School Events at Ratnagiri

Technology has evolved and is still evolving to make human living better. The theme TECH-IT-UP! – A World of Gadgets and Gizmos- is designed to highlight how, in current times, people depend heavily on technology.

The students of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri expressed their views about technology in the Express Yourself Activity through various mediums on 20th April 2023.

The students of grade I and II built a Robot using different coloured play dough after visualising a story based on a set of goofy robots. The students of grade III and IV shared the conversation about the use of technology through the – ‘A TETE-A-TETE BETWEEN...’ activity. The students of grade V and VI made amazing comic strips that brought out a conversation between a Smartphone user and their smart phones. Whereas the students of grade VII and VIII debated over the topic ‘Is the use of Technology making the Human Race smarter?’

Through this activity the students portrayed the topic from a very different lens and learned to accept a diametric point of view.

Technology has evolved and is still evolving to make human living better. The theme TECH-IT-UP! – A World of Gadgets and Gizmos- is designed to highlight how, in current times, people depend heavily on technology.

Podar International School, #Ratnagiri has commenced this 1st theme of the year with the Jumpstart event. This module will allow the students to think more deeply about the technology they use and would want to use.

The 1st day of the new academic year i.e. 6th April 2023 started with the Robotic Dance activity for all the students during assembly. The energy of students during this activity was notable.

The students of grades 4 to 8 participated in the Jumpstart activity on the same day whereas the students of grades 1 to 3 performed it on 10th April 2023. Match the Gadget, My Favourite Gadget, If I Had a Robot, and Future Inventions were the themes of grades 1 to 8 respectively. The students shared their views about technology and showed their eagerness for the rest of the events under the theme.

Podar International School, #Ratnagiri celebrated Annual Function on 3 Feb 2023 for Grades V to X on Theme “Malgudi Days”.

Malgudi Days is a story series created by great and inspiring artist late R.K Narayan. He was one of the finest Indian authors whose writing exuded great simplicity, elegance and humour. He brought into focus the many ironies and the everyday magic of personal relationships in his stories. He created the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, interspersed with such riveting characters, characters that would stay afresh in your mind for possibly days to come. A lot of people, even today, would testify that “Malgudi Days” is a tribute to childhood, nostalgia, innocence and all such wonderful things. Through this play, we pay a humble tribute to the accomplished writer and his most charming work - The Malgudi Days – the story of Swami and his friends…This play is adapted from a few of Narayan’s stories, and we have taken the creative liberty to tweak it a little, but rest assured that the essence has stayed intact and the author’s charm has been retained.

The students presented dances during the drama matching the central keynote. It was a power packed energetic performance.

The National Science Day was celebrated on 28 Feb 2023 at Podar International School, #Ratnagiri. The students from grade I to IX presented their models on various topics.

The objectives of this programme was that the entire event provided a platform to the students to prove their talents, bring out their creativity , face challenges and overcome their weakness. Our principal has emphasized our role in widely spreading the significance of scientific applications in our daily life . Our staff members shared their knowledge with the students. Student's participated with enthusiasm at the science fair.The science day was successful and we believed that our objective was achieved.

National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February each year to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28 February 1928. For his discovery, Sir C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

The students from grade I to IX of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri exhibited their Science models for students to mark the day. They prepared working models on various topics under the theme Mysteries of Science.

The students of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri participated in PARIVARTAN DRIVE 2022 -23’ – ‘Ecowarriors’ - A Sustainable You and I’ on Saturday, 25 Feb 2023. : The school organized a special drive on creating awareness about fast fashion, the need to adopt sustainable clothing and to talk about the importance of recycling clothes to reduce waste and to save the environment.

They also came up with a few DIY ideas for reusing their old clothes. They prepared various artistic materials and contributed to their respective house stall for house-wise competition. Ms. Zaiba Shaikh, a local artist famous for her creativity and artistic talent judged the competition.

The students also created the awareness through street play, Eco-fashion show, the songs and poems of nature and weavers, the class displays focusing on the natural fibers and asked the people to support the cause and take a pledge.

The puppet show by Podar Prep also emphasized on sustainable environment. The principal Mr. Rakesh Chavan addressed the audience and appealed the people to adopt eco-friendly fashion to conserve the environment for future generation. The programme culminated with cheerful dance moves of zumba.

Students of Grade II of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri had participated in Jumpstart activity ‘Solar system’ on 7 Feb 2023 with great energy and enthusiasm.

The Jumpstart event is an activity carried out at the start of the Thematic Unit to immerse the students in the theme without directly telling them what it is all about. The Jumpstart is designed to hook the students, capture their imagination and generate curiosity about the upcoming Thematic Unit.

For the Jumpstart activity in this unit, the students watched a video based on Outer Space.

The concept Quest was conducted where the class was divided into groups of 4-5 students, and the teacher provided them with worksheets of space drawing and chart paper.

A Concept Quest provided the students with an opportunity to record everything they already know about the Thematic Unit. It empowered learners to realise that they already know many things and provided a base which can be used throughout the unit to make connections.

As part of the concept quest students decorated posters based on the theme of the Solar System and written questions that they have on the topic.

The 74th Republic Day of sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic India was celebrated at Podar International School, #Ratnagiri with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor. This day is celebrated to honour the commencement of the longest constitution of the largest democracy in the World.

Mr. Dilip Jamkhedkar (Retd. District Judge) graced the occasion as Chief Guest who unfurled the National Flag, the symbol of our pride. The feel of patriotism was experienced with the melodious flag song and patriotic songs. The students presented the play “Inspiring Indian Heroes”. They enacted 4 inspiring Indians who have gone against all odds to inspire thousands of lives but are hardly talked about. The dance performance by the students mesmerized the audience.

This celebration has helped the students to invoke the patriotic spirit and encouraged them to be loyal and respectful towards our nation.

The Thematic Unit, “Whatever the Weather” is concluded with the culminating event ‘Weather Watchers’ organized by the students of Grade I of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri on 7 Jan 2023.

This event showcased all that the students have learned during the course of the Thematic Unit. As part of the culminating event students presented Seasonal clothes fashion show. Worksheets that the students completed during the week and weather activities were displayed.

Students presented the dance on a Weather song that they had practiced during the music period of the Thematic Week.

Parents enjoyed the event by appreciating efforts of students and teachers. The enthusiasm and cheerful mien was seen throughout the event.

Fire can cause large scale damage to any premises within a small time. This makes it critical for schools and other academic environments where there are combustible materials, fire hazards, and a lot of vulnerable kids who don’t know what to do in the event of a fire. Hence Podar International School, #Ratnagiri had organized a fire drill on Friday, 6 Jan 2023. The students and staff gathered at the assigned assembly point at the sound of a fire alarm. The support staff helped to evacuate the building quickly. Mr. Yashwant Nalawade, fire officer at Ratnagiri District, MIDC Fire station briefed the students and staff about how to respond during the emergency situation. The students used the fire extinguishers to put off the fire.

The most awaited Annual Sports Meet “Spirit 2022” was held at Podar International School, #Ratnagiri on Saturday, 3 December 2022. Commandant Lalit Budakoti from Indian Coast Guard and Ms. Isha Pawar an International archery player graced the occasion as chief guest.

The programme began with the hoisting of the school flag followed by the lighting of the torch to mark the expression of sportsmanship. A well synchronized March Past by Four Houses contingents rendered the spectators awestruck. The audience next witnessed various displays and drills by the students. The finals of inter house cricket matches of girls and boys were worthy of praise. This entailed the Prize Distribution Ceremony, where the Chief Guest along with the Principal, gave away medals to the Sports event winners.

The closing ceremony took place with the de hoisting of school flag and vote of thanks which was delivered by the Sports Captains.

Recently the English department of podar international school, has organised spell bee competition for grade I to V ,essay competition for grade Vl - Vll and debate competition for grade Vlll-X.

Through these competitions students were exposed to new vocabulary, innovative and creative writing practices as well as they learned to express their views and take a stand. Experienced and influential judges assessed the students and guided them for their future. Enthusiasm was seen among the students.

Recently on 28th and29th November 2022 the English department of podar international school, has organised spell bee competition for grade I to V ,essay competition for grade Vl - Vll and debate competition for grade Vlll-X.

Through these competitions students were exposed to new vocabulary , innovative and creative writing practices as well as they learned to express their views and take a stand. Experienced and influential judges assessed the students and guided them for their future . Enthusiasm was seen among the students.

The students of Grade VI from Podar International School, #Ratnagiri visited Kuwarbav Gram Panchayat on Wednesday, 23 November 2022.

The Sarpanch of Kuwarbav Gram Panchyat Ms Manjiri Padalkar, Deputy Sarpanch Mr.Sachin Kotawdekar, Secretary Mr. Arjun Nagargoje and other members of the Gram Panchayat explained the structure, functions and responsibilities of Gram Panchayat. The students asked their queries and interacted with all the members.

It was a visit planned by the Social Science department for the students to learn about village administration.

The students of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri participated in House Competition ‘The Poetry on the Spot’ under the theme ‘Kaleidoscope – Gazing at the Magical Prism of Poetry’ which aims to sow the seeds of love for the art of poetry amongst the students.

The students from Grade V to Grade VIII participated in the House Competition. The purpose of the contest was to test the artistic expression and the vocabulary of the students and to encourage the students to dive into their imagination and jot down their beautiful thoughts on a piece of paper that lead to beautiful poems.

The platform of the ‘House Competition’ provided them with opportunities to showcase their creative abilities through their writing piece.

The competition also aims to acknowledge the efforts proposed by the students in writing poems.

"The honors and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action." - Aristotle.

The students of grade VIII J.C.Bose from Podar International School, Ratnagiri visited Aare Ware Beach on 19 November 2022 as they were awarded as a Best class for the month of October.

They had a great time with their classmates and teachers. They have been there with a social agenda as well, where students cleaned the beach and contributed themselves in maintaining the hygiene of the surroundings.

They relished on mouth watering dishes during the tiffin party. It was a memorable day spent with fun and excitement.

Welfare committee meetings were held separately for the boys and girls of grade I to grade IV at Podar International School, #Ratnagiri on 17 November 2022.

Students were guided for health, hygiene and safety in the campus. They were made aware about good touch and bad touch. A student helpline number was shared with them.

Students openly shared their thoughts with teachers. It was a fruitful session for everyone.

A ‘Cyber Safety’ session for the students of grade V to VIII was organized during the welfare committee meeting. Ms. Nisha Kelkar and Mr. Ajinkya Dhamdhere from Cyber Police Station Ratnagiri guided the students. They discussed e-safety; focusing on user's awareness of personal safety and security risks to private information and property associated with using the internet, and the self-protection from computer crime.

It was an interactive session which created awareness among the students.

“You were born with wings. Don't crawl. Learn to use them to fly and fly.”

Every year World Students’ Day is celebrated on October 15 across the globe to acknowledge the efforts of former President of India and eminent aerospace scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam towards student welfare and education. Dr. Kalam is fondly remembered as "People's President", and he was known for his dedication towards promoting education.

The students of Aqua House from Podar International School, #Ratnagiri presented a special assembly on 15 October 2022. His thoughts and conversations with students were recalled. No doubt, he has inspired millions of youth through his works, achievements, books, lectures, etc. He was a simple personality that will always be remembered.

“India is known as a land of festivals and celebration, Dussehra is one of them which is unique in its perception and significance.”

The students of Ignis House from Podar International School, #Ratnagiri held a special assembly on Dussehra on 4 October 2022. Keeping the festive spirit alive, the students performed the skit and conveyed the message of victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and reinforced the message that good always triumphs over evil.

The celebration is a part of our philosophy. Children learnt values of honesty, respect, humility and obedience, which are the core of our Indian epic, Ramayana. All the students enthusiastically participated and enjoyed the celebration.

Thus the celebration not only enriched their learning but also made it memorable celebration.

“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”
- Robert Frost

To develop the student’s appreciation for poems and to facilitate their reading and comprehension skills and also to enhance their analytical abilities while interpreting the poems, Podar International School, #Ratnagiri introduced the third theme of the year with Jumpstart event, ‘KALEIDOSCOPE: Gazing at the Magical Prism of Poetry.’

During this event the students were engaged with activities such as ‘Give me a Rhyme’, ‘Picture Poem’, ‘Add an Action Word’, ‘Rhyming Hunt! – Braid a Poem’.

The focus of this theme is for students to explore the literary form of ‘poetry’ through the various activities over the period of 4-5 weeks, where the students will be exposed to a variety of poems that will lead to a learning experience and a deeper understanding of the genre of poetry.

Festivals, an important part of Indian culture, are the periods of celebration. They are a tool to bring life to a state of exuberance and enthusiasm.

The students of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri had organised The Grand Garba Night for students, parents and staff on 30 September 2022.

The celebration began by offering prayers to Goddess Durga followed by the garba and dandiya performances. Best Dancer and Best Attire were selected by the judges from students, parents and teachers. The dancers got recharged at the Food Stalls managed by the students. The Best Food Stall was also awarded.

This colourful, vibrant celebration exhibited a spirit of togetherness and made everyone forget their cultural and religious differences.

Chess is quite like a brain tonic which enhances concentration, patience, and perseverance, as well as develops creativity, intuition, memory, and most importantly, the ability to process and extract information from a set of general principles, learning to make tough decisions and solving problems flexibly.

Podar International School, #Ratnagiri had organised District level Inter School Chess Competition on Saturday, 24 September 2022. Mr. Chaitanya Bhide and Mr. Vivek Sohani National and International arbiters supervised and managed the entire competition. The competition was held for under 9, under 12 and under 16 categories for girls and boys.

Indeed it was a brilliant opportunity for all participants to showcase their talent.

The theme ‘FOOTPRINTS IN TIME’ – An Archaeological Expedition was culminated in the ‘The Sci-Hi Museum’ event organized by the students and the staff members of the school within the school premises on Saturday, 27 August 2022.

This event was focused on presenting various discoveries/excavations/monuments with a scientific element in it and the History behind it. The event aimed at providing opportunities to the students to showcase their learning and a platform for sharing the experience that they have had during the course of the module.

The module ‘Footprints in Time’ aimed at helping the students learn about archaeology and examine historical facts in the most interesting ways possible. The students learnt about who archaeologists were and were encouraged to think like them.

The module allowed the students to follow the archaeological process and use tools that are usually used during excavations.

Organizing the ‘The Sci-Hi Museum’ event was a wonderful way of reaching out to the students and parents to experience some fun archaeological themed activities.

The students of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri presented a cultural program on the occasion of 76th Independence Day of India.

The school choir sang “Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindustan Hamara... ” with a classical touch, mesmerized the audience. The dance moves on patriotic song were worth praising. A skit “OUR TRICOLOUR FLAG – A MASTERPIECE” was performed where a painter wishes to create a painting that will be his lifetime masterpiece. He tries to find the most beautiful thing on earth so that he can paint it and finally completes his masterpiece, the Indian tricolor flag!

The teachers addressed recalling the history of our country, the rich culture and traditions and sacrifices made to get this freedom.

Indeed it was a truly memorable Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

76th Independence Day of India was celebrated at Podar International School, #Ratnagiri on 15 August 2022 with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. Miss Princy Sawant, the topper of Grade X (2021-22) hoisted the National Flag, a sign of pride and patriotism. The school choir exhibited the spirit of freedom and nationalism through the flag song “Jhanda uncha rahe hamara”.

The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the event coordinator.

Indeed, it was a day of elation, a day of love and respect for the country, instilling in the Podarites the value and reverence for the gift of freedom by the great leaders of the country.

The Ventus House of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri had organized the special assembly as a tribute to the youngest archaeologist in India – Arsh Ali on International Youth Day, 12 August 2022.

Arsh has worked on numerous excavation sites and is currently working on several interesting archaeological projects. He is primarily fascinated by Indian and Egyptian archaeology. Along with mastering hieroglyphs, Arsh knows 10 languages which include the basic knowledge in Arabic and Latin. He is also well-versed in 18 scripts, a few of which are extinct already.

The students of Ventus house have enacted the interview with Arsh Ali to present the first person point of view narration. The Head of Social Science department also threw light on the work of Arsh Ali to make students understand the importance of curiosity in the life of a learner. The assembly ended with the short video of Arsh Ali’s work.

“Plant trees, save nature, save the world”

World Nature Conservation Day is observed on July 28 every year. The objective is to spread awareness regarding the preservation of nature and biodiversity for a healthy environment which is required for stable and prospering humankind.

The students and staff of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri participated in Plantation Drive. The participants were excited for their action to preserve the environment for posterity and adopting sustainable practices.

In order to hook the students, and capture their imagination, Jumpstart activity was carried out at the start of the Thematic Unit- Jobs for the students of Grade II on Saturday, 23 July 2022 at Podar International School, #Ratnagiri.

The teacher started the activity by conducting a discussion with the students regarding the different jobs that they have heard of. Parents as working professionals i.e. Commandant, Banker, TTE, Doctor, Security guard, Driver, Teacher etc. were invited to talk to the students about their jobs and other career experiences.

They spoke about their job title, favourite thing about their job, their working hours and how the things they learnt during their school life helped them with their jobs today.

Students were encouraged to ask questions. They were completely immersed and wanted to know about different types of jobs.

Indeed, this activity aroused curiosity among the students about the upcoming theme.

Under the Theme "Footprints in Time – An Archaeological Expedition" the students of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri participated in the ‘Express Yourself’ session.

The students of Grades 1 & 2 participated in Art & Craft Activity – ‘Build a Memory Box’.

Grades 3 & 4 created clay models of different artefacts found in the treasure box through Play Dough Activity – ‘A Collection of Artefacts’, Grades 5 & 6 thought creatively and created a comic strip that brings out a conversation between a group of archaeologists who have just made a discovery in an activity Comic Strip – ‘The Eureka Moment!’ Grades 7 & 8 cultivated the ability to enquire about pre-historic times – why did the cavemen, prehistoric humans created art and what was its purpose in a Pictorial Narrative – ‘Archaeological Graffiti with Mixed Media’.

These activities were designed to express their thoughts creatively through their aesthetic skills.

The students and teachers of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri participated in Jumpstart activity with great energy and enthusiasm to introduce the upcoming theme ' Footprints in Time – An Archaeological Expedition’ on 11 July 2022.

The focus of the theme is to help students cultivate the inclination to ask questions related to how one finds out about the past life of humans and how knowing about the past can help understand our present times better.

The various activities for the ‘Starting Point’ have been planned to immerse the students in the process of exploring the theme. The students from grade I and II designed a coin. The students of grade III and IV made cave paintings. The students from grade 5th and 6th wrote on ‘Monuments I visited’ and students of grade 7th and 8th drew or illustrated the things that they feel are hidden under the layers of our Earth.

These activities helped to create opportunities for the students to develop curiosity about what artefacts are and to expose them to some of the archaeological findings around the world.

Parent Teacher Association provides parents and teachers a mutual platform to work for the betterment of the school and everything that influences the physical and intellectual growth of a child.

Podar International School, #Ratnagiri held the first Executive Parents Teachers Association meeting of Academic Year 2022-23 on Saturday 9 July 2022. The meeting proceeded with election of Vice Chairperson and Joint Secretaries in democratic way. Parents were updated for the academics and upcoming events of the school. The positive suggestions were appreciated for the better outcomes and smooth functioning of school. The meeting concluded with the vote of thanks.

A Student Council is a representative structure through which students in a school can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management and staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students.

School election process is a time where students get to know about the process involved in choosing the right candidate for a particular post, by using their right to vote and choose a governing body which represents the students of the school as one.

Students’ Council Election for the Academic year 2022-23 was conducted in Podar International School, Ratnagiri on Saturday, 25 June 2022.

Students took an active part in the selection process which started almost a couple of weeks before the actual election process happened. Nomination forms were provided to the students beforehand. The nominated students campaigned and appealed for the vote. Voting occurred via the Google Forms. Students of Grade V to X casted their votes. Along with students, the principal and all teachers too casted their votes.

At the end of the process, votes were counted and winning names were announced in all the classes on 28 June 2022.

The school-wide theme ‘Changemakers!’ – Delving into the Challenges and Promises of Human Rights at Podar International School, #Ratnagiri culminated with an event called #CourageConquers on 25 June 2022.

This event was organized to provide opportunities to the students to showcase their learning and the experience which they have had during the course of the module.

This kind of an event serves as an ideal opportunity to know what kinds of initiatives ‘Changemakers’ are taking throughout the world to bring about a change in ‘non-progressive’ mind-sets and attitudes institutionalized in our societies.

The students from grade 1 to 8 paid tribute to people who have devoted their heart and soul to ‘causes’ that have brought about a transformation in the society like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King Jr., Kailash Satyarthi, Lakshmi Agarwal , Greta Thunberg and Medha Patkar. They continue to inspire us to ensure that peace, positivity and consistent action prevail every single time. The students focussed on the background of the activist, causes they supported, ideologies they possessed, struggles and battles they fought, and action taken by them for the betterment of society.

This event has truly helped to ignite, in the hearts of the students, the flames of these values and victories that these activists have fanned for a long time.

“Teachers provide the power of knowledge and education and create possibilities for better future.”

Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India every year on 5th September to appreciate the role played by teachers in the life of students–the leaders of tomorrow. The day is also celebrated to pay tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of the country and a visionary educator.

Podar International School, #Ratnagiri celebrated this day with great enthusiasm on 4th September, 2021. The programme commenced with lightening of lamp and garlanding the portrait of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. This was followed by a welcome song in the mesmerizing voice of our teachers. Students expressed their gratitude towards teachers through a video and also by preparing greetings. Fun games were organized where all teachers cheered and motivated their colleagues with a wide smile. The programme unfolded with a dance performance by the students which was followed by Principal's address speaking on the inherent qualities to be a successful teacher. The program wrapped up with refreshments and group photos.

“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader. They set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role-always about the GOAL”

The Investiture Ceremony is a proud moment for a school and if with changing times it’s on a virtual platform, it is much more innovative. The indomitable spirit of young talented leaders of Podar International School, #Ratnagiri was commemorated by means of a Virtual Investiture Ceremony on August 15, 2021.

The investiture ceremony signifies the belief and poise that the school consigns in the newly invested office bearers. These newly-appointed council members were adorned with badges. All the designated members took the oath, promised to serve the institution and perform their duties whole-heartedly and sincerely. The elected members were brimming with confidence to shoulder the assigned duties.

The Principal, Mr. Kirtikumar Deshmukh, blessed and congratulated the elected Student Council and stressed on the significance of setting priorities and the need to be great communicators. It instilled a belief in everyone present in the ceremony in all that needs to be done, especially in the elected student council members. It was a moment of pride and gaiety for everyone.