Dev felicitated the winners. It was a matter of immense pride for the parents of awardees who joined in their happy moments.

We appreciate our students for their exceptional performance in academics. It is their hard work and dedication that keeps the flag of Bodhi International School flying high.

“A farewell is necessary before we can meet again, and meeting again, after moments or a lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.” – Richard Bach

Although it makes us sad to see you leave, the cherishable moments and memories of working with you will always remain with every one of us. With a heavy and grateful heart, we wish you good luck with your new position. May you find your new workplace pleasant and reach greater heights.

We will Miss you Shikha Ma'am!