Lovedale Tidings - October and November 2025
Rising Stars Shine at Asmita Khelo India Basketball Tournament
The Asmita Khelo India Basketball Tournament for Under-13 and Under-11 girls and boys, held from 14th to 16th November 2025 at the HADP Stadium in Ooty, showcased spirited performances and strong sportsmanship. The school teams delivered an impressive display, with the Under-13 and Under-11 Girls finishing as runners-up and the Under-13 Boys emerging as winners. Special honours went to Vanya Chaudhary and Saisha Nair, who were named Most Promising Players in the Under-11 and Under-13 categories respectively, while Sai Mithran was adjudged Best Player of the Tournament in the Under-13 category, highlighting the exceptional talent on display.
Inter-House Music Competition 2025: A Celebration of Musical Excellence
The Inter-House Music Competition was held on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Senior School Large Hall. Students from all houses showcased their musical talent in three categories: Solo Song, Solo Instruments, and Group Vocal–Instrumental Performance. In the Solo Song category, Adrika Zaara Arun of Nilgiri House secured First Place, followed by Nandika Arun of Vindhya House in Second Place and Emayaa P. S. of Aravalli House in Third Place.
In the Solo Instruments category, Sowmya K. of Aravalli House claimed First Place, Ashwary Goel of Nilgiri House stood Second, and Kanav Agrawal of Sumeru House placed Third. In the Group Vocal–Instrumental Performance category, Nilgiri House emerged First, Aravalli House came Second, and Vindhya House placed Third.
With strong performances across all categories, Nilgiri House was declared the Overall Winner of the Inter-House Music Competition 2025. The event was judged by a distinguished panel comprising Dr. Sam Chelladurai, Mr. G. Primus A, a skilled violinist, and Mr. Bellieraj, the renowned playback singer best known for the hit song “Kangal Irandal” from Subramaniapuram. Their expertise and presence added great value and inspiration to the competition.
CBSE Online Heritage India Quiz 2025
The First Round of the Online CBSE Heritage India Quiz 2025 was conducted on 13 November 2025 (Thursday) at 12:00 noon, with the access link released on the official CBSE website thirty minutes prior to the start. Three students—Shamvabi, Adhira G, and Aarna Dhanraj—represented the school in the competition. Their participation offered them a valuable and enriching learning experience, deepening their awareness and appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Champions on Court, Pride of Lovedale!”
The Inter-School Basketball Tournament for girls, held at The Laidlaw Memorial School, Ketti, from 6–7 November 2025, saw the Under-19 girls’ team of The Lawrence School, Lovedale, deliver an outstanding performance marked by skill, teamwork, and determination. They emerged as champions of the tournament, bringing pride to the school, while Samritha of Class 12 was adjudged the Best Player of the Tournament for her exceptional contributions on the court.
Debating Glory for The Lawrence School!
An Inter-School Debate Competition was organized by International Community School, Kotagiri, on 7th November 2025. The topic of discussion was “Today’s Generation Prioritizes Fame over Wisdom.” Adrika Zaara Arun and Keya Rawani represented the School, showcasing remarkable eloquence and clarity of thought. Their outstanding performance earned the First Position in the competition. The victory was a proud moment for all Lawrencians, reflecting their commitment to excellence in oratory and critical thinking.
Junior School Inter House Computer Digi Quiz 2025 – “Exploring the Digital Frontier”
The Inter House Computer Digi Quiz 2025 for the Junior School was held on 6th November 2025 in the Senior School Large Hall. The event aimed to test students’ knowledge and awareness of the ever-evolving world of computers and technology.
The quiz consisted of five exciting rounds — Computer Network and Internet Round, Visual Round, Software Round, General Round, and Rapid Fire Round. Rules and guidelines were explained before the commencement of the event to ensure a fair and engaging competition.
Four houses — Vindhya, Aravalli, Nilgiri, and Sumeru — participated enthusiastically, with each team comprising four participants from Classes VI to VIII. The quiz also included audience rounds, where students participated with great enthusiasm and zeal, adding to the lively atmosphere.
A Triumph on the Hills: Conquering the 6th Tour de Sanawar 2025
The 6th edition of the Tour de Sanawar, organized by the Sanawar Global Cycling League, was held on 2 November 2025 at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, amidst the scenic Kasauli hills. Representing The Lawrence School, Lovedale with pride, a team of five Grade 11 riders—three girls and two boys—participated in this thrilling XCO mountain biking event, renowned for its rugged trails and competitive spirit. The team arrived a day earlier to explore the course and prepare for the 15 km race that tested endurance, skill, and control through steep climbs and technical descents.
Rising to the challenge with determination and teamwork, all five riders completed the race well within the stipulated time, achieving Top 10 positions in the school category. More than a competition, the event offered exposure to professional cycling, boosted their confidence on tough trails, and fostered a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship—making it a truly memorable experience of adventure and achievement.
A Report on the Prep School Inter House English Storytelling Competition
Facts tell, but stories sell! Storytelling is more than just words; it’s about sharing pieces of our soul, building bridges of understanding, and carrying on the oldest human tradition. Story telling competition celebrates the power of the spoken word—the ability to transport us to new worlds, make us laugh, and stir our hearts. The Inter House English Story Telling Competition for the Class V students was held on 1st November 2025 at 2:30 pm. There were five participants from each House. The Judges were Ms. Nidhi Mishra and Mr. Swetank and Bliss as the student Judge. Engaging with classic tales like Tenali Raman, fairy tale, moral stories and Aesop’s fables allowed students to explore creativity and learn valuable lessons. The 3 Judges, the Deputy Headmaster and the Headmaster appreciated the ambience and presentation of the stories by the 20 enthusiastic participants and 8 vibrant announcers. The students were valued for their effort in offering rich narratives with moral lessons.
Report on the Author Interaction Sessions with Mr. Ishan Shanavas
The school had the pleasure of hosting author Mr. Ishan Shanavas on 30th October 2025 for a series of interactive sessions with students across different sections. The day was marked by enthusiasm, curiosity, and meaningful engagement, as Mr. Shanavas seamlessly connected with learners of all age groups through his lively storytelling and thought-provoking discussions.
The series began in the JS Prep Hall with students of grades 6-8, where the atmosphere was filled with excitement and laughter. Mr. Shanavas conducted a highly successful and interactive session packed with games and activities that sparked curiosity and encouraged participation. His cheerful demeanour and ability to relate to the young audience kept every child engrossed, as both girls and boys actively engaged and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Following this, the second session was held in the Senior School Large Hall for Grades 9 and 11. Shifting his tone to suit the maturity of the students, Mr. Shanavas opened with an ice-breaking interaction that created an atmosphere of ease and openness. He then delved into a deeper discussion on nature conservation and the challenges of environmental preservation. The conversation was intellectually stimulating, with students posing thoughtful questions and engaging in meaningful exchanges that reflected their awareness and curiosity about larger conservational issues.
The final session of the day took place in the Prep School Large Hall with Grade 5 students, where the energy was once again palpable. Adapting his approach to match the children’s enthusiasm, Mr. Shanavas captivated them through stories, questions, and reflections that inspired wonder and imagination. Many students, eager to interact further, even attended more than one session during the day.
The series concluded on a warm and hopeful note, with Mr. Shanavas expressing his appreciation for the students’ spirited participation and promising to visit again. The sessions collectively created a memorable experience that combined learning with inspiration, leaving both students and teachers enriched and motivated.
Special Interaction with the Quill Society:
A special one-on-one interaction was also arranged with members of the Quill Society over tea at the Senior School Library. Mr. Shanavas shared several interesting anecdotes from his experiences and encounters with wildlife. The interaction was informal yet insightful, with students showing great curiosity and enthusiasm. Mr.Ishan Shanavas’s visit left a lasting impression, inspiring students to think deeply about nature, conservation, and creative expression.Overall, the sessions conducted by Mr. Shanavas were a resounding success, providing valuable learning experiences for students across all age groups.
The Lawrence School Reclaims the Championship at Nilgiri Library Debate 2025
The Nilgiri Library Debate Competition was held on 1st November 2025 at the Nilgiri Library, with a total of 38 participants from various schools taking part. Representing The Lawrence School, Lovedale, Adrika Zaara Arun (Class 11A) and Shambhavi (Class 11C) delivered an outstanding performance marked by confidence, clarity, and strong reasoning. Their impressive teamwork earned The Lawrence School the Overall Championship Trophy, reclaiming the title after 2022. In addition, Shambhavi was awarded the Third Prize in the individual speaker category. The students were trained and accompanied by Ms. Manmeet and Ms. Divya Subramanian.
Inter School Singing Competition – A Melodious Triumph!
The Lawrence School, Lovedale proudly hosted the Inter School Singing Competition on 29th October 2025, bringing together talented participants from leading schools across the Nilgiris, including JSS Public School, St. Hilda’s School, Kotagiri Public School, St. Joseph’s College, Unique Public School, and International Community School.
Participants competed in two categories — Solo Song and Group Song — showcasing a wide range of genres and vocal styles. The performances were judged by a distinguished panel comprising Ms. Priyadarshini Nair, Ms. Ranee Jayasekheran, and Mr. Primus, each an accomplished musician in their own right.
It was a moment of immense pride when Adrika Zaara Arun of Class 11A won the First Position in Solo Singing, displaying remarkable vocal talent and emotional depth in her rendition. The Lawrence School Choir also secured the First Position in the Group Song category, earning the school the title of Overall Winner of the competition.St. Hilda’s School, Ooty and St. Joseph’s College, Coonoor were awarded the Second and Third Overall Positions, respectively.The event was a true celebration of musical talent, teamwork, and creative expression.
Diwali Celebrations Illuminate The Lawrence School, Lovedale
The Lawrence School, Lovedale, radiated warmth and festivity on the eve of Diwali as the campus came alive with elegant decorations and the soft glow of diyas—symbols of knowledge, purity, and enlightenment. The celebration began with a Diwali Pooja in the SS Large Hall, where the Headmaster, staff, and students offered prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for prosperity, peace, and harmony. The hall reverberated with melodious mantras and the fragrance of incense, creating an ambience of devotion and serenity. The Aarti that followed united everyone in a collective spirit of gratitude and spirituality.
After the ceremony, a high tea was hosted for the staff and students, featuring an array of traditional sweets and savouries that added to the cheer of the occasion. Despite the light drizzle outside, the campus glowed with laughter, warmth, and togetherness, embodying Diwali’s timeless message—the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The celebration beautifully captured the essence of the festival while reflecting the school’s enduring spirit of unity, cultural reverence, and enlightenment.
The Turning Point-An Evening of Drama and Talent
The Inter-House One Act Play Competition was held on 16th October 2025 on the theme “The Turning Point.” The evening was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the magic of drama, as students from all four houses took the stage with memorable performances.The event was judged by Ms Priyadarshini Nair, Ms Geeta Menon, and Mr Vijaya Kumar Dar, and we were honoured to have Ms Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, IAS, District Collector of the Nilgiris, as our Chief Guest.
The competition featured four captivating performances. Aravalli House presented Behind the Mask, Nilgiri House staged The Oath We Keep, Sumeru House performed The Price of Desire, and Vindhya House brought to life Carpe Diem.
Each play brought something unique, powerful dialogues, thoughtful direction, and heartfelt performances that kept the audience deeply engaged. After much deliberation, Nilgiri House was declared the winner, followed by Sumeru House in second place, and Vindhya House in third. In the individual categories, Namith Puttachi was awarded Best Actor (Male) and Adrika Zara Arun received Best Actor (Female). The competition was a wonderful showcase of talent and teamwork, leaving the audience inspired and reminding everyone that sometimes, one moment can truly change everything.
Report on the Celebration of Mental Health Week 2025
The Lawrence School, Lovedale, organized a comprehensive Mental Health Week from October 7th to October 12th, 2025, implementing a diverse, multi-day program tailored for students and staff across all school sections. The week commenced early with the installation of a Gratitude Tree on October 6th, setting a reflective tone. Key activities included numerous age-specific seminars focusing on topics like "The Un-burdended mind" for academic staff, "The Power of Your Words" for Class 7 boys, "Journey to Self" for older students (Classes 9-12), and separate sessions for Class 6 on gratitude and dealing with challenges during adolescence. Practical and creative activities, such as a Baking Activity and sessions on Music and Art Therapy for staff, complemented the seminars, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being.
The celebration culminated on World Mental Health Day (October 10th) with a significant community outreach effort: a Mental Health Rally in Ooty. Led by 58 students and 10 teachers from The Lawrence School, and involving five other local schools, the rally engaged a total of 160 students and educators with the objective of creating awareness, reducing stigma, and increasing help-seeking behaviour. The school also prioritized Teacher and Staff Support throughout the week, distributing hope cards, green ribbons, and baked goods to all staff, and providing dedicated workshops. This structured week, which included special assemblies, expert seminars, and community action, directly addressed the need for psychosocial support and holistic development mandated by the Ministry of Education.
Smashing Success at the Tennis Interschool Tournament 2025
The Tennis Interschool Tournament was held from 13th to 15th October 2025 at The Lawrence School, Lovedale. The school’s tennis teams showcased exceptional talent and determination, emerging as winners in all three categories for both Boys and Girls. Their remarkable performance reflected excellent teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Boys’ Category
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Under-14: Winners
Team Members: Harshan Arya, Rakshan D., Upanshu Rao, Varish Sundarka, Smyan Naren
Best Player: Harshan Arya -
Under-17: Winners
Team Members: Arjun H., Soham Kesham, Advay Bidarkar, Pranav Poddar, Ritesh Gowtham
Best Player: Soham Kesham -
Under-19: Winners
Team Members: Rannvijay Singh, Vedachal Bajaj, Ashmit Bharti, Udit Agrawal, Devansh Mutha
Best Player: Ashmit Bharti
Girls’ Category
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Under-14: Winners
Team Members: A. Kalyana Kausalya, Rithisha Raja, Dhanya Shree R., R. Nilani, Zoey Makhija
Best Player: R. Nilani -
Under-17: Winners
Team Members: Sowmya K., Nandini Rana, S. Sree Nirupama, Ishaanvi Kunal Bhiwapurkar
Best Player: Sowmya K. -
Under-19: Winners
Team Members: Yashika K. Murarka, Nithivarshika S. A., Aashvi Banka, Anoushka Deepak
Best Player: Yashika K. Murarka
The teams’ collective effort and consistent performance were commendable, bringing laurels to the school.
Dream Alliance Equestrian Competition 2025
The prestigious Dream Alliance Equestrian Competition was held on 8th and 9th October 2025, with 33 students from The Lawrence School, Lovedale displaying remarkable skill, discipline, and sportsmanship. The event was graced by Col. Sunil Shivdas (Retd.) of the 61st Cavalry Regiment, an international-level judge and Asian Games official, who praised the riders’ enthusiasm and high standard of training.
This annual national-level event brings together 12 leading equestrian clubs and schools from across India. The Lawrence School, Lovedale takes pride in its riders’ commendable performances and continues to uphold its strong tradition of equestrian excellence.
Under 14 Boys Inter School Basketball Tournament 2025
Date of the Tournament : 14th & 15th October 2025
Venue – The Lawrence school, Lovedale
The Tournament was played on the Round Robin League method.
Participating teams
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The Lawrence school, Lovedale
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The Laidlaw school, Ketti
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Crescent castle school, Ooty
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St Judes school, Kotagiri
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Army school , Wellington
Result
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Winner - The Lawrence School, Lovedale
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1st runner up - St Judes school, Kotagiri
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2nd runner up - The Laidlaw school, Ketti
Special awards
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Best Player - Mithran Sai (The Lawrence School ,Lovedale)
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Most valuable player - Tridev Reddy (The Lawrence School ,Lovedale)
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Most promising player - Abdul (St Judes school, Kotagiri )
Unstoppable in Stride: Lawrence School Girls Conquer IPSC Athletics Meet!
The Lawrence School is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of its Girls Athletics Team, who emerged victorious at the IPSC Athletics Meet held at The Emerald Heights International School, Indore.
Competing against premier institutions including Sports School Rai and other reputed schools from across India, the team demonstrated extraordinary skill, teamwork, and perseverance. From sprint events to jumps and relays, the athletes showcased their strength, preparation, and championship mindset in every performance.
Their outstanding efforts resulted in a remarkable haul of medals, broken records, and most importantly, a powerful display of what dedication and unity can accomplish. This victory not only brings pride to the school but also sets an inspiring example for future generations of student-athletes.
The school extends its heartfelt congratulations to the entire team and wishes them continued success in all future competitions.
U-19 Category Results:
S.No Name Event Position
1 S. B. Dheshna 100m Hurdles Gold
Long Jump Gold
Triple Jump Silver
2 Shreya Peter 100m Gold
Triple Jump Gold
Long Jump Silver
3 Rithanya Rajesh 800m Bronze
1500m Silver
4 Shivika Aiyappa 400m Bronze
5 Hiba Sheriff 3000m Walk Silver
6 S. B. Dheshna 4x400m Relay Silver
Rithanya Rajesh
Shivika Aiyappa
Shaarvi Jagat
7 S. B. Dheshna 4x100m Relay Gold
Shreya Peter
C. P. Sadana Sree
Shaarvi Jagat
U-17 Category Results – Group 1:
S.No Name Event Position
1 Y. J. Adhyuta 400m Hurdles Gold
100m Hurdles Gold
Triple Jump Bronze
2 P. K. Vethavarna High Jump Gold
3 Adhya Aran 4x400m Relay Gold
Nandika Arun
Heera Y
Y. J. Adhyuta
4 Adhya Aran 400m Silver
1500m Bronze
5 Heera Y 400m Bronze
6 Y. J. Adhyuta 4x100m Relay Silver
P. K. Vethavarna
Nandhika Arun
Alisha Chand
U-17 Category Results – Group 2:
S.No Name Event Position
1 Nila Mukil 600m Gold
400m Bronze
2 Arya M 100m Bronze
200m Silver
3 P. Tanvi Shot Put Silver
U-17 Category: The Lawrence School Lovedale won the Championship
U-19 Category: The Lawrence School Lovedale won the Championship
Overall winner: The Lawrence School Lovedale won the Championship
Exploring the South – A Journey of Learning, Friendship, and Discovery –OBL by Class XI Boys
The Outbound Learning (OBL) trip to Cochin, Trivandrum and Kanyakumari for the Class XI boys was a truly memorable and enriching experience, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant heritage of southern India. Well-coordinated and thoughtfully planned, the journey covered major destinations, allowing students to appreciate the scenic beauty of Kerala and the iconic attractions of Kanyakumari. Comfortable accommodations and enjoyable meals at select locations added to the pleasant experience. Beyond sightseeing, the trip fostered camaraderie and teamwork, making it not only an educational journey but also a meaningful opportunity for personal growth and bonding among classmates.
