The School Weekly 28th October 2024

 News & Events 
 Visitors from Afar 
Exciting global connections at Fabindia School! We had the pleasure of hosting Kristen, a veterinary doctor, and Ute, a psychiatrist, both from Germany. They were captivated by our students' curiosity, love for nature, and vibrant and eco-friendly atmosphere. After their first visit 32 years ago, reconnecting with Yogendra and witnessing the school's growth was truly special.
 Athletics Achievements 
All hail the track king! 👑🏅 Rudra Dev Singh dominated the district tournament, taking home gold in the 100m, 200m, and 400m races, and earning the prestigious title of Best Athlete of the Tournament! 🏆 Your determination, speed, and hard work have set a new standard. Onwards and upwards, champ! 💥🚀 #BestAthlete #TripleGold #TrackChampion #WinningStreak #Inspiration
 Ramayana 
On the last day of the week, kids came in mythological characters and they described themselves. Meanwhile, teachers shared a short story about Lord Rama and his journey of 14  years of exile and return to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, emphasizing kindness and the triumph of good over evil.
 Pre-Primary Section 
The 4th week of October was celebrated as Diwali Special. 
Grade Nursery students celebrated the festival with traditional art by filling designs in Rangoli with colored chalk, allowing them to explore colors and practice their fine motor skills. Following this, they participated in making cotton wicks for diyas, understanding how these small oil lamps symbolize the brightness and joy of Diwali. 
The children also decorated diyas with colorful leaves, adding a festive touch and bringing them closer to nature. 
Grade LKG students crafted beautiful Diyas using origami art and decorated them with vibrant colors. This craft activity helped develop fine motor skills, creativity, and cultural awareness, perfect for the Diwali celebration. 
In the same manner, Grade UKG made door hangings with paper. It was a team-building skill activity. They also made diya out of waste paper. They learned how to use every small piece of paper wisely. 
Grade 1 students prepared Gingerbread Man using dough, shaping and baking them with excitement. Afterward, they crafted diyas for the festival of lights from the same dough. Instead of discarding the diyas after the festival, they reused the dough to feed fish in a nearby pond. This activity encouraged creativity, sustainability, and mindful resource use.
 "Mowgli" Movie Screening 
As part of a project led by international intern Yorick Van Oordt, students attended a screening of Mowgli on 26 October 2024, a film based on The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. The movie provided a mix of entertainment and valuable lessons on bravery, friendship, and respect for nature. A discussion session afterward allowed students to reflect on these themes, enhancing their cultural understanding and appreciation. This screening served as a memorable and enriching experience for all.
 Rangoli Making Competition 
The Rangoli Making Competition, held on 26th October 2024 in the middle section, brought a burst of color and creativity as students showcased their artistic skills to celebrate the theme of "Diwali Festival Day." Participants from different houses enthusiastically took part, crafting intricate and vibrant designs that captured the essence of Diwali through colors, floral motifs, and festive patterns.
After careful evaluation, the judges announced the following winners:
1st Position: Raman House  
2nd Position: Dhyanchand House  
3rd Position: Gandhi House  
The competition encouraged students to work as a team, express their creativity, and deepen their appreciation for cultural traditions. Each house’s effort was appreciated, and this celebration of Diwali traditions through art created lasting memories for all involved.
 Interview with Jacqueline Lundquist 
 (Wife of former US- ambassador to India, Richar F. Celeste) 
RP/Reporter: Tejal Soni
JLT: Jacqueline Lundquist
RP: What unique traditions or values at The Fabindia School did you find most important to represent?  
JLT: The value of growth—it shows a significant upward trend in the school's development.
RP: Can you share a moment during your ambassadorship that deeply moved or inspired you?  
JLT: My husband was an ambassador. We used to invite slum children from Delhi as well as American children to collaborate and learn together. I’ve witnessed how isolated and depressed communities need more help, and we made efforts to support them.
RP: If you could describe The Fabindia School in three words based on your experience, what would they be and why?  
JLT: Professional, optimistic, and forward-thinking. These qualities reflect the school's vision and the dynamic environment it provides.
RP: What advice would you give to current students who aspire to take on leadership roles like you did?  
JLT: Don’t be afraid. Failure is the key to success. Never let mediocrity hold you back.
RP: How did you balance representing the school while staying true to your personal vision and ideas?  
JLT: Since my husband was an ambassador, I was already a big fan of the school and, of course, the Fabindia company. This alignment made it easy to balance both.
RP: If you could implement one change or innovation at the school based on your experiences, what would it be and why?  
JLT: If the school needs technology mentorship or funding, we are ready to help.
RP: What inspires you to be here at The Fabindia School?  
JLT: Bissell started the school, and my husband was the ambassador from 1997 to 2001. The school began with the daughters of weavers, and it has grown significantly since then. Over the past 20 years, it has become a larger campus—a peaceful place with brilliant and enthusiastic minds. I see children dreaming of attending Harvard, and Colorado College is eager to collaborate with The Fabindia School in the future. I’m truly happy to be a part of this journey.
 Interview with Rinske 
 (Mother of Guest Faculty, Yorick Van Oordt) 
RP/Reporter: Anshuman Singh and Tammanna Solanki
RNK: Rinske
RP: What do you feel about the school?
RNK: The school’s architecture is certainly one-of-a-kind things. This also helps to create an open learning environment. I also felt it was quite well preserved. The school’s students are very kind and helpful, and the Teachers are very professional and well-versed in their field. 
RP: What did you like about our culture?
RNK: The use of color in the Indian culture specifically in the region around here is particularly fascinating. Women dressed in traditional colorful dresses of all sorts are a spectacle to see. The vibrant architecture of the heritage sights and how well they have been preserved is certainly breathtaking. Before coming here, I visited the city palace in Udaipur, It was really beautiful and exposed me to a lot of information about the art and culture here.
RP: What was the cultural shock for you when you came to India?
RNK: I have lived in India before due to work. So, when I lived in Mumbai, on any highway or road I would go through there I saw people living in slums, the situation that we usually read about in newspapers became so much alive in front of me. In the Netherlands, we have poverty but never encountered something of the sort.
 Interview with Yorick Van Oordt (Guest Faculty) 
Reporter/RP - Anshuman SIngh
RP: What was your first impression of the school?
YOT: The people of the school were quite welcoming and kind. They made sure that I was nicely settled in. The students especially were eager to meet me and even when I teach now, they all listen quietly and focus in.
RP: What do you feel about the Indian culture?
YOT: The culture here is rich and well-preserved. It is nice to see the many rituals and festivals that happen around here. The food is quite amazing too but a bit spicy for me. The culture is alive in the youth too. Many students know about the old folk tales and talk about them in very high regard. I also like how people here live in a tight-knit community. 
RP: What message would you give to the students of Fabindia?
YOT: Just Travel!! There is no better than experience. Especially traveling around the globe and exposing yourself to different cultures is an experience of a lifetime. I have had the privilege to travel to many places and that sort of experience has now become a part of me that makes me who I am.
 Interview with Rudra Dev Singh Chauhan 
Interviewers- Tamanna Solanki & Aaradhya Champawat
RP: What was the top feeling inside your heart?
RDS: I was very confident in my practice. But when we actually went there and I entered the actual track, that was the time my confidence flickered a bit because of the active and heavy competition. But I had my coach's words engraved inside my mind and knew that I had to do it no matter what.
RP: What was the reaction of your competitors when you competed against them?
RDS: I am not so sure about them but I was the one who was a little scared while competing against the best athletes of my age. When I came into the group wearing my running attire, all of the general people and the competitors circled around and I started feeling like the centre of attraction there and hence I felt very confident.
RP: How did your coach cheer you up when you were low?
RDS: Whenever I felt demotivated and lacked confidence, he was the only man motivating me and telling me that no matter what it was I would get through it.
 Facts 
1. Horses and cows can sleep standing up.
2. Potatoes were the first food to be grown in space.
3. Hippopotamuses can run faster than humans.
4. A student who is funny and has a good sense of humor is a sign of a smart and healthy brain. 
5. The Sahara Desert in Africa is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning 9.2 million square kilometers. It's almost the same size as the United States!
 Riddles 
1. You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy.
Answer: A candle
2. What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Answer: the letter R
3. You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat. Why?
Answer: all people were married
4. What English word has three consecutive double letters?
Answer: Bookkeeper 
5. I come from a mine and get surrounded by wood always. Everyone uses me. What am I?
Answer: pencil lead
 Jokes 
1. What do you call a space magician?
A flying sorcerer.
2. What is an astronaut’s favorite control on the computer keyboard?
The space bar.
3. How did the mouse get out of the Roman Cathedral?
He clicked on an icon and opened a window.
4. Have you heard about the Disney virus?
It makes everything on your computer go Goofy.
5. Why did the chicken cross the Web?
To get to the other site.

NOTE: The School is closed for Diwali Break from 28th October to 7th November 2024. We will be back with more news and views on 8th November 2024. The School Weekly wishes its readers A Happy and Safe Diwali. Keep smiling and keep healthy.




 Credits 
Editorial In-charge: Anshuman Singh
Chief Editors: Leesha Suthar, Tamanna Solanki.
Interview Reporters: Siddhi Solanki, Beenita Sonigra/Vijita Solanki, Aaradhya Champawat, Mohita Solanki.
Event Reporters: Bhumika Rathore, Tanya Tripash.
Photographers: Suman, Tanishka Suthar, Tiya Sompura, Kesar Sompura.
Article: Priya Vaishnav, Abhilasha Mansion, Chelsi Rao, Hetal Vaishnav.
Fun facts /Riddles / Jokes: Vanshika Singh, Yashi Soni.


Volume No. 612 Published by The Editorial Board: Mr. Jitendra Suthar,  Ms. Tejal Soni, Mr. Krishna Gopal Dave  



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