Reflection: Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025

As we depart for our homes, the wall stands alone, waiting for our next visit!

The Good School Retreat 2025 was truly one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of my school life. Held at Sunbeam Suncity, Varanasi, and hosted by Sunbeam Gramin School, the retreat brought together students from different schools under the Good School Alliance — all with one goal: to learn, share, and grow together.

Our journey began on 26th October, when we boarded the train to Varanasi with excitement bubbling inside us. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at Sunbeam Suncity. The first day began with flag bearers’ practice, followed by ice-breaking games that instantly helped us bond with students from other schools.

The next day, we had our opening ceremony, where we got the opportunity to meet inspiring personalities like Mr Sandeep Dutt, author of My Good School, Mr Jugjiv Sir, Headmaster of the Good School Alliance, Nilashi Ma’am, and many others. The morning started with yoga, after which we went for our service project visits. Our group went to Banaras Beads, India’s largest exporter and single-unit bead-making factory, while other groups visited Kiran Village, where we saw how specially-abled children are empowered through education and skills. Both visits were eye-opening experiences that taught us about hard work, empathy, and real-life learning. Later that evening, we had tea and snacks, a reading session by Jugjiv Sir from the book My Good School, followed by an interactive Joy of Learning activity by Nilashi Ma’am.

On Day 3, the day began with an energetic Zumba session, which filled everyone with positive vibes. Then came the Inme Activities led by the Inme team, where we played games that taught us teamwork, communication, and leadership in the most fun and creative ways. That evening, we were treated to a special Baati Chokha dinner, which was absolutely delicious! The day ended beautifully with another Joy of Learning session by Nilashi Ma’am, where we reflected and interacted even more deeply.

Day 4 was my personal favourite! We went on a Varanasi Darshan, visiting the archaeological site of the Buddha Temple, the monument of Rani Lakshmi Bai, and Assi Ghat, where we saw the real home of Tulsidas Ji. Learning about the ancient monasteries and their preservation was fascinating — it felt like stepping into history itself. Later that evening, we had our Talent Show, where our school performed a poetry piece and a rap. Everyone loved our performance, and the appreciation we received made us feel so proud! We also got to see other amazing performances — from dance and singing to flute playing — each one filled with pure talent and joy.

Finally, on Day 5 (30th October), we visited Sunbeam Gramin School, where we attended the morning assembly and participated in the YES Workshop. Throughout the retreat, we had been working on our flip charts, a 25-page reflection journal highlighting what we learned from the four S’s — Study, Skill, Sports, and Service. In the workshop, we presented our learnings and shared how these values are implemented in our school. It was a truly meaningful way to end the retreat.

As we departed for Ballia, I carried with me not just memories but life lessons — about joyful learning, teamwork, service, and friendship. The retreat wasn’t just a trip; it was an experience that helped me grow as a student and as a person. 🌟

Janvi Singh
Sunbeam School Ballia

Real World Learning - Anvesha Rana

   

Real-World Learning and Reel World Learning are the sides of the same coin. Real Learning is necessary, but Reel Learning is what seems necessary. We cannot be aware of our education unless and until we are put in a situation to test our learning. Exams are the only way to test understanding these days, but there are numerous other ways to check our education. School Trips are an excellent way to assess students' global perspectives and core values.

Gathering in one place and deciding what to bring. The memories of dancing on the bus, eating on one plate and being friends with teachers are the recreations of my school trip. Schools trips may be educational, but they truly make learning fun!

Some trips are just unforgettable because they are lived full-heartedly with the best ones, and the best thing is that while coming back from these trips, we have an extra-large suitcase full of all the memories in our Hearts.

Anvesha Rana, 
Grade 10-B, 
Gyanshree School

The Annual Day at School - Anvesha Rana

The Annual Day at School is an occasion where we ignite the concealed explorer inside each child. Be it the sports day, the investiture ceremony or the theatrical performances. All these functions at school initiate children to think beyond the blue. Studies are not the only thing we go to school for; school is about friends, teachers, skills, sports, services and most importantly, Fun! 

If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. If we all love to go to school, then we will indulge in all the activities there, and by doing that only, we will be able to experience The School of Life. 

Annual Days have always been special to me. The teamwork by everyone to put up the show is evident in the performances, the zeal with which everyone performs is irreplaceable, and the sense of belonging to the school lasts forever. Annual Days are an excellent way to create mutual trust between the students. All the kids strengthen their bond and spark respect for their school by performing together. Annual Days should celebrate the community and promote the diverse cultures in the particular region.

The Annual Day should be one such day when the entire school comes together for a single cause. It should celebrate each student's creativity, uniqueness, interest, skills, and values as part of this colossal organization. A school without students is like memory without a picture. Students make up the school. Thus, it is vital that the students are happy. 

Anvesha Rana.

Grade 10-B, 

Gyanshree School.

Teamwork - Anaghaa Gawde and Hardik Rane

Once upon a time, three girls lived, named Kareena, Rina and Katrina. Kareena and Katrina would always fight. They would talk to each other only after solving their problems.

One day their sister Rina got kidnapped by a thief! It was upon them to save her; they searched and searched; after 4 to 5 hours, they found her in a dungeon, tied up with a granny knot to a pole, a tape piece on the mouth, hands, and legs tied tightly with rope. They both fought to open the granny knot; each one of them tried to open the knot but could not open it. So, they finally worked together. The knot was opened. They did the same with the other 2 knots. 

That’s how they found out the importance of teamwork. This shows that teamwork leads to better outcomes.

Name: Anaghaa Gawde and Hardik Rane

Grade: 5A

Billabong High International School, Thane

Co-operation - Aanya Kumar

You must have heard the word “cooperation. What is cooperation? It is nothing but considering and accommodating the ideas of others, rather than only ours and respecting the same too. Cooperation is working with others and working as a team.

Here is a story on the importance of cooperation

One day an average businessman named Harish was heading towards his office. Hardly after one hour after he reached, his manager called him. He said, “Harish, there is a significant group project that I am making you in charge of. I hope there will be no problems. But if there is, please contact me.” Harish was a kind man and loved working in teams. But the thought of being the senior-most made him bossy and mean. His voice tone became demanding, and slowly his team members stopped liking him. He chose his best team member and made him do all the work. Not one was allowed to help him. There was no teamwork.

Harish proudly started presenting the work and told them it had been done by the best team member only. This statement astonished the manager. He talked to Harish in person. “Harish! I said it was a group project! This is what you call a group project?” But Harish had another perspective… “But sir… you wanted it to be the best, and that is the reason I did this.” “No, Harish! It was still a group project. Redo the project… and this time as a team!” This scolding taught Harish a lesson; he understood the work and effort of a single person could be further improved if they were performed in a group. This time, he encouraged every member for teamwork, respected their inputs, and reworked the entire project. Everybody gave their best and the presentation turned out impressive. All team members were remarked splendidly.

We all should learn this virtue of cooperation. It is essential to be a successful person.

Name- Aanya Kumar

Grade- V

School- Gyanshree School