Annual Day and Feedback Shared by Parents

In the days following our Annual Day celebration, the Jyotirmay International School family of parents and children have been sharing their thoughts and feedback on the event. It is a delight to read what they had to say with their own words posted here, but mostly about the shows which they enjoyed most.

Prashant Chourgede had this to share, “That was near professional act and show put together. I appreciate all teachers and students who put together this effort.” Another parent, Delnaz Poonawala had this to say about the event: “Excellent effort, to organise and get every child to participate. Loved this concept of an actual stage and auditorium feel.” 

Children from Ivy, Basil and Amber won hearts with Story of a Flower

Dr. Vaishali Jagtap’s comments were as follows, “Innovative. Focused on children and not on costumes. Well done. Well organised. Great efforts.” Samina Vasi, has encapsulated the essence of our event in her comment: “Really enjoyed the show. The children too were enjoying doing it and that was the icing on the cake. The script was fantastic. Very well put up and innovative.” Thank you!

The idea behind presenting the event in an auditorium was to give children the confidence of performing on a professional stage and even the little ones could feel the difference. All our students were equally involved and loved being a part of the Annual Day, as with all the other events; you can read more about this in our previous post as well as an upcoming one.

Another parent, Chetan Tiwari had this to say, “Great show, amazing talent, kudos to school staff for managing such a great show.” Here’s another feedback from Sandhya Chate which reflects the same thought: “Great effort from teachers and students together. Very good.” Yes it is the children’s talent which inspired the school and they in turn, have risen to the occasion. 

Hindi skit on Child Labour performed by talented students from Coral and Saffron

Shilpa Charokar is clear about which items she liked most from this year’s Annual Day function, as is evident from what she said: “It was excellent. Specially TV v/s Radio and the Peter Pan. Awesome.” Apparently siblings were not to be left behind as Sangeetha Pai’s feedback shows: “Kudos to students and staff. Capital performance. Enjoyed every single program. Excellent!!! My daughter wanted a repeat of the musical.” 

Seniors in the Peter Pan adaptation titled Chasing Neverland

Clover and Iris students performing the Zumba dance

For another parent, Swapnali S., the Zumba dance was the highlight of the show: “Good effort, great dance, nice show. Overall very good show.” 

Listed below are a few more accolades earned by the talent and hard work of our students and staff:

“Amazing effort by students and teachers. Keep it up.” – Rajesh Acharya

“Splendid job, great work, creativity at its best, keep up the good work.” – Swarna Patil

“Very talented kids. Good effort by students. Enjoyed the program very much. Thanks!” – Savitha Suresh

While the parents are just as proud of their children’s performances as their teachers at Jyotirmay International School, there’s more to come in this space from the mouths of the babes themselves! Many of our students had worked behind the scenes, preparing the props and even assisting in the green rooms or backstage. They have all enjoyed the teamwork and have reflections to share as well. 

Annual Day 2015-2016 – Breaking Free of Limitations

The 8^th Annual Day celebration of Jyotirmay International School was a resounding success – more so, because many of the star performers broke free of their own limitations. Teachers are still beaming with pride because some of the children had managed to surprise and inspire them with their talent and gumption. Read some of the anecdotes and observations from teachers as well as parents who were enchanted by these spunky children stepping into the limelight for the very first time in their lives. 

When the cute little cherubs from Daffodils and Marigolds were guided on to the stage by their teacher for a Garba, the rest of their pre-primary teachers waited in the wings with bated breaths, ready to go onstage and lend support to their wards. Undaunted by the blinding lights the little ones stole all hearts with their flawless performance and set the standard for the afternoon’s entertainment. These tiny tots came back later with another charming dance performance to the song “Give me a Song to Sing”. 

Daffodils and Marigolds dancing to "Give me a Song to Sing"

Mixed group dance performance spreading cheer and happiness

Two more performances by young children from Ivy, Basil and Amber, and the pre-primary section touched all hearts. The “Story of a Flower” aptly depicted the values which the school holds dear, about every bud blooming when the time is right. According to their teacher, all the children had become emotionally connected to this inspiring skit during their rehearsals. 

Skit presentation titled "Story of a Flower"

However, a backstage incident preceding this act had everyone in a tizzy when one of the children suddenly wanted to go into the audience and meet his parents! With commendable crisis management by our Admin the performance went on brilliantly without a hiccup; the wandering child became a happy actor.

Parents who had joined us for the Annual Sports Day Fest at Jyotirmay International School campus, will remember the Zumba fitness demonstration with the hoops. On popular demand, children from Clover and Iris put up a classy Latin American inspired Zumba dance performance which had the audience tapping their feet to the beat. 

The Zumba dance performers wowed viewers with their grace and talent

With their stellar performance in the Hindi skit on Child Labour, the children from Coral and Saffron drew a huge round of applause from the audience and all the teachers. Many shy children had turned into confident actors onstage on that day! 

A sobering message coming from our children

Another pleasant surprise which drew a smile on teachers’ faces came in the Marathi song “Pavsachi Sar Aali Gammat Zhaali Gammat Zhaali” – little Arnav who was stage-shy all through the practice sessions, belted out confidently with a powerful voice and improvised the performance. 

Marathi song performed by Ivy, Basil & Amber

One of the outstanding features of the cultural fest was a skit titled “A Radio Show” which was performed by students of Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron under the able guidance of their teachers Priyanka, Somishala and Neha. The unseen actors behind the curtain had their audience in splits with their well-timed and seamless dialogue delivery in this humorous piece. An anecdote here is about the children tutored to speak into the microphone remembering and visually borrowing it from each other.

"Agobai Dhagobai" brought up nostalgic smiles for many!

Following an endearing Marathi song and dance about shifting clouds titled, “Agobai Dhagobai” by Ivy, Basil and Amber, came the pièce de résistance. 

The adaptation of the classic fairy-tale Peter Pan titled “Chasing Neverland” was enacted by the senior students from Aster upwards. Under the encouraging guidance of their music and drama teacher Somishala these students rose to the occasion and took charge of the entire production. 

Chasing Neverland - a grand performance by the seniors

Fatema Ezzi as Wendy in Chasing Neverland

From preparing the backdrop, their own props and costumes to coming in for rehearsals and recordings on holidays their team effort made it a huge success. Of the two primary actors of this skit, Ziad Khan who played Peter Pan is fairly new to the school having joined at the beginning of the second term; he surprised everyone including the drama teacher with his confidence. For Fatema Ezzi who played Wendy, owning the stage was a revelation: this shy and quiet girl underwent a transformation and was rewarded by a standing ovation from her father. 

With the decision to make this year’s Annual Day function a grand show in a professional auditorium at the Mahatma Phule Sanskrutik Bhavan, teachers and students at Jyotirmay International School have raised the bar. More importantly, the children enjoyed every moment of practice, the limelight and their individual accomplishments.

The Jyotirmay International School Annual Day 2015-2016 – A Curtain Raiser

The biggest event of the year at Jyotirmay International School – the Annual Day 2015-2016 is finally just around the corner! During the past few days the school has been abuzz with extraordinary enthusiasm and excitement as students and teachers come together to rehearse and fine-tune their performances. Now, we won’t really spoil the surprise for you, but here’s a glimpse of the preparations.

A picture says a thousand words... but you have to hear them!

Paused to pose!

Those eyes have a story to tell!

Rehearsal class...

Happy to display their artistic props!

Teachers on candid camera!

Almost ready...

See you soon!

Anyone stepping into the school campus during this week would have witnessed this joy as children pranced through the corridors to bursts of music which has set the mood for everyone! 

Hope you have marked your calendars for Tuesday, February 16 and we’ll see you at 12.30pm at the Mahatma Phule Sanskrutik Bhavan.

The Annual Sports Fest was All About Having Fun

The annual sports fest held at the Jyotirmay International School ground on 19th December, 2015 was flagged off with an introductory 'walk past' brought together groups from Marigold to the Seniors in a joyful parade led by our flag-bearing senior Anu Mohan. 

It was an event filled with fun and frolic and in keeping with our school's philosophy; sportsmanship is about teamwork and challenging oneself. Our students enjoy a sport along with other participants rather than competing with them and jostling to race ahead to come first.

Starting off this fest was the spectacular Lezim performance by the Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups which energized everyone present followed by displays of drills which give a vigorous and complete workout. After this, came a demonstration of Yoga which has attained international recognition and its place with the World Yoga Day. This Vedic and ascetic discipline helps bring about inner peace through mind and body control.

Maharashtrian Lezim folk dance provides vigorous overall fitness

Basil & Amber students performed Hoop drill: a complete core workout for all muscles, including the heart

Pom-pom drill by Ivy students - a glittering visual treat

Amber & Basil students demonstrated Yoga Asanas

Also, we had a display of gymnastics introduced for the very first time at Jyotirmay International School and it enchanted everyone present. Admired mostly in the Olympic events until recently, gymnastics involves physical strength, flexibility, balance and control.

An impressive gymnastics display by select students from Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups

After that it was the turn of the little champs who delighted everyone as they ran back and forth in relay to complete their events. Their antics and joy brought up smiles and cheers from parents, teachers as well as all students. During these events the seniors were all over the ground helping the younger children and sometimes even joining them to keep up their morale! 

Daffodils students fetching things to fill up their sports kit bags

Obstacle relay for Marigold, which included the old favorite gunny sack hop! 

Ivy student accompanied by a senior completing the bouncing ball relay

Basketball relay by Amber and Basil students

The middle school children from the Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups demonstrated their skills in slightly tougher events which required both physical and mental dexterity. They juggled and passed the ball quickly in tunnel relay and handball dribbling and tested their physical strength in tyre relays. They too were ably guided by the seniors.

Clover & Iris groups demonstrated skills in tunnel relay followed by handball dribbling

Balancing tyre relay with Coral group sitting on tyres while Saffron students tugged them

Coral group then got to tug them in the tyre pulling event

Next up were students from mixed groups doing a hula hoop dance which originated in the Hawaiian Islands. Twirling, rolling and throwing the hoops around the waist, limbs or neck may look easy but it is an intense workout.

Making their appearance again this year were the popular pyramid formations which were introduced in our school last year. Performed by the Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups as well as the seniors these formations develop and focus on strength, flexibility, balance, poise and above all – teamwork which means faith in your teammates.

Parents also got to display their own skills as they bonded in the final and most interesting events for which all the children cheered loudest and with great pride. Fathers tossed or rolled big and heavy tyres down the tracks in a game called “The Hulk” following which mothers got to show their strength and team spirit in a tug-of-war event. 

As a windup to the fun-filled day the  Jyotirmay International School teaching staff enjoyed a sports fest of their own in the Multi-Purpose Hall as they tried to keep their balance on the bouncing ball, much to everyone's amusement!