Our school newsletter

1. UDGAM
MATTERS


NEW YEAR... NEW ASPIRATIONS...
From the Head of Pre-primary - Mrs Villoo Parikh
BEGIN RIGHT BY EATING RIGHT -NUTRITION FOR CHILDREN
WHATS INSIDE
The Wings Of Freedom
Hustle Bustle Of
Activities
Nutrition means healthy
eating which includes a wide
variety of food items with
sufficient amount of
vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and sugar.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
for children of all age groups. Children at
primary school age are ready to learn about
healthy food habits, but at the same time, are
too fussy and choosy eaters. As parents we
need to educate them on healthy eating habits.
Hence family meal time plays a very important
role. Parents should set an example by
practising healthy eating.
Some parents think that lot of milk, cheese, &
paneer given to their kids, will make them
healthy. This is just a myth and anything in
excess will lead to health issues; so parents
should not forcefully feed their children. Herein
comes the importance of a ‘Balanced Diet’.
'Balanced Diet' means food that consists of
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and
most importantly vitamins. Carbs can be
obtained from chapatti and rice, proteins from
pulses, vitamins, iron and other minerals from
green leafy vegetables. Proper intake of
vitamins is good for the skin, bones, eyes and
hair; it also helps in boosting the immunity.
Children of different age groups, including
teenagers, should be fed according to their
needs because over consumption of vitamins,
minerals and carbs could lead to disorders in
the body like obesity, hyper vitaminosis etc.
Time also plays a very important role for
anyone to be healthy. Eating proper food at
specific time leads to a healthy life. Breakfast,
lunch, evening snacks and dinner should
always be taken on time. For children to learn
this, the parents first need to practice such
habits in order to inculcate these in their
children. Children always emulate their
parents; hence, if parents want their children to
do what they want, parents should first practice
it in front of children.
Lunch should
always be a full
meal that includes
chapatti, rice, dal,
green vegetables
and buttermilk.
These days,
children love junk
food more than anything else. This happens
because of friends and peer group. It is the
parents' responsibility to make their kids
understand that junk food should be eaten
occasionally at parties or functions and not on a
daily basis.
Healthy eating habits also include the method
of eating. Meaning, eating while watching TV
or eating along with playing should be strictly
avoided. Instead, family should spend some
time with the kids while having lunch or dinner.
This will not only help the child understand the
importance of food but also build a good
bonding.
'A family that eats together stays together.'
Understanding
Children
Words Of Value
Young Poets
Bookmark This
Research Reveals
Fun Zone
Winners of Fun Zone
January 2014
1.Pratyush Jaithlia Sr KG F
2.Shlok Ghiya 1 D
3.Radhika Kotak 9 B
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2. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
THE WINGS OF FREEDOM
Ms Noopur Desai,
Vice Principal Middle School
Our hearts soar high when we watch a bird flying in the sky or a kite set on its own journey. We are full of envy at the
freedom or independence they both possess. We all long for independence, freedom or liberty. As teachers and parents
one of our many goals is to raise an independent individual. We need to encourage our children to be an independent
thinker, a problem solver, and a life-long learner. Moreover we need to train our children to carry with him/her basic life skills
and habits that will make his/her adult life easier.
Independence or freedom is however not restricted to making your own choices and not being responsible. We know that
responsibility and independence go hand in hand. Independence, freedom or liberty does not mean to have your own way, to go for
late night parties, hang out with friends, doing or not doing things that you choose. It means to become responsible enough to learn to
live life.
Students ask their parents (and they do it!) to step in and make excuses for their missed homework. Why? Even older children have to
be reminded to pack their bags, get up on time, study regularly and so on. As a result, our society has not been raising independent
adults. We adults generally do this because we fear that our children will fail and will make mistakes. I think it is perfectly all right to fall
and fail. Let them stumble.
By blaming outside factors, such as other people, bad luck, or unfairness, children can safeguard their egos from harm and as parents
we try to veil the shortcomings of our children.
When our children are learning something new and they get frustrated, we always step in. We must stop ourselves consciously and let
them find the solution. They need to get frustrated sometimes. That is how they learn to solve problems. That is how they learn not
to give up when something gets difficult.
There are two gifts we should give our children;
one is roots, the other is wings.
Life always offers you
a second chance –
it’s called tomorrow
2

3. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN
WHEN A NEW BABY ARRIVES
Ms.Pratima Patel,
Director Primary School
Generally parents do not realize what the sudden
arrival of a new born means to the older child. All of a sudden the
older one doesn't feel so special any more. He or she starts feeling
unwanted or pushed aside. All the attention is for the new born
and not me – is the general thought. As a result the older one
starts activities to draw attention – may be by misbehaving or
withdrawing himself, etc. How do parents deal with it?
The wrong way
The right way
It is quite certain that parents need to talk to the older sibling
about the newcomer and win over his or her confidence that there
will be no compromise about the attention. The idea is to make
him or her understand that he or she will be as important to them
even after the arrival of the new born. In fact parents should urge
him or her to take care of the little one too and involve the older
one in all activities once the newcomer arrives.
A WORD OF APPRECIATION
Mrs. Priya Jha,
Teacher Primary Section
Everyone likes to be complimented, loved and feel great about even the smallest thing one does. A toddler who begins to
walk one or two steps is encouraged by Good! Good! or with a number of claps. The toddler doesn't understand the word
Good! Or the claps but the joy that we show makes him feel appreciated for his efforts.
No one is perfect in this world but we all strive for perfection. Appreciation helps in the process of creating nearly perfect individuals.
Appreciation does not have to be by clapping, a good remark, or a certificate. It can even be a nice smile of encouragement, a
handshake, a polite talk with the person lauding his or her efforts or even a polite nod of the head.
Perfection comes by practice and by overcoming imperfections. Mistakes are a way of life but they should not be repeated. There is no
harm in correcting someone and appreciating when required. It instils confidence and develops the personality of the other individual.
In a workshop that I attended, we were given training on how to treat children, we were told to be careful in the school premises as
children imitate our actions. If a child does not wish you then ignore but do not forget to wish him yourself. This will ensure that he or
she will not forget to wish you and others. Do this regularly and see the change.
Appreciation does not discriminate between any skills of the child or a person. So we should learn to appreciate not only for
outstanding achievements or behaviour but also for the slightest of improvement shown. This will teach the other person also to
appreciate.
The joy of appreciation attracts the person towards the ladder leading to perfection as well as builds a healthy relationship between the
two people. So, practice the art of appreciation and extend this not only to children but to all around you.
3

4. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
HUSTLE BUSTLE OF ACTIVITIES
Mrs. Deepa Hemnani,
Academic Coordinator
Goodbye 2013! WELCOME 2014!!!!
2013 slipped off quickly like a speeding train and left
lots of memories to cherish.
New Year began with exchange of best wishes.
MATTER OF PRIDE
On account of Foundation day, all the staff members were given
gifts to mark the event of school entering its 50th year of
establishment.
ASSESSMENTS
Then children were found busy preparing for and appearing in
tests so as to finish it before the Kite flying festival.
VALUES
Giving back to the society is a value that is instilled very often and
acting on it our children donated more than 3000 kites to be used
to celebrate Kite flying festival in Municipal schools for
underprivileged children.
LAURELS
Team consisting of Priyam Patel, Arnav Buch and Nihar Patel all of
class 9, participated in an Inter School Quiz Competition and
stood on 2nd position defeating 3 schools.
20 students participated in Drawing cum Slogan competition.
The theme was 'Road Safety'. Udgamites stole the show and
bagged 3 positions. Ishika Choksi of class 5 D stood on first
position in under 12 years category. Mudita Sandesara of 8 B and
Prachi Bhagchandani of class 8 E stood on First and Second
position respectively in above 12 years category.
‘‘Best out of Waste’’ was the theme of a competition. 11 students
cleared the school round and went for Zonal round. 3 students
namely Shubhangi Hiranandani of class 8, Punya Chhajer of class
9 and Tanay Shah of class 10 qualified in Zonal Round of Heal the
World competition. They will now participate in the Grand Finale
and represent West Zone, wherein students from all the four
directions of our country will participate. Shubhangi made
colourful slippers out of waste paper and cardboard, Punya made
a beautiful Gift Basket out of waste bottles, old gift wrappers, old
cloth and old artificial jewellery and Tanay made working Model
of Hydraulic crane out of used thermocol glasses, icecream sticks
and used thin pipes.
CARING
School cares for its employees and their safety. So a workshop on
'Safety on Road' was organized for staff of Preprimary section.
While driving, some important rules if followed can save the lives
of many. Use of helmets, following signal rules, wearing seat
belts and concentration on road while driving, were some points
touched.
FUN LEARNING
The students of Class 6 made projects related to their Science
chapter on electricity and put up an exhibition in school. The
young scientists created amazing models using electric circuits
that were mainly aimed at solving the earth's environmental
problems. The principle of Learning by Doing was undertaken.
Class 2 students had a 'Fruity Day'. Play and Learn principle was
adopted and children wore colourful masks of different kinds of
fruits. 'Phalon ki Sabha' was organized and each one described its
nutrition value.
ANNUAL EVENTS
The month saw Sports Day for many classes. Children enjoyed
participating in different types of races like running, relay, sack
race, slow cycling etc. with their friends, displaying their talent in
lezims, yoga formations, gymnastics and many more.
Grandparents play a pivotal role in bringing up a child. Children
enjoy and feel safe in the warmth of their grandparents' affection.
Privileged are those who have grown up under the shadow of
their grandparents.
In order to make children realize the importance of the affection
of their grandparents and at the same time make grandparents
feel special, ‘‘Grandparents Day’’ was celebrated in Pre primary
section where grandchildren performed on stage various dances,
speeches etc. to display and showcase their love towards their
grandparents.
It was an emotional moment for both generations.
With great joy and pride our school celebrated the 65th Republic
Day. 64 years ago in 1950, India became a Republic and the
Constitution of India was formed.
The programme began with a prayer followed by flag hoisting.
Pledge, Patriotic English, Hindi and Guajarati Songs,
Inspirational Speeches, Graceful Kathak dance, Tapping Table
Recital, skit etc were the part of the event. Children also made
National Flag using salad items.
Finally the strains of 'Vande Mataram' rented the air as all
gathered here saluted Mother India.
4

5. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
HUSTLE BUSTLE OF ACTIVITIES
50th year begins
Drawing and Slogan
Drawing and Slogan
Kite Donation
Quiz Winners
Republic Day Celebrations
Republic Day - Flag Hoisting
Republic Day - Salad Making
Republic Day - Skit
Science Exhibition - Class 6
Sports Day
Sports Day
5

6. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
HUSTLE BUSTLE OF ACTIVITIES
Sports Day
Sports Day
Udgam Matters - Fun Zone Winner
Udgam Matters - Fun Zone Winners
Animal Masks
Phalon ki sabha
Children Performing
Children Performing
Children Performing
Children Performing
Children Performing
Children Performing
PRE-PRIMARY ACTIVITIES
6

7. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
PRE-PRIMARY ACTIVITIES
Gifts from Santa
Gifts from Santa
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Speak
Grandparents Speak
Musical chair for Grandparents
Safety driving training
Safety driving training
7

8. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
WORDS OF VALUE
READ, SET, ROUTINE!!
Ms. Rashmi Lalwani,
School Counsellor
Most of the time parents come to me with a
complaint that my child just doesn't listen to me, my child just
doesn't sit at a place, he is very slow in his work, he doesn't eat on
time, doesn't dress on time, he doesn't study but is always ready
to play or watch television even if you wake him up at mid night! I
just ask them one question ‘‘Is there a routine or time table for
your child?’’ And then we prepare a systematic time table for the
child and we see amazing results.
Are routines really that necessary for children? Simply put, YES
Routines involve repetition. Repetition involves predictability.
Predictability involves stability. Stability involves security. Kids
crave routines because routines make kids feel safe and secure.
On a very basic level (keeping in mind that is how young children
function) routines reassure children that their needs will be met.
Routines also provide opportunities for children to experience
success in what they are doing, which then promotes self-control
and self-esteem.
As adults, we have the advantage of controlling many aspects of
our lives. Often we are able to arrange things (work schedules,
child care, friendships, appointments, etc.) to enhance
convenience and reduce hassle, making life just a little bit easier
and probably a bit more enjoyable. How would you feel if you had
no idea what to expect in your day? What if you didn't know why
you were leaving the house, where someone was driving you,
when you were going to eat next, where you could go to use the
washroom, or when you were going to get back home again?
Children don't have the privilege of arranging their days the way
adults do; they have very little control over their environments.
Consequently, children try to find ways to control their
surroundings, often resulting in undesirable outcomes, such as
tantrums, defiance, and other inappropriate behaviours.
Routines and schedules help kids to make sense of their day-morning, noon, and night--and know what to expect. This
reduces anxiety and apprehension, and allows for more time for
kids to enjoy and learn from their surroundings instead of
stressing them out.
When the school year ends, structure often does too, at least for
many children. No longer are families required to structure their
lives around school and school activities. Summer allows more
time for kids to relax and explore through fun and play. However,
maintaining a routine throughout the summer also will provide
boundaries for children to know what is expected of them. Having
regular meal times and sleep times, and even regular chores
(which instill a sense of responsibility), will lead to good physical
and mental health.
The following are certain benefits of a time table and routine.
1. Routines eliminate power struggles because you aren't
bossing them around. These activities (brushing teeth, napping,
turning off the TV to come to dinner) are just what we do at this
time of day. The parent stops being the bad guy, and nagging is
greatly reduced.
2. Routines help kids cooperate by reducing stress and
anxiety for everyone. We all know what comes next; we get fair
warning for transitions, and no one feels pushed around.
3. Routines help kids learn to take charge of their own
activities. Over time, kids learn to brush their teeth, pack their
backpacks, etc., without constant reminders. Kids love being in
charge of themselves. This feeling increases their sense of
mastery and competence. Kids who feel more independent and
are in charge of themselves have less need to rebel and be
oppositional.
4. Kids learn the concept of looking forward’’ to things they
enjoy, which is an important part of making a happy
accommodation with the demands of a schedule. He may want to
go to the playground now, but he can learn that we always go to
the playground in the afternoon, and he can look forward to it
then.
5. Regular routines help kids get on a schedule, so that they
fall asleep more easily at night.
6. Schedules help parents maintain consistency in
expectations. If everything is a fight, parents end up settling:
more TV, skip brushing teeth for tonight, etc. With a routine,
parents are more likely to stick to healthy expectations for
everyone in the family, because that's just the way we do things in
our household. The result: a family with healthy habits, where
everything runs more smoothly.
Bottom Line-DON'T WAIT! YOU ARE THE BEGINNING,
EVERYTHING ELSE IS AN ILLUSION.
WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
8

9. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
MEDIA BUZZ
It’s not about ideas
but about making
ideas happen –
Do It!
9

10. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
YOUNG POETS
UNICORN
STARLIGHT
Arja Kakkad,
Dwija Kakkad,
3E
5E
Oh! One horn unicorn.
How white you are!
A sight to see
You are so rare.
And so very fair.
I can't bear to see you and not touch
Will you speak to me in Dutch?
The One Horn Unicorn
What a tail!
I will not fail
To see you
I wish to see you
Oh! One Horn Unicorn.
Starlight, star bright
In the twilight.
How do you shine?
So bright in the night?
With the moon and the stars,
The planets and the constellations.
Over the mountains,
Over the seas,
You shine over them,
And spread light.
THE GIRL WHO CHANGED ME
TRUE BEAUTY
Aleesha Sunny,
Kreya Mahaderia,
8C
9D
Everytime I walk past that door,
I see that girl sweeping the floor.
A girl of my age,
Working for her daily wage.
To come out of the group of illiterate,
It just takes a chalk and a slate.
I saw that desire to study in her eye,
That hope that didn't want to die.
Everytime I saw that girl smiling at me,
I though how lucky are we.
Not with our big houses or big cars,
But because we can afford to know about the stars.
Everytime I walk past that door,
I think of the world of the poor.
I invited her to play,
She jumped with joy.
We played together, knowing her life and ways,
I just hope that her happiness stays.
Mirror mirror on the wall
Who is the fairest of them all?
“The prettiest of them all
Is you, My lady” came back the call.
Many girls would like to hear this beautiful line,
And wish that the crown of beauty should be mine.
Blush, eyeliner, lipstick, eye shadow, foundation,
Towards it there is a lot of infatuation.
Perfect dress and shoes with matching accessories,
Is all that a girl craves today.
They only wish for the blessings of the Aphrodite,
They want to be the girl in sight.
But they don't understand,
The beauty should be from inside.
What matters is your nature
Helping the needy should give you pleasure.
So be gracious and good,
Beauty will come to your hood.
10

11. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
YOUNG POETS
MktçktÄku
nkRfw
MUDITA SANDESARA,
DAKSHESH B BHATT,
8B
9A
MktçktÄ {khku Lku íkkhku
Au yuf ykfkþ{kt [{fíkku íkkhku
MkËk [{fíkku hnu yk íkkhku
yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.
ykÃkýk çkuLkku MktçktÄ hu
õÞkhu Lk íkqxu yuðku hu
yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.
yk òuzwt yuðwt Au su
Ãkqhk rðï{kt Mkw¾e Au
íkuLku fkuEu Lksh Lk ÷køku.
yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.
ËwrLkÞk{kt ½ýkt MktçktÄku yuðk hu su
íkqxe økÞk Ãký {¤u hu
fkuELkku nkuÞ Lk íkqxu÷ku MktçktÄ,
yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.
çkk-çkkÃkwS, {kíkk-rÃkíkk, VkuE-Vwyk,
fkfk-fkfe Lku {k{k-{k{e
MkkiLkwt òuzwt y{h hnu,
yuðwt nwt EåAwt hu . . . . MktçktÄ {khku – íkkhku.
çku ÷ûÞLkk
fkhýu nwt íkku ÚkÞku
hu ÷ûÞrnLk
yk nkRfw{kt Ëþkoððk{kt ykÔÞwt Au fu {kýMku ÃkkuíkkLkk
SðLk{kt ÷ûÞ Lk¬e hk¾ðkuòuEyu, òu íku çku fkíkku çkuÚke
ðÄkhu ÷ûÞ hk¾u íkku íku íku{kLkk yufuÞLku Ãkqhku fhe LkÚke
þfíkku.
{U Ëw:¾ fÌkk
Mkk{uÚke {Lku çkeò
çku Mkt¼¤kÞk
yk nkRfw{kt Ëþkoððk{kt ykÔÞwt Au fu çkÄk Lku ftEf Ëw:¾
nkuÞ s Au yux÷u íku Ëw:¾Lku {Lk{kt hk¾ðkLkk çkË÷u
SðLk{kt {ò fhðe òuEyu.
11

12. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
BOOKMARK THIS
Ms. Pallavi Sridhar,
Librarian
This month, I've decided to treat you guys to two of
my absolute favourite books in the whole world.
Though 'classics' would not be a very appropriate
term for them, they certainly win my vote for being deliciously
addictive, evergreen and totally mesmerising. Hope you enjoy
them as much as I do!
The Kite Runner by Khaled HosseiniTwo young boys. Two free spirits, enjoying the
afternoon sun in the plains, carving their names into
a favoured tree, eating pomegranates and smearing
each other with the pink juice, catching the latest
English movie in town and imagining themselves as
slick, urban cowboys, sharing their deepest hopes,
dreams and desires.
One devastating incident which changes their lives forever.
At the outset, the Kite Runner reads like a textbook on
Afghanistan and its geo-political history. It also reads like a story
of two boys, thrown together by destiny, who forge a bond deeper
than brotherhood. Delve a little deeper into it, and you finally
realize that the novel tells you about basic humanity. Basic human
emotions- happiness, jealousy, cruelty, shock, mirth, contemptare handled in such a way that you're swept up in the narrative of
Amir, a rich Pashtun boy, and Hassan, a poor Hazara boy whose
family has eternally been in the service of the former. Their
friendship is tested time and again, and is stretched to a breaking
point one day, during the annual kite flying competition, when
Amir witnesses something so horrible, so shocking, that it
permanently damages a part of his soul. Hassan, the meek and
docile lamb, soon moves out of their lives. The war torn
Afghanistan prompts Amir and his father to migrate to America
not soon after.
Years later, a phone call changes the happily married and settled
Amir's life again. After all these years of grappling with his soul,
seeing the soul-dead eyes of his closest friend in his dreams, this
is the chance he has been waiting for. A chance at redemption. A
chance to put together the scattered fragments of his life. A
chance to finally bury the past. A chance to look at himself in the
eye once more. Does Amir possess the nerve, the guts to confront
his past in such a volatile and dramatic manner?
What you take back from the story is Hassan's unflinching and
total devotion to Amir. His unquestioning manner, fierce loyalty
and unwavering fondness for his master cum friend are beyond
anything you can ever hope to read. Hassan's character will make
you want to jump inside the novel and bring him back to safety.
You take back lessons on being human. This is in fact, the whole
essence of the novel. A beautifully written, tenderly
characterized story, it will make you think on many different
levels.
The Rainmaker by John GrishamThough all Grisham novels are worth listing, I've
picked this one out solely for one reason- it's actually
unputdownable.
When a not-very-well off middle aged couple
approach grad law student Rudy Baylor with a case against an
insurance company, he thinks his career is over before it even
began. Despite his misgivings, he proceeds to study the case. As
he sinks deeper and deeper into it, Rudy discovers that he has
stirred up a hornet's nest. Some very big names are getting
involved now, and those very big names are slowly getting very
scared of a rookie law student and his terrible looking sidekick. As
Rudy digs further, a very dirty scam comes to light and suddenly,
he is up against hardball litigators, who will not leave any stone
unturned to let the case slide. Who will win? Will the insurance
behemoth, with its unlimited resources and shady lawyers ruin an
ordinary middle class couple's already miserable life, or will a
newbie lawyer, fresh out of law school, with only his honesty,
tenacity, wits and a paralawyer (who has failed the bar exam six
times) for company come up trumps in this no-holds barred war
for justice?
Read it for the sheer pleasure of watching a courtroom come
alive. Grisham's splendid narrative conjures up delightful looking
scenes, flesh and blood characters and of course, a solid plot with
twists that will turn your brain. As you progress from page to
page, you can't help but root for Rudy, the barely-hanging-there
lawyer, who struggles to be civil to his landlady as he grudgingly
spreads mulch in her garden, who fights tooth and nail for a
couple who is losing their son to a dreadful disease, who
delightfully cross examines the thugs from the insurance
company and who finds love in the most unlikeliest of places-a
hospital. You rejoice when Rudy excels at his sparring, you feel
your heart go out to him when he is beaten by the opposition. The
premise itself is so interesting that it's simply impossible to put
the book down. Turn your phone off, shut yourself in a room with
food and drink and just drown in the book. You'll come out feeling
like a survivor.
12

13. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
RESEARCH REVEALS
'STARS OF THE CLASS' IS WORKING
WONDERS!
Ms Aarzoo Daswani,
Research Coordinator
To show students that good work can bring them honour, support
and recognition, Udgam School introduced the ‘‘Stars of the
Class’’ program this year. The program is quite unique as it
touched all the aspects of a child appreciation - be it Academics,
Behaviour or Extra curriculum.
Students, Teachers and Parents are giving an overwhelming
response and admiration towards the concept. Mrs. Pooja Hooda
and Mrs. Parul Singh, teachers from middle school, commented
that the title itself has elicited one's spirits. To become star of
one's class is a dream every child cherishes. Who doesn't want to
be popular and be admired by all? This appreciation activity has
really proved as a dream come true for many. Students strive to
see their names as Stars of the Class. The badge provided has
rather added icing on the cake. They can now flaunt their success
around. It is really good initiative by our school. This concept
gives an equal chance to all the children to showcase their talents
and well being.
Few students also gave comments such as:
“As we wear the badge and roam around the school, others come
to know and appreciate us. I am very happy as I got the badge for
academics - Brainy Star by Choice’’ – Aditya Acharya, 6F
Choosing the Class Star and at the same time possessing the
power to elect, has created a buzz in the classrooms. Moreover,
the voting system is helping young kids with their decision
making skills while for the older kids it's giving a sense of
elections that happen in our country. Class spirits have
strengthened and the desire to acquire the badge is on the rise.
Students are learning from each other and setting their own
goals.
Few students who didn't win the title gave comments such as:
'If our friends get this badge than it means that we have to
appreciate them and also have to be inspired by their good work’’
– Khushi Vora, 6F
“It's a medium through which we learnt to appreciate others’’
– Gurleen Nanda, 9C
“We can know where we have made mistakes and where we
should improve. If we are not selected, we should change our self
for good’’ – Vinit Soni, 6F
“This is a new concept which started this year, it makes you
realise that where you stand and it makes you feel good. I have
won the badge in Extra curriculum -Active Star by choice’’
– Sanjana Giri, 7E
“If our name is not on the chart then we would try and work hard
so that our name comes’’ – Maher, 8C
“I felt it was a pretty great experience because those students
who don't excel in academics also get recognition and credit they
deserve. My parents loved the concept. I have won an Active Star
by choice badge’’ – Arnav Buch, 9C
“My parents are very positive towards this system and they said
that this has motivated all students towards a common goal. The
badges have created a sense of pride and responsibility. It has
become a symbol of pride’’ – Jainum Bhomia, 9D
“I am elected in behaviour category – Goody Star by Choice. I feel
very proud because behaviour is basic characteristics of well
being. I would maintain my good behaviour and would not lose
it’’ – Charvi Patel, 9C
Be sure programs such as 'Stars of the Class' offers much more. As
you earn Star title, you move up to bigger benefits. Here's how it
works:
 The badge gives a child a sense of achievement. Honour!
 Children intend to show dedication to outperform and do
better.
 This also improves a child's decision making skills and
thinking capabilities.
 Elective mode of selection help kids to relate it with our
country's election system.
 It raises classmates' awareness about sustainability and
builds lifelong fine habits.
 Children get inspiration and hear encouraging words by one
and all.
 Last but not the least, the benefit pool also offers class
bonding and gelling with other kids.
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14. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
AS UDGAM STEPS INTO ITS 50TH YEAR...
Our Tryst with Destiny - The Udgam Story
49 years ago on the 4th of January 1965, Udgam School for Children was born. The school was founded in a small building with
a handful of students. As the number of students and classes increased the school shifted to a new premise. Even back then the school
was synonymous with quality education.
In 1991 the K J Choksi Charitable Trust took over the school. Consequently the Thaltej School was constructed over a large area of land
with spacious rooms. It became known as a centre of excellence in education.
We continued growing...
With the advent of technology, USFC adapted like no other. We evolved along with the changing times and soon our rooms changed to
Smart Classrooms. We changed our board to CBSE to take our school to the All India level. We made way for co-curricular activities and
sports in our curriculum. We made changes wherever required but held on to our traditions and values.
From a handful of students we are close to 4000 students today spread over two branches-Preprimary in our Jodhpur
Branch and Classes 1 to 12 in our Thaltej Branch and we are still growing...
Today Udgam School for Children is one of the earliest schools in Ahmedabad.
As we step into our 50th year, we feel we are growing younger every year... learning new things, adapting new technology
and adding new classes.
The journey so far hasn't been easy but we have had a lot of support from all spheres.
Today we look back with a smile of satisfaction and then look ahead with confidence to the miles we still have to go...
The road wasn't easy to tread,
But we did not falter and went ahead.
All we had was support and dedication,
In our pursuit to be best in the nation.
We look back with pride on our abilities,
And look ahead at limitless possibilities...
49 today and 50 in the making,
Working towards Number One in the ranking!
We look forward to your continued support in the years to come...
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15. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
BEAUTIFUL COLOURS
Aarav Patel
5C
Paper Bags -Students of Class 6
Jugal Choksi
9D
Khushali
9D
Tithi Patel
9B
Hiya Shah
3A
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16. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
FUN ZONE
Participate and win prizes!
Solve the puzzle according to your age group. Send the solution by mail to newsletter@udgamschool.com
This Crossword Puzzle is for Classes Nursery, Junior KG and Senior KG only
Find the words.
This Maze Puzzle is for Classes 1 and 2 only.
Please solve it and send a picture to newsletter@udgamschool.com
You are very sleepy but need to go through the maze to reach your cosy bed.
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17. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
FUN ZONE
This Find the Word Puzzle is for Classes 3 and 5 only.
Try and find at least 12 words that are related to the Forest.
This Puzzle is for Classes 6 and above is not as easy as it looks.
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18. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
CREATIVE CORNER
What you need:
 Approximately 50 coloured popsicle sticks
 Glue
Activity:
 Start by laying 11 sticks, side by side.
 Put a row of glue across the top edge and stick another single
popsicle stick along the top edge of these to form a cross
frame. Do this along the bottom as well.
 Now layer up the sides of the box the same way: placing a
stick along each edge alternately to make a pattern.
 Keep going until you have about six or seven layers up.
 Perfect for keys and coins!
BUDDING CHEF
Mrs. Amita Parekh,
Teacher Preprimary Section
Corn Potato Patra
Ingredients:
Maida flour – 2 cups
Oil – as needed
Boiled potato- 5
Boiled corn - 1 cup
Green chillies and ginger paste-1 tea spoon
Chopped coriander leaves - ½ cup
Sesame seeds ( til )-1 tea spoon
Chat masala-1/2 tea spoon.
Salt to taste
Pinch of Citric acid or lemon juice
Green food colour
Chopped fresh coconut
Dough: Take flour, pinch of salt, pinch of green food colour, 2 tea spoons oil ,mix them well and add some water to make soft dough.
Stuffing: Mash boiled potatoes and corn. Add green chillies and ginger paste, til, citric acid/ lemon juice, chat masala, chopped coriander
leaves and salt. Mix them well.
Method: Roll a dough ball into chapatti, spread stuffing on it evenly till the end. Roll the chapatti carefully. Cut them diagonally into pieces
and deep fry them.
Garnishing: Sprinkle chopped coconut, coriander leaves and til on the fried patra and serve them with green chutney.
Yummy Corn Potato Patra is ready …..
Note: This recipe is for the slightly older kids. Parents' assistance is recommended for cutting and frying.
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19. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
MAKE A NOTE
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20. UDGAM SCHOOL
FOR CHILDREN
January 2014
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Mrs. Sagarika Sahana,
Content Manager
Exams are around the corner and one hardly finds children out playing. The mood in the air is sombre with a certain amount of
misgiving about the days that are passing by too quickly. One frequently hears regrets about not studying earlier and admonitions
from parents about the time spent watching television or on the internet. The board examinees are trying to grab some last minute
revision with little time to eat or relax.
The following points will definitely help to ease the tension and make lives easier (and grades better)1.Make a time table for revision.
Parents can help in this by dividing the syllabus in a practical manner and allotting date and time for each subject. Remember to give more time to
the harder topics with intermittent easy topics so that the child is not stressed out. Maths practice can be a part of the daily routine.
2.Pay attention to meals.
Eat well as your body needs more nutrients now to cope with the stress. Parents can try and make meal times fun and relaxing. Do take care to see
that meal times do not become study times too.
3.Get enough sleep.
Despite the urge to put in maximum hours in preparation, do try to get at least 7 hours of sleep in a day. This will help you to be more alert and your
learning will be quick as power of concentration will be more.
4.Your body needs to relax too.
Take some time out and go for a brisk walk or simply take your bike and pedal around idly for some time. This is a great stress buster and will help
your mind to unwind and you will come back refreshed.
5.Switch off.
This refers to the television for most kids and mobiles for the older ones. Both cause unwelcome diversion and make it difficult for you to
concentrate when you sit down with your books. So take a break for a month or so and spend your free time in reading non-text books or listening to
music.
All the best! May you come out with flying colours...
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