GMAK Now_09 2022

From the Principal’s desk

first term has seen a huge amount of disruption

problems from the operations issues that we experienced after opening to so many new students

pandemic, cyclones, heavy rain and lastly a Hartal.

events have interrupted our activities and

and some have been extremely eventful!

together we have overcome all of the issues

I am looking forward to an undisrupted Term 2!

But, disruption is not always a bad thing. We actually need disruption in our lives in order to develop and move forward.

Another definition of disruption is: Radical change to an existing industry or market due to technological innovation.

We in GEMS, as one of the leading innovators of education, are forever looking at ways to improve and develop. We are currently exploring opportunities and possibilities for innovation, not just through technology, but within our teaching and learning also. However, you will see later in this month’s magazine that we have teamed up with the National Online Safety organization which aims to ensure that we are all aware of how to keep our students safe as we navigate through this Technological Revolution, Industrial Revolution 4.0! the parents section is very informative – please do take a look so that in partnership we can ensure that our students continue to enjoy what technology has to offer in a safe and secure way.

So, as we enter Term 2, I am hoping for less disruption to our activity and more disruption leading to innovation!

Hillary Hinchliff Principal and CEO

NATIONAL ONLINE SAFETY

GEMS Modern Academy Kochi has received a National Online Safety Certified School Accreditation for its whole school community approach to protecting children in the online world, demonstrating its commitment to keeping children and young people safe.

National Online Safety is a multi-award-winning digital training provider with extensive resources in online safety, developed in line with the UK Department of Education’s statutory requirements. Its CPD accredited courses and educational resources support schools in educating the whole school community on online safety – including all senior leaders, teachers, all school staff and parents – on how to make the internet a safer place for children.

James Southworth, co-founder of National Online Safety, said: “Congratulations to everyone at GEMS Modern Academy Kochi on becoming a National Online Safety Certified School. By completing our training programme, the school has shown its strong commitment to implementing an effective whole school approach to online safety.”

HOLA MS. MONICA (SPANISH TEACHER) !

Monica Hernandez is a dedicated and resourceful professional educator from Colombia who has a strong commitment to the social growth and international mindedness of the next generation.

She has worked in Colombia, UAE, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Not only is she IB Trained and experienced but she is a published author of four children book titles in five languages. Serving the community is her passion- a passion which has led her to lead book donation drives and facilitate workshops for refugees.

IGNITION 2022

As part of “IGNITION 2022”, GMAK ICT fest, we conducted a logo designing competition for our talented Gems. Here, we present to you the winning logo and the winner, Eshal Shabbir from Grade 7A!

To view the entries

Click Here Achievements

FABULA 2022

We are delighted to announce that our children have made us proud with their fabulous performance and accomplishment at FABULA 2022 hosted by Rajagiri Higher Secondary School. The GMAK team bagged the runners-up trophy at FABULA 2022 and…… We are just FABULOUS!

COOL CUISINE- FIRST PRIZE

Jemima Rebekah Venglet & Abigail Antony (Grade 12)

A-LA-MODE (FASHION SHOW) -FIRST PRIZE

Sara Markose, Manasi Bijith, Juvana Jolly, Kate James, Ryan Anju Mathew(Grade 12)

Lena Jacob, Krisa Tarin(Grade 9)

PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATES FOR ART, RANGOLI, CONUNDRUM, RIDING REELS.

BADMINTON TOURNAMENT

We are extremely proud to announce that our Grade 12 students, Malavika and Nihaarika won GOLD at the 17th Archbishop Joseph Attipetty Memorial badminton tournament at Assissi Vidhya Niketan School.

BEYOND SCHOOL

INDIA BOOK OF RECORD 2022

We are delighted to share that our little Gem Mohammed Aydin of Grade 2 has been appreciated by the India Book of Record 2022 for identifying the flags of 195 (UN recognized) countries and recalling their names and capitals in 10 minutes and 10 seconds. Way to go Aydin!

AYESHA MEETS KHALID AL AMERI

We are extremely happy to share that Khalid Al Ameri (the Digital Creator, Writer and Producer from the Middle East) is now a follower of GMAK’s very own entrepreneurial baker Ayesha from Grade 8. Keep on baking and way to go Ayesha!

We congratulate Ayaan Gr 5 and Aaryan Grade 1 for representing GEMS Modern Academy in the YMCA Ernakulam Inter School Chess Championship. Well done boys!

What we did last month ONAM CELEBRATION

The GMAK family celebrated Onam, the traditional festival of Kerala on the 2nd of September 2022 with much excitement, joy and enthusiasm. Our Principal and CEO, Ms. Hillary Hinchliff welcomed the children, teachers and staff who brightened the premises with colorful and beautiful ethnic attire of Kerala. The celebrations began with the GMAK team getting together at the school reception to set up the pookkalam, followed by the lighting of the lamp by Ms. Hillary and Mr. Asif Ali, the famous

Malayalam cine actor who graced the occasion and later interacted with students and school staff.

The festivities included exciting cultural programs (by the primary and senior school students) like Vadamvali, Tiruvathirakali, Vanjipattu, Fashion show, Onappattu, Pulikkali, Skit and Dance. Ms. Hillary Hinchliff, addressed the gathering and conveyed greetings and wishes of the festival. She thanked everyone for making the programme a memorable one.

INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY

International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his class to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009.

The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to make her mark. What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper

becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.

As part of celebrating the International Dot Day on 15th September 2022, the children came dressed in different attires which had dots on them. They were involved in different activities which made the day an exciting one.

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

SPECIAL GUEST

MUSICAL JAM WITH SHAAN RAHMAN

Music provides young children with the critical skills they need to support their development and love of learning. We were fortunate to have an opportunity to jam along with Mr. Shaan Rahman (renowned Indian Composer & Singer) in our campus.

EXPRESSIONS WITH MRS. SANAM EDATHOL

Theme : Expressing through dance

As part of theme “ How we express ourselves”, our little Gems from KG1 explored different ways of communicating emotions through an interactive session by our special guest and a dear parent, Mrs. Sanam Edathole.

Mrs Sanam Edathole, an IT professional and most importantly a very passionate dancer showed the children how they could express themselves through dance.

Children learned that dance is essentially emotion in motion. In dance, the purpose is to express emotions, communicating physically, allowing those feelings to move through the body, out of the body, and in doing so, to move others.

Our little ones thoroughly enjoyed the session!

ART BASED LEARNING BEYOND CLASSROOM WITH BLAISE JOSEPH

Experiential is a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with students in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge and develop skills.

We are thrilled to have welcomed the renowned artist and programme manager for the ABC programme Kochi Biennale foundation, Blaise Joseph into GMAK to deliver an inspiring session for our IGCSE Art and Design students.

MOCK FIRE DRILL EVACUATION

On 29th of September, we conducted a mock fire drill evacuation. MOCK evacuation drills are executed to create awareness and preparedness for emergencies. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our community who responded in a timely, safe and calm manner. Despite our building being enormous and having swimming classes on at the time of raising the fire alarm, our building was clear of all people in under 3 minutes.

A big thank you to our Gems, teachers and staff for acting on time and making sure we keep ourselves and each others safe !

FIELD TRIP - HILL PALACE MUSEUM

Artifacts provide us with a glimpse into the lifestyle and customs of ancient civilizations. It is our only window to Prehistoric civilizations and cultures. Our students of KG 2 went on a field trip to Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura where they explored the ancient Culture of Kerala.

PARENTS TEACHERS MEETING

We loved meeting you!

We acknowledge that our parents are a big part of the GMAK family!

During our PTM, we hope you had the opportunity to:

• really get to know our teachers

• deep dive into the academic progress of your child

• discuss enrichment or strategies to support your child’s learning

• chat and network with other parents

Luckily, if you missed attending the PTM or would like to connect with a teacher, our policy is one of open doors. Please do reach out to the academic staff anytime 9-5pm and we will endeavor to get back to you within 24hrs Monday to Friday.

PARTICIPATION

MODERN GLOBAL RACE 2022

Modern Bread Company conducted a Global race on 25th Sep 2022 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

This was a global run, where citizens in 23 countries and 35 cities ran together. There were 1500 participants in Gurgaon, 1000 in Kochi & 18000 virtual runners who ran for India.

For every registration, the company has pledged to donate 20 slices of bread to those in need through food banks.

Dahl Day

The special assembly held on 16th September 2022 was dedicated to the famous British novelist Roald Dahl who was a short-story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter ace of Norwegian descent.

Roald Dahl is well known for his book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

He is also the author of famous books like The Witches, The Twits,The Enormous Crocodile and BFG. Around 250 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide. Dahl has been known as “one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century”.

World Heart Day is celebrated on 29th September every year. It was established by World Heart Federation in conjunction with World Health Organization to create awareness about heart diseases.

On this occasion, students of Grade 6A conducted an Assembly to create awareness about this year’s theme, ‘Use Heart for Every Year’. Using placards, they brought to light the importance of action needed for humanity, nature and oneself to prevent heart diseases. It was a fun filled experience, which enlightened the students on the importance of healthy living habits to improve heart health.

“Do what it takes to start, to have a healthy heart.”

&

“You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.”

—Michael Phelps

ZINE: Feminism is Equality

Contributors: Diya, Kokila, Ritu, Noah

Editor: Rishika Dilip

- Newspaper Club

Expressions STUDENTS CORNER

Student Council Captain of Wellbeing

JuvanaManasi Student Council Captain of Teaching and Learning

Cyber Safety for Children

Hello, everyone! This is Manasi and Juvana here. We are the committee captains of wellbeing and teaching and learning for the 2022 Council at GMAK.

Recently, we had the privilege of attending an awareness programme called “Koottu’’ with Dariush sir. It was initiated by Cyberdome which sought to spread awareness of cyber safety among the kids and students of schools in Kerala. The Honorable Governor of Kerala inaugurated the event at IMA Hall Kaloor on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022. The programme had various seminars, workshops, and exhibitions associated with cyber safety.

We were able to network with many people, increase

our understanding of cyber security and how crucial it is in the modern world, and educate our peers as a result. Our first seminar was by the Bodhini team, who spoke about online child safety, addictions, toxic relationships, healing and moving forward. This is where we were able to understand the in-depth effect of cybercrime and its causes. As it is a very heavy and sensitive topic to talk about, they used a few case studies to help bring out the seriousness of the issue.

We then had another seminar from the Meta team, where training took place to provide awareness of online safety for children and adolescents. The main feature, known as ‘two-factor authentication/ verification’ on all social media platforms, was introduced to

us; this feature is put out by Meta to protect one’s account or profile on platforms such as Instagram. Following this, there were various seminars on similar topics conducted by recognised individuals and teams. Henceforth, we attended 11 different stalls with games and activities, where we interacted and learned more about the risks associated with online activity and how to avoid them.

Overall, the Kerala govern ment’s programme was quite instructive and educational. When we got back to school, we were able to raise aware ness among and outside of our peer groups, which improved the knowledge of students at our institution.

Expressions TEACHERS CORNER

Sustainability- A Vision

Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good. -Jochen Zeitz

Lakshmi S Head of Senior School UN TeachSDG Ambassodor

Sustainable development refers to the progress which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It means, a development that heads over towards progress not decline. The World Commission on Environment and Development popularized this concept in 1987.

It is an action plan to help our future generations to live a comfortable life. We need many resources and a suitable environment to live our lives effortlessly. The population of the world is growing rapidly and so is the demand for resources. The goal of sustainable development was accepted by all members of the United Nations in 2012 at the Rio de Janeiro Council Meeting to promote the development and healthy future of the planet and its people.

Sustainable Development stabilizes the whole world.

So here are some steps that we as responsible citizens can take to aid this noble venture:

1. Think twice before

shopping: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” may feel retro, but it’s just as important today as when the phrase was first coined. Every product we purchase has an environmental footprint, from the materials used to create it to the pollution emitted during manufacturing to the packaging that ends up in landfills. So before you buy, ask yourself if you really need it. If you do, consider buying gently used instead of new, and look for minimal packaging

2. Go Plastic Free: Every year thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed after ingesting plastic or getting tangled up in it.

3. Be water wise: Water conservation is also critical, especially as our growing

population puts increased demand on the nation’s water sources and we face unprecedented droughts.

4. Drive less, Drive green: Changing your driving habits can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation whenever possible.

We at GMAK, as part of the ECO club and classroom activities have taken initiatives to promote the UN sustainable development goals. Watch this space for more details on our initiatives.

These steps may seem small or insignificant when viewed from just one person’s perspective. But it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

Jisha Shanavas ICT Teacher

Did you know?

At GMAK, we love our staff! Recruiting the very best, training and retaining who we have is something we always strive for.

This month we wanted to introduce to you Jisha ma’am who is a member of our ICT team. Jisha has exhibited her creative skills in a number of ways, be it painting, embroidery or even singing. She is also an ardent animal lover and has two pet dogs that are always featured in her social media posts.Just look at her drawing of Mohanlal sir! Did we mention... she loves Mohanlal. What you may not know is that she is also a published academic author in the field of ICT and Technology.

She has two international journals published in her name on wireless networks. If you ever want a chat about Mohanlal or about an energy-efficient typology control scheme with connectivity learning in wireless networks, she is our best contact. Thank you Jisha ma’am for being a GEM.

Expressions PARENT TESTIMONIALS

Parent certification is a valuable part of our growth and there is nothing more rewarding than receiving our parent’s feedback on how happy and proud they are of their child’s development and achievement through GMAK. When our parent community endorses our commitment, it encourages us to do our best every day.

Teena Wilson, the proud mother of Ritu (Grade 6), celebrates how our students and teachers work in partnership to ensure a strong sense of student agency and self-efficacy.

“ I see my son has changed for the better after we moved him to GMAK, he is more involved and is very happy ! As parent whatever we were looking for our children, he is getting it here at Gems Modern Academy Kochi and we are also very happy!”

Pradeep Menon, the proud father of Vedanth (Grade 5), celebrates how at GMAK our team makes accurate and productive use of assessment to account for pupil attainment, progress and outcome.

“I must say that I’m very impressed with the way kids have put together their entire work of last 3 months into the table of Gallery Walk .The kind of team work kids have put in last one month preparing for this day is highly commendable!”

Learner Profile Expressions PYP CORNER

The IB learner profile represents a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that encompass intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth. The learner profile supports students in developing internationalmindedness and in taking action for positive change. Exercising their agency, students take ownership of their learning, express their ideas and opinions, and reflect on their development of the learner profile attributes.

At GEMS, Kochi we give students a range of opportunities to develop, demonstrate and reinforce attributes of the learner profile in their daily life. The learning community supports and nurtures students in developing and demonstrating the attributes of the learner profile in ways that are relevant to the local context and appropriate for each student’s development stage. Learner profile attributes have relevance across the transdisciplinary themes

and for all grade levels. The attributes are flexibly explored, developed and revisited through units of inquiry and through subject-specific investigations.

10th to 14th October 2022:

week

14th October 2022: KG Gallery Walk

21st October 2022: Diwali

28th October 2022: Gallery Walk

Career’s Corner

MS. ANNIE GOH International Manager of Lincoln University

Destination New Zealand for Higher Studies

As part of the Career Guidance Program at GMAK, we started our journey around the world with the USA to explore destinations for higher education for our students.

Now moving on to New Zealand, the International Manager of Lincoln University, Ms. Annie Goh interacted with our Grade 9 to 12 students. The students engaged in a very dynamic, interactive and resourceful session – Studying Abroad Experiences, Why study in New Zealand, Presentation on the different Bachelors programs that Lincoln University offers and the possible careers with those courses, and much more!

Personality of the month

“By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in child’s and man’s body, mind and spirit. Literacy is neither the beginning nor the end of education. This is only a means through which man or woman can be educated.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Father of our Nation

October 1869 - 31st January 1948)

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as “Mahatma Gandhi” was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in North West India, on 2nd October 1869.

He was a social reformist and leader of the Indian Independence Movement who introduced the idea of non-violent resistance called Satyagraha. Gandhi was born in Gujarat and studied law at the Inner Temple, London. Gandhi is most famous for his philosophy of nonviolence which has inspired civil rights leaders around the world.

1915. In India, he set about organising peasants, farmers, and urban labourers to protest against excessive land-tax and discrimination.

He assumed the leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921 and rose to become its most prominent leader and an iconic figure in Indian politics.

He organised the Dandi Salt March in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942.

of the Indian Independence Movement.

Gandhi played a key role in pacifying people and averting the Hindu-Muslim riots as tensions rose before and during the partition of the country. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 31, 1948, at age 78.

After organising a civil disobedience movement for Indians living in South Africa, he returned to India in

He also worked for the upliftment of untouchables and named them ‘Harijan’ meaning the children of God. Gandhi also wrote extensively for various newspapers and his symbol of self-reliance, Charkha-the spinning wheel became a popular symbol

Gandhi’s birthday, 2 October, is commemorated in India as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence. Gandhi is regarded, though not formally, considered the Father of the Nation in India and was commonly called Bapu (Gujarati: endearment for father, papa).

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

“An ounce of patience is worth more than a tonne of preaching.”

“A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.”

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

“See the good in people and help them.”

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

From GMAK Leadership team

We are driven by our vision and mission, and our values are at the heart of everything we do. Each academic year at a senior leadership level, broad developmental goals are set. The goals emerge from our engagement with internal school evaluation against the GEMS Global Standards and external inspection. For the academic year 22/23 they are as follow:

Our leadership team, using the development goals as a guide, drive forward our school by evaluating practice and prioritizing development. The process is further supported by our ongoing PD process and engagement with internal & external CPD.

At GMAK, we all own the school and are equally responsible for driving the school forward.

ARE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO

DEVELOPMENT GOALS

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I Know the Answer

Q.1 Where was Mahathma Gandhi born?

Q.2 What is 2nd October commemorated as?

Q.3 What does Satyagraha mean?

Q.4 When did Gandhi assume the leadership of the Indian National Congress?

The future belongs to the curious