Lovedale Tidings - November 2024
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
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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.
