Lovedale Tidings - May 2025
Celebrating Talent and Togetherness: Freshers’ Evening 2025
The Prep School Freshers’ Evening, held on Saturday, 17th May 2025, was a vibrant celebration to welcome the new students of Classes V to VIII into the Lawrence School, Lovedale family. The event provided a delightful platform for the freshers to showcase their talents and bond with peers across dormitories. Each dorm came alive with music, dance, drama, and heartfelt performances, setting a joyful tone for the academic year. The Headmaster and the Deputy Headmaster were present to witness the show.
Dorm 1 opened the evening on a graceful note with Pushpanjali, a classical dance performance that captivated the audience. This was followed by a hilarious skit that had everyone in splits. The students then sang their favourite anthems, Unstoppable and Rockstar, stirring up energy and enthusiasm. A Western dance performance and a serene Bharatanatyam recital to Shri Hari Stotram added cultural depth. The dorm's segment concluded with a vibrant semi-classical dance.
Dorm 2 began with an invocation dance, setting a devotional and graceful tone. This was followed by a harmonious group choir and a heartfelt solo performance. The segment ended on a lively note with an energetic Western dance and an adorable speech by a fresher, reflecting on their first day at The Lawrence School.
Dorm 3 showcased a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. Their performance began with a classical dance fused with hip-hop, followed by a Western mashup of popular songs. A moving poetry recital added an emotional touch. Nethra, a state-level yoga performer, mesmerized the audience with her grace and control. The dorm also presented a harmonious choir performance and concluded with a powerful Boom Box performance, leaving the audience in awe.
Dorm 4 brought in the beats with an upbeat Western dance, followed by a melodious duet accompanied by the guitar. Another Western dance performance wrapped up their energetic and entertaining presentation.
The Prep Boys performed Karate and Western dance. There were also piano recitals, and the show concluded with a group song. The Freshers’ Evening was a wonderful showcase of young talent and team spirit. It not only welcomed the newcomers with open arms but also fostered a sense of belonging and excitement for the year ahead. It was a memorable night for everyone present, celebrating the unique blend of tradition, creativity, and joy that defines life at The Lawrence School, Lovedale.
Understanding the Circle of Control – Explained by Atharva S. Dutta, Class 5
In a recent classroom session, Atharva S. Dutta from Class 5 gave a clear and thoughtful explanation of the Circle of Control, a concept that helps children understand the difference between what they can and cannot control in their lives. With confidence and clarity beyond his years, Atharva highlighted how focusing on things within our control can lead to better emotional well-being.
SPLASH 2025: Junior School Inter-House Art Competition Results
Date: 19th May 2025, Venue: Art Department
The annual Splash 2025 Junior School Inter-House Art Competition was a spectacular event, showcasing the exceptional creative talents of students across various classes. The event, held in the Art Department, had participants from Classes VI, VII, and VIII, each contributing their artistic flair to compete for top positions.
Class-wise Winners
Class VI
1st Position: M. Jayansh Reddy
2nd Position: Harith Varshan A.
3rd Position: Aaradhya Boinapally Rao
Class VII
1st Position: Vedha Rathnam
2nd Position: Devanshi Saraf & Krisha Prasad (Tied)
3rd Position: Mishti Kalyankar
Class VIII
1st Position: Mandovi Ghosh
2nd Position: Nandhakishore M.
3rd Position: Aahana Agarwal
House-wise Standings
After the individual results were compiled, the overall House positions were as follows:
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Nilgiri House – 92 Points
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Sumeru House – 88.5 Points
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Vindhya House – 83.5 Points
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Aravalli House – 60 Points
The event saw outstanding displays of creativity, and Nilgiri House emerged as the champion with a total of 92 points. Sumeru House and Vindhya House followed closely behind, while Aravalli House put forth a commendable effort, securing 60 points. A special mention goes to the winners across all classes for their exceptional work, and to all the participants for their remarkable effort in making the event a resounding success. The Art Department continues to be a nurturing space for young talent to shine and explore their creativity.
A Journey to Remember: Trek from Karikaiyur to Rangasamy Peak – 11th May
On Sunday, 11th May, six enthusiastic students from Class 10 set out on a trekking expedition from Karikaiyur to Rangasamy Peak, located near Kilkotagiri in the Nilgiris. The trek was organised by Ms. Sangeetha Jairam, the school’s yoga teacher, in collaboration with Trek TN—an initiative of the Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
The day began early, with the group assembling at school by 5:30 a.m. for departure. After a two-hour drive to the trekking shed near Karikaiyur, the students had a light snack and prepared for the trek. The group began the trek at 8:30 a.m., accompanied by two experienced guides from the Irula tribe, who are part of the Forest Department’s conservation team. Throughout the journey, the guides shared fascinating insights into the local terrain, flora, fauna, and birdlife, enriching the students’ understanding of the natural environment.
The trail proved to be both challenging and rewarding, offering breathtaking views and moments of reflection in nature. Upon reaching the summit, the students took a well-earned break in the peaceful shade of a temple at the peak, soaking in the stunning panoramic views.
After six hours of trekking through forested paths and scenic landscapes, the group returned to the base camp by 2:30 p.m. There, a wholesome lunch was served to the tired but cheerful trekkers. The team arrived back at school by 6:00 p.m., enriched by a day filled with adventure, learning, and a deeper appreciation for nature and indigenous knowledge.
It was a memorable experience that beautifully combined physical activity, environmental awareness, and cultural learning under the guidance of Ms. Sangeetha Jairam.
Sensitization Session on Disaster Management and Disaster Risk Reduction
On May 8, 2025, a sensitization session was conducted for all staff members on disaster management and risk reduction in school settings. This session presented key takeaways shared by Ms. Merlyn from a CBSE training program on Disaster Management held in Chennai in April 2025.
Key Highlights of the Session
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Understanding Disasters: The session began with a discussion on the various types of disasters and emphasized the importance of anticipatory planning to minimize their impact.
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Prioritizing Safety: A key focus was placed on ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on campus during emergencies. Staff were encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to disaster preparedness rather than relying on reactive measures.
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Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies: Participants were introduced to essential strategies for disaster risk reduction, including:
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Conducting risk assessments of school facilities
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Implementing awareness and training programs for both staff and students
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Organizing mock drills in collaboration with local disaster management teams
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Child-Friendly Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Ms. Merlyn emphasized the need to develop SOPs tailored to children for various emergencies, such as fire evacuations and earthquake responses
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First Aid Training: The session included a segment on the importance of both physical and psychological first aid, empowering staff to provide immediate support to students in distress
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To support ongoing preparedness efforts, a Google Form was shared with staff members to facilitate the anonymous reporting of potential safety concerns and hazards on campus. CBSE and government-issued resources on disaster management and risk reduction were also distributed to enhance awareness and reinforce safety protocols.
