Welham Girls' School

Congratulations are in order for Jheel Rathore! She secured the second position in the Individual category of the U-14 category at all India IPSC Squash Tournament 2024-25. The tournament was held at Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur, from 19th to 21st April 2024.

Eleven students participated in the virtual session of CCLP INDABA conducted by WLSA (World Leading Schools Association) on AI and Spatial Computing on 21st April, 2024. The session was attended by students from across the globe, including countries like the USA, Japan, South Africa and from the Middle East. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and as the world contends with the overlapping crises, the ability of individuals and societies to deal with this change has become critical. Throughout the session students engaged in interactive discussions with intellectual minds such as Mr. Adam Mangana, Mr. Patrick Schuermann, and Mr. Graham Wallington. The session dealt with thought-provoking questions on how AI will influence our lives in the future. The discussion also focused on how AI can bring about a positive change in the world if used judiciously.

Five students from grade 7 participated in an online Round Square Postcard organized by Dhirubhai Ambani International School of India with the theme "Never Odd or Even".  The underlying issues of inequality in various sections of life were brought to the floor for open discussions. Over 240 participants from 30 schools across 7 countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, India, and UAE, added value to the event.  The intersectionality of the event was truly commendable. 

Six students of Class 9 visited to Germany from 7th April -17th April’24 to participate In the Round Square Conference at Landheim Ammersee, Germany.  The students embarked on a preconference tour from 8th -11th April ’24 to Zurich, Stuttgart and Munich., which was followed by the conference from 12th -16th April ’24. The students explored Zurich, Munich, Interlaken, Rhine falls, the Alps and also the BMW and Mercedes Benz museums. Towards the end they attended the conference in Landheim Ammersee, Germany, which was centered around the generalized theme-DEMOCRACY. There were several key-note speeches, baraza sessions, workshops and activities like art workshop, mock election and treasure hunt. The visit to the concentration camp, Dachau and Virtual interaction with the survivor, Nick Hope, was very engaging and a heart-wrenching experience. The students also had the privilege of staying with German families and experiencing their culture from close quarters. 

Ten girls participated in the 12th edition of the prestigious MCGSMUN 24' hosted by Mayo College Girls School, Ajmer. The theme of the conference was "???? ?? ?????????," taking deliberate focus on inclusivity in society, acknowledging the changing global political landscapes, and countering global ignorance. There were over 15 delegations from all over the country participating in this event. In the Futuristic Crisis Committee, Prarthana Goenka received a High Commendation representing the delegation of Sweden. In the UN Fund for Population Activities Tamanna Baid received a Special Mention representing the delegation of United Kingdom. In the AIPPM committee, Riddhi Agarwal received a verbal mention and Twisha Choudhary received a verbal mention in UN International Press Corps as a reporter of the The Times publication.

On April 21st , a group of 10 enthusiastic SCs undertook the Kipling trek from Shehanshai ashram along with the students for class 12 from The Doon School Kipling Trail. The physical exertion of the trek was happily forgotten as the group forged new friendships and the opportunity for self-discovery.  Each participant challenged their own limitations and fears, pushing themselves beyond comfort zones.

Two students - Jahanvi Singhal and Shrreya Agarwal - participated in the AFS North Zonal Meet held at Selaqui International School from 19th to 21st April, 2024. The theme of the conference centered around inclusion, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and creating a welcoming environment for all. The students actively engaged in group discussions, and shared perspectives and insights on fostering inclusivity within their communities and beyond.

Honoring our long association with Raphael Home, WGS students participated in the Founder's Day celebrations of Raphael Home and found the experience heartwarming and inspiring. From the vibrant paintings and sculptures to the innovative science projects and educational displays, the exhibition showcased the incredible talents and achievements of the students. The musical performances and dance routines to demonstrations of academic skills and social interactions - each activity was a testament to the resilience, determination, and potential of the teachers and students involved. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and gratitude for the incredible community that we are privileged to be a part of.

Class XI student Amaya Marwah participated in the Girls’ Open category of the 7th SelaQui Invitational Golf Championship, held on 13th April. She secured the 4th position. Congratulations Amaya!  

Over 200 students participated in the Dehradun District Karate Championship, held on 13th and 14th April. Twenty-one students from WGS participated in three age categories (12-13 years, 14-15 years and 16-17 years).  Our students brought home 8 Golds, 5 Silvers and 14 Bronze Medals.

Between 27th March and 9th April, Welham Girls’ School buzzed with energy as students immersed themselves in the STRIKE Defend Programme, a specially curated self-defense programme. The girls learnt various self-defense stances and movements, defense against chokes, punches, grabs and common street attacks. Apart from the techniques, the programme also honed the situational awareness and vocal skills of the students and imbued in them the importance of being physically and mentally fit. Following intense competition, seven teams excelled as top performers within their respective groups. At the end of the programme, students gained the confidence that they were better equipped to face any threat, anytime, anywhere. Here’s to more girl power!

As part of the bagless day activity, students visited the famous Ashokan site at Kalsi which is known for housing a Rock Edict by Emperor Ashoka, the great Mauryan ruler, dating back to the 3rd century BC. This edict is particularly significant because it's the only one found in North India. The core message inscribed on the Rock Edict revolves around the principles of non-violence and Dhamma, his moral code of conduct. The emphasis on non-violence reflects a significant shift in Ashoka's philosophy after witnessing the horrors of war. The visit provided valuable firsthand experience that complements classroom learning. Seeing the historical inscription first-hand helped the students gain a deeper understanding of this important period in Indian history.

A group of 85 students from class 7th visited the General Post Office of Dehradun on 6th April as part of the bagless day activity. They met the postmaster and learned about the post office system. The students also learned about the technology used in the post office nowadays. They were thrilled to meet the postman who delivers posts to Welham Girls' School! The trip was a perfect ix of educational and fun experience for the students.

Six students attended the Round Square International Africa Regional Conference, 2024 hosted by Starehe Boys’ Centre and School, Kenya. The conference was built around the Round Square Ideal of Internationalism and the theme was ‘Global Citizens Tackling Global Challenges’. The students attended several key note addresses and actively contributed to student barraza sessions centered around pertinent global issues such as peace, democracy, transnational crime, climate change, refugee crisis and migration. The student delegates used this trip as an exceptional opportunity to explore the expansive naturalistic wealth of Kenya through their excursions to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, National Museum at Nairobi, Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage and Nairobi Giraffe Centre. Conclusively, it was an intellectually and experientially enriching visit for the students.

Welham Girls’ School showcased exceptional talent and diplomacy at the recent Asian School Model United Nations Conference held on April 13th and 14th. With participation from nine schools and approximately 600 students from Dehradun, the event provided a platform for insightful discussions and strategic deliberations on pressing global issues.
Aarisha Jain, Paridhi Saboo, Shanvi Mittal, Pranya Dua, Ananya Thakker, Nitya Rathi, Krishnangi Gariya and Anukriti Dhandhania were awarded the Best Delegate while Dhriti Goyal and Riddhima Agrawal received Special Mention. Riddhi Agarwal and Tanisha Chowdhary received High Commendation. Kudos Team Welham!

The SC class students visited Flex Foods Ltd., Haridwar, on 6th April 2024 as part of their bagless day trip. The GM of the unit carried out an interactive session for the students with an interesting presentation on the operations carried at Flex Foods followed by round of question and answers. Thereafter, the students were taken on a tour of the production unit to witness the actual process of freeze drying and air drying of herbs like thyme, oregano, parsley etc. and that of mushrooms, corn and other vegetables. Students learnt about product innovation, technological advancement, sensitivity towards the environment and quality control in today’s competitive environment.

A group of 69 students from BII visited Kanatal for their midterm break where they had the first taste of friendship, team building, and of course fun and adventure! The itinerary included a visit to the Tehri dam where they delved into the dam’s workings and gained valuable insights into hydroelectric power generation. They also embarked on a serene yet invigorating trek through Kodia Jungle and indulged in birdwatching. The students were made to experience rock climbing, sky cycling, and zip-lining, pushing their boundaries and embracing new challenges. The Jungle safari in Kodia forest was the highlight of the trip!

Two students of the Downe House, UK, Astrid and Georgina, spent almost two weeks at Welham Girls’ School as part of the student exchange between the two schools. The duo
spent their time attending academic classes, music and dance sessions, participating in cooking classes and travelling to nearby places. Astrid and Georgina tried their hand at classical dance forms - folk dance and Bharatnatyam – as well as tabla, sitar, drums and guitar. During their stay in school, they also played basketball, tennis, hockey and table tennis. They enjoyed day outings to Mussoorie and Rishikesh and key tourist attractions in Dehradun. The food remained a highlight in all these travel expeditions as they relished Indian cuisines and also had fun shopping for souvenirs to take back home for their loved ones! The girls immersed themselves fully and experienced community living at its best in the dorms and shared a wonderful bond with our girls. Their parting words of the trip being “an unforgettable one” beautifully captures their sentiments!

A session on Fascinating Birds was organised for the Class VI students by the Biology department. The session incorporated interactive activities, informative presentations, and hands-on experiments to engage students and deepen their knowledge. The session commenced with a lively warm-up bird quiz, wherein students were challenged to identify different bird species based on their characteristics and calls. Students were treated to short movies, including the heart-warming story of a seagull named Piper, which conveyed valuable lessons about perseverance and resilience. The session highlighted the fascinating connection between birds and human innovation, such as the Japanese bullet train design inspired by the streamlined shape of a kingfisher. Through these examples, students gained insights into the importance of observing and learning from nature's designs. Students actively participated in hands-on activities designed to reinforce key concepts. They created bird puppets and bird helicopters, allowing them to observe first-hand how aerodynamic principles influence flight and adaptation in birds.

The WGS Hockey team participated in the Seven-A-Side Invitational Hockey Tournament hosted by St. Agnes Inter College, Dehradun, from 7th to 10th April, 2024. A total of 6 teams participated in the tournament and WGS team reached the semi-finals.

True to its motto of ‘artta shanti phala vidya’, 52 Welhamites participated in the ‘Run for Cancer Awareness’ event at The Doon School on 7th April, 2024, and pledged their support for the social cause.

Students of Class X had an exciting visit to the Regional Sericultural Research Station on 6th April, as part of their ‘bagless day’ learning. The trip was an interdisciplinary geography-chemistry project and the students had the opportunity to learn about the life cycle of Silk worm, their breeding, preservation, production by maintaining pH and using natural/organic fertilisers. The trip was quite informative and provided first-hand knowledge to the students for their assigned project.

A group of 41 students along with three teachers visited the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun as a part of their ‘bagless day’ programme. Besides learning about the various courses and career opportunities available at the Institute, the girls explored the ‘Talking Trail’ on the campus. They spotted numerous butterflies and birds amidst the tall Sal trees and around a fresh water Lake; identified a ‘Benchmark’ on the campus and learnt about it’s application in ascertaining height above sea level. They were briefed about the co-dependency among plants and animals in the forest ecosystem as they noticed the numerous termite hills on the grounds. At the end of the tour, they enjoyed games specially organised by the resident faculty.

A group of 82 students from Class 8 went on an educational trip to the Regional Science Centre, Jhajara on April 6, 2024. The trip aimed to supplement classroom learning with experiential learning. The students explored various science exhibits and the Himalayan gallery that broadened their understanding of scientific phenomena. They also explored augmented reality and navigated through virtual landscapes. An engaging and interactive session with a scientist in the newly constructed AI for Youth Lab was the highlight of the trip.

Mr. Owen Moelwyn Hughes, Director of Global Student Affairs, World Leading Schools Association (WLSA), addressed the Class XII students on 28th March on the topic ‘The Skill of Negotiation’.  He highlighted the challenges faced in the 21st Century and the need to develop skills to navigate the modern world. Mr. Hughes' brought attention to key themes, ranging from understanding positions and interests of the parties involved, to the art of preparation and the various styles of communications. He made a critical distinction between positions and interests while negotiating in a global world. The talk was extremely interesting and enriching and drew the attention of the students towards the skills required to face geo-political challenges ahead.

Jheel Rathore has smashed it again! The Class VII student participated in Sangram- 2024, a multi-sports competition for colleges of North India held at IIT Roorkee from 29th-31st March, 2024. Jheel participated in the Squash women open category and secured the first prize in that. Congratulations!

The department of Computer Science organized a GEP on 30th March 2024 with a focus on podcasts. The session aimed to introduce students to the concept of a podcast and provide practical insights into creating one. The program covered various subtopics, including understanding what a podcast is and the steps involved in creating a podcast. Students learned about selecting a topic, scripting, creating a cover page, recording audio, editing, merging audio files, and producing a final movie file by combining graphics and recorded audio. Additionally, they were guided on uploading the finished product to a YouTube account. Following the instructional session, a question-answer session was conducted to address student queries and clarify doubts. This GEP serves as a precursor to an interdisciplinary project planned for this term, integrating English and Computer Studies.

A group of 36 students from Class XII visited Japan on an educational and cultural trip, as part of our school’s commitment to provide a well-rounded education outside the classroom. Immersing themselves in the country's culture, they visited the Nissan car factory in Tokyo, witnessing firsthand Japan's cutting-edge technology. Continuing the journey across Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, students participated in origami classes, donned traditional kimonos, and even attended a tea ceremony.  They gained a deeper understanding of Japanese culture through visits to Shinto temples, the Imperial Palace, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a profoundly moving experience that left a lasting impression on the students. The trip provided a rich and unforgettable learning experience that greatly broadened the students' horizons and cultivated cultural appreciation. 

A group of 35 students from Class XI went to Chopta, Uttarakhand for their midterm break. The itinerary was curated keeping in mind the wonderful treks in and around the area. such as the 5-km trek to the Deoria Taal lake, famed for its tranquil waters; and the 10-km trek to the Tungnath Temple, nestled amidst the majestic snow-capped peaks. This trek was an arduous one as the trail was completely snow covered. However, the Welhamites took the challenge in their stride and even got to slide down a frosted slope on their way back! They also had the opportunity to the sacred Omkareshwar temple, known as the winter seat of Kedarnath and attended the famed aarti.

Six students of Class XII attended a Round Square Conference in Panna, Madhya Pradesh from 17th to 20th March which was hosted by the Daly College and Baavan. Six schools participated in this Community Service and Wildlife Conservation Programme which covered a number of exciting activities like nature walk, jungle safari, boating, visit to the Pandu Caves, introduction to Gond art, free health camp. Furthermore, they gained invaluable insights into Wildlife and Environment Conservation from conservation biologist, Dr Raghu Chundawat. Engaging with the villagers, observing the traditional means of life and making meaningful contributions to the society were experiences that the students will cherish forever.

Ms Punita Nagalia, former staff, has proved that age is just a number! Ms Nagalia won two Golds and one Silver Medal at the Badminton Nationals in the over-70 category. Ms Nagalia's association with Welham goes back to 1977 when she joined as a Teacher of Economics, and left in 2004. Congratulations Ms Nagalia!   

A group of 50 students from Classes VIII to X attended a foundational training workshop for Model UN (Model United Nations) from 20^th to 22^nd March. The workshop focused on research, public speaking, negotiation, and diplomacy while introducing the Model United Nations (MUN) and its goals. Students learnt about the position papers, negotiation techniques, and MUN policies and practices, such as legislative processes and resolution writing. The highlight was a mock MUN session in which students debated world issues, acted as delegates, and performed diplomatic discussions in a UN-like setting. The workshop was a huge success in realising its goals of helping students develop their diplomatic abilities, global awareness, and teamwork.

On 22nd March, 2023, the Art Department organised a workshop on Herbal Colour Making for Holi. Twenty-five students from junior school participated in the workshop. Colours were made using flower petals and arrowroot (corn starch). The young Welhamites had a fun experience and the students really enjoyed making colours.

A group of 37 students from Class 9 attended an adventure camp at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, as part of their midterm break. The students underwent training sessions and participated in games based on collaboration and teamwork. The undertook rock climbing and rappelling and trekked to Tekhla area. The students also enthusiastically undertook an arduous trek from Chaurangi Khal to Nachiketa Taal, a lake nestled among the thick pine and oak forests. The students were felicitated by the NIM Principal Col. Bhadauria during the closing ceremony and awarded certificates for having successfully completed the camp.

A group of 43 students of class VII visited Jabalpur-Bandhavgarh as part of their midterm break.  The group visited the Balancing Rock and Madan Mahal fort which were quite astonishing!  The young Welhamites were thrilled at the sight of the waterfall at Bhedaghat. The evening arti at the Narmada river ghat was a subliminal experience for the group. In Bandhavgarh, the group went for a morning safari. They also watched and participated in a traditional tribal dance!

A group of 43 Class VII students visited Jaipur and Ranthambore for their midterm break where they enjoyed a number of outdoor as well as team building exercises. The students undertook an evening jungle safari where they spotted a varied species of fauna and birds and even managed to spot a leopard and a pair of tigers! A visit to the Ranthambore Fort the following day offered a glimpse of an era gone by. In Jaipur, the students visited the popular tourist spots such as City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. A visit to Chowki Dhani for dinner where a mind-boggling variety of Rajasthani dishes were served, was a well-deserved treat! On the final day, students visited Hathigaon, a shelter for elephants and their mahouts and learnt about the sustainable practices being followed to nurture the elephants in a state characterized by a scarcity of water resources.

The AIs midterm excursion to the beautiful Sankri village in the Western Uttaranchal Himalayas offered a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and community service. Climbing up the Kedarkantha mountain base camp and trekking several kilometres was physically demanding but rewarding in terms of understanding the Himalayas. The hands-on experience of helping farmers by mixing seeds into the field with farming tools gave the students a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into agriculture. The students also engaged with the local community and painted creative designs on the walls of a local school. They visited the isolated village of Taluka and enjoyed playing cricket by the River Hariganga!

Thirty-five students Class VIII went to Bhopal, Sanchi, and Panchmarhi last week for their midterm break. The trip was packed with visits to important historical spots like the Sanchi Stupa, Bhimbetka's ancient rock shelters, and the tranquil Jatashankar Mandir. The students explored cave temples and ancient Buddhist monuments famous for their intricate carvings and historical significance. Each destination provided unique insights into India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy, fostering a deeper appreciation among the students.

A group of 67 students of class VI, escorted by 5 teachers, went to Chail, Himachal Pradesh, for a camping midterm break. As part of the outdoor experience, the students were exposed to a variety of exciting activities such as rappelling and nature walks through the beautiful region. The valley crossing activity was adventurous as students traversed across gorges and ravines using specialized equipment and safety harnesses. The trip was a memorable experience for the little tadpoles!

Eight students participated in the 4th Sai Global Debate 2024, Bhubaneshwar, held online on 27th January. More than 300 participants from across the country took part in various events like Turncoat, Extempore and Debate. Prarthana Goenka was awarded the second position in the final round of the Turncoat and Aashvi Gupta was awarded the second position in the final round of the Junior Debate. Congratulations
!

Ms Vani Singh and Ms Roma B Mamgain attended a Boarding Schools Association of India (BSAI) workshop for Housemistresses/Housemasters at The Lawrence School, Sanawar from 16th to 18th February, 2024. The comprehensive and enriching program included sessions on responsibilities, challenges, leadership, empathy, and child rights, essential skills and knowledge required in boarding school settings. The BSAI workshop gave attendees an opportunity to connect with each other and share best practices and engage in group discussions.

Adieu, Mr VPS Parmar!

Coming to terms with the loss of someone you work with can be incredibly challenging. Mr. Parmar, our wonderful Physics teacher, has passed away, leaving us all in disbelief. There's now a noticeable void in the school today, once filled by his vibrant presence. Mr. Parmar was more than just a teacher; he was a lively conversationalist, a passionate badminton player, and a fashion enthusiast known for his colorful shirts. His infectious enthusiasm, especially during visits from former students, will be deeply missed. With over twenty-five years of dedication to teaching, his legacy will forever resonate with current and former students of Welhamites. Thank you sir, for reminding us of life's fleeting nature. May you play your  best shots in another space and time, where no laws of Physics bind your free soul.

Obituary written by Mrs. Richa Joshi Pant, Biology Department, Welham Girls' School

A group of 20 bird enthusiasts from grade 6 to 9 participated in exploring the campus for their feathered friends as part of  Great Backyard Bird Count, a global event where campuses come together to document bird species. Nature Science Initiative (NSI) offered a guided birding session for the Welham Campus Bird Count. Bird experts Mr. Taukeer Alam and Mr. Arun Kumar enlightened students with facts about bird habit and behaviour for every bird they encountered on campus. They shared details of investigative studies and research based on study of life and morphology of birds like the Gray Hornbill and the Babbler.  A total of 27 bird species were sighted and their details were documented during the session.  Students were thrilled to encounter their House birds – the Greater Yellow Nape Woodpecker, Red Breasted Flycatcher, Red Vented Bulbul and the Himalayan Bulbul. Inspired by the event, the students pledged to raise awareness and curiosity for birds and resolved to pursue environmental conservation activities to save the winged wonders from extinction. 

The school hosted arranged a vocal-music workshop for senior music girls on 10th February 2024, which was conducted by Mrs. Bharati Chatterjee, former vocal music teacher at Welham Girls' School. The students learnt and sang a number of songs from 'Geet Pustika', the school's prayer book. 

Over the past two weeks, 20 students from Class 9 have been enthusiastically participating in a transformative experience with the students of Bajaj Institute for learning, as part of our school's Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW) activity. During this period, students from the Bajaj Institute visited our school, where they actively engaged with our students in various activities and games, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. The exchange was characterized by happy interactions and genuine connections, enabling our students to gain first-hand insights into the world of disability. Through these experiences, they developed a deeper appreciation for inclusivity and diversity, realizing the importance of empathy and acceptance.

Eleven students from participated in the online CCLP MINI-INDABA conducted by WLSA on 11th February. The main question addressed during the session was, ‘Are you a citizen of the world or are you a citizen of the nation?’ Throughout the session the participants engaged in interactive discussions with students from across the globe, including countries like the USA, Japan, South Africa and UAE. Students were put in breakout rooms where they discussed about international justice, with a particular focus on the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Genocide Convention in relation to Israel's actions in Gaza, initiated following an application to the court from South Africa. The discussion also focused on the probability of establishing a common international law for all nations and the barriers associated with forming such a code of conduct. 

As part of the art immersion programme, six students visited the National Gallery for Modern Art, India Art Fair and the National Crafts Museum in Delhi from 2nd to 4th February. The educational trip was truly a remarkable experience that provided the students with a unique opportunity to delve into the world of art and culture. They were exposed to a diverse range of artistic styles and historical periods while exploring renowned museums and galleries. The trip fostered a deep appreciation for the arts, leaving an indelible impression on young minds.

As a part of the ongoing training program , a Global Perspective workshop was held in New Delhi, on 3rd February. It was attended by Ms. Anuradha Bawa and Ms. Vani Singh where they were oriented on how to inculcate the syllabus with some hands-on activities and how to take it further with the students. The teachers found the session quite productive.

Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Founding Dean of Indian School of Business (ISB) and one of the Founders of Harappa Education, 9.9 Group, Ashoka University, addressed the Pre SC students on 7th February, 2024, and spoke about various career pathways in the changing world. He explained the concept of “Right Fit” to the students, which can help them choose their colleges and universities in the future. He also informed them about the courses offered at the Ashoka University. Dr Sinha answered various questions from students about their career and college preferences.

Aligning with the school’s ethos of giving back to the community, a group of 13 students visited Sharp Memorial School on 7th February to interact with the visually-impaired students and a group of senior citizens. The group also carried gifts for the children which they were extremely happy to receive. The students and the inmates sang songs and spent quality time with each other. The students found the experience very enriching.

We are 67 years young! Traditionally celebrated on 1st February, the school birthday celebrations were moved to the 5th of February due to the ongoing Pre-Board examinations. However, the change of date did not affect the spirit with which the celebrations were held. As always, the Shanti Varma auditorium buzzed with the combined energy of students, staff, former staff members and guests.  The evening Investiture Ceremony was solemn as the outgoing captains and incoming captain body took oath and wore the new blazers, signifying the change of leadership. Dr. Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster, The Doon School, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The candle lighting ceremony was a sentimental moment as the outgoing batch lit the candles of their successors and walked hand-in-hand. The Principal, Mrs Vibha Kapoor, in her address said that the school was celebrating not just the founding of an institution but every single student who passes out of the portals of Welham Girls’ School. She said she was sure the new captains will carry out their responsibilities with integrity, be the voices of the students and work in harmony with the staff in achieving greater goals.  

Mayna Johar represented IPSC Girls' under-17 basketball team at the 67th National School Games where 32 teams participated from various states and Union territories from all over India. The event was held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, from 4th to 7th of January, 2024. The team cleared the league format of the tournament by wining matches against Uttarakhand and Bihar. The team reached up to the pre-quarter final level in this championship.

Four teams comprising of 12 students from Welham Girls’ qualified for the final round of INFINITY, an annual Inter-School Mathematics Competition organised by Aditya Birla World Academy in association with BITS Pilani from 11th to 13th of January, 2024. Over 540 teams comprising a total of 1600 plus students from India and abroad participated in the prestigious event.  The following students were awarded the Bronze certificate for featuring in the top 15% of the participants.

In Advance category:

1.    Navya Talwar
2.    Vidya Jhamb

In the senior category:

1.    ?B/347 Yashita Jain

The following students were awarded the merit certificate as the Champions of the Year for featuring in the top 20% of the participants.

In Advance category:
3.    Aatree Maheshwari
4.    ?Sukhmeet Kaur
5.    ?Sunheri Shah
6.    ?Viha Dalmia
 
In the senior category:

7.    ?Bhumee Agarwal
8.    ?Shaurya Agarwal
9.    ?Srinika Agarwal
10.    ?Prathishta Agarwal

Huun-Huur-Tu, a world-renowned music group from the Republic of Tuva (on the Russian-Mongolian border) performed for the staff and students at Welham on 6th Feb.  Their “throat singing", a unique form of singing indigenous to the Russian-Mongolian regions, left the audience spellbound. The event was brought to school by The Tender Roots Academy of Performing Arts, an organization that has been involved in bringing a number of international artists for enriching lecture-demonstrations and sessions for school students in India. 

That’s a green victory! Three students - Navya Verma, Manini Yadav, Anjanee Sodhi - and teacher mentor Ms. Vanshree Scott represented Welham Girls’ School at the prestigious Green Your School grant 2023-2024. The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which organises pan India Green Your School Program each year for which a Team of three students and a teacher mentor are invited to prepare a proposal of 10 Green Ideas for implementation in their respective schools. Each year around 24,000+ schools are invited to participate and are encouraged to develop sustainable ideas which can improve and convert the existing school into a green school that helps reduce carbon footprint. Team Welham was one of the top 5 runner up schools across India to have won the grant. They have won a sum of Rs. 1.5 lakhs/- which will be used to implement their green ideas in school this year.

Three Class XI students - Anvi Poddar, Aatrree Chandan Maheshwari, Shreena Gulati – participated in the prestigious Young Creators League 2024 - Grand Exhibition on 26th January. Our team designed an innovative fire robot prototype, codenamed IT Elites. The team faced a technical viva-voce and interaction with judges after the presentation of their work. The prototype not only impressed the judges but also drew attention from fellow participants, educators, and industry professionals present at the event. The event aimed to foster a problem-solving mindset by addressing real-world challenges.

Congratulations are in order for Griva Balani of Class VII. Griva won a Silver medal at the 18th ISKU International Karate Cup, held in Gujarat, on 30th ad 31st December, 2023. With over 600 delegates from 8 countries, Griva bagged the SIlver medal in the 12 to 13 years -45 kg. The event was organised by International Shotokan karate United – ISKU & Institute of Shotokan Karate United – ISKU. Way to go Griva!

A workshop on MS-Excel was conducted by Ms. Sapna Sharma, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Robotics on 19th January, 2024. The session aimed to familiarize teachers with various features and functions of Excel, facilitating the creation of lists with specified special conditions. Teachers found the workshop beneficial, enabling them to efficiently extract information from provided data.
Mrs. Richa Joshi Pant conducted a session on writing effective Letters of Recommendation (LORs) for students. She emphasized the importance of informal interaction to start the process. She elucidated the structure of an LOR, using a fictional example to illustrate key points. She emphasized how LORs are the integral part of the student application and are to be written with zeal. Throughout the session, Mrs. Pant reiterated various aspects to ensure clarity and comprehension among participants.
 
A talk was also conducted by Mrs. Kusum Dandona, Dean of Pastoral Care, for all matrons on ‘The Journey: From Childhood to Adolescence’. Participants shared the challenges they face while tacking teenagers and came up with potential solutions to these situations. The matrons felt that some of the problems and issues covered in the discussion had improved their understanding of handling pastoral issues.

On the crisp winter morning of the 26th, the students and staff of WGS gathered in the lawns of Nasreen to unfurl the Indian flag and celebrate the 75th Republic Day. The celebrations then moved to the Shanti Varma auditorium where the school choir sang patriotic songs and the sitar student performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Hum sab bhartiya hain’. Two students shared their views on what a free, independent India means to them. The Vice Principal, Mrs Rajshree Ojha, in her address, shared important anecdotes on how the Constitution of India came in to being. She also addressed the students and urged them to build character which will then help build the nation’s character. The celebrations concluded with the entire school enjoying ladoos!

A workshop on “Mentoring and Nurturing the 21st Century Residential Teacher” was conducted by Mr. Vinay Pande on 20th January, 2024. Mr. Pande comprehensively covered all facets of a teacher's residential life, encompassing teaching, mentoring, pastoral care, and the roles of a friend and confidant. The workshop proved to be engaging, with Mr. Pande sharing insightful anecdotes from his extensive career spanning three decades, during which he assumed various roles. Mr. Pande underscored the importance of infusing fun, humour, and laughter into the workplace as effective tools to enhance motivation and reduce stress among educators. Additionally, the workshop provided valuable insights on conflict management and dealing with challenging individuals and situations. In conclusion, he stressed the importance of unity to foster higher levels of team spirit among teachers.

Six students from Welham Girls’ School participated in the 1st edition of the Model G-20 Summit hosted by Mayo College, Ajmer, from January 19th to 21st, 2024. The conference focused on the themes "Let There Be Light" and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” encapsulating the essence of knowledge, hope, and unity, aligning with the actual G20 theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” A total of 124 delegates of 20 schools from all over India participated in the Summit. The event comprised six committees, including a Sherpa committee, which successfully compiled the Mayo Declaration replicating the original New Delhi Declaration. The students had the opportunity to attend a session and interact with the Chief Guest, Mr. Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa of India.

Six student delegates of class 9 and a staff member attended a Round Square Junior Conference at Whanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand from 4th to 8th December, 2023. Over two hundred students and educators from schools in India, China, Canada, America, England and Australia attended the conference. Students were fully immersed in creating global connections and forming friendships with students from all around the world in an exciting week of rich learning opportunities centred on the theme, ‘If you are called to lead – you are called to serve’. Students toured Kai Iwi Marae, Makahika Outdoor Pursuit Centre and Whanganui Regional Museum and took a ride on the Waimarie paddle steamer. They also participated in a service day with visits to Whanganui Hospice, Gordon Park, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi and coastal care programmes. 

A group of 21 students and two teacher escorts travelled to Vietnam in December for as part of the school’s commitment to provide a well-rounded education outside of the classroom. The trip included visits to historical sights, leisure activities and a chance to witness the rich culture up close. The trip commenced with a guided city tour of Hanoi and a chance to attend engaging Vietnam calligraphy session and Puppet show that provided insights into the country's artistic traditions. On the second day, the students visited Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They trekked to Titop Island and appreciated the ecological wonders of the region. They visited Ho Chi Minh City where they visited the Cu Chi Tunnels that are a testament to the strength and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people during challenging times. 

The Computer Department organized an online session for students of AIIIs and AIIs on 11th January, on the theme "The Art of Magazine Designing and Editing." The session, conducted by Twisha Choudhary (H/578) and Riya Mohata (H/700) of PreSC batch, aimed at enriching participants' skills in magazine creation, encompassing aspects such as design, editing, proofreading, plagiarism check, AI content detector and referencing. A total of 22 students actively participated in the workshop, gaining insights into the comprehensive process of magazine production. 

The Computer Department organized an online session on Data Science and Analytics for students of class 9 and 11 on 4th January, 2024. The session was conducted by Mr. Ajiitesh Gupta, a data analyst. In a clear and structured manner, Mr Gupta elucidated concepts like Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data acquisition etc. which are the core components of Data Science. He elaborated on the widespread use of data science in our daily lives, spanning from transportation and finance to social media. Emphasizing its significance, he outlined the requisite skills in computer science and statistics essential for success in this field. Mr. Gupta also shared valuable learning resources available on platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy, enabling students to self-educate.