Welham Girls' School

Six students participated in an online RS Zoom Postcard event on the theme "Metacognition: Thinking about Thinking." The event was hosted by SAI International Residential School and aimed to enhance students' understanding of metacognition. The session was informative and engaging and helped them develop a deeper understanding of how self-awareness and critical thinking can enhance their learning strategies.

Seventeen students participated in the Uttarakhand State School and University Yogasana Sports Championship 2024 held on 8th December, and returned with several medals in their kitty. Saisha Bansal and Pranya Dua won Gold medals in individual category; Gaurangi Dhyani, Pavika Goyal and Aadhya Gupta won a Gold medal as a Team; Abhisha Agarwal, Avani Pandey, Kanushi Garg won Silver medals in individual category and Aadhya Gupta, Vaidehi Dhyani won Bronze medals in individual category.

An informative session on the ‘Future of Technology’ for Grade 9 and 11 Computer Science students was conducted by a resource person who discussed the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation.

Six students from Class VII participated in an online Round Square Postcard on 4th December on the theme “Out of conflict comes the resolutions” hosted by Wycliffe College, UK. The delegates spoke about Intra and Inter personal conflicts and how does the school mitigate these conflicts with the help of resolution. The students were extremely active during the discussion and were praised for their insights, engagement and slide presentation. 

AFS felicitated Welham Girls' School with the AFS India Membership Certificate recognizing the school's role in nurturing young minds, inspiring them to embrace diversity, develop global awareness, and contribute positively to society.

Ms. Mala Tandan, an ex-Welhamite and certified trainer from AIMA, along with her team, conducted a session on interview etiquette for the graduating students of Grade 12 on 4th December. The session was designed to prepare students for upcoming interviews, helping them to perform their best by teaching essential etiquette. Another session was conducted for students of Classes VIII and X on subject choices where they learned the how, what, and why of subject selection. The two speakers also spoke to students about the future of technology.

Two students of Class XI and chemistry teacher Ms Meena Gupta attended a workshop on Chemistry Teaching by Prof. Uday Maitra (IISC Bangalore at the Doon University on 6th December. Dr. Maitra emphasised on the need for sustainable means by predominantly focusing on reduce and reuse rather than recycle of resources. The students found the session extremely educational.

Two staff members participated in a two-day teacher training workshop organized by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of India's rich heritage. The workshop included an introductory session on the importance of heritage, brainstorming sessions on teaching strategies, visit to FRI’s photo gallery among others.

Amaya Marwah and Prathana Goenka, students of CLass XI, participated in the Crime Mystery Story Writing Competition, as part of the Crime Literature Festival of India which was held in Dehradun. Amaya Marwah emerged as the winner with her riveting story, ‘Survivor’. She was honoured with the first prize, which was presented by Mr. Ashok Kumar, the festival manager and former Director General of Police, Uttarakhand. This achievement highlights the creative talent of Welham Girls' students and their flair for storytelling.

Pranya Dua of Class XI participated in the prestigious Oxford University Model United Nations (MUN) conference held in London from 22nd to 24th November. The event hosted over 850 delegates from across the globe, engaging in debates and discussion about various topics. Pranya participated in the International Olympic Committee, where the agenda focused on "The Ethics of the Olympics." She was awarded the 'Honourable Mention' in the International Olympic Committee comprising over 50 delegates. We are so proud of you Pranya!

On the eve of Children’s Day on 13th November, WGS students had the privilege of visiting Astitva (Khushi) creche, a daycare for underprivileged families, where they donated toys, stationery, and food items to the children. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience to see the faces of the children being lit up with the gifts! For our students, the experience was a reminder of the difference each one of us can make. 

A group of Class 9 Home Science and French students engaged in an interdisciplinary activity where they prepared French ‘Crepes’ and ‘Mousse au chocolat’. The aim of this session was to reinforce concepts related to French cuisine learnt in class and get a hands-on experience of French cooking techniques.

At Welham, creativity starts young! The junior school students participated in the Insta-House competition on the theme of creating artworks from natural objects found on campus and boy! did they impress. Here are the artwork entries of the students and the winners are: First position: Bhavisha Singla and Sachi Pahuja, and Second position: Aadya Bajaj and Dakshayani Rajyalakshmi. Well done kids!

Araina Gupta and Advika Agrawal, students of Class VII and VIII secured the 1st position in the Inter-School Robotics Championship, hosted by Maa Anandmayee Memorial School, Raiwala. The students presented their innovative project in the STEM Exhibition on a Dual Axis Solar Tracker which was appreciated for its creativity, technical execution, and practical application of renewable energy technology. Congratulations!

Welham Girls’ School proudly adopted two literary sessions at the prestigious Valley of Words Literature Festival, held on the 16th and 17th of November at Hotel Madhuban, Dehradun. The first session, conducted on 16th November, was emceed by Aashiya Mahajan, while Akshita Sharma was the MC for the session on 17th November. Both students showcased exceptional skills, earning special mentions from the chairpersons and praise from the audience. A group of 20 students attended both sessions, gaining valuable insights and engaging actively by interviewing authors. 

Seven students from Grade XI participated in the Round Square virtual collaboration, #SheInvests: Navigating Financial Freedom and Growth hosted by The Millennium School, Dubai on November 6th and 7th, 2024. The program provided valuable insights into financial empowerment and policy impact, starting with an engaging keynote addresses, interactive Baraza sessions, and panel discussion with industry leaders. Students explored critical topics such as gender budgeting, wage disparities in workplaces, daily financial management, investing for long-term growth, retirement planning, debt management, and achieving financial independence with confidence.

German faculty from schools of Dehradun attended a service training session on 21st October hosted by Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi. Ms Ritika Vohra, the German teacher from WGS also attended the session. The session was titled 'Landeskunde im Deutschunterricht' and was about regional studies in German lessons.

The Kathak students performed a beautiful dance on the occasion of the Founder's Day celebrations of Cheshire Homes India on 10th November. WGS has been a patron of charitable organisations such as Cheshire Homes, Raphael, Prem Dham, and Aasraa Trust and continues to support them through collaborations such as these.  

Sixteen students participated in the 59th IPSC  Athletic Meet -2024, held at Punjab Public School, Nabha from 5th to 7th November. We won a Silver medal and 3 Bronze medals.

Thirty-seven (37) students participated in the 76th District Athletic Meet -2023 held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun, on 9th and 10th November. The contingent won 8 Gold medals, 7 Silver medals and 7 Bronze medals in the Meet. In the U-12 category, the team bagged the Team Championship as well as Saira Gill won best Athlete award. Keep it up!

Twenty-five universities such as Ashoka University, KREA University, Shiv Nadar University, Plaksha University, Azim Premji University, Indian School of Hospitality and FLAMES University participated in an educational fair on 4th November. A few sessions were also organised to create awareness between the students in various fields. A resource person from BITSLAW School, Mumbai, also met the students and spoke about college requirements. 

The Computer Department organized an impactful exhibition during the school Founders' Day celebrations, themed “Fighting Fake News and Misuse of Digital Media.” This student-led initiative aimed to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding misinformation in a digital age. Through engaging presentations, the attendees—including parents, staff, and students—were educated on the detrimental effects of fake news and the essential role of media literacy in navigating today's complex information landscape. The exhibition featured interactive displays and informative materials, highlighting the relevance of the topic and the students' dedication in promoting informed media consumption.

Vaishnavi Agarwal, Ananya Raghuvanshi and Reva Sabharwal participated in the 43rd North Zonals Shooting Championship at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi on 28th October. They participated in 10 mtrs  Air Pistol Sub youth and Youth women. All three have qualified for the National Shooting Championship 2024 to be held in December 2024 at New Delhi. Congratulations! 

The Accounts, Commerce, and Economics students put together *aceIT*, an which highlighted the evolution of commerce. Students showcased two groundbreaking innovations: a travel service called *ROAMR* and a payment solution named *SpectraSpend*. Each project, equipped with futuristic features, addressed pressing issues in their respective domains. Presenting in a Shark Tank format, students pitched these visionary ideas to an engaged audience—ROAMR revolutionizing travel, and SpectraSpend solving today’s payment challenges with tomorrow’s technology. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and praised the students for their creativity and vision. ‎

Dr. Nalanda Pandey and Ms. Gitanjali Bhatia recently attended the CISCE Teacher Training Workshop on Educational Measurement and Item Development at the CISCE Centre of Excellence, Hyderabad, held from 21st to 25th October 2024. This workshop focused on enhancing teachers' skills in educational measurement and developing effective assessment items, a crucial aspect of modern pedagogy.

Eight students participated in the Round Square Sports Collaboration 2.0 event held at KC Public School, Jammu, from 4th to 8th October. Among them, five were swimmers and three were badminton players. They engaged in friendly matches with students from other schools.

WGS kicked off 67th Founders' Day celebrations with Special Assembly honouring the achievements of students in academics and co-curricular activities. Col. Rahul Aggarwal, Commandant, RIMC, graciously agreed to be the Chief Guest for the event. The Founders' Day is scheduled to be held on 26th and 27th October, 2024.

School's ‘Litre of Light’ initiative, spearheaded by Venya Talwar and Vani Pahuja, made a meaningful impact in Thakurpur village on 23rd October. Venya Talwar, Vani Pahuja, Aadhya Bansal and Jahanvi Garg along with Ms. Anju Gupta went to Thakurpur village to distribute solar powered rechargeable LED lamps made by the girls in school. The "Litre of Light" is a student-led movement that aims to provide affordable, sustainable lighting solutions to underprivileged communities lacking access to electricity. The initiative was inspired by a simple yet innovative idea: transforming plastic bottles into solar-powered light bulbs. The villagers expressed heartfelt gratitude, and the experience deepened our students' commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. 

“EcoTadpole: The Zero Waste Campus Initiative” was officially introduced during assembly by Devanshi Agarwal and Nirja Karnani stressing upon the pressing need for sustainable disposal of waste and highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution. The students were introduced to eight exciting initiatives undertaken by Welhamites which will also be showcased during the upcoming Founders’ Exhibitions. The initiatives include projects on EcoEarth: Nature’s Recycling Hub, Welmush, Floresco, DIY: Trash to Treasure Initiative, Mosquifree: Growing of Mosquito Repellent plants, EcoScribe: Paper Recycling Initiative, Vastra Ajasra: Upcycling initiative and Chirp, a Birding Club where creativity meets conservation. Students craft Bird Nests from plywood waste inspiring sustainability and passion for nature. The assembly concluded with a pledge where the school committed to reducing their usage of plastic, seeking eco-friendly alternatives and propelling Welham towards being a Zero Waste Campus!

A film by three Class XI students has been selected for the national Final round! Bhumee Agarwal, Yashvi Agarwal and Naisargi Patel enrolled for the Reel to Real—Movie Making Competition of tGelf’s annual youth fest, Harmony 2024. The team pivoted and discovered a hidden story close to home: Surat’s innovative waste management project. The film "KhoobSURAT" tells the story of a sanitary worker in Surat, whose life was shattered by the plague. Told from her point of view, the film explores the hardships she faced while living in the midst of a city stricken by the plague. The film highlights how seemingly minor tasks, like those done by people like her, are the true catalysts for significant change in the city's environment. Congratulations to the team for making it to the National Final level of the competition!

Welham Girls' School continues to receive acclaim. In the Education World (EW) School Rankings, WGS was awarded the School of the Year trophy 2024-25 as well as ranked No. 2 in Girls' Boarding School.  Instituted last year, the EducationWorld School of the Year award felicitates schools ranked within the National Top 20 in the EW India School Rankings which have demonstrated willingness to share their best practices and are future-ready by way of implementing not merely the National Education Policy 2020 but also global best practices, preparing their students for 21st century higher education institutions and workplaces. In the school rankings, WGS ranked high in almost all 14 parameters such as pastoral care, academic reputation, faculty competence, leadership quality, sports education, among others. Once again, the recognition is a testament to the dedicated effort of every stakeholder at Welham. Congratulations to one and all!

A group of 5 students attended ‘DeutschUtsav’, a  German competition at Mayo College from 14th to 16th October. Nehanshika Gupta won the third prize for the German Quiz. The highlight of the event was an interaction with German ambassador to India H.E Dr. Philipp Ackermann. The aim was to enable the participants to use the German language outside the classroom as well.

We are excited to share that Welham Girls' School has been named amongst the Top 5 Best Private School 2024 in South Asia by @ Carfax_Education! Welham also features in the Top 150 private schools internationally. The prestigious ranking is part of 5th edition of The Schools Index by Carfax Education, the leading global education consultancy. The ranking is a testament of the hard work and dedication of the Welham staff and management, ensuring each student receives the best education. Congratulations to one and all!  

WGS conducted an essential training from 12th to 14th September focused on the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This training was designed to equip our staff members with the knowledge of these critical legal frameworks. 

In a first, a team of budding mycologists created history as they successfully cultivated Oyster Mushrooms in waste coconut shells as part of the Eco-Tadpole Zero Waste Campus Initiative! While mapping waste generated in different areas of the campus, the students came up with the idea of cultivating Oyster Mushrooms in coconut shells which were part of kitchen waste. The elated group of students gained a new perspective and insight into the science and methodology of seeding and harvesting mushrooms for which they have been devoting their time daily since the past month. Cheers to future conservationalists and environmentalists!

A group of 10 students from Welham attended a series of French competitions at the 11th Edition of Le Concours de la Francophonie de Mayo from 8th to 10th October. Vaanya Goel won the second prize for the French Olympiad. Chitrangada Anand and Shanvi Mittal were awarded the 3rd prize for the French Culinary competition; Tushti Arora and Ditsa Garg won the 3rd prize for the Francophonie Quiz and the French film won the 3rd prize as well. The event provided an excellent platform to students to explore the French language, culture, cuisine and traditions with a focus on collaboration, social and cultural awareness and leadership.

The Mathematics department organized a trip to UPES, Dehradun on 9th September 2024 to attend the workshop on POWER BI, which focuses on data analysis and visualization. The resource persons explained about various BI tools available in the current day market and need for choosing POWER BI tool. They made the students connect to the different data sources using power BI and getting data from them. Students were awarded with the certificates after the workshop.

Eight students participated in the All-India IPSC Shooting Tournament held at The Emerald Heights International School, Indore, from 3rd to 5th October. The impressive tally of wins is as follows: Kritika Singh won Silver Medal in U-19 Air Rifle Peep Sight Individual event, Ananya Raghuvanshi Won Silver Medal in U-14 Air Pistol Individual event; Ananya Raghuvanshi, Seher Dhand and Devika Jain Won Gold Medal in U-14 Air Pistol Team event. Stay sharp girls!

Ms. Vanshree Scott, Teacher of EVS,  was invited as the opening speaker at the Green Your School Programme 2024 Webinar Series Part VIII on 8th October. She shared a presentation on the 10 sustainability projects proposals being undertaken at Welham Girls’ School which include a Renewable Energy Gym, Mosquito Repellent plants, Upcycling to give clothes a conscience, a Pollinator Garden, Aquaponics, usage of Radiant Barriers to make buildings energy efficient, Paper Recycling, Leaf-shredding and Vermicomposting, setting up of a Books and Stationary inventory and Sewage Treatment Plant. Welham Girls’ School was among the top five runner-up schools across India to win the prestigious Green Your School grant 2023-2024. The school team had won the IGBC grant of 1.5 lakhs/- which is currently being used to implement proposed green ideas in school.

A group of bird enthusiasts from grades 7, 8 and 9 took part in a Nest Building Workshop organised by the Doon Girls’ School as part of their Environmental Awareness Program on the 7th of October. Students had the privilege to interact with the Nest man of India, Mr. Rakesh Khatri, a noted environmentalist. During the interactive workshop students learnt how to create bird nests that provide safe and comfortable environments for birds to lay their eggs. Guided by experts in wildlife conservation, participants used natural materials to weave and construct various types of nests. 

For its efforts towards supporting the Global Competency Certificate (GCC) programme of AFS (American Field Service) , WGS was felicitated with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Jheel Rathore of Class VI won a Silver medal in the Women’s Open Section and also Women’s Open Category team event, at the 5th Uttarakhand State Championship held at IIT Roorkee on 21st and 22nd September. Jheel represented the Dehradun district and has now been selected to represent Uttarakhand State Squash team for the forthcoming National Games. Congratulations Jheel!

Welham Girls’ School won the Junior category of the DDPSA Table Tennis Tournament held on 30th September and stood Runner Up in Senior category. The Junior team was represented by Shyla Sharma, Advika Agrawal, Anika   Agrawal, Rhea Mamgain, Ojasvi Agarwal while the Senior team was represented by Aaruni Garg, Mannya Gupta, Araina Gupta, Tanisha Chowdhary & Vanya Goel. In the individual matches, both Junior and Senior category players clinched a Silver. Congratulations!

On 4th October 2024, the school staff participated in an informative and hands-on Disaster Management and firefighting recap workshop. The session was designed to equip the staff with essential skills to effectively respond to emergencies. The workshop covered key disaster management strategies, focusing on evacuation protocols, communication during crises and risk mitigation. The staff appreciated the valuable insights and the opportunity to practice essential safety skills, making the workshop a truly enriching experience. 

Four students - Naina Bansal, Aatrree Maheswari, Bhumee Agarwal, Kreeti Dhanuka - participated in in the inaugural Pi Summit, organized by the Mathematics Department of The Scindia School from September 28 to 30, 2024. The Chief Guest, Professor Shanta Laishram, Head of the Theoretical Statistics and Mathematics Unit at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Delhi Centre, delivered the keynote address. Students participated in ‘Escape the Pi-rates Den’ challenge, where teams of students raced against the clock to solve mathematical problems and "escape" the room. In the ‘Pi-Pi Ka Hisab’ event, the WGS team was among the top 4 selected for the final round.

The computer department organized a trip to UPES, Dehradun on 26th September 2024 for 13 senior school students. The trip aimed at making students aware of the growing concern surrounding the misuse of digital media and its implications on society. The session commenced with an insightful talk by Mrs. Neha Verma, an expert in the field of misinformation detection. In addition, the students had the opportunity to engage with professional recording equipment, allowing them to create their own news segments. This hands-on experience enhanced their understanding of media production and the importance of responsible journalism.

Miraaya Sinha of Class VI has been awarded Bronze in the prestigious Queen's Commonwealth Essay competition (QCEC) for her essay on the topic 'Dialogue with Marine Animals' . Her essay titled 'Sea of change- my Conversation with Meens (fish)'.  Started in 1888, the QCEC is the oldest essay competition in the world. It was started by the Royal Commonwealth society, UK and is chaired by the Queen. A huge round of applause  for Miraaya for her achievement!

Welham Girls’ School hosted a SPIC MACAY recital on “Kalaripayattu” on 26th September by the artists of a renowned Vallabhatta Kalri Sangam group. The audience was spellbound by the invigorating performance of the dance form that celebrates the ancienct martial arts form of Kerala. 

As part of the Eco-Tadpole- Zero Waste Campus Initiative, a group of students of grade 8 and 10 participated in a two-day workshop on Mushroom Cultivation. In a first of its kind, students experimented cultivation of Mushrooms in waste Coconut shells procured from the kitchen as they engaged in a hands-on session following essential steps of mushroom farming such as preparing sterilized liquid, sterilizing the wheat husk substrate, spawning with mushroom spores, preparing mushroom bags and incubating the bags in a dark room. This interactive approach allowed students to gain valuable hands-on experience in mushroom cultivation.

Seven athletics students - Bhavya Agarwal, Manini Yadav, Soha Sheikh, Vea Goyal, Riana Thumar, Vivena Drolia, Darshika Prithany -  participated in the Uttarakhand State Athletic Meet held in Dehradun on 22nd September.  The students brought home 2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals in the U-20 category and 1 bronze in the U-16 category. Well done!

The Roy McComish Art Award is an Annual Worldwide Art Competition in which students are invited to submit artwork in any medium to capture the theme of the Round Square International Conference. The Award is named after the founding Headmaster of Box Hill School, which was a founding member of Round Square. For this year’s Roy McComish Art Award, students asked to create artwork on the RSIC2024 theme of ‘Blooming from the Past’. Kyra Gupta of class 8 stood Third in the 13-year age category. 

Sixteen students participated in the Senior Category contest of the Chittagong Grammar School (CGS) Art Competition, 2024. The theme for this year’s competition was ‘AI- Threats and Opportunities'. Dhruvika A. Fatehpuria received The Honorable mention for her fantastic Artwork. This is the 17th year of this competition and more than 370 students participated from over 46 schools. Congratulations!

Dr. Nalanda Pandey, HoD, Hindi Department, delivered a talk on All India Radio, Akashvani, titled ‘Hindi- After Information Technology’ on 17th September 2024. The program centered around the significant changes in language brought about by the information revolution, and explored how digital communication has transformed linguistic patterns and expressions. The talk highlighted the evolving nature of language in the digital age and its impact on communication across various platforms.

Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun organized a Hindi workshop on September 18, 2024, to celebrate ‘Hindi Pakhwaada’. The event was organised in collaboration with Boarding Schools Association of India (BSAI). The workshop was conducted by renowned grammarian, linguist, and media studies expert Acharya Pandit Prithvinath Pandey and Hindi teachers of schools, both government and private, were invited. A total of 44 teachers from across the state participated. Acharya Pandey stressed the importance of correct oral and written usage of language in both teaching and learning. He guided participants through the appropriate usage of words and sentences that are frequently encountered in daily and educational settings.

The Class 7 students engaged in an ant tracking and squirrel watching activity as part of their scientific investigation session. They followed ant trails, studied ant morphology, behavior and communication. Students located a few anthills and were thrilled to see a trail of busy ants carrying food into their anthill. The students made interesting observations and documented how a squirrel is able to hang on, climb and make long leaps because of its sharp claws, long tail and excellent eyesight. 

The assistant director of admissions from Johns Hopkins University, Tara Howell, visited the school and campus on 14th September and conducted a knowledge session for senior school students with regards to life at Johns Hopkins, Admissions, scholarship and research opportunities at one of top universities for STEM related courses.

An interesting session on Vermicomposting was conducted to introduce a group of class 10 students to the basics of composting, focusing on the science behind how organic waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil. The session compared basic composting methods with vermicomposting, demonstrating both processes in a simple and engaging way. A checklist was provided to help students track their composting efforts, encouraging them to observe the breakdown of organic matter, maintain proper conditions, and eventually harvest their own vermicompost.

The team of 3 students participated in Brothers' Masterson and Bergin Debate 2024, held at St. George's College on 6th & 7th September 2024. Aashvi Gupta was declared the best speaker in Round 1, Nitya Rathi the most promising speaker in Round 1and 3, and Gauri Nanda was awarded the most promising speaker in Round 2. 

A workshop on fungi on campus was conducted by Class 10 students of EVS - Gursirat Arora and Aanya Gupta for classes 7 & 8. There were discussions about mushroom hunting within the Welham campus with the purpose of educating these students about the ecosystem services that fungi provide. This session piqued the curiosity with activities, anecdotes, myth busters, facts and important information. These topics were culminated into an interactive quiz in the end. Post this workshop juniors enthusiastically sought after the variety of mushroom species on campus gaining a better understanding of this topic at large.

The EVS students of class 9 were taken on a Mushroom Walk on campus to engage and stimulate their innate ecological sensoria. The students were able to study the characteristic features of fungi and spotted 13 species of fungi in the main campus. They boasted about their discovery of 3 new species which they added to the already existing Welham fungarium.

Around 30 students from class 8 and 9 participated in a workshop which introduced the art and science of making natural, chemical-free personal care products.  Students had a hands-on experience in using natural, edible ingredients that have a long shelf-life and contain no preservatives. The self-care product making workshop included lip balms, shampoo, sanitisers, body scrubs, deodorants, bodywash and face scrubs. Students appreciated the environmental impact of chemical free products and eco-friendly alternatives.

Several ICSE and ISC students of 2024 have received the prestigious ‘Certificate of Merit’ from the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). This honour places the students among the top 0.1% of successful candidates in the ISC/ICSE 2024 examination in her subject. In the ICSE, 23 students have received this honour while in the ISC, 22 students have earned the Merit Certificate. This means that nearly 40% of our students have made it to this prestigious merit list! This outstanding achievement is a testament to the combined efforts of our dedicated students and teachers.

Jheel Rathore of Class BI won 1 Gold medal in U-13 Individual Girls’ category  and 1 Bronze medal in Women’s open category. The event was conducted by Squash Rackets Association of India (SRFI) &Uttarakhand Squash Racket Association (SSRA) on 7th and 8th September, 2024, and held at Vantage Hall Girls’ Residential School. Congratulations Jheel!

'....Together we can do so much.' The school donated 8 desktop computers to Swami Shivanand Memorial Government Primary School Muni ki Reti (Rishikesh) and G.P.S Sabli Jaunpur, Tehri Garhwal on 9^th September with the aim to support government schools. Smt. Rajani Mamgain and Smt Bala Joshi, Principals of both the schools visited the school to collect the computers. They expressed their happiness and said the computers will contribute to enhancing the educational infrastructure of their schools. 

The school hockey team participated in the All India IPSC Girls’ Hockey Tournament (U-14) held at The Daly College, Indore, from 1st to 5th September. Kripa Budhraja was awarded the Player of the Match for the league match played against MGD Jaipur.  

Six students participated in the 2nd edition of the Model G20 Summit organized by Mayo College, Ajmer. The theme for this year was "Let There Be Light: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet." Our students achieved remarkable success, winning the following awards: Rysa Deoli - Best Stance Paper (Health Working Group), Srinika Agarwal - Best Stance Paper (Environment and Climate Perseverance Group) and Revati Khanna - Best Stance Paper (Energy Transitions Group). Their efforts truly reflect the spirit of Welham Girls' School.

Wise?, a financial literacy campaign, was launched in school by our Class 11 students Vaishnavi Agarwal and Gauri Nanda. On the 31st of August, they commenced their first session which was conducted by Mr. Jitendra Dandona. The session was attended by our support staff and comprised fundamentals of budgeting, saving, investment and government schemes. The audience found the advice extremely valuable for their present and future financial decisions. There was special emphasis on cyber security and safety measures. 

The admissions team of the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto and University of British Columbia visited the school campus on 3rd September and met students who are looking to pursue higher education in Canada. They informed students about the admission process, the best fit and scholarships regarding their respective universities.

WGS received the Times Higher Education (THE) certificate for employing a THE Accredited Counsellor 2023-24. The school career counsellor completed a 12-hour professional development course and received the certification.

A delegation of 10 students participated in the 10th edition of the Daly College Model UN conference 2024, held from the 30th of August to the 1st of September. Over 200 delegates from 21 schools participated in this conference. The theme of the conference was “Eperentia” symbolizing the pursuit of international understanding through active engagement. In the United Nations Security Council, Tamanna Baid was adjudged the Outstanding Delegate, representing the delegation of Ukraine.

The Udayan Shalini Fellowships program of Udayan Care, an NGO, was carried out on school campus on 1st September. The annual event aims to offer scholarships to deserving and talented girls from weak socio-economic background. About 100 girls were awarded fellowships under this program. Welham Girls’continues to support women’s education and has been collaborating with Udayan Care by offering its premise to conduct the fellowship programmes.

Welham Girls’ School organized the 6th WGS Diamond Jubilee Invitational Basketball Tournament for girls from 2nd to 4th September 2024.
Seven Schools participated in this Tournament including Pathways World School, Gurugram, The Lawrence School, Sanawar,  Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai, Scindia kanya Vidyalaya, Woodstock School, Mussoorie, ‘Welham Whites’ & ‘Welham Blues’. Welham Girls’ School (Blue Team) won the 6th Welham Girls’ School Diamond Jubilee Invitational Basketball Tournament 2024.  In the final match held on 4th September Welham Girls’ School (Blue Team) beat Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai by   43 – 32 points .
Saira Kaur Mann from Welham Girls’ School was declared the highest scorer with 16 points and Khushi was the highest scorer from Motilal Nehru Schoo of Sports, Rai with 13 points. The Most Valuable Player of the Tournament Prize was awarded to Saira Kaur Mann of Welham Girls’ School.

Welham Girls' School donated 10 desktop computers to Government Inter College Korvwa, Kalsi, on 2nd September. The government school has 197 students registered under the Uttarakhand government's Kasturba Gandhi Awasiya Vidyalaya program. The main focus of this school is to support girls who have either dropped out or come from underprivileged backgrounds, giving them a chance to finish their education up to twelfth grade. Dr. Sushil Rana, district coordinator CSR and English Lecturer, thanked Welham Girls' School and said that the students will not only use the computers to enhance their knowledge but also find joy during their free time. The school, guided by its motto 'artta shanti phala vidya'  continues its endeavour to support and empower the community.  

The US Consulate and Education USA delegates organized a session for senior school students. Education USA focused on effective application and supplemental essay writing, providing insights to students on do's and don'ts. The US Consulate delegates informed students about the entire visa process and visa application specifically designed for faster student visas.

Mrs Vibha Kapoor, Principal, and Dr. Kshitiza Singh, Career Counsellor attended the IC3 conference held on 28-29 August at Yashobhumi Convention Centre, Delhi. The Principal was one of the panelists at the session by the French embassy on Education in France while Dr. Singh conducted a session on dealing with Gen Alpha.

An international university fair was held on August 31st, 2024, featuring participation from 60 universities across the USA, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, and more. Senior school students attended the fair, gaining valuable insights into the various universities. Some of the participating universities included: Arizona State University, University of California, Riverside, University of Rochester, Ohio State University, Imperial College London, University College London, Bocconi University, University of California, Santa Cruz, Hong Kong University, Glasgow University, HKUST. There was also a represtation from the government agencies such as Education USA, British Council and Study Italy . This event was a great opportunity for students to explore their options and gather essential information for their future academic endeavours.

In a thrilling culmination of intellect and collaboration, the finals of the Doon School Quiz competition, held on 29th August 2024, concluded with a remarkable victory by Welham Girls’ School, the only girls' team in contention. Out of 16 participating teams, only 6 advanced to the finals. The Welham Girls’ School quiz team of Tvisha Mahajan and Anukriti Dhandhania of class 12 navigated through the rounds with seamless coordination and unwavering focus. Cheers to the duo!

Eight students participated in the CISCE National Swimming Championship at Padukone-Dravid Centre of Sports Excellence from 26th to 28th August. A total of 13 CISCE regions participated in championship. Sports Captain Zoya Singh secured Bronze Medal in 400m Individual Medley in (Under-19) category! The team also had the opportunity to meet Sri Hari Natraj, an Olympic swimmer, who shared his recent experience at the Paris Olympics as well as Tokyo Olympics.

The Karate team comprising 25 students participated in the 13th Inter School State Karate Championship held in Rishikesh on 25th August. The team returned victorious with 13 Gold, 11 Silver and 10 Bronze medals. A total of 8 districts of Uttarakhand and over 250 students participated in the event. WGS won the 2nd runner up position. Congratulations!

Students from classes 6 to 12 participated in the Tata Building India Essay Writing competition on 28th August, 2024. The competition is one of the key initiatives undertaken by the Tata Group to motivate the youth and foster the spirit of nation building. The students wrote essays on the topic ‘Role of Youth in Building a Smart India’. The winning school essays selected by the teachers of the English department will be evaluated by judges drawn from independent literary and academic circles at the city and national levels.

Twenty-four athletes participated in the CISCE Regional Athletic Meet held at Varanasi on 24th and 25th August. The team bagged 9 Silver medals in the U-14, U-17 & U-19 category. The Uttarakhand team also won U-14 Team Championship.

Eleven students participated in the Inter-School Geeta Path Pratiyogita hosted by Kasiga School on 27th August. Each student recited the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Geeta with profound devotion and clarity, showcasing their deep understanding and reverence for the text.

With the aim of facilitating conversations on mental health among adolescents, WGS organised 'Jazbaat' - a two-day national symposium on August 23-24, 2024. A total of eight schools from Dehradun and across India such as Mayo Girls’ School, Mayo Boys’ School, The Daly College, The Doon School, Welham Boys' School were invited to participate in this event. The event comprised of a number of creative events, competitions, panel discussions, counselling sessions, and talks by eminent educationists and psychologist. Dr. Amir Ullah Khan, Health Economist; Mrs Rekha Krishnan, Principal, Vasant Valley School; Dr Shelja Sen, a narrative therapist, writer, co-founder of Children First; and Ms Karni Panwar, consultant clinical psychologist attended the plenary session where they threw light on a number of pertinent issues that the majority of the youth of today is facing. By organising events such as these, Welham Girls’ aims to encourage open discussions and help remove the stigma on mental health among the youth of today.

The Oliphant Memorial Debate 2024 was hosted by Welham Boys’ School on 23rd and 24th August, 2024 in the Modified British Parliamentary format.  Aahana Gupta, Gayatri Bhatia, and Prarthana Goenka represented WGS in the competition where they swept through the 3 Preliminary Rounds to qualify for the semifinals. In the final round they debated on a philosophical motion to emerge as Winners. Prarthana was adjudged the 2nd Best Speaker in the preliminary rounds, and Most Promising Speaker in the semi final round and final rounds. Gayatri was awarded 3rdBest Speaker in the preliminary rounds and Best Speaker in the Semi final and Final rounds. The trophy was lifted by Welham Girls’ School. Congratulations!

The Hindi Department conducted a highly impactful GEP session with the AIs on 24th August 2024, focusing on a grave and important issue—the growing concern over incidents of brutal female torture in various parts of India. 
 The discussions were not only reflective of the students’ independent thinking and analytical capacity but also their deep sense of humanitarian responsibility towards society. One of the key highlights of the session was the presentation of preventive measures by the students, which they delivered with the help of heart-touching charts and visuals. 

Dr Nalanda Pandey, HoD, Hindi department, was the keynote speaker at a  literary analysis program on 25th August. The event, organized by the Himalaya Virasat Trust, was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube, and attracted a large audience. Dr Pandey delivered an in-depth analysis of the story "Aparichit," which is part of the collection "Meri Prarambhik Kahani, 2018," written by Dr. Ramesh Pokhariyal 'Nishank.' Dr. Pandey’s presentation explored the social, psychological, and literary elements of Dr. Nishank's story, offering the audience a comprehensive understanding of its themes and narrative techniques.

Ten students participated in the Inter School English Elocution Competition organised by Summer Valley School on 23rd August 2024. The theme of the competition was patriotism and our students enthusiastically recited O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman. It was an incredible learning opportunity for our little ones from the Middle School to hone their diction, intonation and voice modulation.

The admissions team of the Claremont McKenna College, Davidson College and Colgate University from the USA visited the school campus and met the students of the graduating batch. They informed students about the admission process, the best fit and scholarships regarding their respective universities.

Here is some music to the ears! Miraaya Sinha of Class VI won the first prize at the prestigious International Youth Music Competition 2024 held in the US. She won the prize for Music composition and Video in Junior (10-13) category for her original song composition and music  video - Sunshine! Miraaya has been invited to the recital and awards ceremony to be held in New York next year. Well done Miraaya! 

Caroline Creasey, a class 11 exchange student from Groton School, USA, spent two weeks at WGS and returned with a memorable trip! A full and active schedule curated for her ensured that she participated in almost all the activities our school has to offer, from regular academic classes to sports and games, from guitar and drums classes to Indian singing and Bharatnatyam. Caroline even tried her hand at playing the tabla, doing yoga, painting and pottery, and even laser printing. Her favourite turned out to be the Indian cookery lessons where she made puri-sabzi and nariyal laddoos! The school also planned local sightseeing for her. Caroline was all praise for India, Indian hospitality, Indian food, and Indian women by the time she was ready to leave. She expressed her admiration for our hospitality and care in her well-articulated farewell speech at her last assembly with us.

Eight students participated in the Cathedral MUN, 2024 held at The Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai from 17-19th August. Among the eight committees convened, the students engaged in deliberations across several distinguished panels, including the Indian Economic Forum, the Narcotics Trade Conference of 1982, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Roadmap to a Yemeni Future, etc. All these committees addressed crises ranging from a deteriorating economic environment to the establishment of military coups, requiring students to think on their feet.

All the glitters is gold, in Kritika's case! She bagged a Gold in the CISCE National Shooting championship held in Bangalore. Kritika won in the U-19 Peep Sight Girls with a score of 592/600. She has now qualified for SGFI  Nationals. Congratulations Kritika!

Tarushi Uppal and Dhwani Modi represented Welham Girls’ School in a lively debate competition hosted by the Summer Valley School, Dehradun, on 21st August, 2024. The debate topic was "A traditional education model with a focus on core subjects and rote learning is more effective than a progressive model emphasizing critical thinking and creativity in today’s world," which sparked intense discussions.

Vani Pahuja of Class XII received a Letter of Appreciation from the Honorable Governor of Haryana Sh. Bandaru Dattatreya for her meritorious service towards the society . She received this certificate at the Independence Day celebrations on 15th August. Vani has been actively involved in various social service projects in her hometown during Covid as well as two ongoing projects - Litre of light and Maitri. Vani, you are a true blue Welhamite!

Five students attended a Hindustani Vocal Music Workshop facilitated by Pt. Omkar Dadarkar at The Doon School on 10th August. The students explored various aspects of Hindustani Classical Music, including voice training, effective practice techniques, and musical embellishments like meend, gamak, khatka, and murki. The students learnt Raag Des, focusing on Aaroh, Avroha, key phrases, Vilambit Khayal in Roopak Taal, and compositions in Teentaal. Pt. Dadarkar encouraged the students to see music as a lifelong companion, making the workshop a profound learning experience that deepened their appreciation for the art form.

Budding writers of Junior school attended “Watch a Film + Learn to Write Your Own Story”, a workshop organised by the The Doon Library and Research Centre on 20th August. The resource person, Mr. Nicholas, shared various aspects of storytelling. He drew references from the movie “3 Idiots” to explain points of plot and character development. This was followed by a screening of the movie “Finding Nemo” followed by a discussion session that analyzed the movie in terms of plot twists.
 

Five students participated in the Chinmaya Geeta Chanting Competition on 17th August. It was conducted at the Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Dehradun. The students beautifully chanted the Geeta Shlokas from Chapter 5 which the judges deeply appreciated.   A total of 97 students participated from various schools of Uttarakhand.

Guari Rawat and Varidhi Agarwal, students of class 12 at Welham Girls’ School mesmerised an august audience with their grace, agility and perfection during their Arangetram on 17 August 2024. The Arangetram was graced by dignitaries like the renowned Kathak exponent Ms. Leena Malakar Vij (the chief guest) and Ms Bina Bhatt (Cultural Secretary, Uttarakhand). Trained under their Guru Shrimati C.K. Rajalakshmi, the dancers exhibited an extremely high level of competence in the three-hour long performance. The evening came alive with the beauty and elegance of Bharatanatyam, as the audience witnessed the culmination of years of commitment, discipline, and passion as the dancers who have trained extensively in this exquisite art form and shared the timeless tales and traditions of Bharatanatyam with them. It was wonderful to witness such a high level of expertise in ones so young and know that tradition and culture is still upheld and nurtured in its purest form in schools such as Welham Girls’ even today.

The WGS delegation participated in the 17th edition of the Doon School Model United Nations (MUN), held from 16th to 18th August. The theme for this year's MUN was "Musings of a Divided World, Resolutions of a United One.” Our students demonstrated exceptional performance at the event, bringing home several prestigious awards. Ritigya Agarwal, Anukriti Dhandaria and Tarushi Uppal were awarded ‘Best Delegate’ in International Olympic Committee, UNOCT and FCC respectively. Priyanshi Gupta, Paridhi Saboo, Gauri Nanda and Riddhi Naithani and Tamanna Baid received ‘Special Mention’ while Aarisha Jain received High Commendation in various committees. Congratulations MUNers!

An interactive Humane Education Workshop was held on the 15th of August 2024 by a Chandigarh-based NGO. The session for junior school focused on how to read a dog’s body language and avoid being bitten. Students were provided awareness about rabies and how to prevent it.  Students learnt about animal behavior and understood the ‘dogese’ language. Students thereafter had the opportunity to interact with a puppy. The session for senior school was based upon empathy and kindness towards animals where students were encouraged to think about animals and their needs, feelings and suffering. Students were motivated to initiate and foster a culture of volunteering for social causes, creating kinder, humane, aware and more tolerant citizens.

As part of the Sanskrit Saptah celebrations, the department of Third Language organized a workshop in collaboration with the Sanskrit Bharati organization on 18th August. The workshop emphasized the importance of Sanskrit through activities such as group songs, a storytelling session, student speeches on the language's significance, and a shloka recitation from the Bhagavad Gita. The program concluded with an engaging Sanskrit teaching session, a talk on the importance of Sanskrit, and a Sanskrit Geet, leaving the participants with a renewed appreciation for Sanskrit and its cultural heritage.

An interactive session on sports injuries, their prevention, and the role of physiotherapy was conducted to educate students of 9th and 10th . The session began with an introduction to common sports injuries, including sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and overuse injuries. The speaker provided detailed explanations on the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with each type of injury. Real-life examples were shared to highlight the impact of these injuries on athletes' careers and overall well-being. Students engaged in a lively Q&A session where they asked specific questions about injuries they had encountered or heard about. The resource person provided practical advice and demonstrated some basic physiotherapy techniques that could be used in a sports setting.

Ten students participated in the Oxford MUN India 2024 organised by MU20 School of Opportunity in an unprecedented collaboration with Oxford Global, at the Flames University, Pune. The conference was attended by students from more than 50 schools from seven different countries marking a monumental chapter in international relations and diplomacy education for high school students. The delegates from our school worked in a cooperative spirit and were able to leave a considerable mark in almost all the committees. Naisargi Nitin Patel was awarded an Honourable Mention in the WHO, Divyanshi Aggarwal was awarded an Honourable Mention SOCHUM, Vaishnavi Agarwal for Honourable Mention in the SPECPOL, Riddhi Naithani received 2 prizes for Best Position Paper and Outstanding Delegate in the DISEC and Pranya Dua was awarded the Best Delegate in the UNCSW. WGS secured the overall third position among more than 50 participating schools from across the globe.

Our young Kathak dancers got a taste of excellence up close and personal when they attended a workshop by the renowned Leena Malakar Vij from the Jaipur Gharana. Ms. Malakar engaged the students in an enriching session that highlighted the intricate nuances of this classical dance form. The workshop began with brief student performances, followed by a demonstration of the Jaipur Gharana's distinctive features, including powerful footwork, intricate spins, and expressive storytelling through abhinaya. Ms. Malakar taught the students a traditional Ganesh Paran and guided them through a thaat, emphasizing grace and poise. The session provided a deeper understanding of Kathak's technical and expressive aspects, concluding with an interactive discussion.

The Art department organised an Inter House Art Competition from 3rd to 10th August with the aim of nurturing the talents of the students. The event provided a platform for the students to showcase their creativity and imagination. The theme for this year’s competition was Reflections. In the senior category, Sara Goel and Peehu Tibrewal of the Oriole House won the first position while Tiara Singh and Srinika Agarwal of Hoopoe House secured the second position. In the juior category, Urvi Malakar and Aadya Bajaj of Flycatcher House secured the first position and Tamaira Sapra and Krishnangi Gariya received the second position. The Flycatcher House secured the First position followed by the Hoopoe House.

Welham Girls’ School successfully hosted the Incredible India Quiz on 14th August, 2024. Held on the eve of India’s Independence Day, the quiz is an annual tradition between Welham Girls’ School and Welham Boys’ School, reflecting their collaborative spirit. The quiz gloriously celebrated our country’s vibrant culture and heritage, with questions ranging from Indian sarees to Indian cinema, from indigenous sports to the field of space exploration. The team comprising Vanshi Agrawal, Ritigya Agarwal, Atharva Agarwal and Ashaaz Ansari secured the first position, whereas Tvisha Mahajan, Aarisha Jain, Tanay Pratap and Siddhsavir Batra came second.

Twenty-two students participated in the CISCE Regional Swimming Competition at St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj.  A total of 13 Zones participated in competition and our team participated in all categories and bagged a total of 36 medals -14 Gold, 07 Silver & 15 Bronze. Zoya Singh received the Best Swimmer Trophy for Under 19 Category. Our team also brought home the Championship Trophy in the Under -17 & U-19 category and the runner-up trophy in the Under -14 category. Overall, the WGS team secured the 2nd position in championship, making way for 8 students to represent the state in the CISCE National. Big cheers!

Gastronomes of Welham Girls School and Welham Boys School joined forces for an exhilarating culinary challenge — The Mystery Basket MasterChef, organized by the Department of Home Science. This event brought together 24 talented students who were presented with a surprise basket of ingredients. They were tasked to prepare a dish that showcased not only their culinary skills but also creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork. The winning team, consisting of Shanvi Mittal and Riddhi Agarwal from Welham Girls School, along with Pranjal Baluni and Athrv Ahuja from Welham Boys School, showcased exceptional creativity and teamwork. The runners-up were the team of Maahie Mirani and Pradeepika Gupta from Welham Girls School, paired with Eshan Agarwal and Yashveer Singh from Welham Boys School.

Photo credit: Bhumee Agarwal, Yashvi Agarwal and Deviishee Sodhi

To celebrate Independence Day, five students visited Vidya Deep Pre-School where they distributed stationery collected through SIYAHI, a Round Square initiative organized at the school. The children at the pre-school warmly welcomed our students and performed a few dances. This uplifting event was made possible through collaboration with students from The Doon School. Earlier in the day, the students also visited Raphael, where they shared ladoos with the children, making the day even more special.

WGS hosted the All-India IPSC Table Tennis tournament from 12th to 14th August where 10 schools from across India participated. Over a period of three days, over 122 participants competed under various categories. The WGS team was the 2nd runner up in the U-12 team, U-14 Individual, U-17 Individual and U-19 Individual. The team also secured the runner up position in the U-14, U-17 and U-19 team category. Anika Agrawal was awarded the Most promising player in the U-14 Category. Cheers to the winners!

Eleven students participated in the 10th edition of WELMUN hosted by Welham Boys’ School from 8th to 10th August. This event brought together over 400 students from 27 institutions to engage in thoughtful discussions on global issues. The theme "Concordia Discordiae" underscored the importance of finding consensus amid differing viewpoints. The Welham Girls’ delegation received awards in every committee:  In the Lok Sabha committee, Shreem Miglani was named Outstanding Delegate.  In UNHSC, Aarisha Jain and Tushti Arora received Honourable Mentions. In DISEC Ritigya Agarwal and Gurbani Kaur were recognized as Outstanding Delegates.  In INTERPOL, Prarthana Goenka was awarded Best Delegate. In UNHRC, Tarushi Uppal earned the title of Outstanding Delegate.  In ECOSOC, Tamanna Baid was awarded Outstanding Delegate.  Finally, in IPC, Aahana Gupta received a Verbal Mention, and Kashika Jain was recognized as an Outstanding Delegate.

Senior art students attended a session on Portfolio making, an integral part of college applications. Students learnt that a good portfolio should reflect their passion and individuality.

The 78th Independence Day celebrations in Welham Girls' School began with the unfurling of the Indian flag by the Principal, followed by the choir singing patriotic songs that deeply resonated with the audience. In their speeches, both the School Captain Vanshi Agarwal and Principal, Mrs Vibha Kapoor, stressed upon the fact that freedom, especially for women, must not just be lip service but ensured and enforced. Vanshi said Independence Day is about celebrating the "principle of freedom and the only way to be truly independent is to ensure liberty and justice for all, to create a society where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive." Mrs Kapoor drew the interest of the audience towards the innumerable heroes of the state of Uttarakhand who participated in the freedom fight and were integral to the independence of India. She ended her speech by urging the students to "pledge to uphold the values hundreds and thousands of Indians fought for and work towards a brighter future for our nation". She said our freedom was hard-earned, and it is our duty to preserve and cherish it. The programme concluded with the echoes of National Anthem and Vande Matram reverberating in the auditorium. Jai Hind!

Students of EVS attended a workshop on environmental sustainability – Plastics and Health.  The session emphasized the adverse effects of plastic usage and explored practical alternatives to help mitigate these environmental concerns. The workshop was designed to engage students in understanding the hazardous impact of plastic products, particularly in everyday items like packaged food, containers, cosmetics, menstrual products, infant and toddler gear etc. At the end of the workshop, students were assigned a task to develop five strategies for reducing plastic use across various spheres of their daily lives.

The school hosted a breast cancer awareness programme for the students, staff and sub staff on 10th August to educate them about the signs of breast cancer and early detection of the same. 

Photos by Deviishee Sodhi and Yashvi Agarwal 

Twelve Table Tennis students participated in the 18th Manorite Table Tennis Tournament hosted by St George’s School, Mussoorie. The team bagged the first position in U-14 Individual, U-16 Individual and U-19 Individual category, and the Runners up position in the Open Doubles category. Congratulations!

Four students - Ayana Khalid, Araina Dang, Prachi Goel and Harshi Adhana - participated in the Code Hack virtual hackathon, organised by Strawberry Fields High School from 9th to 11th August. A notable event was the Scratch-a-thon, themed "Smartify," which focused on smart home appliances. Participants were required to develop projects using Scratch, specifically utilizing its sensors, including video sensing. All the four participants made it to the final round while Araina Dang received the runner-up position with her project.

The Computer Science department hosted an online Round Square postcard event on the theme of "Digital Globalization" on 7th August. The event, attended by more than 100 students from 19 schools globally, featured a series of engaging discussions centered around technology.

Seven students participated in the Lawn Tennis CISCE regional tournament held in Agra from 5th to 7th August. The U-19 team comprising Vaanya Thapliyal, Samaira Aggarwal, Palak Arora and Vedanshi Deorah secured the First position while the U-14 team comprising Dakshayani Rajya Laxmi and Kyra Nagpal secured the second spot. Kyra Nagpal has been selected for the CISCE  National level tournament. 

A team of five students - Siyona Aggarwal, Medha Nautiyal, Gaurangi Dhyani, Tamanna Angel Bowen and Reneeh Sethi - participated in All India IPSC Yoga tournament held at Emerald Heights, Indore from 30th July to 1st of August. Our team was declared 2nd Runner up in U-17 category. Cheers!

A delegation of 8 students participated in the Young Entrepreneurs’ Conference at The Doon School on 2nd and 3rd August. The theme for the conference was “Agile Minds, Agile Markets.” Kashika Jain received High Commendation in the IPL Auction committee; Risha Khetan and Priyanshi Kanodia were both awarded High Commendation in the X-Pitch while Pearl Suchdeva earned a verbal mention in the Marketing Committee. Congratulations!

Six students participated in The Claude Martin Debate & The Boulone Lise Quiz, hosted by Lamatiniere College, Lucknow, from the 24th of July to 27th of July, 2024.  The WGS junior debate team did very well in the first three rounds competing against students of grade XI & XII from 16 schools across the country. Gayatri Bhatia was awarded the best speaker in the first Preliminary round. Rashika Bhardwaj was awarded the best speaker in the third Preliminary round.

Bhavya Agarwal and Deviishee Sodhi, students of Class 11, participated in a Global Student Exchange Programme and visited Downe House in the UK in June. During their time at the school, they attended academic classes, engaged in sports such as Rounders—a traditional British sport—attended chapel services, and participated in choir and orchestra practices. Additionally, they visited prestigious universities like The Queen Mary and Oxford. Over the weekend, they explored locations in the UK including London and the city of Bath. They also volunteered at a care home, providing support and companionship to the elderly with dementia. While enjoying the streets of the UK, they experienced the musical play "Moulin Rouge." The overall experience of this student exchange programme was extraordinary, significantly broadening their horizons, promoting cultural exploration, and fostering lifelong friendships.

The Rashtra Life-Saving Society India (RLSSI) successfully conducted a comprehensive 10-day first aid, life-saving and lifeguard training program at Welham Girls' School, Dehradun, from 23rd July to 1st August. This program aimed to equip 132 girls with essential life-saving skills.  A customised session was also organised for the staff to familiarize them with life-saving techniques.

Six students of Class VIII - Shatakshi Singh, Kripa Budhraja, Griva Bhalani, Tanya Goyal, Tamaira Sapra and Aarna Amar Agarwal attended an online RS event titled “How does technology affect our brains and behavior?” hosted by Thomas More School in South Africa. The students had a comprehensive discussion about the multifaceted impact and role of technology on humans.

Amaya Marwah and Gurbani Kaur Sandhu, students of Class XI, participated in a month-long cultural and immersive exchange program with the Groton School, Massachusetts, USA. During their stay, the students engaged in a variety of classes and school trips that introduced them to both the cultural and academic aspects of day-to-day life at Groton. Outside the classroom, they participated in many activities, such as Inter House spring fling, cook-outs, lacrosse games, speeches and Hindu religious services. The students also went on a day-long trip to main Boston where they partook in a Massachusetts Institute of Technology information session and tour and toured the beautiful city. Overall, the students found the students found the visit “enriching and different”, one they will never forget!

Two students – Saisha Walia and Sarah Walia - participated in the District Swimming Championship held at Sant Nischal Singh Public School, Haryana, on 25th June. They took part in 25 m free style and won 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal.

Twenty-seven students represented WGS at the Global Round of the World Scholar’s Cup in Stockholm from 11th to 18th July. The event, with the theme ‘Reimagining the Present’, aimed to teach students interesting, not-taught-in-school lessons, and find common ground among people of different backgrounds. All 27 students who participated in the World Scholars' Cup achieved remarkable success. They won 159 medals and 6 trophies, reflecting their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. The students' achievements were celebrated in a grand award ceremony, where they were recognized for their excellence in various categories. The students showcased their skills in various events such as debates, collaborative writing, scavenger hunt, the Scholar’s Bowl, and the talent show. Students also had the opportunity to go sightseeing. They visited several cultural and historical landmarks such as the Royal Place, the City Hall, the old town of Gamla Stan, and the university town of Uppsala. These excursions provided a perfect balance to the rigorous academic schedule, offering relaxation.

Ms Shefali Verma, HoD, Sports Department, attended the 8th South Asian Karate Championship, 202, held in Thimpu, Bhutan, from 16th to 19th July. As part of the event, she attended a seminar on WKF Rules and Regulations (Kata & Kumite) conducted by Mr. Michael Huang (Chinese Taipei), member of Referee Commission of Asian Karate Federation. He also conducted the exam for Referee and Judge. Ms Verma cleared the exam of JUDGE -B, which certifies her as an Asia-level judge for any Karate Championship.

A mixed group of nine girls from the SC and AI classes attended a week-long summer programme on "Entrepreneurship and Leadership" at the Hotel Institute in Montreux, Switzerland. The course provided the girls an international platform to share their ideas and enriched them with invaluable entrepreneurship lessons. Besides the classes, the students also participated in activities that provided opportunities to discover the enchanting splendours of Switzerland. From visiting the oldest Chocolate Factory at Cailler to a trip to Gruyere- a small village renowned for its cheese, the girls also trekked on the Alps and went to Glacier 3000. They had an immersive experience at the museum in Charlie Chaplin's house. But the most unexpected and unforgettable evening was the audio-visual treat at the Montreux Jazz Festival - the dates of which happened to coincide with the school trip! This trip provided each girl with a unique cultural perspective as they explored the cities of Geneva, Bern, Interlaken and Zurich. The girls also visited the beautiful town of Annecy in France and the quaint old town of Titisee in Germany. Overall, it was one of the most enjoyable and memorable trips and everyone unanimously agreed that these were the best two weeks of summer.

Sharanya Agarwal of Class 8 wasn't the one to while her summer break away. Apart from organising an awareness drive on World Environment Day, she conducted a study on 'Maternal Health and Wellbeing' at the District Civil hospital in her hometown of Hisar. The study was titled 'Towards Safe and Healthy Motherhood' . Sharanya visited the hospital, assisted and volunteered in maternity clinics, interviewed pregnant ladies, and prepared a report. For her efforts, she earned accolades from district health authorities also.

An intensive two-day workshop led by Mr Jayant Krishna, was held on 19th and 20th of July for Senior Management of the school. The training programme covered pertinent lessons which were conveyed through a series of entertaining and thought-provoking exercises. Mr Krishna drove crucial lessons for senior leadership team to help them introspect on ways to become better leaders and trailblazers. Mr Krishna's prolific career spans over three decades across industry, government, think tanks, and nonprofits. He has led key initiatives of the Prime Minister’s Skill India mission as CEO, Executive Director & COO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Most of his 22 years in the Tata group were in global leadership roles at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The training session was very well received by the participants. 

On the occasion of World Environment Day on 5th June, 2024, Sharanya Agarwal of class 8 organised a workshop on "A Step Towards Sustainability" for a group of children in her society in Hisar, Haryana. The workshop aimed to educate and inspire the children about the importance of protecting the environment. Sharanya designed informative posters, and organised an environment-related quiz, interesting games and a drawing competition. The children shared their experiences pledged to walk the talk by promising to live sustainably and spread the message “Protect Environment to Protect Humanity”. The day culminated with each child picking a plant of their choice and an earthen pot to keep water for birds and other little creatures who could quench their thirst in the sweltering heat.

Six students participated in an online Round Square Postcard organized by Shiv Nadar School Noida on 10th July which was centered on the theme: "What Makes Life Meaningful." Participants were divided into eight breakout rooms where students explored how success and failure impact their lives and the competitiveness faced in today's world through virtual discussions. In the breakout rooms, students were invited to speak about pictures displayed to them, connecting these images to their own lives. After these sessions, everyone reconvened in the main meeting to share their ideas and takeaways from the Round Square event. The delegates had the opportunity to express their views and opinions while engaging in discussions and activities.

This victory comes with a lot of drama! And understandably so since WGS dramatics team won the first position in all three categories in which they participated. Nine students participated in the IPSC Drama Competition held at The Sanskar Valley School, Bhopal from July 18 to 21, 2024. They  delivered outstanding performances in Hindi comedy play, soliloquy, and magic prop. Their Hindi comedy play captivated the audience with its humor and engaging narrative. The soliloquy impressed them with its emotional depth and powerful delivery, while the magic prop performance dazzled with creativity and innovation. Over 180 students across 16 top Indian schools participated in the competition. 

While summer breaks for most students are meant as a time to unwind and relax, there are some who use the time to make a difference to the society. Pavit Sodhi of Class XI used her years of Kathak training to help raise funds in her home town of Jalandhar. She performed a Kathak dance recital on 14th July to help raise funds for Cervical Cancer vaccination for young girls of economically-weaker families. She collaborated with Phulkari Women of Jalandhar and CAPED INDIA who are running the Conquer Cancer Program related to Cervical Cancer Awareness, Screening and Prevention. Pavit was able to raise a generous donation of Rs. 1,06,000/-. She also runs her blog “sage_trance” which works towards raising funds for Cervical Cancer and is currently working for a project “sHE-Thestrongerhe”, a platform that helps needy women to sell products, thereby empowering them. You make us proud Pavit!

Thirteen students embarked on an unforgettable trip to CERN in Switzerland, immersing themselves in the cutting-edge world of particle physics and technological innovation. The students had the privilege of interacting with several eminent scientists, especially Dr Archana Sharma, CERN’s Principal Scientist. They also interacted with Philip Matthews who provided them with deeper insights into the intricacies of particle physics. They had a memorable interaction with Rolf Heuer, the Director-General during the groundbreaking discovery of the Higgs Boson, discussing the innovative cancer therapy developed at CERN using proton beams and its potential applications in India. One of the highlights was their interaction with Piotr Traczyk, who delved into the mysteries of the Higgs boson. The students were also treated to a fascinating demonstration of simulations created at CERN, showcasing the advanced computational techniques used in their research. The trip included visits to some of CERN’s most impressive machinery, such as the Synchrocyclotron and the ATLAS experiment. The students toured various workshops, gaining a hands-on understanding of the complex machines and processes that drive CERN’s research. They explored the CERN Microcosm, a museum dedicated to making complex scientific concepts accessible through interactive exhibits and workshops on science communication. Beyond CERN, the students immersed themselves in the rich cultural and natural beauty of Switzerland. They explored the Red Cross Museum and the charming old town of Geneva. The journey extended beyond Switzerland, with visits to Bern, Zurich, and Interlaken, as well as the Lindt Chocolate Factory, Chamonix in France, Lake Titisee in Germany, and the majestic Rhine Falls. These excursions provided a perfect blend of education and leisure, enriching their overall experience. This extraordinary trip not only offered a comprehensive insight into the pioneering work at CERN but also showcased the breathtaking beauty and cultural richness of Switzerland.

Six students from junior school attended a Round Square conference at Rockhampton Grammar School, Australia, from 18rd to 27th June, 2024. The four-day conference titled “Cultural Adventures in Paradise” endorsed the Round Square ideals of Internationalism, Adventure and Environmentalism. The delegates were Shatakshi Singh, Griva Bhalani, Aarna Amar Agrawal, Tanya Goyal, Kripa Bhalani and Tamaira Sapra. The attendees with the assistance of ‘Capricorn Catchments’ worked on weed control, mulching trees and planting new saplings as well as watering them. An off-site canoeing expedition at Byfield and visit to an operational tea tree farm were also a part of their repertoire. The group also undertook a glass bottom boat tour of the Great Barrier Reef followed by snorkeling and boom-netting. The Barazza sessions were held after each days’ activities wherein discussions were held on topics ranging from social, environmental, humanitarian and personal. The pre-conference Sydney tour included a visit to the Scenic Blue Mountains and the Katoomba Mines. The students visited the Cockatoo Island and examined the flora and fauna at the Taronga Zoo and Sea Life Aquarium. A sojourn at the Hyde Park, and St. Mary’s Cathedral was followed by a Sydney Harbour cruise with lunch. The highlights of the trip were the guided tour of the famous Sydney Opera House and the drive across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The delegates returned to India better connected; enriched and sensitised to their environment.

With the aim of promoting and supporting girls’ education on a global level, Welham Girls’ School has joined the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) as a Founding member school. Welham is the third girls’ school in India to have joined ICGS. The organisation is a leading advocate for girls’ schools, connecting and collaborating globally with individual, schools, and mission-aligned entities dedicate to educating and empowering girls. ICGS has a powerful presence across the globe with over 550 member schools.

Seven students from Welham Girls' School, Dehradun, accompanied by a teacher, had an enriching experience at the Round Square Global Conference titled "A Mountain of Science" held at Paradis International College, Iasi, Romania. The conference, held from June 10th to 14th, was followed by a cultural tour of Bucharest. The Welham Girls' School delegation included Kashish Chaudhary, Riya Jagwayan, Divyanshi Aggarwal, Udisha Agrawal, Tanishi Gupta, Yashvi Agarwal, and Dhriti Goyal. The event featured a range of activities, including workshops, cultural exchanges, and excursions to significant sites such as the Bicaz Gorges, Red Lake, Bran Castle, and Tinovul Moho? & Lake Saint Ana. The delegates also had the opportunity to interact with notable speakers like endurance runner Tiberiu U?eriu, neurosurgeon Dr. Bogdan Iliescu, and astrophotographer C?t?lin Beldea, who shared their inspiring life stories and professional insights. The participation in this global conference was an invaluable opportunity for the students to broaden their horizons and embrace the spirit of internationalism and adventure.

Six students participated in the CISCE Shooting Regional Competition held at St George’s College, Mussoorie from 14th to 16th June . Kritika Singh won the Gold medal in (U-19) Rifle category with an outstanding score of 398/400 and also secured place in the CISCE Nationals. Kritika Singh and Riddhi Agarwal won the team trophy in U-19 category in Rifle. Reva Sabharwal won the Gold trophy in U14 Girls Air Pistol. Congratulations!

Six students took part in the RS Zoom Postcard event hosted by St. Mary's School in Colchester, UK on the 5th of June 2024. The event centred on the theme "Climate Change: from Anxiety to Action." This virtual gathering brought together participants from various parts of the world, all united by a common goal - to combat climate change through sustainable practices implemented at their respective schools. During the event, students shared numerous initiatives they have introduced within their school communities such as recycling programs, energy conservation initiatives, water management, green spaces, etc. By sharing these practices, students were inspired and empowered to continue their efforts and implement new strategies to combat climate change.

A life skill training session for the staff was conducted at school on 23rd May, the day before the school closed for summer break. The session was conducted by an international faculty with the Art of Living with several years of experience. The resource person covered seven layers of human existence and ways to eliminate stress at all the layers, statistical and scientific understanding of soft skills, and the importance of stress-free teaching. He explained and guided the staff on the importance of meditation and carried out a 20-minute relaxation session. The staff found the workshop invigorating and the best way to kickstart their summer break!

Six students from the PreSC and SC classes participated in an online Round Square event hosted by the Indian High School, Dubai on May 29, 2024. The theme of the event was: “Don't stereotype me. What does it take to break a stereotype?” with a particular emphasis on gender equality. The event began with a presentation of posters created by the participating schools, reflecting the event's theme. Following the presentation, students were assigned different Baraza groups. These groups engaged in discussions covering a range of topics, including gender stereotypes across various age groups, races, and work environments. Each group adopted its own unique approach to addressing these issues.

For the first time ever, Welhamites walked the quintessential Cannes red carpet! A group of 10 students attended the 77th edition of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival held from the 14th to the 18th of May 2024. The students attended screenings of a scintillating array of exclusive films spanning varied genres such as Tasio, Faye, Elizabeth Taylor – the lost tapes, Napoleon by Abel Gance, Surfer, Johnny Got His Gun and the acclaimed Indian film ‘Manthan’. The group visited pavilions of different countries, interacted with actors, film-makers and met celebrities, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trip was appended by a cultural immersion tour of the South of France that included the scenic picture-postcard cities dotting the French Riviera like Nice, Eze, Monaco, Monte Carlo and Grasse. A visit to museums displaying paintings by Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse was spellbinding. Students also had the opportunity to attend a workshop at a perfumery and watched an immersive competition.

Sharanya Agarwal of class 8 secured the 1st position in Under-15 Girls' category in the Hisar District Chess Championship organised under the aegis of the Haryana Chess Association. She has also qualified for the Haryana State Chess Championship, to be held in Gurgaon. Congratulations Sharanya! 

Six students participated in The Doon School Technology Conclave on 17th and 18th May, 2024. The students participated in events such as My Innovation - Make Your Own Bot, Path Finder, Fastest Line Follower, Robo Race and Prompt Engineering. Vaishnavi Agarwal and Paridhi Saboo made an interesting project on a hand-gesture detector, codenamed Awaaz in the My Innovation - Make Your Own Bot event. Griva Bhalani was awarded the third position in the Prompt Engineering. The conclave aimed at giving hands-on experience to students and educate them about the new age innovative technologies. A total of ten schools participated in the conclave.

Students of Class X visited the Shaurya Sthal Smarak in Dehradun on 16th May as part of their Hindi-History interdisciplinary project. The group was mindful of maintaining the sanctity of the war memorial throughout their visit. This visit deepened their sense of patriotism as they paid homage to the martyrs. Lt. Col. Pankaj Sood was present to provide insights to the girls and take them on the enriching tour.

The Senior School Literary Society conducted an Inter-House competition on 23rd April 2024 on the occasion of World Book Day. The students enacted scenes from various plays written by William Shakespeare, celebrating the Bard of Avon’s literary genius. The first position was won by Flycatcher House represented by Medha Nautiyal, Rudrani Rajyalakshmi and Dhriti Goyal.

Four students from Class XI participated in the History for Peace Conference, held on the 13th and 14th of May at Shiv Nadar School, Noida. The conference centred around the theme 'The Idea of Justice', providing attendees with a platform to delve into this fundamental concept. Distinguished figures such as Swarna Rajagopalan-founder of Prajnya, Nivedita Menon-Professor JNU, Bittu Sehgal-renowned environmental activist among others delivered keynote addresses. Students also had the opportunity to engage in three interactive workshops where they explored various facets of justice, employing methods such as theatre, fostering discussions on the interplay between ethics and social justice, and envisioning a just society through historical perspectives.

Ms Shefali Verma, HoD Sports and Karate coach has cleared her Judge B examination, which certifies her as a national-level judge for any Karate competition in India. Mrs Verma received her certification from Mr. Baskar Sinouvassane, Chairman of Karate India Organisation (KIO). Congratulations Ms Verma!

Jheel Rathore has made us proud, yet again! The young sportsperson won the first position in the U-13 category of Squash at the 7th Dehradun District Squash Championship. She also participated in the U-15 team event and secured the 1st runners up position. The event was held in Dehradun, from 9th to 11th May and seven schools participated in the event.

Tushti Arora, Tarushi Uppal and Gauri Nanda represented WGS at the Col Frank Von Goldstein Memorial Debate held at YPS Patiala from 9th to 11th May, 2024. The students won the Preliminary and the quarter final rounds to make it to the Semi Finals. Thereafter they defeated the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institution, Mohali in the Final Round ‘Hardliner Debate’ for the 3rd Position and were adjudged as 2nd Runners Up in the competition.  A total of 14 schools participated in the competition.

Six students - Aatrree Maheshwari, Vedanshi Dabral, Anwesha Sharma (14-17yrs); and Amaira Gambhir, Simar Arora, Pari Bhandari (U-14yrs) - participated in the 21st Uttarakhand State Karate Championship held in Dehradun from 5th to 7th May, 2024 where over 250 students from across 8 districts participated. They will now represent Uttarakhand state at the All-India Karate Championship, 2024.

Five students participated in the 7th edition of the Farida Abraham Memorial Debate and Quiz held at La Martiniere Girls’ College, Lucknow from 10th -12th May, 2024. A total of 22 schools from all across India participated in the event. Vanshi Agrawal, Shaurya Pradeep Agarwal and Aahana Gupta participated in the debate while Prachi Kejriwal and Pragati Paul represented WGS in the quiz. The students had an exciting experience as they not only participated in the event but also enjoyed the rich cultural history and delectable Mughlai cuisine of Lucknow.

Five students from the captain body of the school, attended the Boarding Schools’ Association of India Leadership Workshop at The Doon School on the 6th and 7th of May, 2024. Attended by 20 boarding schools of India, the workshop focused on inculcating leadership skills and encouraged the leaders of tomorrow to be empathetic while handling problems and difficult situations.  The students indulged in various activities and talks by prominent keynote speakers and Head of Schools. They came back with a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities and were enriched by their interactions with their peers from other schools. Overall, the workshop sparked in all the leaders a sense of ownership and accountability in their actions and how every step taken must be taken towards the collective growth of the student community they represent.

A team of eight students participated in the Shri Ram Centennial Schools’ Aqua Meet held on 4th May. The team secured 03 Gold, 06 Silver and 05 Bronze Medals. Zoya Singh was awarded the Best Swimmer Trophy in the 9th to 12th grade category. Welham Girls’ School also secured the Overall Winner Trophy. Congratulations!

The school organised the Uttarakhand swimming CISCE zonal trials on 11th May where over 70 students from 8 schools participated. Twenty-four students from Welham have been selected for CISCE Regional Swimming Competition.

Vaishnavi Sahu and Aashiya Mahajan participated in an Inter-school Hindi Debate competition, held at Maa Anandmayee Memorial School (MAMS), Raiwala, on 11 May 2024. A total of ten schools participated i the competition. Aashiya Mahajan secured the second position while Vaishnavi Sahu was adjudged the Best Promising Speaker. 

The WGS Hockey team (Welham Team A) won the winner’s trophy on home turf at the 8th Invitational Welham Girls’ School Hockey Tournament from 7th to 9th May, 2024. A total of 7 teams participated in the tournament from schools across the city such as St. Agnes Inter College, Unison World School, MKP Inter College, St Kabeer Academy and Army Public School. Well done team!

In its pursuit of providing education beyond the classroom, WGS conducted an IAYP (International Award for Young People) training program for students of class 10 and class 11 who are currently pursuing their Silver and Gold awards. Students were educated on how to handle emergencies while outdoors, pitch tents, collect and store of water during camping, safety measures to be taken from various elements present in the wild, first aid and CPR, how to take care of fractures, open and closed wounds, stings, bites and poisoning, and other dos and don’ts of camp life. In addition, students also learnt soft skills like leadership and team building, conflict resolution in a team, self-awareness and team talk, negotiation skills and qualities of great leaders.

The Ms Linnell Memorial Service, honouring the 54th death anniversary of Ms Linnell was observed on 8th May by the staff, both former and current, and students. The solemn service, conducted around Ms Linnell's grave and the Prayer platform, began with a speech by the Principal, Ms Vibha Kapoor. Ms Kapoor read out several extracts from ‘A Teacher's Tale’ by Khatija Akbar, a book dedicated to the extraordinary life of Ms Linnell. Mrs Kapoor ended her speech by urging Welhamites to honour and continue her legacy and follow her footsteps to become women of integrity and compassion. In true secular spirit, students sang hymns, shlokas, and bhajan as well as a reading from the Holy Quran.  Dear Ms Linnell, the school is forever indebted to you, and you continue to live in our hearts! 

The Hopetown Girl’s School hosted its annual inter-school art competition, "Earth Art" where students from over 16 schools in the city participated. The theme for this year’s event was Altered Perceptions & Edge Sculpture of animals, a thought-provoking concept that ignited a kaleidoscope of creative interpretations. Shreena Gulati & Lavanya Uniyal received the 2nd position in Altered Perceptions (Canvas Painting) while Rudrani Rajya Lakshmi & Mannya Gupta secured the 2nd position in Edge Sculpture of animals (Sculpture). Bravo!

The Doon Girls School hosted its 17th annual inter-school art competition, Rupali Memorial Inter school Art Competition held on 18th April 2024. Students from across over 26 school across the city showcased their artistic talent. Urvi Malakar received the 2nd position in the Senior Category. Congratulations Urvi!

Ms Anjali Sapra, an ex- Welhamite and currently on the Board of Governors of Welham Girls’ School Society, conducted a three-day workshop for the art students on the unique art of egg tempera from 29th April to 3rd May. Tempera, also known as egg tempera, is a permanent, fast-drying painting medium consisting of pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder medium, usually glutinous material such as egg yolk. Ms Sapra is an artist and lives and works in New Delhi. Her desire for experimentation leads her to use a variety of mediums - pen and ink, tea and coffee water, water color, gouache, egg tempera, oil and metallic foil. She has also experimented with sculpture in mixed metal and camphor wood. Drawing on various religious and spiritual texts; poetry and literature, her work cuts across linguistic and cultural divides. She creates a language uniquely her own and attempts to convey that which defies description and definition. Ms. Sapra’s presentation was engaging and informative, as she explained the technique and concepts in a simple and easy manner. The workshop was a valuable learning experience for the students as well as the teachers. 

Jahanvi Singhal, the AFS student coordinator of Welham Girls’ School organized a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Module on 3rd May for students of Class VIII. She was supported by Udisha Agrawal, Divyanshi Agarwal, Shrreya Agarwal, Kashish Chowdhary and Sarah Goyal. Through engaging presentations, interactive activities, and age-appropriate discussions, the team effectively conveyed the significance of the SDGs. They utilized innovative methods to ensure active participation and comprehension among the junior participants. The module served as a catalyst for the students to develop a deeper understanding of global sustainability issues and to embark on their journey towards becoming responsible global citizens. Through initiatives like these, the school continues to cultivate a culture of active citizenship and social responsibility among its students.

Six students of class 8th attended a Round Square Conference in South Africa, from 20th April to 1st May, which was hosted by the Woodridge school Port Elizabeth. A total of 18 schools participated from all over the world and the theme 'Sizonqoba' which means 'together we triumph' focused on leadership and the spirit of adventure. The conference proved to be a wonderful platform for the students to interact with each other despite the cultural diversity. They also had the opportunity to undertake zip lining, kayaking and segway as part of the adventure activities. They visited Tenikwa, an elephant sanctuary, monkey land and birds’ paradise and had an unforgettable experience.

The WGS team returned with the runners-up trophy at the 19th Lady Honoria Lawrence Inter-School basketball tournament hosted by The Lawrence School, Sanawar, after facing worthy opponents. The tournament was played on league cum knock out basis. Saira Kaur Mann and Mayna Johar were awarded the ‘Best Player of the Match’ title. Saira Kaur Mann Highest was also awarded the ‘Scorer of the Tournament’ title. Welcome home winners!

The prestigious ‘Smarika’ event brought together 12 schools from different corners of the country from 2nd to 4th May, 2024. It served as a vibrant platform for students to showcase their talents, engage in intellectual pursuits, and foster camaraderie. Over a period of three days, students participated in English and Hindi debates, Multimedia and Art Competitions.

The Saroj Srivastava Inter School English Debates were held on the 3rd and 4th May. Four schools, namely, La Martiniere for Boys, Kolkata; The Doon School, Dehradun; Mayo College, Ajmer and Welham Girls’ School debated in the Semi final Round with The Doon School and Welham Girls’ School reaching the decisive Final Round. The students of Welham Girls’ School demonstrated their oratory prowess by securing the second position whereas The Doon School clinched the Trophy as winners of the SAS English debate this year.

In the Miss Linnell Inter-School Hindi Debate, Summer Valley School, Dehradun emerged as the winner whereas St. Joseph’s Academy was the Runners Up. The schools’ performance in the Hindi debate was quite commendable. Their articulation in the national language resonated well with the audience and judges.

The inaugural edition of the art competition witnessed a burst of creativity. Welham Girls’ School emerged as frontrunners, clinching the first position in the lino cut works category. Their artistic expressions—etched on paper with precision and imagination—captivated everyone. The students’ ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes was truly remarkable.

Mrs. Russell Science Quiz undoubtedly challenged the students’ scientific acumen. The quiz fostered critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

Smarika 2024 was an immersive experience where students interacted with peers from diverse backgrounds, exchanged ideas, and absorbed the richness of cultural diversity. The event underscored the school’s commitment to holistic education—nurturing not only academic excellence but also artistic flair, linguistic proficiency, and scientific curiosity.

This last week the WGS Tennis team has scored back-to-back victories at two events - the Unison Inter School Invitation Tennis Tournament ‘Pratispardha’ as well as the 7th  SelaQui Invitational Inter-School Tournament. The team secured top positions in both the events. Here is the tally of the wins:

Unison Inter School Invitation Tennis Tournament:

Vaanya Thapliyal won the First position in the U-18 category. She was also awarded the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of the tournament trophy.
In the U-14 category, the team secured the second position.
The WGS team brought home the Overall Trophy.

7th  SelaQui Invitational Inter-School Tournament:

Vaanya Thapliyal won the first position in U-18 Singles category.
Aarna Tiwari secured the 2nd position in the U-18 Singles category.
Vaanya Thapliyal and Samaira Aggarwal secured the 1st position in the U-18 Doubles category.
Way to go players!

The WGS hockey team came in Second at the Girls’ Invitational Inter School tournament ”PRATISPARDHA”, hosted by Unison World School on 1st and 2nd May. Congratulations!

Class X and XII students of Welham Girls’ School have delivered outstanding results this year again!  

Ms Anurati Sharma of Class X has topped her batch and secured 99.60%! Anurati scored 100 marks in History, Science and Computer Science, 99 in English and Maths. The class average for Class X is a remarkable 94.44%. In ICSE, 75 out of 82 students secured an average score of 90% and above while 44 scored above 95%.

In ISC examination, Ms Vishvaney Agarwal topped her batch with a fantastic 97.5%. She scored a 100 in Political Science and 99 marks in History. The class average is also an impressive 92.58%. 62 out of 73 students have secured an average of 90% and above! 25 have scored above 95%.

Several students in both Class X and XII have scored 100 marks in several subjects. The Principal, Mrs Vibha Kapoor, attributed the tremendous success to the commitment and dedication of her staff. Welham continues in its relentless pursuit towards excellence to reach greater heights. 

A team of 11 students participated in the St. George’s College Shooting Invitational Competition which was held on the 28th and 29th of April. The students participated in three categories - Under 19, Under 17 and Under 14. The tally of victories is as follows:

In the Under 19-Pistol-Individual Category, Vani Pahuja secured the 1st position and Risha Khetan the 3rd position. The overall U 19 team comprising of Vani Pahuja, Risha Khetan and Vaishnavi Agarwal secured the 1st Position. In the Under 19-Rifle-Individual category, Kritika Singh secured the 1st Position. The Under 17 team comprising of Janhavi Singhal, Raaina Kothari and Devika Jain secured the 2nd Position. In the Under 14-Pistol-Individual category, Seher Dhand secured the 1st Position. Welham Girls’ School secured the Runner’s Up Trophy. Congratulations!

A team of 10 students participated in the St. George’s College Invitational Badminton Tournament held on the 28th and 29th of April. The team participated in the Under 15 and Under 19 categories. In the U 19 category, our team secured the first position and second position in the U 15 category. Welham Girls’ School also secured the overall trophy. Hurray!

The school's annual commemorative programme 'Smarika 2024' began on 2nd May with the first event, the Ms Russell Inter-School Quiz. Teams from across India participated and put up a brilliant fight. Over the next two days, bright young minds shall participate in English and Hindi debates, Art Competition and Multimedia Competition. Here are the glimpses from last evening's quiz event. A detailed write up  on the event to follow soon.

A group of 37 students have qualified for the Global Round of World Scholars’ Cup, to be held in Stockholm, Sweden. The group participated in the Regional round held at the Unison World School, Dehradun, on April 27th and 28th. Over two days, the students enthusiastically participated in a series of intellectually stimulating events such as the Scholar's Challenge, Scholar's Bowl, Collaborative Writing, and Team Debate. These events not only challenged their thinking abilities but also encouraged them to think creatively and work collaboratively with their teammates.  The closing ceremony on the second day was a moment of great pride and triumph as all the students qualified for the Global Round, a testament to their exceptional skills and abilities.

The WGS contingent comprising 16 students dazzled everyone at the 4th Uttarakhand state Open Yoga Championship 2024, held on 28th April 2024 in Dehradun. Our team was awarded the trophy for “Unique and extraordinary performance in Yoga 2024”. In addition, our students won the following positions:

•    Ritisha Jain, Tvisha Nagalia, Tamanna Angel Bowen, Uma Rawat, Aadrika Mittal, Siyona Agrawal won 6 silver medals for their team performance.
•    Yashita Jain won a gold medal in 14-16 individual category.
•    Pranya Dua won a silver medal in 14-16 individual category.

The event was organised by Yoga Association of Uttarakhand. (YAU) which is affiliated with Yoga Federation of India, Asian Yoga Federation, International Yoga Federation and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Government of India. Congratulations team!

Eleven students participated in the "Le Mot Juste" literary fest held at Wynberg Allen, Mussoorie on April 27, and excelled in multiple competitions, including English and Hindi Debating, Spell Bee Competition, and Hindi Short Story Telling. Here is a tally of their achievements:

- In The S.N. Sharma Hindi Short Story Telling Competition, Maisa Kalra from Class VII clinched the first prize.

- In The H.G. Meakin Inter-School Hindi Debate, Aashiya Mahajan and Kashish Chaudhary from Class XI secured the third position. Kashish also earned recognition as the Best Speaker.

- In The T.W. Phillips Inter-School English Debate, Tushti Arora, Aahana Gupta and Shaurya Agarwal from Class XI grabbed the second position. Aahana Gupta was honored as the Most Promising Speaker in the final round, while Shaurya Agarwal received the title of Best Speaker in the preliminary round.

- In The Dr. G.D. Lehmann Inter-School English Debate, Aanya Gupta showcased her talent by being credited as the Most Promising Speaker in the preliminary round.

- The Rev Biggs Inter-School Spell Bee Competition saw Myra Jain from Class VII securing the third position.

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.