GURUKUL CHRONICLE
AUGUST 2024
Academic Initiatives
Investiture Ceremony – A New Chapter of Leadership
On the 10th of August, Vishavashanthi Gurukul World School witnessed an event that marked a new beginning—a day where leadership, responsibility, and unity took centre stage. The Investiture Ceremony for the academic year 2024-2025 was a momentous occasion, celebrating the election of our new student leaders and prefects. The event was not just a formal affair, but one filled with pride, purpose, and harmonious music that resonated throughout the school.
As our young leaders, a mix of experienced individuals and new faces eager to make their mark, marched confidently towards the stage, each step symbolized a promise—a promise to serve, lead, and inspire. The presentation of badges was a significant moment, marking the transition from students to leaders, each now carrying the responsibility of guiding their peers and contributing positively to the school community.
CPR Workshop at Vishwashanti Gurukul World School
On the 8th and 9th of August, our IBDP1 and IBDP2 students, who are part of one of the best IB schools in Pune for 11th and 12th, participated in a transformative Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) workshop that aligns seamlessly with their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) initiatives. By fostering essential values such as empathy, responsibility, and proactivity, we are nurturing a generation of individuals ready to make a difference—one heartbeat at a time.
In collaboration with Vishwaraj Hospital, this comprehensive CPR training was led by the esteemed Dr. Vitthal Shendage, an American Heart Association-certified instructor and distinguished anaesthesiologist. Dr. Shendage, with his qualifications including MBBS, DNB, and DA, provided our students with top-tier training in this critical life-saving procedure.
This training session was more than just a theoretical lecture; it was an engaging, interactive experience that allowed students to practice CPR techniques and gain confidence in applying these methods in real-life scenarios.
Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom: The 78th Independence Day of India
On the 78th Independence Day of India, our students at Vishwashanti Gurukul World School showcased a truly mesmerizing dance performance that beautifully embodied the essence of our nation’s rich heritage and the spirit of independence. Every move, every expression was a tribute to the sacrifices made and the freedom cherished by 1.4 billion Indians.
As we share these breathtaking pictures, we are reminded of the power of art to unite, inspire, and reflect the journey of our nation. Our students’ dedication and passion brought the story of India’s struggle and triumph to life, leaving the audience spellbound. Let’s continue to instill these values of freedom, unity, and pride in our hearts as we march forward as a nation.
Theory of Knowledge Meets Chemistry: A Curious Exploration
In a recent Chemistry class, we embarked on a thought-provoking task where we had to repeatedly ask “Why?” to dig deeper into our initial statements. What began as a familiar childhood game quickly evolved into a profound exercise in understanding. For example, when exploring why we write condensed electron configurations, we delved into concepts of noble gas stability and atomic structures, eventually hitting a challenging point where answers were less clear.
This activity not only tested our knowledge but also illuminated the interconnectedness of various scientific concepts. Observing other groups tackle different topics, such as the properties of copper sulfate or the behavior of ligands, underscored how Chemistry often overlaps with other fields like biology and physics. It offered a valuable perspective on how knowledge can be systematically broken down and expanded, revealing the intricate workings of the world through scientific inquiry.
Constructing DNA: A Creative Class Activity with Waste Materials
In a unique class activity, MYP 5 students engaged in constructing DNA models using waste materials, blending creativity with learning. This hands-on project not only enhanced their understanding of DNA’s molecular structure but also underscored the importance of sustainability by repurposing everyday items.
Additionally, students presented the history and significance of DNA’s discovery, exploring key milestones from the pioneering work of James Watson, Francis Crick, and Rosalind Franklin to contemporary advances in genetics. This presentation provided insight into the groundbreaking story of DNA research and its impact on our understanding of heredity and genetic information.
Exploring Microscopy: MYP 1 Students Delve into Plant and Animal Cells
MYP 1 students had an exciting hands-on experience in the biology lab, diving into the world of microscopy. This interactive session introduced them to the intricate structures of plant and animal cells. Using prepared slides, students observed plant root cells and animal blood cells, gaining a firsthand understanding of cellular components. They also practiced identifying and drawing different parts of the microscope in their science notebooks, enriching their learning through both observation and creativity.
Flipping the Classroom: MYP 4 Students Present Topics on Cell Biology
MYP 4 students took charge of their learning through a flipped classroom activity, presenting topics related to cell biology from Unit 1. This method shifted the learning process, encouraging students to become educators and enhance their grasp of complex biological concepts. After researching and preparing their presentations at home, they confidently shared their insights with peers. This approach fostered deeper understanding, accountability, and excitement as students embraced both independent learning and the opportunity to teach their classmates.
Events and Celebrations
Dahi Handi Celebration: A Festive Showcase of Unity and Tradition
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. The festival is marked by rituals such as fasting, midnight prayers, and vibrant cultural performances. In Maharashtra, the Dahi Handi event stands out as a major highlight, where teams form human pyramids to break a pot of curd, symbolizing Krishna’s playful childhood act of butter theft.
At our campus, the Janmashtami celebrations included a lively hostel-wise Dahi Handi competition that energized the community. Each hostel fielded 1-2 teams, with music, dancing, and festive snacks adding to the excitement. Teams constructed human pyramids to reach the high-hanging pot of curd, with judges timing each attempt. The competition showcased remarkable teamwork, balance, and coordination as students, supported by cheering audiences, achieved their goal by breaking the pot. This spirited event not only celebrated Krishna’s legacy but also fostered unity and enthusiasm among all participants.
Celebrating the Success of Today's DP Collaboration Session
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for your enthusiastic participation in today’s Diploma Programme (DP) collaboration session. The teamwork and creativity demonstrated were truly inspiring. It was wonderful to see our IB DP subject teachers unite to explore the connections between CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) and your respective subjects. Each group provided valuable insights on how CAS can be seamlessly integrated into our curriculum.
The session started on a high note with everyone sharing their “Aha!” moments, celebrating small victories and insights, which set a reflective tone for the day. We then engaged in visualization techniques and a brief breathing exercise to create an ideal environment for collaboration. I was genuinely impressed by the energy and enthusiasm you all brought. The brilliant ideas shared reflect our collective commitment to enriching our students’ learning experiences through CAS. Special thanks to all Heads of Departments (HODs) for their invaluable contributions and to Jaya Ma’am for the opportunity to lead this session. Let’s keep the momentum going as we work together to integrate CAS into our students’ IB journey.
Service as Action: A Fusion of Learning and Culture
MYP 4 and MYP 5 students came together for a unique Service as Action event that combined a Gallery Walk with a Cultural Fair, blending their learning and creativity. The MYP 5 students explored the ethical implications of new and emerging technologies, showcasing exhibits on artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, renewable energy, and cyber-security. Each display provided insight into the impact and potential of these technologies.
Meanwhile, MYP 4 students hosted a vibrant Cultural Fair, celebrating global diversity. Groups presented different cultures, highlighting traditions, cuisine, art, and music. The fair offered an immersive experience, allowing attendees to journey through various cultures in one afternoon. This event emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and respect in a globalized world, encouraging appreciation for the richness of our global community.
By Mr. Karan Tamhane
Unveiling the Code of Life: DNA Extraction Investigation with MYP 5 Students
MYP 5 students recently delved into the world of molecular biology through an interactive DNA extraction experiment. Using everyday food items like carrots, tomatoes, apples, and cucumbers, they explored the fundamental building blocks of life—DNA. This hands-on activity not only brought scientific concepts to life but also deepened their understanding of genetics and the intricate structures that make up all living organisms.
Paris Olympics Event at Vishwashanti Gurukul
In a vibrant celebration of international mindedness, Vishwashanti Gurukul School, Loni, Pune, hosted a Paris Olympics-themed event on 13 August 2024. Organized by the French department in collaboration with Alliance Française of Pune and Decathlon, the event aimed to raise awareness about the Paris Olympic Games and emphasize the importance of sports and fitness among students.
Led by French department teachers Ms. Daisy Motafram, Ms. Preeti Sharma, and Mr. Sandeep Sharma, alongside Course Director Ms. Swati Jambhekar and Ms. Amélie WEIGEL, Director of Alliance Française, Pune, the event featured informative sessions on the Paris Olympics, the games’ mascot, the French Revolution, and French culture. Highlights included a quiz on the Olympics and an exciting Zumba session, where students from PYP, MYP, and DP participated with great enthusiasm.
The Plastic Reaper: Our Earth’s Silent Killer
In a recent Service as Action activity, MYP 5 students of MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul came together to highlight the devastating impacts of plastic on our environment. Through the creation of “Plastic Maniacs,” students used everyday plastic waste such as bottles, cups, caps, and bags to construct visual representations of how plastic pollutes our water, land, and air.
This hands-on chemistry class activity raised awareness of how plastic, often overlooked, contributes massively to pollution. The project inspired students to recognize the far-reaching consequences of plastic usage and encouraged them to take steps towards leading a more sustainable future.
PP Session on Action Plan
Recently, Ms. Kanchan and Ms. Tripti led an insightful session for MYP 5 students focused on creating effective Action Plans for their Personal Projects. Students were introduced to various visualization tools such as Gantt charts, Kanban boards, Trello, and Kanban Flow, which aid in organizing tasks and tracking progress.
The session emphasized key components of an Action Plan, including task descriptions, timelines, resources, success criteria, and reflection points. By aligning their plans with the Personal Project timeline, students gained practical strategies to manage their projects efficiently, ensuring they meet all key milestones and stay on track for success.
Quiz Competition Report
The Biology Department successfully organized a Quiz Competition on 2nd August for Middle Year Programme students. The event comprised four rounds: question-answer sessions, multiple-choice questions, unscrambling scientific terms, and experiment-based questions. Four teams—Neuron Ninjas, Quantum Questers, Electron Elites, and Nano Navigators—each consisting of five participants, competed against one another.
The quiz featured objective rounds, a buzzer round, and a rapid-fire round, keeping participants and the audience engaged for an hour. Despite some challenging questions, students displayed remarkable knowledge and enthusiasm. Quantum Questers emerged victorious, scoring the highest points. The event, meticulously organized by Head of Department Ms. Dhanashree Patil, saw Ms. Tripti as the Quiz Master and Mr. Deepak as the timekeeper. The entire team, including Mr. Lokesh, Ms. Archana, and others, contributed to the success of the event, which concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Lokesh.
The Alpha Journey: Unveiling the Atom's Secret
Gold, so thin, a sheet so bright,
Tiny particles fired with all their might.
Scientists peered, with curious sight,
To see the atom, win this fight.
Most flew on through, a straight-line race,
But some bounced off, a straight-line chase!
A few went back, a shocking face,
Rutherford saw a hidden space…
Where most was empty, a tiny ball,
The atom’s secret, standing tall.
Electrons whizzed, answering the call,
Around the center, never to fall.
From gold and these blasts, a picture did form,
Atoms not solid, weathered by a storm.
Electrons dance, swirl, they perform,
Science unlocked the atom, a brand new norm.
This poetic journey captures the essence of Rutherford’s groundbreaking experiment, which led him to conclude that the atom’s structure is mostly empty space. The observation that most alpha particles passed through the gold foil without deflection suggested that atoms are not solid, but rather composed of vast empty spaces.
However, the small number of alpha particles that were deflected or reflected revealed something extraordinary—a tiny, dense, positively charged core at the heart of the atom, which Rutherford identified as the nucleus. This core repelled the positively charged alpha particles, indicating that the atom’s positive charge resides in the nucleus.
Rutherford’s experiment also hinted at the presence of negatively charged particles, or electrons, which must orbit the nucleus to maintain the atom’s overall neutrality. Thus, through this experiment, the once mysterious and solid-seeming atom was revealed to be a dynamic and intricate structure, with a tiny, dense nucleus at its center and electrons swirling in orbit around it.
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Why Choose VGWS?
#1 Residential School
India's #1 ranked day and residential international co-educational school (Times School Survey.).
Prestigious Recognitions
Recipient of numerous awards, including Bharat Gaurav Award, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Award.
Modern Facilities
Study in our modern infrastructure, equipped with the latest technology and resources to support a 21st-century education.
Cultural Values
At Vishwashanti Gurukul, tradition meets innovation. We honor our rich cultural heritage while embracing the latest advancements in education.
