Birthday Message from GSA Principal

Dear My Good School, 

I wish you a very Happy Birthday. I hope you have an amazing year and the happiest of birthdays. The time spent with you is akin to discovering oneself and connecting it to one's potential. All it takes to make any of us smile is your presence. We appreciate you being here and motivating us.

On this special day, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the participation of our beloved GSA member schools. School leaders, parents, and my dear students. Last but not least our beloved Sandeep sir, for his motivation and passion towards bringing all of us together and igniting the spark of light towards a common goal #Joy of Learning. 

Your presence contributed immensely to our success story, and we truly appreciate your support. We truly appreciate your thoughts and recommendations as we think about and anticipate improving our upcoming experiences.

On behalf of GSA, I would like to thank each one of you, and invite you to the GSA retreat from 13th to 16thNovember. It's going to be a memorable experience for all of us. Our vision is to create #JoyofLearning focusing on reading, reflection, and building relationships.

Once again, a very Happy Birthday. Continue to rise and shine.

Warmly

Manisha Khanna

GSA Principal

Thank you, Good School Alliance!

Happy Birthday 

Our dear GSA

On behalf of the entire Sunbeam School and Hostel, Lahartara, we wish Good School Alliance a very Happy Birthday!

Thank you for making our Sundays both interesting and full of values, with a touch of fun. To be honest, we thoroughly enjoy our Sundays thanks to your efforts.

You have truly made a great impact on our lives, and we are grateful to have you.

Thank you, Good School Alliance!

Warm regards,

Sunbeam School and Hostel

Lahartara

My Good School Retreat 2024

My Good School Retreat 2023

Reflections 

“ Like every chapter in the book has its own ending, our Retreat also ended with memorable experiences and friendly relations. But the chapter containing our memories will be the best I have read and experienced.” Tenzin Nyingsel

“Seeing all the teachers and friends leaving with whom I spent an excellent time for four days, I almost cried. After spending four days together, I felt like we had been together for a very long period, and during this time, I became very close with them; I suppose that we all became so close that we were much more than best friends and because of this bond I emotional when everyone was leaving, the only thing which  I could say was " goodbye " and " best wishes ahead " I wanted to say many things, but the words were not coming from my mouth, one after one everyone started leaving and only HPS (Hyderabad Public School) group were left, for few minutes we talked and after a while, they were also nowhere to be seen.” - Tenzin Jambey

‘I have got many great opportunities in my life. The excellent My Good School Retreat is one of the best opportunities, giving me many life lessons. This will be an unforgettable part of my life. I had never been so excited about many things, but this was the opposite. I have described below my experiences and what I learned during this retreat” Nishan Karki

—-

Dear Teachers,

Hope you had a nice day.

When I got a chance to attend the My Good School Retreat in the Doon Girls School, first l was very excited to see the people from various parts of India whom I had only heard or seen on the screen. On the other hand, I needed clarification about interacting with them. But who knew that I would talk to everyone and enjoy with them. 

On the first day, we walked to Khalanga War Memorial, Nalapani, accompanied by Col Vikram Thapa and two more people. One of them was around the 70s and was very kind and friendly. We learnt many things from him, like about the Khalanga War etc. After the walk, we returned to The Doon Girls School, where we had the Icebreaking session, held after the tasty lunch in the school. In the evening, we had presentations by various schools which were knowledgeable, but at the same time, I was scared too, as it was my first presentation in public.

            

We left for The Doon School the next day, which was a great life opportunity for me. There we had our breakfast, and I liked the school system as it was different from regular schools; all the activities done in the school were looked after by the students and even the school assembly. After the walk in the school, we went forward to Khan Farm, Biharigarh. We had a nature walk and played many games, including the talent show, team building and leadership activity. Through those games, we learned how a leader should act.

It was the second last day when we returned from Biharigarh. Then back in school, we had to reflect on our two-day journey. And I had many things to say, but couldn't I be nervous to say things in front of others. When it was my turn to speak, I said something funny, which made everyone laugh. After that, we had our friendly basketball match between the retreat team and the Doon Girls School. Fortunately, we won the game by one point. There was a situation when I snatched the ball from a girl, but later in the game, she took revenge, which was fun.

On the last day, it was Earth Day celebrations in which many schools came and sang songs based on nature, and we also sang the song "Somewhere In The World".

I am very thankful to the Director of Pesstalozzi for giving us such a great opportunity, Shelja Ma'am, and Minaxi Ma'am for supporting us.

Thanking you 

Yours faithfully,

Monika Singh Pundir 

Pestalozzi India Children’s Village

Check out the Retreat 2023 Album

https://photos.retreat.2023

Note-taking and Reflections - What is the difference?

Notes Vs Reflections

Recording your thoughts and spreading your insights are unique tasks, each with its intentions and outcomes.

Note-taking: - Involves recording information, ideas, or insights from a lesson, lecture, or reading.

• Focuses on capturing facts, concepts, and details.
• Helps with memory retention, review, and reference.
• Often done individually.

Sharing reflections: - Involves sharing thoughts, opinions, or insights about what has been learned.

• Focuses on making connections, analysing, and evaluating information.
• Encourages critical thinking, synthesis, and application.
• Often done collaboratively or publicly, such as in a discussion or blog post.

While note-taking is primarily about capturing information, sharing reflections is about processing, interpreting, and sharing perspectives. 

Sharing reflections

#JoyOfLearning

Help us ignite the #JoyOfLearning! We are dedicated to empowering passionate educators, teachers, and students by equipping them with the essential skills of reading, reflection, and fostering strong relationships. Your candid reflections are invaluable and contribute to the cultivation of a culture rooted in trust and continuous learning. Embrace the #HappyTeachers movement and witness the positive impact it will have on your own professional image. Let's spread the joy of learning together!

Why are we here?

GOOD SCHOOLS ALLIANCE

Transforming Education  Discover our cutting-edge Curriculum and join our online school community. Open to everyone from 9 to 90+ #JoyOfLearning. 

• Curriculum
• Pedagogy 
• The Impact - Assessment

We are the Good Schools Alliance (GSA)

1. The 6 C's Curriculum
2. Pedagogy - the method of teaching - My Good School (includes Internship), The Teacher's Academy (includes Fellowship), YouTube Channel (learning resources), and Book Cafe - champions our core message #ReadToLead
3. Our focus is on promoting GSA and working with 25 Schools year-on-year. With limited schools, we will be able to ensure the personal and social development of every individual.
4. Partners are not our Pedagogy or part of our Curriculum. They work with us on pilot programs—their own—and if the schools wish to connect with them, they are most welcome.

Please ask questions and give your feedback. We want to make GSA a leading school transformation agency in India. If you require assistance, please email Atom at LF@ebd.in. You may message us by SMS, Telegram, or WhatsApp at +91 9811133900.

Sandeep Dutt
Founder Good Schools Alliance
www.SchoolEducation.com

Impact of the My Good School Program

On 21st July 2024, Mr P. V. Paul, Director of QCR&D, visited Sunbeam Varuna School and Hostel. During his visit, he interacted with the boarders and gathered feedback on the Sunday School reading sessions. The boarders shared that these sessions have significantly enhanced their vocabulary, reading, and writing skills. Some also mentioned that they have learned valuable morals and ethics.

Harsh Tiwari and Divyansh summarised the day's chapter, demonstrating their understanding and engagement with the material evidence.

Mr. Paul also had an exclusive meeting with the interns, where he discussed their roles and responsibilities. By contributing to these sessions, he emphasized how they can refine and apply their skills and potential.

Overall, the visit was highly interactive and fostered a more profound understanding among all participants.

The post is courtesy of Deeba Naqvi, a passionate educator at Sunbeam Varuna School and Hostel pursuing the Fellowship Program with the Learning Forward India Foundation.

Reflection of the week - Sunday 7th July 2024

Listen to the Podcast on YouTube

- From My Guide Inside -   

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. What would you call your My Guide Inside? 

3. How does your My Guide Inside help you? 

4. Share your thoughts and feelings. Show insight and connections to this quote from My Guide Inside (Book II) Chapter One:

    My guide inside of wisdom is "powerful knowledge." Wisdom will "grow with you and guide you."

- From Jataka Tales -     

1. Why do we read about the Jataka Tales?    

2. Did the story connect with you today, and why?     

3. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

4. How do parents name their children?

5. Where is Takksila located? What is its significance?

6. What is righteousness?

7. Moral Integrity

8. How would you tackle the problem if you were in the Bodhisattva's place? 

These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!     

You can email your reflections to - nk@learningforward.org.in

SUMMARY

The speakers emphasised the significance of education and self-discovery, sharing personal experiences and insights on inner wisdom, thought labelling, and the connection between thoughts and feelings. They discussed the intersection of Yoga and AI, the importance of personal experience and self-denial in storytelling and the path to enlightenment. The speakers highlighted the importance of embracing simplicity, compassion, and wisdom in making good choices and guiding us through life.

12.00 PM
We decided not to read the chapter from The Hidden Life of Trees and instead hosted an Open House to meet Ms Manish Khanna and discuss how we could better engage with Fellows and Interns. Kunal shared an update about the Impact Study, and we discussed how we could improve our program on Sunday and engage with a wider audience.

JOL Diaries Newsletter - June 2024

Newsletter June 2024 by Rishona Chopra

“My Good School is not just a school; it's a place that offers many opportunities to learn and grow. Whether making posters or writing blogs, these activities have enhanced my writing and creative skills and instilled essential life values like compassion, giving, and resilience.” Arav Arav, Class 5 

The JOL Diaries newsletter is published on the 14th day of every month, and it captures the joy of learning we experience working together nationwide. 


Links For Back issues:
May 2024 
April 2024  
March 2024 
February 2024 
January 2024

Meet and Greet with Dr. Sanjeev Chopra

Sanjeev Chopra is a retired IAS officer of the 1985 batch from Kapurthala, Punjab. He is a resident of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He was a Former Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration and the author of  We the People of the States of Bharat: The Making and Remaking of India's Internal Boundaries, published in 2022. He is now the patron and honorary consultant to the Valley of Words International Literary Festival, held annually in Dehradun, India.

On June 9th, we met with Dr. Sanjeev Chopra for a half-hour meet-and-greet. Dr. Chopra shared his inspirations, travels, and love for reading, making it an interactive learning session for our students and teachers. 

As the author of We the People of the States of Bharat: The Making and Remaking of India's Internal Boundaries, Dr. Sanjeev taught us about the idea behind the book and its significance. We discussed how books and language are the greatest treasures, how the Foundation of Valley Of Words came to be, and Dr. Sanjeev's life lessons and takeaways. 

Visit the Valley of Words(VOW) Foundation: https://www.valleyofwords.org

Host: Rishona Chopra, School Captain 

Some key details about his visit:

Rishona, the school captain, invited him to speak to students about valuing literature and art and working with young people. 

Dr Sanjeev Chopra was introduced as a retired IAS officer who set up the Dehradun Valley of Words Literature Festival. He discussed his background in the IAS and different postings across India over 36 years. 

Dr Chopra emphasised the importance of reading books and critically discussing them at literature festivals. He shared his love for reading and how it has sustained him throughout his career and travels. The discussion was rich and diverse, covering various topics, including his recommendations for the Bhagavad Gita, the festivals he has attended, and his work promoting literature in Dehradun through the Valley of Words organisation. 

Dr. Chopra's visit was a unique opportunity for students to gain insights from his experiences, particularly in books, reading, and using skills to positively impact society.

The Power of Student Observation- Tejas Kumar

The Power of Student Observation

Student observation is an often overlooked but potent force in education. Beyond textbooks, observation offers real-world relevance, fostering curiosity, inquiry, and empathy. By engaging with their surroundings, students deepen their understanding and develop essential skills for navigating the complexities of the modern world.                                                                 

Strengthening Analytical Skills

Observation sharpens students' analytical abilities as they dissect and interpret the information gleaned from their surroundings. This analytical prowess serves them not only in academic pursuits but also in problem-solving scenarios encountered throughout life.

Encouraging Active Participation

Through observation, students become active participants in their own learning journey. Rather than passively receiving information, they engage with their environment, taking ownership of their education and fostering a sense of empowerment.

Inspiring Creativity

Observation fuels creativity by exposing students to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. Whether it's through studying the natural world, analyzing works of art, or observing human behaviour, students draw inspiration from their observations to fuel their own creative endeavours.

Building Communication Skills

Effective observation lays the groundwork for strong communication skills. By articulating their observations and insights, students learn to convey information clearly and persuasively—a skill set invaluable in both academic and professional settings.

Promoting Lifelong Learning

The habit of observation transcends the classroom, instilling in students a lifelong thirst for knowledge. By continuously observing and learning from their surroundings, students cultivate a mindset of curiosity and adaptability, essential traits for success in an ever-evolving world.

Tejas Kumar

Grade-IX

Sunbeam School Lahartara 

Books are our Best friends - Animesh Kashyap

Books are our best friends, there is a saying. Books give us an enormous amount of knowledge. We go to school and learn a lot of new stuff. We are taught a lot of things and we are told some things. But to completely understand all concepts in the subjects, we need to read and consult the books.

The people who tell, teach or advise us are not always there with us but the books are always with us. We can refer to them and clarify our doubts or remind ourselves of some points we have forgotten or learn a point which we have not looked into so far.

Books may be costly to buy. But good books are worth more than the money. In some cases, friends don't come to help us, but books never cheat us. They always help us whenever we fall into trouble. Books play an important role in our lives because they make us knowledgeable, and intelligent, and help us to become mature and smart people.

Animesh Kashyap
Class-VIII
Sunbeam School & Hostel Lahartara

There is no age for learning - Vaibhav Jaiswal

                                                      ‘There is no age for learning’

 “Wisdom comes not from age, but from education and learning"- Antonio Chekhov

Learning is a continuous process, and a true learner always seeks avenues to learn from anybody and everybody. Education has become crucial for all human beings. Everyone desires to receive the best education because life has no age, but learning has no end. Learning is beneficial for individuals regardless of their age. While all else may crumble, the knowledge acquired through education endures until one's passing. Individuals without formal education are now embarking on the journey of acquiring knowledge.

Learning is not only about gaining formal education; it means understanding society, people, and many other things. Therefore, we can say that learning has no end. 

The notion that education is valuable at any age and that it transcends the limits of time is a powerful one. Learning extends beyond academic settings; it encompasses understanding society, people, and various aspects of life. This broader perspective on learning highlights its endless nature.

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.

Vaibhav Jaiswal
Grade- 9
Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

2023 and all it had to give - Rishona Chopra

2023 has been a fantastic year for me! There were lots of ups and downs and lots of learning to take away!

The start of the year was rather bumpy. It started with annual exams which weren't the best so that was a letdown for me.  But then the fact that I was going to another higher grade made me quite cheerful and excited. I must say, the new semester was a fresh start. It allowed me to improve from my past mistakes and learn from them. 

The first day of school was a new door. It was the day when I met a lot of new people. New students and teachers too. I did have some negative perceptions about a few people but now that I think about it those perceptions have changed drastically. I suppose you can't assume things without knowing someone first!

Then there were exams. I had mathematical formulas, equations and a ton of nervousness rushing through my mind but we did make it through the exams too. 

I can't go on about 2023 without mentioning my journey with My Good School. It was a fantastic year! From Meet and Greets with several authors and entrepreneurs, I not only expanded my collection of books but also expanded my learning by miles. Each Sunday session was valuable and priceless. There was something new to take away each time. 

Another highlight of the year was My Guide Inside. The sessions I did with Ms. Christa Campsall were invaluable and being able to conduct similar sessions with younger grades was the icing on the cake. MGI has been a huge part of 2023 and it's all thanks to the mentors who work hard to give us this meaningful bundle of learning and joy. 

My most trustworthy and silent companion was with me throughout this journey; That companion is a book. Books were a crucial part of 2023. I explored new genres and read some amazing books that are indeed no less than a treasure. I dived into the world of polar bears and dogs and some very touching stories of families. Books just take me to another world and make the year more memorable. 

I wouldn't have made it through the year without my family. They are the ones I do have disagreements with but also the ones most dear to me. I believe sometimes we take the gift of family for granted but it's important to realize that having parents to hold on to is a blessing. It's perhaps the greatest gift in the world and they are what made my year better than ever. 

There were a lot of highlights of 2023 and these are just a few of them. There were a lot of times in the year when my behaviour was rather negative and I will try to improve upon it. Of course, you can't permanently remove negative feelings from your life but it is vital to work towards positivity. 

Rishona Chopra
Grade VII
Gyanshree School

Tenzin Chonzom pours out her heart for My Good School!

Good evening, sir; this is Tenzin Chonzom ✨

We did a lot for today's class, but what reflected in my mind was that happiness is the result and not a cause.

I want to write a short note on this because of a discussion we had in class. 

It depends on external things. Its result, which comes from within due to our kind works, gives happiness. 

* Life of Crescendo (reflection)

. Life is a mission, not a career

. It tells About what keeps people growing

. We learned about the six paths

       : happiness is the result, not the cause 

       : stress is not bad

       : Physical exercise is essential and good 

. If you enjoy

        : Cash doesn't last

        : Stay involved in work

        : Maintenance of a robust social network

. Anyone who keeps learning stays young 🌱

. Staying focused

. It's all recognition of the abundance of facts. 

*Creating Passion 

Passions are developed through emotions, mainly through activities that you find to be fun.

As mentioned by Amerdeep sir in a previous session, he remarked, "DON'T FOLLOW PASSION. CREATE YOUR OWN PASSION." he has motivated me through all aspects of problems with his meeting in the session.

    

* Leaving 2023 and moving to 2024 ( learning I did from My Good School in this passing year )

 . Breaking goals into smaller steps makes them more accessible for students to comprehend. As mentioned by Amerdeep, sir.

My Good School always taught me never to stop dreaming and to keep learning and improving my reading, writing, and listening skills.

A good school encourages the young minds of students and is filled with positive thoughts.

Thank you, sir.

Tenzin Chonzom
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Do it for yourself - Rishona Chopra

PC. VectorStock

Often, we find ourselves doing things to please someone else. To get appreciation. We all are like that, even I. It makes me feel happy when one appreciates me. But there is one more thing to the appreciation - the pressure. 

When one appreciates you, you feel burdened to always do well, be an achiever and keep striving but when you fall in that cycle, you lose the joy of doing the task in the very first place. You now don't do it for self-pleasure but to please someone else.

When we do that, the task eventually becomes a burden and all happiness is replaced by fear and nervousness. Whatever we do, we should be doing it just for ourselves. Not for seeking prestige and glory. 

Why are we here in this world? What is our purpose? To do our part in the world and be kind. That is our purpose. And the key to fulfilling that purpose is to be happy and content with ourselves. To do all our tasks for mere joy and happiness.

I write because it gives me joy. I read because it takes me to another world. I play the piano because it makes my heart soar with happiness. If I did all these things for someone else then it wouldn't give me the same joy that it gave me before.

There are two meanings that come out when we say “ Do it for yourself”. One is that we do something because it gives us happiness. Because we love that task. The second is to help out someone else yet enjoy the task and not lose the joy in doing it.

Helping out someone is fantastic but everything we must do must be done with passion and happiness. If no joy, the beauty of the work itself disappears.

When you eat the food at a restaurant and when you eat something homemade, there is a humongous difference! The food at home is made with love and you can feel that while eating the food.  The joy and passion in work are shown similarly no matter how it may look or be.

When we say "Joy of learning" the keyword isn't "Learning", it is "Joy". We learn for our own joy and happiness. 

As said, live your life for you, not for anyone else.

Rishona Chopra

Grade VII

Gyanshree School

Reflections for today's meeting - Tenzin Chonzom

Sunday School 24th December 2024

We watched a video of an American woman who is 92 years old and an advocator of social justice, an incredible woman who encouraged me and taught me that it's never too late to start something.

•⁠  ⁠Having an extraordinary meeting with Amardeep sir was the most significant opportunity I had; with the help of his advice, a lot of things struct my mind

The following are:

 1.⁠ ⁠Not to follow a passion; create your passion.

 2.⁠ ⁠Never chase recognition (you'll not achieve anything). Create your content.

 3.⁠ ⁠Keep trying many things because we don't know the emergence.

 4.⁠ ⁠Everything in life is a means to an end, and there will be a chance to excel.

 5.⁠ ⁠Religion is a subset of legacy.

 6.⁠ ⁠Dreams are supposed to be filled with challenges and obstacles.

 7.⁠ ⁠Learning is feet for every individual.

Amardeep sir, In his documentary, The Tapestry of Guru Nanak:

I highly appreciate his hard work of 30 years and self-discovery. His interest in going to every risky area shows his passion and bravery.

My takeaway from this meeting is that he motivated me through all situations 🙏.

Tenzin Chonzom (Girl) from 9th grade 
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

My Golden Journey With My Good School and more from Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

My Golden Journey With My Good School

At first, I wasn't interested in reading. I thought that it was only a waste of time. Still, at the age of 12, my grandfather recommended a book. He said that if you like to study political science and history, you should read "Why I Assassinated Mahatma Gandhi" by "Nathuram Godse." I gave it a try, and I loved it. After that, I read more and more books, but when I joined My Good School, I felt that this was the place for me. Like we say, 'Birds with the same feather flock together'. For readers, My Good School is a paradise from my perspective. A famous quote by Fran Lebowitz that I carry in my mind is, "Think before you speak and read before you think." Every Sunday, I learn a new perspective to go with. A huge thanks to My Good School for this because the school teaches me values to live by.

Shaurya Chaturvedi VIIIB

How Learning Can Happen

Learning happens when we start experiencing. The learning process begins when we start experiencing things in our surroundings. Whether through reading or listening. When we read it, it is the biggest weapon to win all the battles of life. Listening to TED talks and podcasts increases our learning, and we learn new words.

Learning always makes a change in oneself, so never stop reading, writing, and listening.

"Learning is never done without mistakes and passion".

Diyanshu Agarwal IX-D

 

No one has achieved success in the past or present and has not done any hard work. Also, they had yet to achieve success on their first attempt. Success comes to those who find out their mistakes and improve on them. They take the time and opportunities to come; they create the opportunities and manage the time to do so. This is the best and easiest way to achieve good things in their lives. 

Anmol Kashyap VIII-B

Celebrating the work and life of Brinda Ghosh

Please play the podcast

Learning for life

Season 12, Episode 7 A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge and wisdom in the pupils. The most immense joy a teacher experiences is witnessing the success of their students. They pave the path for us and bring us back on the right track if we ever begin to deviate. Teachers are the lamps that light up the most tedious journeys we may experience. However, what makes them unique is that they instil the joy of learning in us! 

Tune into 2 Girls 1 mic as Simar and Oshi delve into another beautiful and hearty conversation with the teacher, guide and mentor who never fails to inspire everyone around her. Joining them on ‘Away with the Chalkboard Blues’ is Ms. Brinda Ghosh. The love she brings forward for her students and her passion for teaching is like no other. Her method of teaching truly encapsulates the students in the subject. 

Feel free to leave comments as you join us in this hearty and engaging discussion. Please leave us comments in the comment section! We would love to read them. 

JOL Diaries November 23

Newsletter by My Good School

"This Children's Day of the year 2023, we are most delighted to bring you the first issue of our monthly newsletter, and we look forward to the middle of every month to get into the middle of your heart and mind with #JoyOfLearning".
Rishona Chopra, School Captain

Learning Forward with Dr Niti Rana

Coming Soon Learning Forward Podcast

with Dr Niti Rana, in conversation with Anvesha and Rishona

Dr Niti Rana is the founder of Rakshya Nepal, an organisation established in 2008 to address the issue of school bullying. Through her work, Dr Rana has significantly contributed to raising awareness about and combating school bullying in Nepal. Her organisation, Rakshya Nepal, works towards creating safe and inclusive learning environments for students by implementing anti-bullying programs and providing support to victims of bullying. Dr. Niti Rana's dedication and efforts have positively impacted the lives of many students in Nepal.

Read more in the book School Bullying: Peer Victimisation and How to Deal with It.