Meeting Midway 2023 – April Fools' Edition

A Senior School Publication

M g i n d i way t e e M

(Apr il F o dition) s' e ol

Open at your own risk

C O F N O T E E L N B TS A T Page 3: Note from the Head Page 4: Get-to-Know your teachers Page 12: Find the Fool crossword Page 13: Takshila Gossip Page 14: The Prank Page Page 15: Behind the Scenes of Takshila Page 18: DP2 Graduation Photos Page 19: The Meeting Midway Team

T M H O E R H F E E A T D O N The last page of our notebook is often the most important one.

We write funny things, things to remember, poetry, quotes, important dates and whatnot. Sometimes we doodle, play tic-tactoe in the middle of class or even tear little pages to pass around as chits. We also fear that someone (usually our teachers!) might read it. But at the end of the year, we find ourselves looking back at everything we wrote and possibly thinking, “I should’ve torn this page ages ago”. Yet we don’t do so because strangely it has comforting words and meaningless memories that we often find ourselves cherishing the most.

During the process of curating this magazine, we looked back at some of our best and worst moments during our school year. For us, it may have been having countless breakdowns every day to squealing with joy when we received a perfect score of 7. But how was the year for our teachers? Well, this magazine is a look back at our year from the eyes of our teachers.

From adding a special April Fool’s section to interviewing some of your teachers in Senior School, hopefully, we succeeded in bringing your memories to life once again.

I truly hope you enjoy this issue.

“I should’ve torn this page ages ago”

Regards, Shreya PS: You don't want to miss out on latest Tqkshila Gossip! Check page 13 :)

t e G to w o n K yo

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h a n G d a y y M n o ehta S .

Ms What's the funniest or best prank you've done on your teachers?

I was a goody–goody student. Never pulled a prank. Now that I look back, I regret never pranking a teacher.

What was the most memorable moment with the current DP 2 batch?

My most memorable moment was administering the first-ever Alumni Oath to the class of 2023. It was a goosebump kind of moment for me.

What has been your most awkward moment with students so far?

More than awkward, I have had many frustrating moments of constantly addressing the issue of the correct uniform with the students.

What is something any student has taught you over your experience in the field of education?

I have learnt how you can be very different, yet still be an excellent fit in any group.

Who were your favourite teachers when you were in high school?

My favourite teacher in school was the Deputy Headmaster – Mr B. Singh. He was very strict and said the most hilarious things when he was angry. It was very difficult to keep a straight face at these times. However, he had a very soft heart.

P a a l n I d . ey s M What has been the biggest milestone in your academic journey?

When a student scores a 3 and a 4 in the beginning but is very consistent, towards the end, they end up getting scores beyond my expectations. And there are quite a few students where I have seen it happen. My confidence also increases so I also work hard. Because a topper will be there even if you don’t put much effort but if an average or below average student is going beyond a level, then that becomes an achievement.

Was there any prank that your students did on you?

Most of the time the kids were in COVID so they were only available online. So yes, I remember Aanya Garg. I was teaching them (I think she was in grade 9 at that time) and I was having an online class.

Suddenly, Mr. Modi’s face pops up and I’m wondering when did Mr. Modi start studying in my class. And it was Aanya Garg...

Everyone burst into laughter!

P a a l n I d . ey s M (continued)

What is the most memorable moment from your previous batches?

Aarav Agarwal - I taught him in grade 9 and then in grade 11. This boy comes up with a lot of enthusiasm and positivity. So even if his scores were not very great in class (in the beginning), his confidence level never goes down. And he would discuss with me and come up with various other strategies to pull his grades and he succeeded. He would say “Ma’am, I will not disappoint you. I will keep the family legacy”. So I always liked the attitude of this child.

Who were your favourite or most influential teachers from your school?

I don’t remember my college teachers but I remember one teacher from my days in high school. She used to wear a Saree and she was very strict. She used to be so disciplined. But at the same time, she used to be very caring. And I used to be a very naughty student in school.

So whatever mysteries I did, while being strict, she would protect me. She would talk to me and counsel me. Though I was very scared of her, at the same time, to date I would say she is my favourite teacher. I will always remember her.

That is how even while being strict, she would not lose the connect with me.

What has been the most memorable moment with your DP2 students?

Trip to Rishikesh, cup noodles party, when I write classroom protocol mails angrily to everyone, chit chat of some nonacademic stuff. :D

And the most awkward?

Till now, I have not faced anything with DP 2 batch.

What have your students taught you?

I learnt how to generate a bibliography, send things through Outlook drive, use of Wizemen and a lot more!

M

What is your advice to your students as a teacher?

Don't take things lightly, organize yourself, and don't depend on anyone for anything. Practice makes one perfect, consistency is the key to success, and confidence and belief is most important. Lastly, be a good listener.

huka d a .r M r

*Madhukar Sir adding citations*

Mr. Carlos Z What is the worst or best excuse your students have given you?

My dog has eaten the homework.

What has been the most memorable moment with the current DP 2 batch?

There was a project, a global conversation, in class wherein, we split into groups and discussed global topics like climate change and pollution. We recorded clips of 3 to 4 minutes and uploaded on them on Youtube.

Who were your favourite or most influential teachers when you were in high school?

My instructional design teacher inspired me to be a passionate teacher who likes to teach.

k a i G h d a a h l R a . ut s M What's the worst or best excuse students have ever told you?

People tell me I am trustworthy so students often feel comfortable giving me honest reasons for not completing their work. Some common reasons I hear include oversleeping, having many other submissions to complete, and simply forgetting. In fact, I encourage them to be creative and come up with outlandish reasons, like being visited by aliens the night before.

What's the funniest or best prank students have done on you?

It's not particularly humorous, but a memory comes to mind. As a coffee lover, I recall a time when I was quietly assisting a student in improving their history skills.

One day, the student took a paper cup from the security guard and snuck into the staff lounge, which was offlimits to students, to ensure that there was coffee waiting for me after my FT lesson. It was a simple yet daring gesture, and it spoke volumes about their appreciation for my efforts. Although I wanted to reprimand the student for violating the rules, I also understood their gratitude in that moment.

What's something any student has taught you over your journey as a teacher?

Not just one but many of these students have a genuine passion for history; they are fully engrossed in the subject and consume it eagerly. They read extensively and make an effort to expose themselves to varying perspectives. Despite this extensive knowledge, they remain humble and generous and are always willing to share their understanding and sources with others. It’s truly a magical place.

k a i G h d a a h l R a . ut s M (continued)

What inspired you to become a teacher, and how did your early experiences contribute to this decision?

I began my career in the banking sector. But, I soon realized that the work left me feeling unfulfilled and empty. After a year, I took a sabbatical and travelled to Leh- Ladakh in order to figure out what I truly wanted to do. While there, I decided to take a teaching job in the then-terrorism-torn Kashmir (long story), simply to have something to occupy my time. The salary was minimal, but the happiness and fulfilment I experienced after being with those students got me hooked. I feel incredibly grateful to have found something that provides me with soul satisfaction. When I'm in the classroom, it feels like a form of meditation and I find it healing. For that period of time, I'm completely present in the moment - even though I teach history!

Who were your favourite or most influential teachers when you were in high school?

It wasn't until college that I began to appreciate the value of teachers. I had the privilege of encountering two particularly magical ones.

The first was Ms. Koreth, my English teacher at Miranda House. I vividly recall how she had the ability to make time fly by effortlessly. One particular memory that stands out is when she analyzed a poem on a wall. It was a powerful piece that led to an inner reflection on how we close ourselves off from the world.

The second teacher who left an indelible impression on me was a French instructor whom I had the privilege of learning from for only two months, a quarter of a century ago. Despite the brief period, I still recall the basics of French thanks to her magical teaching methods.

h e t F o d ol n i F

Down: 2. Who’s always in the corridors 4. Where-to when you want to catch up on sleep 5. The IRL version of a British Indian dictionary 7. Where we walk in every morning

Across: 1. Salad bar favourite 3. Sweet, and sometimes scary too!

6. Who always has food in their classroom 8. Who's busier than the president of India 9. Cesta's favourite dish to serve 10. Camping spot 11. We spent hours practising for this

Answers: 1. Hummus, 2. Ms. Manjula, 3. Ms. Mona, 4. Infirmary, 5. Mr. peter Strange, 6. Mr. Guru, 7.

Takshila, 8. Mr. Saurav, 9. Soya Chap, 10. Rishikesh, 11. Moulin Rouge.

E TEA H T . .__.

...

L .. . .

. ---

(fill in the blank)

19:4--8 SPIL

G o a l s i s i h p s k a T Rumour has it ___________________

1. Suman ma'am knows everyone's secrets.

2. Aman bhaiya is secretly a teacher.

3. Manjula ma'am loves all of us.

4. Pravindra sir sent someone out of the class as punishment.

5. Madhukar sir wrote another whole hearted email.

6. Carlos sir forgot we have class with him.

7. Guru sir gave more padlet links to complete which will affect our PGs. (cry for help o ) 8. A student ranted to Nihal sir again.

9. Somebody cried because of DP stress.

10. Someone stole toilet paper from the bathroom.

11. Someone wore the wrong shoes so now they're barefoot.

ㅠㅠ

O G S SIP K O T Rumour has it:

1. "B" is Sriram sir's favourite letter.

2. Everyone loves TOK and finds it so interesting.

3. No one has ever used Chat GPT for TOK. (shhh)

PRANK

YOUR TEACHERS

(for fun and frustration!)

DISCLAIMER: The magazine, in any case, is not responsible for any loss or destruction of property. BUT, safe and harmless pranks only!

1

Ask your teacher for a "left-handed pencil" and say you can't do your work without one.

3

Put an "Out of Order" sign on the teacher's toilet.

Change seats every time your teacher turns their back.

Replace your teacher's water with jelly and watch them try to drink frozen water!

2 4

5

Or coat their bottle with petroleum jelly and watch it slip out of their hands.

7

Cover their mouse sensor with a Post-it note (sticky note).

Put an airhorn under their chair and make them jump.

Raise your hand for no reason. Say it's full of helium!

Cannot guarantee participant safety.

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Turn back to the last page to relive high school :)

T e a e M h T Guru Charan Kumar Shreya Sahai Bhatnagar Teacher in Charge Head of Magazine

Manya Mehra Content Team

Shreyashi Sharma Content Team

Mrinalini Banerji Content Team

Suhani Saraogi Head of Design

Lavanya Prabhakar Content Team

Arshia Sengupta Media Team

www.pathways.in

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