EVENTS the 778th IPSC Principals’ Conclave was ‘Positive Progressive Partners – Soaring Towards Excellence’. The central idea is testimony to the fact that “Excellence in education is when we do everything that we can to make sure they (students) become everything that they can,” as Carol Ann Tomlinson put it. Excellence is not merely perfection. Rather, it is not only about being the best; but it is doing your best. The 78th IPSC Principals’ Conclave was held to chalk out new age strategies for promoting positive partnerships for excellence. Day One of the conclave kicked off with an Executive Committee Meeting of IPSC, followed by Shaam-e-Ghazal with a live performance by the Sufi singer Manik Ali. During his keynote address on Day Two, Governor VP Singh Badnore appreciated the principals for their contribution to the field of education and their untiring efforts in shaping the future of the country. He urged them to keep evolving to meet the future challenges and prepare students for a highly competitive and challenging future that awaits them. He stressed the need for a strong value system which needs to be imparted to the student community. He made a fervent appeal to all IPSC principals to devise ways to collaborate on common grounds. He said it was his earnest desire that all IPSC Member Schools have a Combined Entrance Examination for their students. He also presented IPSC souvenirs on the occasion. General Bikram Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), former Chief of the Indian Army & Chairman, Chiefs of Staff and an alumnus of the Punjab Public School, Nabha, shared his personal experiences on how quality schooling helped him shape his career and make a mark in his professional life. The children of the host school performed for their guests by presenting a cultural programme and showcased their talent. Later in the evening, the Nabha chapter of Old Nabhaites Association hosted a dinner party for the visiting dignitaries. Dr Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster, Punjab Public School, proposed the vote of thanks saying that it was a matter of pride that a national level conclave was being hosted by his school during which leading academicians of the country would pool in their com-
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January 2018