Lovedale Tidings
Teacher’s Day - 5 September 2023
On 5 September 2023, Lawrence School, Lovedale, had more outdoor classes in a single day than they do in an entire year!
The Class 12 students took the kids outside and provided them with 58 fun lessons full of excitement and energy! Although we had fun, it made us realise how annoying we can be in class and how thankful we are towards the teachers for putting up with us daily. Later that afternoon, the Headmaster felicitated the Staff.
Finally, the main show, hosted by Adhija Roy and Krishna Agarwal, began in the evening. The one-and-a-half-hour program was put together in just two days, featuring performances by each class from 9 to 12.
Our talented boys and girls produced videos, dances, skits, songs and performances to show appreciation for our teachers. The atmosphere was electric as the renowned St. Elmo's Fire band took to the stage and delivered a spectacular performance that mesmerised the audience. This was followed by a group of talented individuals who were determined to emulate the style and grace of Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan. However, the night's highlight was the dance performance by the students of Class 12. Their skill, passion, and enthusiasm left the teachers in awe.
To end the evening, we motivated our teachers to tap into their inner child and concluded the day with a celebratory dance on the stage!
Magical Journey – The Prep School Outing
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”.
When the girls from Classes V and VI arrived at Karnataka Garden, the excitement of discovery began!
Wow, the place we visited was breathtaking! The lush greenery surrounding us was so vibrant and full of life. We were amazed by the various beautiful plants on display inside the greenhouse. We had a blast exploring the maze and even snapped some photos with our loving teachers. Our hearts were racing when we ventured onto a bridge that towered high above the ground.
During our trip, we discovered a stunning pond with a waterfall and observed fish and swans. Additionally, we visited a nursery filled with various indoor plants, which left us in awe. The journey was a great learning experience and a truly magical adventure. We thank the Prep School Staff for organising this unforgettable trip.
Irene M Joseph- VI D
S. Rajashri - V A
The Claude Martin Debate and The Boulone Lise Memorial Quiz
The La Martiniere College in Lucknow hosted the Claude Martin Debate from August 16th to 19th, 2023. Four participants, Gopika S, P.A. Nanjappa, Priya Sundaram, and Krishna Agrawal, showcased outstanding oratory skills and knowledge on various topics. During the preliminary round, Gopika S was awarded the best speaker title.
The Boulone Lise Memorial Quiz
Agnidipto Nanda and E. Sanjay Roshan of Class X participated in 'The Boulone Lise Memorial Quiz' held at La Martiniere College in Lucknow from August 16th to August 19th. They demonstrated their knowledge of various subjects, current affairs, and general knowledge.
Our Quiz team was placed 3rd out of 16 schools from across India. The quiz tested various categories, such as space exploration, Indian mythology, urban language, and sarees of India.
Ms. Anshika Josephine from the Department of English trained the Debate team, while Ms. Preslin David from the Department of Humanities coached our Quiz Team.
Inter-House Poem Recitation Competition - JS
"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity."
― William Wordsworth, Lyrical Ballads
An Inter House Poem Recitation Competition was held on September 7th, 2023, for students in Classes VI, VII, and VIII to foster their love for poetry.
The participants recited famous poems, such as William Shakespeare's 'Seven Ages', Rudyard Kipling's 'If' and Walt Whitman's 'O Captain, My Captain', with passion and enthusiasm.
The results of the competition are as follows:
Individual positions:
First Position - Dhruv Menon- 108.5 points
(Vindhya House, Class VIB)
Second Position-. Aryaveer Agarwal- 106 points
(Sumeru House, Class VIII B)
Third Position- Aishwarya Suresh Kumar- 105 points
(Sumeru House, Class VII A)
House positions:
First Position - Sumeru House-589 points
Second Position - Nilgiri House 534 points
Third Position- Vindhya House 526.5 points
Fourth Position- Aravalli House 526 points
The Lawrence School Social Organisation (LSO)
Visit to Indhiranagar - 6th September 2023
More often than not, through moments of self-reflection or encountering diverse circumstances, we acknowledge and appreciate the advantages and benefits we possess in our lives.
Our trip to Indhiranagar village was eye-opening. The residents live harmoniously with their environment, utilising available resources sustainably and simply. It is a humbling reminder of how much we overlook in our bustling urban lifestyles. Seeing how much joy can be found in humble surroundings is impressive.
During our trip, we experienced a touching moment when an older woman held our hand and expressed her gratitude. She shared that outsiders rarely come to offer help or show compassion. This reminded us of the importance of being present and showing up, as sometimes the most profound impact we can make is just being there for someone.
The youngsters at the rehabilitation centre were filled with contagious enthusiasm. Their bright eyes and innocent smiles conveyed a message far more profound than any spoken words - they expressed gratitude, hope, and sheer joy. Despite their daily challenges, their spirit remained unbroken, which was deeply inspiring. The children showcased remarkable abilities, from singing and dancing to crafting exquisite handmade items. Their enthusiasm for life demonstrated the resilience of the human spirit. Engaging with them, playing games, and joining in their daily activities gave us a new outlook on life.
The Lawrence Social Organisation's initiative was not just about providing material needs. It was an exchange of cultures, emotions, and lessons between two worlds. We were fortunate to receive many valuable experiences, unforgettable memories, and immense gratitude in return for all we gave.
As we made our way back, the echoing laughter, the heartwarming embraces, and the gratitude-filled eyes of the villagers and children remained imprinted in our minds. It reinforced our belief that ‘giving’ does help those in need and ‘enriches’ the giver's soul.
We returned not just with memories but with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue our efforts to make a difference, no matter how small. The first mission of the LSO was more than a mere outreach program; it was a journey of the heart, teaching us the true essence of humanity.
'Mind Bogglers' Inter House Science Quiz
On September 7th, 2023, the Junior School held the 'Mind Bogglers' Inter House Science Quiz in the Large Hall (SS). The competition was thrilling and informative as the young participants vied for the Quiz Trophy.
The following pupils represented the four Houses:
Inter- House Prepared Speech Competition - JS
Unlocking Imagination Through Words
The Inter-House English Prepared Speech competition for Classes VI, VII, and VIII was held on 11/08/2023 in the Senior School Large Hall at 3:30 p.m. Each House was represented by three students- one from each class. A total of 12 students from Four Houses of the Junior School were selected to participate in this competition. They were required to present a speech no longer than three minutes.
The Competition presented four topics that addressed crucial issues:
1. Uncontrolled Pollution: finding solutions.
2. Nurturing Nature to Ensure a Bright Future.
3. The Youth's Role in Shaping the Future.
4. The Vital Role of Mothers in Shaping Society.
The judges for the competition were:
1. Ms Anita Prabhu (MIC PS)
2. Ms Divyanka
3. Master Arjun Dev, Class XII
The speeches were evaluated based on content, delivery, clarity, originality, and effectiveness. All the participants performed exceptionally well, which gave a lot of encouragement and confidence to the performers and students.
Following the last speaker's address's conclusion, the judges expressed their appreciation and offered constructive feedback for future improvement. Their feedback was quite insightful, and they also provided words of encouragement to the participants. Finally, the winners were announced amidst thunderous applause. The event clearly demonstrated the young speakers' talent and confidence.
The winners:
1 . Aashna, Class 8, Vin House - I
2. Devansh Mutha, Class 8, Ara House - II
3. Irene M Joseph, Class 6, Vin House - III
House Points:
1. Vindhya - I
2. Aravalli - II
3. Nilgiri - III
Hearty congratulations to all participants and winners for making this event memorable.
“Words have incredible power.
They can make people’s hearts soar,
Or they can make people’s hearts sore.”
-Dr. Mardy Grothe
Inter-House Humanities Quiz Competition-SS
The much-anticipated Inter-House Humanities Quiz Competition for Senior School was held on 30 August 2023. The Quiz comprised several rounds covering History, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Business Studies, Current Affairs, and Political Science. Additionally, it included a Visual Round.
The Quiz provided an excellent opportunity for the students to satisfy their intellectual curiosity. Filled to the brim with enthusiasm and excitement, the event was a platform for the students to showcase their knowledge.
Results:
LSLMUN 2023
We recently held the the first edition of the LSL MUN, an intra-school MUN conducted to provide exposure to our students and introduce them to global issues and come up with solutions to these. There were four different committees, each unique and discussing a different problem. There were around 100 participants from grades 9-12 and the MUN was an overall success, with each student learning something new and engaging in debates, giving speeches and coming up with solutions. It was a great experience and one we are sure to have more of in the future.
A Report on Junior Jamboree (A Dance and Music Festival)
On 12th August 2023, the Junior School organised the ‘Junior Jamboree’, a Dance and Music evening consisting of various dances, Skit and instrumental music played passionately. Rajeev, Devansh, Adyant, and Thejesh anchored and hosted the event.
To begin with this beautiful event, we thanked the almighty by chanting a Sanskrit shloka to get the blessing of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles.
Our first event was the piano recital by Rigzor on the song ‘River Flows in You’.
Afterwards, we were treated to an exuberant performance of the Bhangra dance.
A crucial and enlightening skit on Anti-Bullying was presented, addressing the urgent need for eradication. After the skit, Ethan and Vivaan had a duo singing performance on the song ‘Night Changes.’
The highly anticipated Western dancers took the stage for a mesmerising performance set to multiple songs. This was followed by Daksh's magnificent piano solo, seamlessly transitioning into a stunning guitar duet by Indraneel and Daksh.
We concluded the event with a thrilling Tamil fusion dance that energised and excited the audience.
As with all things, our forty-five-minute program had to end. We concluded by singing the National Anthem.
We want to thank our HM, DHM, MIC, Programme coordinator, the Vindhya House Mistress, and all the Housemasters and Assistant Housemasters for organising and training us to conduct this programme.
- Rajeev S Tarade (7B)
- Dev Menon (8A)
- Rishiet Kumar (8A)
Chess Tournament
The District-level Chess Tournament was held at the Unique Public School in OOTY on August 12th and 13th, 2023. The Lawrence School participated in four categories and won first place in the Under-13 and Under-15 categories and fifth place in the Under-9 category.
Under - 15 (First Position) - Priyanshu H S, Class – 8 A
Under - 13 (First Position) - Krisshav Varshan, Class – 8B
Under - 09 (Fifth Position) - Devvrat Mahalawat, Class – 5 B
Thanks to the guidance of Mr Jitendra Kumar Sahoo and Mr Prashanth Sebastian, the students could participate in the tournament successfully.
The author of this report is grateful to HM, DHM, Bursar, DOA, MIC-JS, and MIC-PS for their support. Thanks also to the Catering manager and the Security Officer for handling food and transport arrangements efficiently. These efforts are greatly appreciated.
Jitendra Sahoo
Teacher-in-Charge
Chess Club
LT GEN (Dr) SK Gadeock, AVSM (RETD) Visits School
On August 14, 2023, LT GEN (Dr) SK Gadeock, AVSM (RETD), visited our School to address our pupils about the horrors of partition.
Lt Gen (Dr) SK Gadeock, AVSM (Retd), was commissioned into the Indian Army on June 11, 1977. He is an alumnus of NDA, Khadakwasla and IMA, Dehradun. He has a master's degree in defence studies, an MPhil, and a diploma in senior-level defence management. The General also earned an outstanding grade for his defence and strategic studies doctorate from the University of Madras, Chennai.
After a brief introduction by our Headmaster, Mr D V S Rao, the General addressed the pupils and staff in the Large Hall. He recounted the horrors of the Partition of 1947, explaining how it led to grave violence and communal riots, loss of property, and extreme upheaval in and around August of 1947.
The General gave a motivational speech to the pupils, urging them to develop confidence, trust, and self-pride. He quoted Gul Panag, an alumna of The Lawrence School, Lovedale, who won the Miss India Contest in 1999-2000 and encouraged the pupils to develop creative intellect and professionalism in a networked contemporary global environment. LT GEN (Dr) SK Gadeock emphasised the importance of demeanour and deportment, quoting actress Priyanka Chopra.
According to LT GEN (Dr) SK Gadeock, a true leader must possess several qualities. These include being just, kind, level-headed, multicultural, optimistic, transparent, unbiased, and full of zeal. A leader must consistently demonstrate these traits to inspire and motivate the team towards success.
LT GEN (Dr) SK Gadeock emphasised that success can only be achieved through hard work and humility, using Sachin Tendulkar as an example of someone who embodied these qualities.
The General concluded his speech by encouraging the students to draw inspiration from the lives and works of historical figures such as Solomon, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Sam Manekshaw, Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, Nelson Mandela, and Narendra Modi.
Lieutenant General (Dr) SK Gadeock was given a comprehensive tour of the heart-wrenching posters created by the students, which vividly depicted the devastating consequences of the Partition.