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Lovedale Tidings - November-December 2024 

Junior National Equestrian Competition 2024

The Junior National Equestrian Competition 2024 was held on December 3rd in Delhi, showcasing the talent and skill of young riders across various equestrian disciplines. Five students proudly represented The Lawrence School, Lovedale, who participated in the Show Jumping, Dressage, and Cross Country Jumping events. The students demonstrated exceptional dedication and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The participants from the school were:

  1. Manav Jain - Class 9th

  2. Rudhra Joglekar - Class 9th

  3. Kushagra Ola - Class 8th

  4. Rajeev Tarade - Class 8th

  5. Krishav Tekriwal - Class 8th

The Junior National Equestrian Competition 2024 was a valuable experience for our students, highlighting their talent and fostering growth in the sport.

Child Safety and Disciplinary Procedures

A meeting was conducted on 2nd December 2024 with the teaching staff and the school advocate, Mrs. Aruna Mohsin Sait, to discuss crucial matters related to child safety and the Tamil Nadu Education Department’s directives. The session included a review of updated guidelines, followed by a Q&A where staff members sought clarity on various child safety and disciplinary procedures. The key points highlighted during the meeting emphasized the necessity for a structured process in handling disciplinary issues, ensuring that child safety and privacy are prioritized in accordance with the POCSO Act and the state's educational guidelines. Additionally, the importance of collaboration between school authorities, counselors, and parents was underscored to maintain strict compliance with child protection standards.

Divya Agarwal Shines on National Stage: Selected for Assam Hockey Team

Divya Agarwal of Class 8 represented the Assam Hockey Team in the 14th Hockey India Sub-Junior National Championship 2024. This prestigious achievement was a moment of immense pride for both Divya and The Lawrence School. Wearing the Assam colors and competing at such a high level was truly a dream come true for her.

The championship, held in a league format, provided Divya with invaluable experience and reinforced her belief that this is just the beginning of her journey. She views this opportunity as a stepping stone to learn, grow, and emerge stronger in future competitions.

Samyra  Puri of Lawrence School Represents IPSC Basketball Team at the 68th National School Games

Samyra Puri a Class 8 student, represented the IPSC Under-14 Basketball team at the 68th National School Games held in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, from November 17th to 23rd, 2024. Her exceptional skills and dedication on the court were evident throughout the competition, where she made valuable contributions to her team’s performance. This prestigious event provided Samyra with a platform to showcase her talent and take a significant step in her sporting journey. The school is immensely proud of her achievements and commends her for her hard work and determination in making her school and team proud.

Empowering Adolescents: A Session on Drug Abuse and Digital De-Addiction

Students from The Lawrence School, Lovedale, attended an insightful session on Drug Abuse and Digital De-Addiction, hosted by Army Public School, Wellington, in collaboration with KMCH Institute of Health Science and Research. The session, held on 22nd November 2024, aimed to equip adolescents with the knowledge to make informed decisions and adopt healthier lifestyle habits.

The following students represented the school:
Class 8: Vivek Siddharth Reddy, Ananya Singh, Kavyaa Singh Kandhol. Class 9: Sowmya K, Isiri Sachin, Emayaa P S, K. Ilakkiya, Aditya Dev, Prithvi Mohanty, Rishan Nehal, Rishit Mishra, Rishiet Rajneesh Kumar, Aryaveer Agarwal. Class 10: Krishiv Agrawal, Advika Kumar

The session featured distinguished speakers:
Dr. Sathyaseelan delved into the challenges adolescents face in resisting peer pressure and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. He emphasized:

  • The vulnerability of the adolescent brain to substance abuse.

  • The correlation between personality traits and a propensity to experiment.

  • The physical and mental health repercussions of early drug experimentation.

Dr. Srinidhi focused on the impact of gadget overuse on Gen Z, elaborating on:

  • The physical and mental toll of digital addiction.

  • The dangers of cybersex and pornography, urging students to avoid activities that distort reality and expectations.

  • Practical strategies to regulate internet usage, including a self-assessment questionnaire to gauge addiction levels.

The students were accompanied by the School Counselor, Ms. Merlyn, who facilitated the participation of Peer Educators from the Anti-Drug Club. The Peer Educators are committed to disseminating the knowledge gained during the session to the broader student community, reinforcing the school’s emphasis on mental well-being and responsible behavior.

Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace: A Session for the Support Staff

On November 21, 2024, Advocate Aruna Mohsin Sait conducted an informative session on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act for the support staff of The Lawrence School, Lovedale. Organized by the school counselor, Ms. Merlyn, the session aimed to ensure compliance with the directives of both state and central governments. It focused on raising awareness about workplace safety, providing a harassment-free environment, and empowering the support staff with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities under the POSH Act.

To enhance understanding, the session included a training video that demonstrated scenarios of workplace harassment. The video effectively illustrated what constitutes harassment, how to handle such situations, and the importance of speaking up. Real-life examples were instrumental in helping participants relate to the subject matter and grasp the concepts more clearly. The interactive session was attended by 112 support staff.

Five Boys from The Lawrence School, Lovedale Represent Nilgiri District in Under-13 State Level Basketball Tournament

Five boys from the School represented Nilgiri District in the Under-13 State Level Basketball Tournament, held in Trichy from 17th to 20th November 2024. The team played with determination, making it to the quarter-finals before losing to Coimbatore. Their performance throughout the tournament was commendable, showcasing excellent teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship. The school is proud of their efforts and the way they represented Nilgiri District at such a prestigious event.

Team Members:

  1. Tridev (Class VII)

  2. Harshal Agarwal (Class VIII)

  3. Dhananjay Jain (Class VIII)

  4. Shadman Abbas (Class VIII)

  5. Jashan Jain (Class VIII)

Prep School Dormitory Inspection

The Prep School Dormitory Inspection was conducted on Monday, 18th November at 8 pm. The judges were Ms Beena, Ms Veena and Ms Sonali. The key aspects included Personal Hygiene, General Cleanliness Display Boards and Overall Impact.

 

The three judges were touched with the hospitality and the upkeep of all the dormitories. Everybody was declared a winner in Prep School. 

As a token of our love and appreciation for the efforts put in by all preppers, we rewarded all preppers with a gift and a special tea on Friday, 29th November.

An Evening of Musical Excellence

The Inter-House Music Competition held on 16th November 2024 at 6:00 pm in the senior School Large Hall was an unforgettable evening filled with enchanting melodies and spirited performances. The event, which saw an enthusiastic turnout, celebrated musical talent across three categories: Western Vocal – Solo, Western Instrumental – Solo, and Western Orchestra – Group.

The air was thick with anticipation as each house presented its best musicians, and the competition was fierce. The evening’s esteemed guests included Mrs. Priyadarshini Nair, a renowned musician, and member of the Air Force Family Welfare Association, who served as the chief guest, along with distinguished judges Mr. Ivon Enos, a well-known musician, and Mr. Don Bosco, a talented violinist.

The results were as follows:

 

Western Vocal – Solo:

  1. Gia John of class XI: First Position

  2. Anna Anex of class XII: Second Position

  3. Adrika Z A of class X: Third Position

 

Western Instrumental – Solo:

  1. Krishav Agarawal of class X: First Position

  2. Sanjay Roshan of class XI: Second Position

  3. Raghav O of Class XI: Third Position

 

Western Orchestra – Group:

  1. Aravalli and Nilgiri House First Position

  2. Sumeru House-Third Position

  3. Vindhya House- Fourth Position

The event concluded on a touching note, with Mrs. Priyadarshini Nair herself gracing the stage to sing a beautiful rendition of a classic song from The Sound of Music, leaving the audience spellbound.

Field Visit to Panapara Estate: A Hands-On Conservation Experience

On 18th November 2024, 25 students from the Conservation Education Program (CEP) visited the Panapara Estate in Allada Valley to gain practical knowledge about re-wilding efforts. The visit was guided by Mr. V. Suresh, Coordinator of the Re-Wilding Program, along with Mr. Aradukuttan, Mr. Ram, a Wildlife Biologist, and Ms. Sophia, an Intern with the Keystone Foundation. The team provided an insightful introduction to the ecological challenges posed by invasive plant species like lantana, which disrupt local ecosystems and force wildlife to migrate in search of food. The session also highlighted the importance of native plants in restoring ecological balance.

During the visit, students actively participated in planting native Chrysopogon grass, an essential species for habitat restoration. They also toured the native plant nursery, learning about the cultivation and care required to support the re-wilding program. The visit offered hands-on experience in conservation and a deeper understanding of the collaborative efforts involved in biodiversity restoration. The students left with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to preserving the environment, contributing to the long-term success of the re-wilding efforts at Panapara Estate.

Exploring Biodiversity at Lovedale Reservoir

On 15th November 2024, ten members of the Nature Club, led by Ms. Sangeetha Jairam, visited the Lovedale Reservoir to study its biodiversity. The students identified and documented various plant species, including native, invasive, endemic plants, weeds, and their characteristics and ecological roles.  Through hands-on exploration and mindfulness contemplation by the lake, they gained insights into the importance of preserving native species and managing invasive ones. The activity deepened their appreciation for the environment and strengthened their commitment to biodiversity conservation. Their findings will be compiled into a report to raise awareness within the school community.

Children’s Day Celebration – 2024

Children’s Day was celebrated at the school on 14th November 2024 with great joy. The event included a vibrant program that showcased the talents of the staff, such as a graceful invocation dance, humorous skits, and captivating folk dance performances. Teachers impressed the students with solo songs, a guitar performance, a semi-classical dance, and a soothing flute solo. A lively Alien dance and an energetic sequence to popular Hindi reels added to the excitement, with a grand finale by the Music Department, leaving students entertained, inspired, and with lasting memories.

NCC Day Celebrations

The NCC cadets of Lawrence School, Lovedale, celebrated NCC Day on November 14th, coinciding with Children's Day, with a series of engaging events that showcased their talents, teamwork, and patriotism.

Event Highlights:

  1. Quiz Competition: Cadets participated in a quiz contest, testing their knowledge of NCC's role in national building, history, and current events. The competition fostered critical thinking and teamwork.

  2. Poster Making: Creative cadets showcased their artistic skills through poster-making, highlighting NCC's contributions to national development.

  3. Motivational and Leadership Talks: Selected cadets delivered inspiring speeches, emphasizing leadership, discipline, and nation-building.

  4. Cultural Program: The grand finale featured a vibrant cultural program, showcasing the cadets' talents in music, dance, and drama.

  5. Run for Fun: A fun run was organized within the school campus, promoting camaraderie and physical fitness.

Celebrating Patriotism and Unity
The NCC Day celebrations embodied the spirit of patriotism, unity, and teamwork. The events encouraged cadets to develop their skills, build confidence, and foster a sense of national pride.

Inter-School Hockey Tournament 2024

The highly anticipated Inter-School Hockey Tournament 2024, held from November 12th to 13th, concluded with a decisive victory for the school team. Organized by the Hockey Nilgiris Association and St. Hilda’s School, the event featured strong participation from multiple schools across the Nilgiris, highlighting exceptional skills and a spirited competitive atmosphere.

After two days of intense competition, The Lawrence School, Lovedale, emerged victorious in both the under-14 and under-19 categories, showcasing exceptional teamwork and determination. The tournament underscored the growing enthusiasm for hockey among young players. With the impressive performance, The Lawrence School has set a high standard for future tournaments. This event not only celebrated sportsmanship but also fostered community spirit, bringing everyone together through a shared passion for hockey.

Annual Athletics Meet 2024-25

The highly anticipated Inter-House Athletics Competition for 2024 was held from November 11th to 14th, culminating in a grand prize distribution ceremony on November 14th, presided over by the Headmaster.

The event was graced by Ms. Rupal Choudhary, Silver Medalist at the U-20 World Athletics Championships, who served as the Guest of Honor. She officially declared the meet open alongside two other distinguished figures in athletics: Mr. Ajith Markose, a former athlete and the current head of the National Endurance Program at the Reliance Foundation, and Mr. Yunis Khan, a former international athlete and coach at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.

This event was a true celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and healthy competition among the school’s houses. Students from all grades showcased remarkable athletic talent and team spirit in various exciting track and field events. The Inter-House Athletics Competition at The Lawrence School, Lovedale, featured a range of thrilling events that captivated the entire school community. A standout moment of the meet was a record-breaking performance in the discus event in the U-19 boys' division.

New Record

Division             Name               Event          New record

U-19 Boys    Kavya Patel   Discus Throw       31.68M

Click here to view the final results of the Inter-House Athletics Competition for 2024–25

Inter-House Computer Digi Quiz 2024 (Senior School)

The Inter-House Computer Digi Quiz 2024 for the Senior School was held on 12th November 2024 in the Senior School Large Hall at 2:30 PM. The event showcased the technological acumen and collaborative spirit of the students as they competed in an exciting series of rounds testing their knowledge in various aspects of computer science and digital technology.

The quiz comprised multiple rounds, including rapid-fire, audio-visual, and coding-based challenges, each designed to assess critical thinking, technical knowledge, and teamwork. All houses demonstrated impressive preparation and enthusiasm, making the competition intense and engaging.

Results:

  1. 1st Position: Nilgiri House (150 Points)

    • Participants:

      1. Kalyani D - 11B

      2. Aryansh Patre - 11B

      3. Alankrit Prakash - 11B

      4. Raghav Ohlyan - 11B

  2. 2nd Position: Sumeru House (120 Points)

    • Participants:

      1. Sonam Chand - 12B

      2. Shaurya Krishnamoorty - 11B

      3. A. Pramia Meenakshi - 11A

      4. Adway Koolwal - 10B

  3. 3rd Position: Aravalli House (110 Points)

    • Participants:

      1. Meher Bagri - 12C

      2. Kritanu R - 12A

      3. Shresth Parakh - 11A

      4. Hiranya Bedi - 12B

  4. 4th Position: Vindhya House (90 Points)

    • Participants:

      1. Vedant Agarwal - 12B

      2. Agnidipto Nanda - 11B

      3. Anvi Naik - 10C

      4. S.A. Ashwika - 11C

The event concluded with applause for all participants and recognition of their dedication and effort.

Developing Self-Respect

The Peer Educators Emayaa P.S. and Aryaveer Agarwal from Class 9 led a session for the Class 8 girls on Developing Self-Respect on 12th November 2024. 34 students attended the session. This session focused on critical aspects of self-respect, including managing peer pressure, understanding and setting boundaries, differentiating between lust, infatuation, and love, avoiding idealisation, and exercising the right to say “No.” The session was designed to foster self-awareness, confidence, and assertiveness, especially in situations where students may feel pressured or uncertain.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. Peer Pressure and Sticking to Personal Values
    Emayaa and Aryaveer emphasised the importance of standing firm in one's values, especially when facing peer pressure. They shared personal experiences of times when they encountered peer pressure and successfully maintained their values, setting an example for the younger students on resilience and self-belief.

  2. Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
    The Peer Educators highlighted the significance of establishing and respecting personal boundaries. They encouraged the students to reflect on what feels comfortable and uncomfortable for them and how to assert these boundaries with people in a respectful yet firm manner.

  3. Difference Between Lust, Infatuation, and Love
    The Peer Educators explained the distinctions between lust, infatuation, and love, helping the students understand these feelings in a mature and thoughtful way. By addressing this, they aimed to clarify misconceptions and promote healthy perspectives on relationships. Students were encouraged to maintain respectful interactions and avoid behaviours that could be inappropriate. Additionally, the Peer Educators emphasised the potential mental health impact of early intimate relationships.

  4. Avoiding Idealization
    The session also covered the risks of idealizing others. The Peer Educators explained that placing people on a pedestal can lead to disappointment and hinder one’s own self-respect. They encouraged the students to value themselves equally and focus on mutual respect in all relationships.

  5. Exercising the Right to Say "No"
    The Peer Educators discussed the power of saying "No" and how it is an essential aspect of self-respect and autonomy. They provided scenarios and examples where saying "No" is a healthy choice, empowering students to make decisions in line with their values and boundaries.

The session was interactive, with open discussions and active participation from the Class 8 girls. Emayaa and Aryaveer’s personal stories on peer pressure resonated with the students, making the session relatable and impactful. The students asked questions, shared some of their own experiences, and practiced responses for challenging situations in a supportive environment.

Taekwondo Colour Belt Grading Exam – Successful Completion

The Taekwondo Colour Belt Grading Exam was successfully held on 10th November 2024 at the Prep School Basketball Court, with 74 students from Class 5 to Class 8 participating. The exam, supervised by 7th Dan G. Balakrishnan, assessed the students’ skills and techniques while also motivating them to aim for higher grades. The results saw 29 students advance from White Belt to Yellow Stripe, 29 from Yellow Stripe to Yellow Belt, and 16 from Yellow Belt to Green Stripe. The event was attended by Mr. Thomas George, Master Charge of the Junior School, Mrs. Anita Prabhu, Mistress Charge of the Prep School, and other staff members. It was announced that colour belt grading exams will be conducted every three months.

Screening of ‘Amaran’ at Lawrence School, Lovedale

On 10th November 2024, Lawrence School, Lovedale, hosted a special screening of the acclaimed Tamil film Amaran (The Immortal), directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International. The event was honored by the presence of the director, Rajkumar Periasamy, and the producer, Mr. R. Mahendran. The director shared valuable insights with the students about the making of the film and its narrative, which celebrates the courage of modern military heroes. As a gesture of appreciation, the Headmaster presented mementos to the distinguished guests, expressing the school’s pride and gratitude for this memorable occasion.

Empowering Minds at the Round Square International Conference on Financial Literacy

The Round Square International Conference on Financial Literacy and Independence, held on November 6th and 7th, 2024, at The Millennium School, Dubai, focused on the theme "SheInvests." Students Shaarvi Jagat, Kalyani Dhanasekaran, Haley Dhaduk, Aikya Alla, and Ananya Bhargava represented The Lawrence School, Lovedale, alongside participants from across the globe. The conference covered topics like financial independence, workplace wage disparities, gender budgeting, and debt management. Keynote speaker Dakshita Das, a seasoned bureaucrat, shared insights from her illustrious career and the importance of financial planning. A panel discussion on overcoming setbacks and interactive Barraza sessions enriched participants' perspectives. Case studies on global challenges encouraged critical thinking and practical application of financial concepts. This enriching experience underscored the value of public speaking, teamwork, and knowledge-sharing, preparing students for future leadership. Gratitude was extended to mentors Kuldeep Singh Sir and Swadesh Kumar Chaubey Sir for their invaluable guidance and support.

IPSC Athletics Championship-2024

The IPSC Athletics for the year 2024-25 was held at Punjab Public School Nabha from 5th to 7th November 2024. The competition saw enthusiastic participation from schools across the region, with athletes competing in various events. The Lawrence School girls' team showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship, securing the overall third position in the competition. Their impressive performances in track and field events contributed significantly to the team’s success.

Click here to view the final results

Educational Visit to Keystone Foundation: A Step Towards Conservation Awareness

On November 7, 2024, 25 students from The Lawrence School, Lovedale, along with students from Chamraj Higher Secondary School, Chamraj, participated in a hands-on learning experience at the Keystone Foundation campus in Kotagiri as part of the Leopard Rock Conservation Project. This educational visit, organized in collaboration with NicoEco and Keystone Foundation, aimed to deepen students' understanding of environmental conservation, particularly the role of trees and ecosystems. The visit included an informative session covering topics such as ecosystem dynamics, the importance of trees, the growth process of plants, the diversity of seeds, and native trees in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Students also learned about the significance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) in local livelihoods.

The participating schools were accompanied by a group of dedicated teachers and staff, including Mr. Rajan Narayanan (Deputy Headmaster), Mr. Swetank, Ms. Aruna Konsom, and Ms. Sangeetha Jairam . As part of the visit, students were given a practical assignment called "Season Watch," which encourages them to track seasonal changes in their local environments over the course of a year. Each student was provided with an observation card to record data on plants, trees, weather patterns, and wildlife, promoting a deeper connection with nature and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.

The visit proved to be an enriching experience for all participants, enhancing their knowledge of conservation issues and inspiring them to take an active role in environmental stewardship. The engaging sessions and hands-on activities at the Keystone Foundation not only provided valuable learning opportunities but also motivated the students to contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in their communities. With their continued participation in the Season Watch assignment, the students will play an important role in documenting local environmental changes and furthering the goals of the conservation program.

Calculating Success: Aravalli Shines in the Inter House Senior School Mathematics Quiz 2024

The Senior School Large Hall buzzed with excitement on 6th November, 2024, as students and faculty gathered for the much-anticipated Inter House Mathematics Quiz 2024. With four participants representing each house, the competition was fierce but friendly, testing the mathematical prowess of senior school students. The event began with an explanation of rules, setting a focused tone for the knowledge-enriching quiz. Each round brought insightful challenges, engaging both participants and audience alike. In the end, Aravalli House claimed the first position with 48 points, closely followed by Vindhya House with 43 points. Sumeru and Nilgiri houses came in third and fourth with 32 and 31 points, respectively. The quiz sparked enthusiasm and admiration for mathematics across the school.

Nilgiri District Badminton Tournament-2024

Team Lawrence won multiple titles at the District Badminton Tournament held at Anna Stadium, Ooty, from 5th to 8th November 2024. The championship brought together 299 players from 25 schools and clubs across the region to compete in a total of 28 events for both boys and girls, spanning age groups from under 11 to above 55.

The Lawrence School, Lovedale dominated the championship securing 20 Titles.

Click here to view the results

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