VOL 33
DECEMBER 2014
Good Shepherd Knowledge Village
M. Palada Post, Ootacamund - 643 004, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
Visit us @ www.gsis.ac.in | www.gsfs.ac.in
On the Threshold of Maturity:
38th Founder’s Day Celebrations
Display by the Brass and the Pipe Bands of GSIS
“We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow
partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us
backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.”
- Anaïs Nin
The 15th and 16th of October, 2014 were days when the school and its family explored the “layers, cells and constellations” that
thirty-eight years of maturing had gathered. It was a time to include the new while holding on to tradition. Hence, on both days
of the celebrations, in the auditorium and the athletic stadium, the old and the new were juxtaposed. The old remained from our
acceptance of the time-tested values and the new emerged from our belief that “only a child sees things with perfect clarity, because
it hasn’t developed all those filters which prevent us from seeing things that we don’t expect to see.” (Douglas Adams)
A variety of music and dance, from the slow to the fast, from the lowest note to the highest crescendo, from the old to the new,
rendered by our students, aged five to eighteen. This was the hallmark of the grand extravaganza. As the guests, the parents, guardians
and the well-wishers of the school kept pouring into the auditorium, they were greeted by the lively notes played by the members of
The Shepherdians entertaining parents and guardians with
melodious renditions
The Chief Guest, Lt. Gen. S.K. Gadeock, AVSM, and Mrs. Sonalika
Gadeock along with the Principal and the Senior Vice Principal
The School Choir singing ‘Africa’, a popular song of the rock band
Toto
The Symphony Band playing a medley of popular songs
Students of Grade 4 presenting the Angklung Ensemble
The Junior School Choir presenting an exhilarating musical
performance
the orchestra. Soon joining them were the members of the Board of Governors and the press. The entry culminated in the majestic
arrival of the Chief Guest for the evening, Lieutenant General Sunil Kumar Gadeock, AVSM, accompanied by his graceful wife,
Mrs. Sonalika Gadeock, signaled by the bugle call followed by a musical fanfare.
The programme began with the school song and the school prayer song sung by the school choir. In its wake came a novel presentation
by the tiny tots of the junior school, the Angklung Ensemble, which took the audience to the distant country of Indonesia. Angklung is
an instrument made from two to four bamboo tubes suspended within a bamboo frame, bound with rattan cords. The tubes
are carefully whittled and cut by a master craftsperson to produce certain notes when the bamboo frame is shaken or tapped.
Each angklung produces a single note or chord, so several players must collaborate in order to play melodies. The choir of the Junior
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Our young musicians from Grades 1 to 3 singing with selected
percussion instruments
The Pooja Dance – an invocation to Goddess Saraswati
Lt. Gen. S.K. Gadeock, AVSM, and Mrs. Sonalika Gadeock along
with the Principal
Expression of Gratitude by the Senior Vice Principal
The String Orchestra presenting a medley of songs
Grades 8, 9 & 10 girls presenting the Sailors’ Hornpipe Dance
School delivered beautiful messages through a song – “What kind of music does the rainbow make?” This was followed by the theme
song Scooby Doo written by Danny Janssen and Austin Roberts for the popular cartoon Scooby Doo, Where Are You! The lively little
dynamites from Junior School with their enthralling musical pieces left our feet tapping and fingers snapping. Music of another kind,
Africa, the hit single of the rock band Toto, was performed by the school choir. The play of sounds, especially that of rainstorm, was
the most remarkable aspect of the performance.
A complete change came around with the next item, the invocatory dance performed honouring Goddess Saraswathy made the
audience enlighten that where there is knowledge, wealth and power are certain and that power and wealth without knowledge
are worthless. In the dance, knowledge was represented by Goddess Saraswathi, wealth by Goddess Lakshmi and power by Goddess
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Grade 8 boys presenting ‘The Concert Etiquette Rap’
Grade 7 Boys singing ‘Rockfort Rock’
Manipuri Dance: our boys and girls in colourful costumes
performing with graceful and subtle movements
The Middle School Girls’ Choir singing a medley of songs
Students of the Junior School presenting ‘The Light and Dark
presentation.’
The School Choir singing the medley ‘A Tribute to Queen’
Parvathi. For the next performance, the setting was just right: the hills of Ooty came alive with the sound of the music created by the
young musicians and singers of the Junior School as they sang four songs from the classic movie, The Sound of Music, centered on the
lives of Captain Von Trapp and his family of singers.
The more formal part of the programme commenced with the Welcome Address delivered by the Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas. This
was followed by the speech delivered by the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Sunil Kumar Gadeock, AVSM. In his crisp language and
booming voice, he made all the listeners aware of the greatness of the opportunities provided by the school and also provided many
aphorisms that are relevant to the school context. The Expression of Gratitude was then delivered by the Senior Vice Principal, Mrs.
Elsamma Thomas. After the speech, the Jazz Band sang three popular numbers. The first item Funkytown from Shrek 2 composed
by Steven Grenberg was followed by What A Wonderful World composed by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss and made famous
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Lt. Gen. S.K. Gadeock, AVSM, stands on the saluting dais reviewing
the March Past
Dinner for parents and guardians in the School Dining Hall
March Past of the Equestrian Contingent
by Louis Armstrong. The third number was Don’t Know Why, a song written by Jesse Harris - the single that won three Grammy
Awards in 2003 for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. This was sung by Sasinathaya. A
sea change occurred on stage with the next item: the Sailors’ Hornpipe dance by the girl cadets of the Sea Cadet Corps. The hornpipe
was originally an old solo dance. Danced to the Celtic instrument known as the hornpipe, it is performed wearing hard shoes, which
are used to help keep track of how the dancer maintains the rhythm. The dance imitates the life of sailors and their duties aboard the
ship such as the hauling of ropes, rowing, climbing, rigging and saluting.
The Middle School boys then went on to present four songs. El Cumbanchero, also known as Rockfort Rock composed by Rafael
Hernández was sung by the boys of Grade 7. The Concert Etiquette Rap, a song that tells us about the appropriate behaviour to be
observed in a concert was sung by the Grade 8 boys. For as long as I have music by the girls of Grades 7 and 8 conveyed the message
that music gives us the strength and courage to move ahead in life. The next song, We are the music, composed by Carl Strommen,
an American composer, music teacher and conductor was presented by the boys and girls of Grades 7 and 8. They also sang the final
number Bambaramba tumba, an African song accompanied by African percussion instruments.
From the Western world we moved on to the North eastern part of India, Manipur. This small state with its rich cultural background
was represented by a dance influenced by the religious movement of Vaishnavism, the worship of Lord Vishnu. Presented as a group
dance in gorgeous, colourful costumes and gentle, swaying petal-soft movements, the Manipuri dance performed by the students of
Grade 11, created a hypnotic impact.
The grand finale was provided by the school choir that sang a medley from A tribute to Queen. The songs were We will rock you,
Another one bites the dust, Bohemian Rhapsody and We are the champions. The evening function ended on the note that variety is
what makes the Shepherdians “sing in glee” in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, that is, throughout the year.
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Flags of countries represented in the school
March Past of the Girls’ Pipe Band
16 October: Hey, Hey, Hey, It’s a beautiful day….
The Sun rose over the hills in all its beauty and grandeur. The band and the sea cadets’ uniforms were bright and crisp. The athletic
tracks had lines drawn anew. The vaulting horse, the mountaineering kit and the obstacles for the equestrian show were kept in
readiness. The Indian musical instruments and the shining trophies adorned the platforms below the pavilion. All the students
awaited the commencement of the show with bated breath and excitement.
The ritualistic bugle call welcomed the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Sunil Kumar Gadeock, AVSM. In the meantime, his gracious
wife, Mrs. Sonalika Gadeock and other special guests were already seated. The inspection of the Guard of Honour by the Chief Guest
was followed by the March Past in which all the contingents vied with one another regarding the perfection with which they marched
as the House to lift the March Past trophy was yet to be announced.
The Band Display and the Drummers’ Call were a message to all who were skeptical about team work, playing various instruments
and marching in unison. Even for those who had seen this tradition of the school for years together, there was a refreshing novelty
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March Past of the Brass Band
The Chief Guest, Lt. Gen. S.K. Gadeock, AVSM, and Mrs. Sonalika
Gadeock along with the Principal and the Senior Vice Principal
Parents, guardians and special invitees seated in the pavilion
in both of them as the music and its accompanying movements were vibrant and infused liveliness and joie de vivre in the audience.
The little ones of the Junior School seemed as enthusiastic as their seniors as they put up an aerobic exercise, running and stretching
themselves accompanied by vibrant music. Music of another kind, the Classical music of India, reverberated through the pavilion
soon after this. The presentation comprised of vocal renditions accompanied by the veena and the harmonium and percussion
instruments of all kinds, and the rendition of the traditional taniyavartanam, the playing of the percussion instruments, separately in
the initial part and in unison in the latter part.
Activities of a totally different kind, catering to the physical development of the students, evoked great appreciation from the
members of the audience: the display of gymnastics, mountaineering and equestrian skills. All these activities showed that many
of our students had inculcated at least one aspect of the learner profile: courage. None of them flinched even a wee bit when they
scaled heights, jumped through a ring of fire or made a horse jump over an obstacle.
A group of Shepherdians then transported the audience into the darkness and mystery of the African jungles: the drumming on
the Djembe drums in a variety of tempos. The Welcome Address was delivered by the Principal, Dr. P. C. Thomas. This was followed
by the much-awaited distribution of prizes. Six students were awarded the Elsamma Thomas Gold medal for topping in the board
examinations, the ISC (Science and Commerce) and the IB. Nine students of Grade 11 were awarded scholarships for their excellent
performance in the Grade 10 (ICSE and IGCSE – Science and Commerce) board examinations. Then followed the prizes for the various
activities that the four Houses, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, had competed in. Evidently, all the four Houses had a tough
competition as all of them had procured the prize of the best House in different activities. The students awaited with bated breath the
announcement of the overall scores and the winner of the cock house shield. Finally, the announcement was made: Winter House
bagged the huge shield and each House member remembered with pride his or her own contribution to enjoy this moment of glory.
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The Chief Guest had observed every minute detail and his speech was full of appreciation for the school and the work she was doing
for the country and her citizens. On that note of satisfaction and pride, bringing an end to the show, the children sang with gusto and
enthusiasm the school anthem that says it all:
O Brightest Light! It’s you we behold!
O Garden of Light, our dreams unfold!
The Band Display in progress
The Drummers’ Call
Aerobics Presentation by the students of the Junior School
Our young mountaineers showing the technique of rappelling
Our young gymnasts diving through the fire ring
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A young horse-rider at show jumping
The Indian Music Ensemble
Boys playing the Djembe drums
Welcome Address by the Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas
Prize distribution
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Special Guests at GSIS
Dr. P. Sankar, IAS, was the Chief Guest of the 12th Annual Inter
School Athletics Festival held at GSIS on 23 August 2014. He is
currently the District Collector of the Nilgiris District since 23
October 2013.
After completing his school education, he pursued his studies
in Agriculture obtaining his Master’s Degree from Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore. He was the State Topper in
Group 1 Services Examinations conducted by the Tamil Nadu
Public Service Commission and was appointed as an IAS officer
of the 2007 batch. He is a very candid and warm person with a
strong passion to serve the needy and the poor.
Dr. P. Sankar, IAS
Lieutenant General Sunil Kumar Gadeock, AVSM, was
commissioned into the Brigade of the Guards, Indian Army
on 11 June 1977. He is an alumnus of the National Defence
Academy, Khandakwasla and the Indian Military Academy,
Dehradun. He holds a Master of Science (Defence Studies), a
Master of Philosophy and also a Diploma in Senior Level Defence
Management. The General Officer has served in numerous
sensitive and coveted appointments in various parts of the
country. He is presently assigned as Commandant, Defence
Services Staff College, Wellington.
Lieutenant General Sunil Kumar Gadeock, AVSM
Lt. Gen. S.K. Gadeock visited GSIS and addressed the students
and staff at a special assembly held on 16 August 2014. He was
also the Chief Guest of the 38th Founder’s Day celebrations held
in the Palada Campus on 15 & 16 October 2014.
Padma Shri Dr. V. Mohan is the President and Director of
the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. He is also the
Chairman and Chief of Diabetology at Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes
Specialities Centre, which is a WHO Collaborating Centre for
Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and Control and an IDF
Centre of Education.
Padma Shri Dr. V. Mohan
Dr. Mohan is one of the top diabetologists in the country.
He provides life-long free service to over 9000 patients at
Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and runs several free
diabetic clinics in Chennai. He has treated thousands of patients
with the best results. Dr. Mohan has received numerous awards
and fellowships. This includes the Padma Shri National Award
and Dr. B.C. Roy Award from the Medical Council of India (MCI).
He visited Good Shepherd International School and addressed
the students and staff on 8 August 2014.
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Mr. V. Selvaraj, IAS (Retd.) is currently the Chairman of the
Board of Governors of Good Shepherd International School.
He was the Chief Guest at the Opening Ceremony of the Good
Shepherd Model United Nations 2014.
Mr. Selvaraj has served the Government of India in various
capacities. In his capacity as Industries Secretary, he contributed
immensely to the Industrial Development of Tamil Nadu and was
responsible for taking the initiative in the formation of Electronic
Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT), Madras Export Processing
Zone and the Tamil Nadu Mines and Minerals Corporation. He
was the Chairman of the Madras Port Trust from the year 1978
to 1984 and was responsible for the construction of India’s first
system-based Container Terminal. After his retirement from the
IAS, he had served in a number of corporate groups as Advisor
and as a Director in their Boards. He has travelled all over the
world and has attended a number of meetings, seminars and
discussions in India and in countries abroad.
Mr. V. Selvaraj, IAS (Retd.)
Mr. C.V. Ranganathan was India’s Ambassador to China from
1987 to 1991 and is widely regarded as an authority on SinoIndian relations. During a brilliantly-chequered career spanning
almost 35 years in the IFS, he has served as Ambassador to
France and High Commissioner to Ethiopia and Moscow. After
retirement, he has served as the Convenor of the National
Security Advisory Board and has co-authored ‘India and China
– The Way Ahead.’
A graduate in Economics and Political Science from Madras
University and a Diploma holder with Distinction in Chinese
language from the Hong Kong University, he has contributed
extensively on International Affairs to various newspapers and
magazines. Mr. C.V. Ranganathan was the Chief Guest of the
Closing Ceremony of the Good Shepherd Model United Nations
2014. He addressed the delegates of the GSMUN 2014 sharing
his experiences as a diplomat.
Mr. C.V. Ranganathan, IFS (Retd.)
For more than two decades, Dr. P.P. Vijayan has been
instrumental in spreading the mind power movement through
his brain child, Life Line Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Dr. P.P. Vijayan is an internationally-acclaimed Mind Power
Trainer, Author and Success Coach as well as Legal and TechnoManagement Consultant. He is a recipient of the prestigious
FOMAA award and has been acknowledged as a unique and
distinctive authority in the field of Mind Power Training and
Positive thinking across the globe. He has 15 books to his credit
on topics like Mind Power, Personality Development, Time
Management, Personal Excellence, Goal Setting etc. and all of
them are bestsellers.
At a special assembly organized in the school, he delivered a
speech on ‘Mind Mastery’ and answered questions raised by
the students.
Dr. P.P. Vijayan, MA, MBA, LLM, PhD
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A creative person with a zest for life, Dr. Terry O’Brien is a man
of many parts: language expert, quiz enthusiast, motivational
speaker, full time writer, playwright and freelance media
consultant. Terry has taught as a Professor in India and abroad
and now teaches as a visiting faculty / trainer and devotes most
of his time to creative writing and training people. He has over
three decades of experience in teaching and training people
in communication skills and language in India and abroad. He
has been a columnist for The Pioneer, Amar Ujala, Hindustan
and Vanita. He is one of the best companions for students and
professionals in the publishing and training world.
Dr. Terry addressed the students and staff during a special
assembly held in the school auditorium and answered several
queries.
Dr. Terry O’Brien
Inter School Athletics Festival 2014
Athletes taking the Athletic Festival Oath
At Good Shepherd International School, sport is a sure route to the development of self-confidence, camaraderie, team spirit and
self-fulfillment. The school ensures that there is every opportunity for students to try, participate and practise a vast range of physical
activities and stay motivated. The sports experts - the coaches and trainers - ensure that the students enthusiastically participate,
enjoy being competitive and give their best in the sports activities. The students get plenty of opportunities to display and sharpen
the skills learnt in their friendly matches and tournaments involving other well-known neighbouring schools.
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Good Shepherd International School organized the 12th Annual Inter School Athletics Festival on Saturday, 23 August 2014. 15 schools
from the Nilgiris participated in the one-day sports event. The following is a list of the schools that participated in the Athletics
Festival:
1. Braeside School
2. Crescent Castle Matriculation School
3. Crescent Castle Public School
4. Cliff Rock Creative School
5. Gurukulam Matriculation School
6. JSS International School
7. Nazareth Convent High School
8. Nilgiris Matriculation Higher Secondary School
9. Oxford International School
10. Rex Senior Higher Secondary School
11. Riverside Public School
12. Woodside School
13. The Lawrence School
14. Hebron School
15. Good Shepherd International School
The Athletic Meet began with an impressive Opening Ceremony. Dr. P. Sankar, IAS, Collector of the Nilgiris district, was the Guest of
Honour and he hoisted the Athletic Festival flag. The Athletic Meet was heralded with a well-synchronized march past led by the GSIS
Brass and Pipe Bands and the participating school contingents, all marching in unison to the beats of the band. Selected students
Inspection of the Guard of Honour
The Pipe Band
March past of the athletes of the participating schools
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of different schools ignited the Athletic Festival Flame following an Athletic Torch Run. Dr. Sankar addressed the participants and
declared the Athletic Festival open, in the presence of Dr. P.C. Thomas, Principal of GSIS, and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas, Senior Vice
Principal of GSIS. He congratulated the Principal for organizing an Athletic Meet of such grandeur. He also lauded the commitment of
the management for developing a strong sporting culture in the school and providing excellent facilities for budding sportspersons.
Mentioning the support extended by the Tamil Nadu Government to high-achieving sportspersons, the honourable collector called
on the students to excel in sports with hard work and dedication. He then urged the participants to follow the spirit of the Athletic
Festival Oath. In sync with the motto of the meet – ‘Participate, Appreciate & Celebrate’, our Primary School students performed a
cultural dance which was followed by the Sailors’ Hornpipe dance presented by Grades VIII, IX & X girls. The Expression of Gratitude
was proposed by Mr. Ajith P. Jacob, Director of Activities.
Athletes from different schools participated in the track and field events such as 100m race, 200m race, 400m race, 800m race,
1500m race, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, shot put, discus, long jump and high jump showcasing their strength, stamina, speed,
agility, determination, skill and spirit. The last events were the 4x100m final relay races. The students who won the first, second and
third places in each event were awarded certificates.
At the Closing Ceremony, Mrs. Sheila Alexander, Vice Principal (Academics), proposed the Vote of Thanks. She shared her joy and
gratitude and appreciated the hard work put in by the students, teachers and coaches. The Athletic Meet culminated with the singing
of the National Anthem amidst a round of applause of the participants.
What a fantastic day they had! The weather was warm and sunny, and the atmosphere was amazing!
Address by Dr. P. Sankar, IAS, the Collector of the Nilgiris District
Mrs. Elsamma Thomas, the Senior Vice Principal, presenting a
flower bouquet to Dr. P. Sankar, IAS
Athletic Torch Run
The Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas, delivering the welcome address
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Cultural presentation during the opening ceremony
A sprint race in progress
Boys’ relay race in progress
Long Jump
Discus throw
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Girls competing in a running race
High Jump
Winners on the podium
IELTS Test Results
The International English Language Testing System [IELTS] conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment
as it provides an outline of a candidate’s proficiency to use English. Governments, Universities, Institutions and Organisations
around the world rely on IELTS as a proof of the English language ability of candidates. It tests the four language skills – Listening,
Reading, Writing and Speaking and the candidates receive a score for each of these test components. The individual scores are then
averaged and rounded to produce an Overall Band Score. Candidates receive scores on a Band Score from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert
User). A minimum band score is required for admission to higher education in some reputed universities around the world and also
for the global migration of candidates. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, the Cambridge English Language Assessment and
the IDP: IELTS Australia. The IELTS Tests are conducted in more than 1000 test centres in over 140 countries.
Forty-four students of GSIS appeared for the IELTS tests conducted at GSIS in September 2014. The overall results of the English
language testing are mentioned below:
IELTS band scores
8.5
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
Number of students
1
5
16
12
4
6
Congratulations to the students and their teachers!
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The Shepherdians excel at
Good Shepherd Model United Nations 2014
Flag Presentation by the delegates
Good Shepherd Model United Nations, also known as GSMUN, is an extra-curricular activity at GSIS in which students simulate
UN committees and typically role-play delegates to the United Nations. The hands-on activities allow students to deal with a range
of topics within the perspective of their assigned committee or country. During preparation, in committee sessions, conferences
and other interactive experiences, students develop the skills of negotiation, an appreciation of different viewpoints, learn about
diplomacy, international relations and the working of the United Nations. Students compete in oration, writing resolutions, amending
resolutions and passing directives.
The seventh Good Shepherd Model United Nations was held in the Palada Campus of GSIS from 18 September to 20 September 2014.
Master Dhruv Rajkumar Kapoor, the Head Boy of the school, was the Secretary-General of GSMUN 2014 and Master Parameshwar
Prapann was the Deputy Secretary-General. Ms. Meetali Gupta took on the role of the Head of Press Corps. The theme of this year’s
GSMUN was ‘World Emancipation.’
The inaugural session started with a flag presentation by the students of the Middle School who were delegates of the participating
countries. The Chief Guest, Mr. V. Selvaraj, I.A.S.(Retd), the Secretary-General, Master Dhruv Rajkumar Kapoor, the Deputy
Secretary-General, Mr. Parameshwar Prapann and the Co-Heads of the Committees addressed the gathering. A video presentation
highlighted the events of the GSMUN 2013.
The selected student delegates were assigned different countries and placed in Committees of the Model UN. The Committees of
the GSMUN simulated a variety of UN bodies and organizations such as the Security Council, the Economic and Financial Committee,
the Economic and Social Council, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], the United NationsWomen and the Human Rights Council. Each Committee was headed by a chairperson who led the delegates in discussions and
debates according to the codes of conduct and procedure. The following students took over the duties of the UN Committees:
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The Arrival of the Chief Guest of the inaugural session,
Mr. V. Selvaraj, IAS (Retd.)
The Chief Guest along with the Principal and the Senior Vice
Principal
The Chief Guest, Mr. V. Selvaraj, IAS (Retd.), addressing the
delegates
The Secretary-General, Master Dhruv Rajkumar Kapoor,
addressing the students and the staff
Security Council
President
: Ms. Sonakshi Senthil
Vice President : Ms. Suravi Ray
Rapporteur
: Master Sherwyn Kalyan
Economic and Social Council
Chairperson
: Master Denny K. Alexander
Co-Chairperson : Ms. Krishnica Mittal
Rapporteurs
: Master David Fredy Paul
Ms. Deepika Sivasamy Marappan
Economic and Financial Committee
Chairperson
: Master Ganesan Senthil
Co-Chairperson : Ms. Avishi Sureka
Rapporteurs
: Master Joseph Leander R.
Ms. Mohika Praveen Tainwala
Human Rights Council
Chairperson
: Ms. Gayathry Vidya
Co-Chairperson : Master Uday Kumar Kaki
Rapporteur
: Master Parth S. Bansal
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Model Security Council in session
Model Economic and Social Council
Model United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
Model Economic and Financial Committee
United Nations - Women
Chairperson
: Ms. Anjali Sabu Nair
Co-Chairperson : Master Ashish Kalash
Rapporteur
: Master Ammar Yasir Nainar
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Chairperson
: Master Siddharth Deravariya
Co-Chairperson : Ms. Grishma Nileshbhai Bhanderi
Rapporteurs
: Ms. Manvika Chouta
Master Dhruv Garg
The delegates were presented with their assignments along with a list of topics that their committee would deliberate on in advance:
Security Council
1. The Israel-Palestine Conflict
2. The measures to contain and avoid Civil Wars
3. The protection of UN establishments and personnel
Economic and Social Council
1. The Economic revival and prosperity in post-conflict countries
2. Expanding water preservation/conservation, security and its distribution in LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries)
3. Emergency Humanitarian Assistance in times of epidemic outbreak and natural disasters
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Model UN – Women
Model Human Rights Council
The Arrival of the Chief Guest of the closing ceremony,
Mr. C.V. Ranganathan, IFS (Retd.)
Ms. Sonakshi Senthil, President of the Model Security Council,
presenting her report
Economic and Financial Committee
1. Measures to contain shadow economies
2. Poverty-Reduction Strategies
3. Debt-relief for countries in need
Human Rights Council 1. Measures to rehabilitate IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and strengthen refugee rights
2. Extreme judicial punishments (Reviewing Juvenile Justice Systems)
3. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBT)
4. Right to sanitation and health care in LEDCs
United Nations - Women
1. Exploitation of women and children in conflict-related areas
2. Leadership and job opportunities (literacy rate, income inequality, etc.)
3. Combating sex tourism and commercial sex market
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
1. Conserving cultural diversity and world heritage sites
2. Formulating strategies to educate and empower the youth for an egalitarian society
3. Promotion of Science and Natural Resource management
The sessions of the committees were led by the Chairs and the Co-Chairs. The students of the High School and Higher Secondary
School participated in the GSMUN. The delegates actively debated during the three days, conducted research on various concerns,
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Mr. C.V. Ranganathan, IFS (Retd.), and Mrs. Vijaya Ranganathan,
along with the Senior Vice Principal and the office-bearers of the
Model GSMUN 2014
Mr. C.V. Ranganathan, IFS (Retd.), addressing the audience
formulating their positions and then debating with their fellow delegates in the committee. They plotted strategies, negotiated with
the other members, raised their placards and sought the permission of the Heads of their Committees to speak. They moved motions
and requested their committees to make amendments and to pass resolutions. They delivered speeches, discussed several national
and international issues, answered questions, debated on resolutions and amendments and voted for ratification. The debates
followed a procedure with formal introductions, proposed resolutions and voted on various solutions.
The Chief Guest of the closing ceremony was Mr. C.V. Ranganathan, a former Indian diplomat. Ms. Meetali Gupta, Head of Press
Corps, welcomed the gathering. Master Dhruv Rajkumar Kapoor delivered his closing address and Mr. C.V. Ranganathan shared his
experiences as a diplomat at the UN and in the Indian Foreign Service. The Heads of the various Committees then presented their
reports. The students also presented a musical interlude. A video presentation showed highlights of GSMUN 2014. Mr. Ajith P. Jacob,
Director of Activities, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the school and the programme ended with the School Anthem.
The event was an academic simulation of the United Nations that involved a lot of research, critical thinking, public speaking and
debating. The experience was very exciting and rewarding, where we witnessed excellent teamwork and leadership abilities.
New Member of the Board of Governors
Lieutenant General Sunil Kumar Gadeock, Commandant of
the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, has been
nominated as a Member of the Board of Governors of the Good
Shepherd International School.
Lt. Gen. Sunil Kumar Gadeock is an alumnus of National Defence
Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
He holds a Master of Science degree in Defence Studies, a
Master of Philosophy degree and a Diploma in Senior Level
Defence Management. He has served in numerous sensitive
and coveted military appointments in various parts of India. He
was selected for a three-year Staff tenure as Logistics Advisor
to Botswana Defence Force, as part of the Indian Army Training
Team at Gaborone, Botswana in Africa. He was specially selected
by the Director General of Military Training, Army Headquarters,
as the Adjutant of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla
(Pune). He has also been the youngest Aide to the President of
India at Rashtrapati Bhawan, having served two Presidents, viz
Dr. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and Dr. Giani Zail Singh.
Lt. Gen. Sunil Kumar Gadeock, AVSM
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He is a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) of the Armed Forces for his distinctive creation of infrastructural assets during his
Command of the 9 Infantry Division. The medal was awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order. Two Chiefs of Army
Staff awarded Commendation Cards to him for growth-oriented development. He also received one Commendation Card from the
Army Commander, Eastern Command for distinguished service and exponential contribution in operational logistics. He was also
awarded a Commendation Card by the Army Commander, Western Command for his outstanding performance as GOC, 9 Infantry
Division, ushering multi-faceted progression.
He is happily married to Mrs. Sonalika Gadeock and they have a daughter, Safina and a son, Safeer. He is an outdoor person, a keen
sportsman and an environmentalist by nature.
An Overseas Educational Trip – NASA, USA
“The sky is the limit only for those who aren't afraid to fly!”
- Bob Bello
The team of GSIS students who attended the overseas trip
Every year, our school volunteers to take a group of interested students to the United States Space and Rocket Centre situated in
Huntsville, Alabama for a summer camp organized by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Students choose to
register for any one of the three programmes (Space Camp, Aviation Challenge or Robotics) offered. After attending this educational
camp for a week, the school takes us to Orlando to visit various theme parks. After these thrilling experiences, the students are safely
escorted to their respective destinations.
This year, I had the privilege of venturing to the United States. On 27 May 2014, a group of 55 students and 4 chaperones embarked
on this exciting journey. We spent the first night in a hotel in Atlanta after the lengthy 18-hour flight and prepared ourselves for
the bus ride which lay ahead of us the next day. Before reaching the Space and Rocket Centre, we stopped by at the Rotary Club of
Decatur to greet the members and express our gratitude to them.
Although the majority of us decided to register for Aviation Challenge, I opted for the Space Camp Programme due to my interest in
space exploration. On reaching the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre, I was obliged to bid farewell to many of my peers as the Aviation
Challenge candidates resided elsewhere. I met my teammates, team leader and other students on the campus before winding up for
the day.
The following week consisted of missions, simulators, quizzes, lessons, memorial astronauts and even art! We were taught to launch
and land space shuttles using the provided simulators. We were left to repair a damaged spaceship under a specific time limit, we
were quizzed on puzzling facts about space and astronauts, we were acquainted with children from all around the world and even
made our very own rockets with everyday materials! It was a week worth remembering; I really do wish to relive those moments!
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The Shepherdians at the enchanting Magic Kingdom Park in Florida
Our students at The Pharos Lighthouse, the icon of Islands of
Adventure
Universal Studios in Florida
After graduating successfully from the Space Camp with a valuable course completion certificate, I was reunited with my peers, very
eager to listen to their experiences. They all shared a very exciting time at the Space Camp.
We set off to Orlando the next day, restlessly controlling our excitement for the second part of our trip. In the course of the week, we
visited several theme parks ranging from Busch Gardens to Epcot Centre. We were amazed by the performances and architecture of
the Universal Studios and the Magic Kingdom; we learned about the beautiful marine creatures of the Sea World. I marvel how Walt
Disney could build such innovative educational and fun parks.
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A training programme in progress
Graduation Ceremony at the Space Camp
Since each of us was given a sum of 1000 dollars, we were also given the freedom to visit some of the most prestigious malls in the
area. We emptied our pockets and ate heartily.
I do not regret spending my vacation in the United States and wish to go again. The experience was worthwhile; I loved it!
- Ms. Siddhi Suri, FM 4A
Orientation and Training of Teachers and
Co-curricular staff
“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.”
- George Santayana
The difference between success and failure lies in the difference of doing exactly what is right and what is almost right. Reaffirming
this commitment to the concept of providing quality education, within the landscape of cultural and socio-economic diversity for
which our children enter the portals of GSIS, a Staff-Orientation Programme under the leadership of our Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas,
was held on 23 July 2014.
The welcome note of our Principal reaffirmed the role of a teacher at GSIS. Addressing the teaching community on the holistic
approaches of the school, he guided them to an approach by which the child at GSIS should be the first commitment. He stressed on
the well-rounded and holistic development of the child, that is, his physical, emotional and psychological needs being looked after in
this ‘home away from home.’ The Principal also shared his ideas and dreams with the teachers, his desire to take GSIS to new heights.
As a change, this academic year, the newly-appointed staff members had an exclusive Orientation Programme on 17 July 2014.
This was aimed to bring them to the mainstream practices of the institution. The sessions by Mrs. Sheila Alexander, Vice Principal
[Academics] and Lt. Col.[Retd] Mohan Mathew, Vice Principal [Administration] and the Senior Management Team gave them the
perspective of the mission and philosophy of the school, organization of the school, technology-supported curriculum, professional
development, residential responsibilities, dual responsibility of a teacher, co-curricular activities and the rules and regulations of the
school. It was a learning experience for the new faculty members.
The 23rd of July was an Orientation day for the teaching community of the school, beginning with an invocation to the Almighty,
through a prayer by Mrs. Anila Kalyan, Director of Counselling. The new staff members introduced themselves and the Principal,
Dr. P.C. Thomas extended a warm welcome to all for the new academic year. The day saw various enriching sessions by the senior
leadership; the Vice Principal [Academics] Mrs. Sheila Alexander spoke on a very poignant topic- ‘Commitment to Excellence’. She
threw light on the 3 Rs - Related, Respectful and Reasonable, and how these can be the foundation to build a relationship of trust
and respect in the world where we live in. A presentation on the ‘Power of Positive Discipline’ by Mrs. Vimala Jacob was a learning
experience for the teachers who face the challenges of positive discipline every day. Mrs. Anila Kalyan and Mr. T. Suresh enlightened
the audience with their presentation on ‘people are awesome’ and the way ‘people learn’. Both the sessions were an insight into
the nuances of an individual and his or her role in this world and how one has to first ‘unlearn to relearn’. The forenoon sessions
concluded with the lunch break for all.
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Teachers attending a training session as part of weekly Professional Development Programme
The Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas, addressing the school faculty
A training session in progress
The post-lunch session by Mr. Praveen Chellapan on the ‘Differentiated Assessment Strategies’ to be incorporated by the teachers
in their teaching was a learning experience for the teachers to help them to ‘choose the right tool’. The aim of these sessions was
as remarked by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that “We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves, otherwise we harden.”
Later in the day, an all-staff meeting was chaired by Mrs. Sheila Alexander to brief the staff on various matters. It was followed by
Section Coordinators’ Meetings and Faculty Meetings at different venues. The day ended with an open forum with the Principal,
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where the floor was open for all discussions, exchange of ideas and information. Mrs. Deepa Suresh emceed the Orientation
Session with her lively and interesting inputs. The day ended on an enriching note as the teachers awaited enthusiastically for the
commencement of the new academic year.
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
- Saint Francis of Assisi
Teachers’ Day Celebrations at GSIS
The teachers being greeted with roses
Girls dancing to the tune of the music
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A good teacher plays the role of an educator, guide, inspirational guru and a friend. While gently nudging the ‘slow learners’ to climb
the steep learning curve, she engages with the ‘bright minds’ to delve deeper into concepts and thereby meet their need to be ahead
of others.
5th of September is celebrated worldwide as the Teachers’ Day. We, at GSIS too, dedicated this day to the loving teachers. The
teachers were welcomed with floral greetings from the students and a cultural show was put by them. The Head Boy, Master Dhruv
Rajkumar Kapoor, gave the welcome speech. Students from across the sections presented peppy dance numbers which set the
members of the audience tapping their feet.
Rich tribute was paid to the teachers by Ms. Suravi Ray and Mr. Kevin O’ Brien expressed his appreciation of the students on behalf
of the teaching community. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Sheila Alexander, Vice Principal (Academics).
Students displaying their talents
“I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”
- Alexander the Great
Voice of our Motherland
Girls presenting a poetic skit
Students singing a Hindi hymn
Good Shepherd International School, with its deep-rooted traditional values, works passionately to imbibe in our students love for
their motherland and mother tongue. Hindi, the official language of India and mother tongue of 280 million people, is also the native
language of around 45% of student community in GSIS. 14 September is celebrated every year as the ‘Hindi Day.’ To mark our respect
towards the language and to celebrate it, the School observed ‘Hindi Diwas.’
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Mrs. Anila Kalyan, Director of Counselling, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Her valuable words enthused the students and
inspired them to be proud of their first language. The programme started with a prayer and oath-taking in Hindi by Ms. Nandini Kohli
of FM 2A followed by a Hindi hymn by the students of Grades 7 and 8 under the guidance of Mr. Vijayakumar. Gayathry Vidya of IB
2A welcomed the gathering and ignited the audience’s spirit with her magnificent speech in Hindi. The news was read by Aayushi
Rajan Vadalia, 10A. The speech given by Jasleen Kaur Gandhi of 9C elevated Hindi as ‘the language of unity.’ Students participated
enthusiastically in various events which displayed their fluency and command of the language in a variety of forms.
The message set by our dear students was loud and clear. Their creative programmes had a single, well-stated message that “we must
all celebrate Hindi and not forget the language which has united our country during the freedom struggle spearheaded by Gandhiji.” “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
- Nelson Mandela
An Indelible Charity Trip
Grade 9 girls of GSIS along with the inmates of Mizpah Home
The much-awaited Charity Trip for the Grade 9 ICSE girls was on Sunday, 2 November 2014. The girls visited Mizpah Home for their
charity trip. Our Second Monthly Examinations about to commence, but we were excited to go so that we could have some time to
divert our minds from studies.
Our trip became all the more memorable since our escort teachers were Mr. Arun Saxena and Ms. Pushpa K. Nair. They told us a little
bit about Mizpah Home and its inmates, so that our first exposure to the Home wouldn’t be as jarring to us. We were welcomed
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Girls doing charity work in Mizpah Home
by the Manager of the home. We were given a brief introduction about all the children. There were children from the age of one
to the age of eighteen. We saw mirror images of ourselves in those children. They were so much like us except that fate had dealt
with them differently. We talked to the children and shared cakes and cookies. We gave them clothes and stationery. We even got a
chance to play games with them and enjoy ourselves. The smiles on their cherubic faces touched a deep chord inside. We were lucky
to have an interactive session with the Manager of the home. He told us how he started the organisation with the street children
and was now taking care of children from all over Tamil Nadu. The Manager seemed pleased that the students of Good Shepherd
International School had brought joy into the lives of those children. The children had parents who could not take care of them due
to lack of money.
We would like to thank the school management for giving us a chance to go to the Home and interact with those children. Had we
not gone, we wouldn’t have realized how lucky we are!
- Ms. Muskaan Deswal, Grade 9C
Ship Model Gallery
Ship model room
The Ship Model Gallery is conveniently located in the Palada Campus of the Good Shepherd International School. The Sea Cadet
Corps (SCC) wing of the school set up a model room and it is solely meant for miniature scale models of the 19th, 20th and 21st century
naval ships, submarines and gadgets used by the personnel of Indian as well as foreign navy. This superb collection of professional
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objects and technical scale models that were used for equipping naval ships and instructing their crew are displayed in the room to
illustrate the rich maritime history. The collection contains even antique objects from India as well as such items from England and
the United States. The collections also include paintings, photographs of naval ships, diving helmets, lanterns, ship steering wheel,
engine order telegraph, weapons, binoculars, telescopes, brass sextants, flags, brass globes showing world times, compasses that
show directions, carved stern decorations of ships, ship crests, trophies and naval publications. Several models of contemporary ships
and yachts are also displayed. Miniature models of a scorpène-class submarine, INS Tarangini (a sail training ship for naval cadets),
INS Vikramaditya (a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier with the Indian Navy) and the INS Delhi (a large warship of the Indian Navy
that was designed and built in India) are also displayed.
Model of INS Tarangini, a sail training ship of the Indian Navy
Brass globe with clock that shows world times
Marine Binoculars
Brass Telescope mounted on a wooden tripod stand
Steering wheel of a ship
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Model of a scorpène-class submarine
Model of the aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya
Antique maritime compasses
A Brass Sextant
Photographs and ship crests displayed
We tried to make it something that would not only appeal to students but would also be enjoyable to them. The main objective of
setting up the ship model room is to educate our students and create interest among the youth of the nation in naval activities. More
models will be added later. Students are inspired to take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics [STEM].
This is also a good way of teaching students about art and history.
“A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”
- Grace Hopper
“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason
for remaining ashore.”
- Vincent Van Gogh
“Why is it that scuba divers and surfers are some of the strongest advocates of ocean conservation? Because they’ve spent time in
and around the ocean, and they’ve personally seen the beauty, the fragility, and even the degradation of our planet’s blue heart.”
- Sylvia Earle
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Children’s Day Celebrations
14 November 2014
Teachers’ Choir singing the School Prayer Song
The 14th of November saw a rainy morning as the children and teachers eagerly awaited the day. The morning programme had the
students in stitches as they cheered their teachers who danced and sang for them. The programme began with the teachers’ choir
singing the school song. The Middle School Coordinator, Mr. Dominic Jude Hurst, addressed the children, physical education teachers
entertained the audience with a dance and the Middle School teachers performed a Goan dance. The Yoga dance was choreographed
with complex poses to soothing shlokas. The programme concluded with a special song “Joyful Joyful” from the movie Sister Act and
the school anthem by the teachers’ choir led by Mrs. Louis Tiwari.
The fun and frolic was far from over. Although the rain had managed to soak the tents that were set up for the day at the stadium, it
couldn’t dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of the children and their teachers. The food fest that followed saw a large spread of stalls
like the chaat stalls. Biryani stall, shawarma stall, the corn counter, mojitos and mocktails, momos stall, the French counter, pineapple
pie and dessert counters were in the dining hall while the live counters were near the library where Mr. Kalyan Ram attracted a large
crowd at the dosa counter. The Omlette counter, Reshmi Kabab counter, Paneer tikka stall, Pasta and Noodles counter and Batura
counter were hot favourites. The children enjoyed the hot food that their teachers served.
The greatest attraction of the day was the games that were organized in the new examination hall. Later that afternoon, the students
of the Middle School were taken to visit the Tribal Research Centre and Museum in Palada where they learnt about the tribes in the
Nilgiris and their way of life. It was a day of learning, laughter and joy.
Middle School teachers performing a Goan folk dance
A chaat stall
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Students participating in fun games organised at the school
Girls of the Higher Secondary School
Boys of the Higher Secondary School on Children’s Day
GSIS maintains its good standing as a
CIS Accredited School
Good Shepherd International School submitted the First Report on Progress and Planning (FRPP) to the Council of International
Schools (CIS) in November 2014. On behalf of the Council of International Schools, the CIS Accreditation Service has completed its
study of the report. In relation to the First Report on Progress and Planning, the CIS was impressed by the school’s positive approach
to the recommendations contained in the November 2012 Visiting Team Report.
CIS was pleased to note the following:
• a majority of the specified recommendations contained in the November 2012 Visiting Team Report has been completed
• the development of a process and supporting criteria that now enable the school to measure how effectively its Guiding
Statements are being implemented
• the ongoing work in relation to the curriculum including mapping, articulation, the introduction of new subjects and the
appointment of a Co-ordinator for Curriculum and Professional Development
• the construction of a new Higher Secondary Block for Grades 11 and 12 and a Co- curricular Block
• the work undertaken in the area of admissions to ensure that the learning needs of students are identified at the time of
admission
• the work undertaken in relation to the recommendations that formed Section G of the Visiting Team Report
• the reasoning expressed very clearly for all the action plans
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We are very pleased to inform you that the report has been accepted, and Good Shepherd International School therefore maintains
its good status as a CIS-Accredited School. Many government and non-government agencies in a number of countries, colleges and
universities acknowledge that a CIS-Accredited School meets globally-recognised standards.
The school promotes excellent qualities and skills in students and is committed to a high-quality international education and
continual improvement. The school continues to ensure that it systematically reviews progress related to its action plans and make
modifications if and where necessary.
International Award for Young People:
Residential Project for the Gold Award
The Gold aspirants of IAYP programme
14 selected students of Grade 12 stayed in Kolikarai, a tribal village of the Irula community in the Kotagiri taluk in the Nilgiris district
from 14 November to 18 November 2014. This tribal hamlet is located 28 kms towards east from Ooty and is surrounded by Coonoor
and Ooty towards the west, and Karamadai and Periyanayakkanpalayam towards the south. Our student volunteers – 8 boys and 6
girls – stayed in the colony for 5 days and 4 nights. They took part in a range of activities in the village, forest, local hospital and school.
They cleaned the village and the local hospital, distributed clothes and food to the tribal people and the students of the local school,
erected a fence around the playground, worked in the herb garden, cooked their own food, trekked through the dense forest, spent
the evenings around the campfire interacting with the local people, bathed in the river located in the middle of a dense forest and
slept in a hut. Students were evaluated on their initiative, responsibility, service, social interaction and teamwork.
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Our students interacting with the people in the village
Distributing food to the students of the school
Removing weeds
Working in the herb garden
The International Award for Young People (IAYP) Programme was first introduced in India in 1962 with a view to improving the
moral, social, intellectual and all-round development and well-being of young people and encouraging them to achieve their full
growth potential. This Award Programme originated in the United Kingdom in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DEAS).
Today it is called the International Award for Young People (IAYP).
This exciting self-development programme is available to young people worldwide and it will equip them with life skills that will make
a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. The award programme has three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. For
each level, participants have to complete the requirements of each of the four different sections – Service, Adventurous Journey,
Skills and Physical Recreation. Qualifying standards are also measured in terms of progress, proficiency and sustained effort. The
minimum period of participation is 6 months for Bronze, 12 months for Silver and 18 months for Gold. Service such as voluntary
service in hospitals, conservation work, specialised training such as life-saving, tree planting, helping the elderly, first aid, sports
leadership etc. encourages a sense of responsibility to the community, all contributing to a better world. The section of Adventurous
journey includes hiking, trekking, mountaineering, camping, map reading etc. It encourages and cultivates a spirit of adventure,
resourcefulness, problem-solving, an understanding of the environment and the importance of teamwork. Students can discover
their sense of adventure. In the section of Skills, students can choose from an almost unlimited list of activities including arts and
crafts, computing and music to develop themselves. Activities such as learning to sing, act, write, create web designs, paint etc. help
students to develop personal interests and practical life skills. Physical recreation includes aerobics, badminton, tennis, football,
skating, mountaineering etc. This section encourages improved physical performance, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. Students
can test their own limits.
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Distributing clothes to the children
Building a fence around the playground
Cleaning the local hospital
Preparing dinner
The most enjoyable part of the day is sitting around a campfire
recalling their trekking experience
Boys enjoying a swim in the river
At the Gold level, students must also undertake a residential project over a period of minimum five days and four nights. The
purpose of the residential project is to broaden their experience through involvement with others in a residential setting by choosing
a purposeful activity with people in an unfamiliar residential setting. For the students, the experience was a unique one and it
challenged their outlook and broadened their horizons. The programme has given them a platform to develop their passions and
inspired them to excel and contribute valuably to society.
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Trinity College London Practical Music
Examination 2014
Trinity College London Practical Music Examination was
conducted in the Palada Campus of GSIS from 16 November
to 22 November 2014. 184 students were evaluated for their
musical skills and performance in different musical instruments
ranging from Initial Grade to Grade 6.
Mr. Stuart Bower, BMus, MBA, ARCM, a piano and brass
instructor of Lincolnshire Music Service and Lincoln Minster
School, was the TCL practical music examiner. He grew up
in Nottinghamshire, played the horn in the National Youth
Orchestra, and went on to study the horn and the piano at
the Royal College of Music, whilst reading music at London
University. He acts as a syllabus consultant for diplomas and
music grades, and is also a Rock & Pop examiner. He has been
an examiner for TCL since 2006, and has examined in the UK,
Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Japan,
UAE and Oman.
Mr. Stuart Bower, BMus, MBA, ARCM
Mr. Stuart played the alphorn during the special dinner hosted by the Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas in his honour at the Ootacamund Club
on Sunday, 23 November 2014. The alphorn is a long musical instrument used by mountain dwellers in Switzerland and elsewhere for
attracting cattle and for communication.
Student Officers of Defence Services Staff College
visit GSIS
32 Student Officers of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, along with the Members of the Academic Council
Thirty-two International Student Officers including thirty from foreign countries and two from India attending various courses at the
Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, visited GSIS on Saturday, 22 November 2014. They were received by the Principal Dr. P.C.
Thomas, the Senior Vice Principal Mrs. Elsamma Thomas, the Vice President & Vice Principal, Mrs. Julie Pradeesh and the members
37
of the Academic Council. The Principal briefed them on the history, growth, vision, mission, objectives, co-curricular activities and
demographic profile of the students and staff of GSIS during the information session.
The student officers were taken around the Palada Campus for a guided, walking tour to show the infrastructure of the school and
the residential, academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular facilities provided to the students. They also visited the Fernhill Campus
and the Good Shepherd Gardens.
Major B.S. Kara, RLC, an Army Officer from the United Kingdom, wrote to the Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas. The letter is shown below:
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Science and Visual Arts exhibition held at GSIS
Paintings on display as part of the exhibition
Fun science games for kids
Holding fire on the palm without getting burned
Model of a Hydroelectric Power Generator
A Science and Visual Arts exhibition was organized at GSIS on Saturday, 22 November 2014. Scientific models and exhibits of students
were on display. Students showcased their talents in Computer Science, Design Technology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental
Science and Visual Arts.
The scientific temper and creativity of young minds came to the fore as the exhibits covered topics ranging from drawings and
paintings to homopolar motor, frisbee launcher, hungry man eating thermocol, dragon fire, whistling man and computer games.
Students also displayed their models of waste water treatment plant, electromagnetic challenge, hydroelectric power generator,
emergency lamp, ripple tank, laptop stand, stationery holder, carbon light, salt water cell, diamond, graphite and human blood
circulation. The exhibition also highlighted the oil colour, watercolour and acrylic paintings and drawings by our young artists.
The exhibition helped to observe new ideas, cultivate a research temperament among students and identify talents early. The fair has
raised their confidence levels and inspired the young innovators to excel.
Workshop on English Language Teaching
Seven teachers from the GSIS English Faculty participated in a workshop on ELT (English Language Teaching), held on 22 November
2014 at Preethi Classic Towers, Ootacamund. The workshop, “New Trends in Teaching of English Language and Literature”, was
conducted by Dr. G. Rajagopal, Former Dean, School of English Language Education, English & Foreign Languages University,
Hyderabad. The workshop was sponsored by PEARSON, a publishing and education company.
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English language teachers of GSIS along with Dr. G. Rajagopal, the
Workshop Leader
The English Language Teaching Workshop in progress
A total of twelve schools, including Hebron School, The Lawrence School and J.S.S. International School and 84 participants took part
in the workshop. The workshop was conducted in three sessions: The Role of the Language Teacher, Language as a Skill subject and
Spoken English. Overall, the workshop touched upon the understanding of inculcation of the English language as a skill. The role of
the English Teacher, consequently, becomes that of a facilitator, aiding the learner in acquiring a set of seven language skills: the
Basic Skills being Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing and the Advanced Skills including Literary, Study and Communication skills.
It featured a series of activity-oriented tasks and the participants ended up with a resourceful activity bank for their classrooms.
One activity entailed clarifying the objectives of TESL (Teaching of English as a Second Language), consequently demystifying the
role of the language teacher. The participants had brainstorming sessions, targeted at building activities to improve the Listening
and Speaking Skills of the learners. The workshop rounded up with a session on Intonation, Voice Modulation and ways to build the
intelligibility of one’s spoken words. The workshop proved itself quite advantageous with its relevance to ELT and the aid it provided
to the teachers in achieving their broader classroom objectives as language teachers.
Students display enthusiasm to solve maths problems
Students of Good Shepherd International School has used the First In Math Online Programme since 2012, and began the year-long
maths progamme again in August 2014. In three short months, students have solved more than 5,25,000 maths problems.
First In Math (FIM) is a curriculum supplement that gives students the fundamental maths skills they need to achieve their academic
goals. Our students showed a great deal of enthusiasm for First in Math. Students use their IDs and they can independently start to
solve maths problems. They start with easier problems and work through more challenging content. The use of the programme and
solving maths problems of First in Math for a short time every day in the classroom, library, dormitory or at home had significant
impact on the problem-solving skills of students. Every module includes positive feedback to boost confidence. This activity enable
students to improve their maths skills. It nurtures skill in basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, while advancing
higher-order thinking skills such as mental math, problem solving, pattern sensing, reasoning and number sense through rigorous
practice. The performance and proficiency of students are also systematically assessed.
There are currently 10 students from GSIS on the list of the Top 100 Students in FIM India National Rankings. The students whose
names are mentioned below are ranked among the Top 100 Players in Grades 5 & 6 in the National Rankings category:
Name of the Student
Class
Rank
Harshul Amin
5A
78
Jagat Jacob
5C
82
Kaki Puneeth
5A
91
Achuthanand Madanapalli
5A
94
Sohan Daivik Reddy Ganapathy
6B
46
Yugam Surana
6B
70
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The following classes are among the Top 100 classes nationally:
Class
Rank
6A & 6B
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6C, 6D & 6E
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FIM aligns with a teaching strategy that includes incorporating technology to facilitate the diverse learning styles of students. In FIM,
all students work towards the same learning objectives and each student finds a task that matches his or her skill level. They work
on a task that they can best complete accurately. Their paths are parallel and lead to the same academic outcome. With practice,
test scores improve and attitudes towards mathematics become positive. The programme is exciting for the kids and increased their
success with maths problems.
O Come, All Ye Faithful – The Lord is born!
Curtains rose to the traditional Musical Nativity Play at GSIS on
Friday, 28 November 2014 as an early Christmas celebration for
all. The Middle School teachers and the students enlivened the
auditorium with their soothing streams of melodious carols on
the occasion, accompanied by the music department.
The festive mood was welcomed by Mrs. Sheila Alexander
as a “season of joy”, where every heart has to learn the “art
of giving”- for the “babe of Bethlehem” was the greatest gift
bestowed to the mankind by Almighty God.
Teachers enacting a Musical Nativity Play
The message by Dr. George Mathew and the articulated narration by Mr. Ajith P. Jacob took the audience back to the little town
of Bethlehem, revealing the real meaning of Christmas in one’s life. The celebrations reached its exuberance with the Santa coming
amidst the audience, the hall cheerfully echoed with ‘Jingle bells’, wishing everyone love, peace and joy. The Principal, Dr. P.C.Thomas
expressed his joy on the occasion, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Students participate in a Field Trip
The school organized a 3-day field trip for Grade 11 Biology and
ESS students of GSIS from 23 November to 25 November 2014.
The purpose of the trip was to observe the subject in its natural
state, study nature, biodiversity of the Nilgiris, Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), the Toda tribe – their lifestyle,
embroidery and preservation practices, collect samples, carry
out research work and provide students with experiences
outside their everyday activities. Students walked through
forest tracks and grasslands as part of their exploration activity.
They also took notes on all aspects of their nature study. The
study was conducted in the shola grassland rainforest of the
Nilgiris.
Students on a field trip in the shola forests of the Nilgiris
Students had a hands-on experience with GPS (Global Positioning System), clinometers, soil testing kits and densiometers. They also
participated in small activities such as quadrat sampling, mapping of the major tourist destination of Ooty and the facilities available
to a village. The trek crossed the thick woods, running streams and lofty mountains where nothing is found except grass and the
shola forests. The hills were mystical with picture-perfect views from every angle. The trip was very enriching and a great learning
experience for our students.
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Selected to the Nilgiris District U-14 yrs Cricket Team
Two boys of GSIS – Dwij Dipak Patel, FM 2A and Khushin Nilesh
Patel, FM 2D, were selected to the Nilgiris District U-14 yrs
cricket team.
The team participated in the Inter District Cricket Tournament
that was held in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu from 7
August to 9 August 2014. The Nilgiris District cricket team was
able to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. The tournament
was organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.
Well done!
Dwij Dipak Patel
Khushin Nilesh Patel
A Creditable Performance!
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu organized the
Nilgiris district level Athletic Meet (open category) at the HADP
open-air stadium in Ooty on 12 August 2014.
We are happy to inform you that two boys of GSIS achieved a
creditable performance. Mayank L Singh, ISC IIB, secured the
second place in high jump and Thilak Elangovan, FM IVC, won
the third place in the 200m sprint race.
Congratulations!
Mayank L Singh
Thilak Elangovan
Tamil Nadu State Rifle Shooting Championship 2014
Vanshika Agarwal
Muskan Inayatali Pirani
Ghanta Harichandana
Eapen Benny
The 40th Tamil Nadu State Rifle Shooting Championship was held at Chennai Rifle Club, Egmore, Chennai from 6 August to 10 August
2014. Fifteen students of GSIS participated in the contest.
Twelve shooters of GSIS excelled in the Shooting Championship and brought laurels to the school by bagging three gold medals, six
silver medals and three bronze medals. The girls’ team of Vanshika Agarwal (FM 3A), Muskan Inayatali Pirani (FM 3B) and Ghanta
Harichandana (FM 3A) were awarded the gold medal in the 10m Peep Sight Air Rifle event. The boys’ team of Eapen Benny (FM 2E),
Poomdanai Dechawaleekul (FM 3B) and Laldingliana Hmar (FM 3D) bagged the silver medal in the 10m Peep Sight Air Rifle event.
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Poomdanai Dechawaleekul
Laldingliana Hmar
Kasidit Khajornsakchai
P. Dhananjaya
Krittamet Khajornsakchai
Sukeshwar Reddy V.
Rahul Thomas Kurian
Thomas Siby
The boys’ team of Sukeshwar Reddy V. (FM 3A), Rahul Thomas Kurian (FM 3D) and Thomas Siby (FM 3A) won the silver medal in the
10m Air Pistol event. The boys’ team of Kasidit Khajornsakchai (FM 3D), P. Dhananjaya (10C) and Krittamet Khajornsakchai (FM 3D)
collected the bronze medal in the 10m Peep Sight Air Rifle event. They also received certificates for the same. Four students including
two girls have qualified and were selected to represent Tamil Nadu in the G.V. Mavlankar Pre-National Shooting Championship held
in Ahmedabad from 5 October to 10 October 2014. Among these shooters, three of them hogged the limelight. Muskan Inayatali
Pirani, Ghanta Harichandana and Laldingliana Hmar have made their alma mater proud by qualifying for the National Rifle Shooting
Competition that was held in Pune in December 2014.
Inter School Hockey Tournament 2014
The Annual Inter School Hockey Tournament was held in Hebron
School, Ooty, from 21 November to 24 November 2014.
In the U-16 yrs division, GSIS team secured the second place. In
the final match, Hebron School, Ooty, defeated the GSIS team.
Score : 2 - 0
Six schools participated in the U-14 yrs division. In the finals,
the GSIS team defeated Crescent Castle Public School, Ooty,
and won the trophy. Score: 2 - 1
Well done!
GSIS Hockey Team (U-14 yrs division)
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A Letter of Appreciation
Dear Dr. P. C. Thomas & all the teachers and staff of GSIS,
Greetings to you all from Biplob Kumar Nath and family,
Hope this e-mail finds you all in the best of health and best of spirits. I had been struggling for right words to put down my feelings
appropriately after attending the 38th GSIS Founder’s Day celebrations. My apologies for the delay.
I introduce myself as the father of Divyakshi Nath (IGCSE - 9, Roll number 6328) who attended the 38th GSIS Founder’s Day celebrations
for the first time. It gives my wife and me great pleasure to thank you and your dedicated team of teachers and coordinators for
putting together a fantastic plethora of events that showcased the tradition and the continued, disciplined and respectable all-round
academic culture of GSIS. I believe what Albert Einstein stated – “wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to
acquire it.” And I see this being ingrained by every teacher of GSIS.
I did study in a Roman Catholic School for 13 years but never ever did I experience events of such magnitude accomplished with
such clockwork precision, dedication, passion and élan. I appreciate the time, effort and skills of all the teachers, participants and the
managing staff. All of their routines, with no exception, were impressive. These events showcased what an effective and passionate
leader and management can deliver through the would-be world-class citizens of tomorrow. Your team’s sustained zeal to excel in
every facet of human existence was felt by my wife and me through the performances and passion of all the students. Kudos to the
Coordinator of extra-curricular activities, Mr. Ajith Jacob (my apologies if I did not get the name right)! His sincerity and hard work
was for all to experience. Everyone’s earnest and single-minded prayers kept even the rain God in abeyance. This reminds me of the
words of Vince Lombardi – “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we
win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand without any regrets.”
I would like to extend my gratitude to the entire GSIS team for coordinating these events and we look forward to many more such
events albeit possibly of a much grander scale. All the dedicated human beings (in the truest sense) who serve in this mecca of
education are to be commended for sharing their grit, determination, time and resources to enhance and empower all our children.
Only a visionary of grit and determination can accomplish such tasks of mammoth proportions year after year.
The Greek philosopher Confucius said, “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are
the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” The school communications kept me well-informed about the complete
schedule of events, occurrences and updates in detail. The following days also gave us an opportunity to experience my daughter’s
camaraderie and upbringing in the school environment and her academic progress. The interactive events like the parent-teachers’
meeting, the updates on the future academic prospects & courses shared by Ms. Anila Ann Mathew were very worthwhile and that
gave us a glimpse of what lies in store for us as parents to get our child launched into the global arena.
Dear Dr. Thomas, I can state with confidence that you are a leader of an exemplary stature who knows the way, goes the way and
shows the way. Believe me, I always keep telling my daughter that there's no need to be perfect to get inspired by others. You have
to be inspired by how successful people deal with their imperfections. You are a perfect example of how human beings, by changing
the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their and others’ lives. The attitude of concern and love for each
and every student shared by the GSIS in-house doctors’ duo of Mr. & Mrs. Prasad shows that ‘only love is real and can heal.’ It was so
thoughtful of you to showcase the virtues of the students of the Good Shepherd Finishing School during the dinner session. Your act
of going around each table and updating us of the organic source of each cuisine that was served showed us how much you cared
about the diet and health of each and every strong torchbearer of tomorrow. The parent-teacher meeting gave me an overview of the
performance of my daughter in the last 2 ½ months and also an opportunity to interact with all her concerned teachers and mentors.
The warmth, love, focus, determination, attitude, care, appreciation of all teachers made me feel that my daughter is in safe and good
hands. It’s now her turn to believe in and nurture her skills and abilities to build a successful future. She has to kick-start her desire to
achieve and excel. She has to understand that perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th time and that wisdom is not
only a product of schooling, but a lifelong attempt to acquire it.
Overall, we are happy with the school and the curriculum. Kudos to each and every teacher. Ms. Sangeetha, Ms. Anila Ann Mathew,
Ms. Sheila Alexander and Mr. Kalyan Ram are awesome influences on my daughter. They are doing their best in mentoring and
coaching my daughter. This was evident from my interactions with them during the parent-teacher meeting. It is heartening to know
that every aspect of my child’s progress in life is being monitored and worked upon by your team. I can feel that all the teachers are
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taking lots of efforts on my daughter and these are blossoming in her life. We believe it is our good karma that we decided to enroll
our only child in GSIS in your able and capable hands after lots of struggle. I could personally learn a lot of things about my daughter
during the heart-to-heart dialogues with all the teachers and the esteemed Coordinator, Mr. Kalyan Ram, Ms. Anila Ann Mathew and
Ms. Sheila Alexander. In fact, we got opportunities as parents to rectify our attitudes at times. All of these stalwarts of education have
been constantly inspiring Divyakshi the essence of which in a nutshell are as follows:
• Whatever the mind can conceive and believe in, the mind can achieve
• Winners make a habit of manufacturing their own positive expectations in advance of the event
• A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning and
• Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go
So overwhelming has been GSIS’s influence on my daughter that barely halfway during the Diwali vacation, she wanted to return
to her dormitory and be in the school’s environment. My daughter has loads of appreciation and love for her Mother Mary’s dorm
parent Ms. Piali Chakraborty. The traffic movement, the security arrangements, the dinner for parents (and even the drivers) were
managed extremely efficiently and shows the amount of prayers that went behind these events. On the whole, our visit to GSIS this
time around was a fulfilling one and you have our complete support for accomplishing the mission of your lives, of creating winners
and champions of life from this institution called GSIS. Once again, my wife and I thank you, your wife and each and every employee
of GSIS from the depths of our hearts. Please do treasure our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for being ‘Good Samaritans.’ I look
forward to meeting you sometime in the near future and spend some quality time.
Mr. Biplob Kumar Nath
F/O: Divyakshi Nath, IGCSE 9, Roll No. 6328
GOOD SHEPHERD FINISHING SCHOOL
An exhibition of the spirit of womanhood through
multifarious activities
The 9 months’ batch of GSFS girls have adapted comfortably to the
demanding but challenging routines of the Good Shepherd Finishing
School and have aptly proved that their journey from coy girls to
exuberant ladies is exhilarating and thrilling at GSFS.
In connection with the various activities of GSFS that also include the
art of crafting and gilding, the Hair Style, Mehndi design and Eye
make-up competitions were conducted on 19 November 2014 at the
GSFS atrium with feminine skill and excellence. The girls showcased
their skills in hairstyling, mehndi and eye make-up.
Hairstyles speak a lot about a person. It is of utmost importance that
you choose the right hairstyle to suit your personality as well as to
match your attire. The ‘elegant ladies’ of the 9 months’ batch unveiled
a variety of hairstyles that suit all face shapes during the hairstyle
competition. The styles included Triple Twisted Band, Braided Crown,
Ladder Pony, Dutch Rose Braid and a few more combinations. Ms.
Harshil Donga was the winner of this competition; Ms. Lakshmi Priya,
the first runner-up and Ms. Aayushi Anil, the second runner-up. The
competition helped them delve into the minutiae of grooming while
keeping a vigilant eye on the clock.
A student showing her Mehndi design and Eye make-up
The Eye make-up competition was really an eye-opener for those
onlookers as the ladies had paid detailed attention to adorning the
most precious and blessed organ of the human body with precision
and care. Our ladies tried their hand at different eye make-up styles.
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The models were given bewitching eye make-up based on the theme announced by the judging panel. Some of the make-up styles
like Golden Smokey Leopard, Duckling Chicks, Pink Panther, Creative Twist , Masquerade, Funkey etc. surprised even the judges and
the themes helped the students to fix the art commendably with shades and pencils. The winner of this tough competition was
Ms. Ankita Sethia. Ms. Prachi Goyal was adjudged the first runner-up and Ms. Sakshi Jain the second runner-up.
During the Mehndi Design Competition, the creative skills of the students were tested to the core and they displayed the Arabic,
Indian, African and Pakistani designs with ease and clarity. The Mehndi designs were drawn with painstaking precision. The competition
required intensive concentration, patience and careful planning. The participants created a kaleidoscope of sinuous patterns in deep
auburn colour on their palms. The students have undoubtedly proved to be the future designers, and their learning in GSFS proved
to have been excellent. Ms. Harshil Donga won the first position in this event. Ms. Parameswari secured the second position and
Ms. Nishad Anjum achieved the third place.
‘Feminite’: Talent Nite of the students of the
House Elegance
Phenomenal women celebrate their
womanhood decisively at all occasions.
Being the blessed creations, women
have all the uniqueness and rights to
excel and emulate in all the challenging
situations of life. This clear but focused
message has been elegantly portrayed
by the GSFS ‘ladies’ at ‘Feminite’, the
Talent Nite of the students of Elegance
House, on 13 November 2014.
The event was organized to celebrate
feminity. The significant event was
organized as a part of the Event
Management of the respective House.
The show highlighted the urgency
of respecting and treating women
with adoration, honour and affirm
their valuable place in this world.
Factual reports intertwined with
entertainments
mesmerized the
audience and the girls successfully led
the viewers to contemplate seriously
on the issues related to women. The
much-appreciated show concluded
with the message that women need
to be respected, protected and cared
for and should not be left open for
discussion as the downtrodden,
oppressed and abused species of the
planet.
GSFS girls participating in various events organised to celebrate feminity
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The evening programme had a mix of
entertainment, sombre stories and
heart-stopping moments. ‘Feminite’
paid homage to womanhood being
blissful, a bliss that needs to be
preserved.
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It’s a Different
School of Thought
GSIS offers three of the world’s renowned curriculums :
• The ICSE / ISC of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations
• The Cambridge Primary / Cambridge Secondary 1 / IGCSE of the University of Cambridge International
Examinations, United Kingdom
• The Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate, Geneva
visit us @ www.gsis.ac.in
mail us @ [email protected]
Good Shepherd Knowledge Village, Palada P.O., Ootacamund - 643 004, Tamilnadu, India
Ph : 91 - 423 - 2550071, 2444151
Fax : 91 - 423 - 2550386
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