July Month
Dear Parents,
This month, Sancta Maria is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a long-anticipated Alumni Meet. This special event is a time for us to come together to celebrate and reflect on our shared journey. It fills us with immense pride to see the remarkable achievements of our homecoming students.
This month, our school celebrates curiosity, emphasising its importance in education while ensuring it’s channelled positively to protect children in an age of easy access to information. Also, we are proud of our student’s top scores in the Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary checkpoints.
Our school demonstrated its dedication to social responsibility by collaborating with an NGO to provide educational support for 36 children of our support staff. This initiative has paved the way for a brighter and more promising future for these children.
These achievements reflect our teachers’ commitment and our students’ relentless drive. As we step into this promising June, we look forward to reaching even higher milestones and celebrating more successes together.
Ms Hema Sanjay,
Principal Sancta Maria International School, Hyderabad
In the Spotlight
Excellentia Academia: Excellence in Academics!
Lower Secondary Checkpoint Results:
Our confident students consistently excel in their Cambridge Checkpoint assessments, and we are immensely proud to celebrate their exceptional performance in May 2024.
Primary Checkpoint Results
We are thrilled to announce that our students have once again surpassed expectations in the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint assessments. This year’s results reflect the hard work, dedication, and exceptional academic abilities of our young learners, who have demonstrated remarkable proficiency across all subjects.
International Yoga & Music Day
We celebrated Yoga and Music Day with great enthusiasm. The day began with a calming yoga session, where students practised asanas and meditation. This was followed by musical performances, showcasing talents from classical to contemporary. The event highlighted the importance of mindfulness, physical wellness, and artistic expression, fostering a sense of community and joy among students.
Happenings in the School
Alumni Meet
Get ready to reconnect and relive those unforgettable moments. Join us on 20th July for an extraordinary alumni meet! Let’s celebrate our journey together, share stories, and create new memories. See you there!
First Day at School
The first day of school brought out beautiful smiles and warm hugs as we welcomed our students back after a relaxing summer break. Our campus was filled with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm, setting the tone for a fantastic year ahead. Over the past month, our students have embraced new challenges with renewed spirit and have already started making lasting memories. Here’s to unlocking an amazing year together!
New Parent Orientation 2024-25
We had an absolutely wonderful day with the New Parent Orientation Programme for the upcoming academic year 2024-25. It was a pleasure meeting all of you and sharing what makes our community special. Thank you for joining us and for your enthusiastic participation. We’re thrilled to have such amazing families as part of our journey. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Teacher’s Corner
Embracing the Journey: Reflections from My Teaching Adventure
I was filled with excitement and hope when I started my teaching career. Little did I know this path would test my patience, creativity, and passion in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s been like navigating a boat through a storm while balancing fiery torches, but I’ve grown to cherish this journey deeply.
I vividly remember the early days when my principal asked if I preferred to teach science or math. Without much thought, I chose math, assuming it would be simpler. She smiled knowingly and told me to reconsider my answer after a year. She knew something I didn’t yet understand: teaching is never as straightforward as it seems.
As a new teacher, I was eager to inspire my students to love math. At first, I thought they understood my lessons, but soon I learned to read between the lines of their emotions. Teaching effectively means building rapport with students, recognising their unique learning styles, and adapting my methods to meet their needs. This realisation was both humbling and enlightening.
I’ve encountered wonderful experiences, invaluable lessons, and unexpected challenges throughout my journey. The most profound lessons often came from surprising moments, especially during parent-teacher meetings (PTMs). I recall my first PTM vividly. I anticipated discussing academic progress but found myself fielding questions about a child’s lunch and home behaviour. Initially, I felt out of my depth, thinking these concerns weren’t my responsibility. However, my mentor gently guided me to see that as teachers, we are entrusted with the overall development of our students. A simple smile and a listening ear can make a world of difference.
Every experience has taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and resilience. I cherish the knowledge I’ve gained, the relationships I’ve built, and the joyful moments that make each day in the classroom special. While the future remains uncertain, I find comfort in knowing I’m not alone. I am part of a dedicated community of educators who share a passion for transforming the lives of our students.
One of the greatest lessons I learned from my teachers is the power of a smile and unwavering support. No matter what challenges my students face, I strive to be that reassuring presence for them. My goal as a teacher is to guide and shape my students, helping them understand their important roles in their families and society, and ensuring the lessons they learn pave the way for their future success.
Mathematically Yours,
Rajini
Safeguarding
Curiosity: Nurturing the mind and Safeguarding the future
Curiosity is an innate trait that drives children to explore, learn, and grow. This month, our school celebrates curiosity, emphasizing its importance in education and overall development. Yet, in an age where information is just a click away, it is crucial to channel this curiosity positively, especially concerning safeguarding children from potential harm.
The power of curiosity
Children are natural explorers. Their endless questions, whether about how the world works or why the sky is blue, reflect a deep-seated desire to understand their surroundings. Encouraging this curiosity is vital. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. As adults—parents, teachers, and caregivers—we play a pivotal role in nurturing this inquisitiveness.
Encouraging open dialogue
Instead of curbing their curiosity, we should create an environment where children feel safe to ask questions. Open, honest conversations are essential. When children know they can come to us with their questions or concerns, we become their primary source of information and support. This trust is crucial for their development and safety.
The role of Safeguarding in curiosity
In today’s digital age, children have unprecedented access to information. While this can be beneficial, it also poses significant risks. The internet can be a double-edged sword; it provides answers but can also expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and predators. Hence, safeguarding is paramount.
Safeguarding as a dinner table conversation
Safeguarding issues should be regular topics of conversation in our homes. Discussing topics like online safety, personal boundaries, and recognizing inappropriate behavior empowers children. When these conversations are normalized, children are more likely to speak up if something feels wrong.
Key Safeguarding topics to discuss
1. Online safety: Teach children about the importance of privacy online. Explain why they should never share personal information or interact with strangers on the internet.
2. Personal boundaries: Help children understand the concept of personal space and boundaries. They should know it’s okay to say no if someone makes them uncomfortable, even if it’s a friend or family member.
3. Recognizing abuse: Educate children about different forms of abuse—physical, emotional, and sexual. Ensure they understand that abuse is never their fault and they should always report it.
The impact of parenting on Mental health
The way we address these issues directly affects a child’s mental health. A supportive, open environment helps children feel secure and valued. They learn to trust their instincts and feel confident in seeking help when needed. Conversely, ignoring these conversations can lead to feelings of isolation, fear, and confusion.
Creating a supportive environment
1. Listen actively: Show genuine interest in your child’s thoughts and feelings. Validate their experiences and provide reassurance.
2. Be available: Make time for regular, meaningful conversations. Let your child know they can come to you anytime.
3. Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest trends and potential dangers in the digital world. This knowledge equips you to guide your child effectively.
Conclusion
Curiosity is a powerful tool for growth and learning. By encouraging children to ask questions and engage in open dialogue, we not only nurture their intellectual development but also safeguard their well-being. As we embrace curiosity this month, let’s commit to creating an environment where our children feel safe, supported, and empowered. After all, safeguarding their curiosity today is investing in a brighter, more secure future for them.