Dear Parent
 
Greeting!!!
 
The Agra trip organized on 14th and 15th November 2009 was indeed an important landmark in the history of Excelsior American School. It was the first time that we organized an Overnight stay outside the school premises. And it would not have been accomplished without the support and co-operation of my dear parents and teachers.
 
The purpose behind the trip was to make the children responsible and independent, which is again a very important part of education. I was very proud and happy to see how each child took care of themselves and of their friends in the group. Each child behaved in a very responsible manner which was not forced upon them but came as a natural response. The experience they had on the trip will definitely help them in becoming responsible and considerate towards one another.
 
I am very thankful to all the parents for having faith and trust in us and to my teachers who were a great help and companion on the trip. 
 
Kindly note that the photographs taken during the trip will be shortly uploaded on the school website. The intimation for the same will be given.
 
Thank you
 
With Warm Regards
 
Shalini Nambiar
( Director)

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Dear Parents,

This is to inform you that we are showing a movie called 'Daffodills' produced. directed. scripted and edited by us [Chetan, Vikram, Sameer and Mihir] .The movie show timings are 1100am, 1130am and 1200pm. Tickets are available at the help desk.
We are in partnership with ' Educational Charity' ...which are the food stalls put up by Amiya, Anusha, Riya, Simran and Khushi The money collected from these stalls will be going towards an orphanage. 
 .Please note....
1.  The movie duration is only half an hour.
2. There will be a interval in between the movie.
3.During this time you can go and buy some snacks and accessories from Educational Charity.


Thanks and Regards
Chetan, Mihir, Sameer, Vikram, Amiya, Anusha, Riya, Khushi and Simran

NOTE...Help our movie to be a Block buster because then only Ms Shalini will let us produce another one.-------

--
Shalini Nambiar

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Dear Parents,
Greetings!!! With the Science Week Experiments Amiya from grade IV is opening a stall called FOOD DELICIOUS!
Her friend Anusha has joined her. The main aim of this stall is to help the orphans which have no parents like us, so please help them with your support.

Venue-
Ground Floor

And we have something new for you its a movie called DAFFODIL by Chetan, Mihir, Vikram and Sameer!

So parents and all children please buy from our stall,
Amiya & Anusha

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Dear Parent,
Greetings!!!

At a certain stage of our lives, we all meet with the dilemma on how to raise a kind and honest child. All of us who are concerned about moral education and successful future for one's children are looking for a methodology that can assist in the upbringing of a good citizen in this world.

I faced this situation today in Grade III , this happened as some children had written some demeaning remarks on the walls of the girl’s wash room. The first thought that occurred to me was, ‘Oh Boy we have grown,’ as generally this kind of thing is very common among the Grades VIIIth upwards and I have faced it many a times in my career.
I decided to tackle the problem so used my usual line that we have a camera so we know who has written it but at the same time telling them that I would never like to hurt anyone or demean them in front of the whole school as we all make mistakes and it’s perfectly fine to do so.
I asked them a simple question as to why do they lie and as expected they came up with the most expected answer, ‘If I tell the truth, my Mother will get very angry, so I tell a lie ‘ , Another one came up with the explanation that she had never heard of being awarded and applauded for being honest as from whichever school she came from , they would punish her and call her parents if she admitted to a crime which she has done,’
I was overwhelmed by their answers and realized that they are not telling the truth because they don’t know the merits of being honest , they have never been praised for it  and felt bad.
Of course my mission was accomplished in that half an hour of sharing and listening to them as the children who had written in the wash room came and admitted and felt very happy as I praised them for it and they were also happy as I kept my word of it being a secret between them and me.



Children lie for the following reasons:

Their parents are high up and see everything from up above. They're embarrassed. They feel shy. They are not sure what to say. Their parents don't let them do things. Their parents might not realise they're lying. To stop their parents asking lots of questions. To get themselves out of some kind of situation. Children feel which reply should be given to their parents and, what should not be exposed. Children want to keep their lives secret.

It turns out that when children reach their teens, lying becomes a part of life. It builds an invisible barrier between parents and kids. And this barrier starts one's existence from the very beginning of the life of a child.

How can we steer children away from the desire to lie?

Rule number 1: Above all, try not to lie yourself. This does not always happen. If a child discovers you have lied, tell him: "Yes, it is very hard not to lie. I don't always manage it, but I am learning to be honest, and I want you to learn that too. Only strong people can tell the truth. I believe you'll grow up to be a strong person."The child won't lose respect for you if he hears something like that. In reality, he will understand that he should admit his own slips and errors.

Rule number 2: Don't ignore even the smallest, most insignificant lie. A suitable fairytale can help you no end. You can tell young children stories using toys as aids. Take the toys and act out a situation where a child tells a lie. Discuss with the children whether the toys have behaved correctly or not.

Bunny and bear lived together and shared everything. One day, bunny bought some tasty chocolates, while bear was out for a walk. He hid the chocolates in the cupboard and thought: "I'll go to work now, and in the evening I'll come back and give bear some chocolates." But when bunny returned home, he couldn't find the chocolates in the cupboard. "Bear, did you take my chocolates?" bunny asked. "No, I didn't take them - I didn't even see them," bear replied, and he went red, quietly hiding the chocolate wrappers in his pocket. Bunny didn't say anything, but he was really upset.

After the story, ask the child:

Why do you think bunny was so upset? Who took the chocolates? What should bear do to make bunny feel better?

The story will help the child understand their behavior more deeply then a few general words about how it is bad to lie. A story linked with the child's own life is a powerful teaching aid. When the children are older, philosophical and psychological stories can help children understand the harm that lying causes.

Rule number 3. When you're telling children off, don't humiliate them. Most importantly, discuss about the incident. Show the child that you're worried and upset. You can bring an 'honesty chair' into the room ? an attractive, comfy chair. Suggest the child sits in it in order to become honest. If your punishment involves depriving the child of something 'cartoons, sweets, toys or computer games - show them that you're suffering too and sympathising with them. Be a good friend to your child, even when you are punishing them. If, for example, you are punishing your child by not giving him sweets, while you do eat sweets yourself, or forbid him to watch his favourite movies while you do continue to enjoy watching tv yourself. The child feels the world is unjust if adults are allowed what he is not, and will protect himself from this injustice using lies.

Rule number 4. Try to be in all situations and under any circumstances, a good friend to your children. Remember, people don't cheat their friends. This will stop an impenetrable wall of lies dividing your family into two separate parts who don't understand each other's worlds.
Help us to make Excelsior children honest and believing in themselves and also that it is all right to make mistakes , after all the person who makes the most mistakes rises the most in life because he is ready to take risks and get out of his comfort zone.

Thanks
With warm regards
Shalini Nambiar

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Dear Parent

Greetings!!!

It with great pride that I must inform you, that our visionary Mr. Hersh Kumar has been conferred  the Pan IIT American Leadership award in the “Social Entrepreneurship Award” category. The purpose of the award is to  acknowledge the invaluable contribution to the social sector by the  IIT Alumni’s based in U.S.A.

Mr. Hersh Kumar was facilitated with this award yesterday, 10th October at the Pan IIT conference in Chicago.

' Our Heartiest Congratulations to him '

Thank You
With Warm Regards
Shalini Nambiar
( Director)

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Dear Parent

Please note the following holidays in the month of October 2009:-
2nd October – Gandhi Jayanti
7th October – Karwa Chauth
16th -19th October – Diwali Break

Kindly note that 19th October is a holiday on the occasion of Bhai Dhuj.

Thank You

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Dear Parent
 
Greetings !!!
 
Positive learning and instilling the right values  in children is an integral part of education. This include teaching the children to keep their classroom, cafeteria and the bathrooms clean.
Today the boys of Grade III were asked to clean the bathroom and grade III and IV children had to clean the cafeteria.

This was done as despite being told repeatedly some children tend to leave them dirty. It is important that each parent speaks to the children about this incident so that jointly we are able to imbibe the right values which for me is extremely important. .

Thank you
With Warm Regards
Shalini Nambiar
(Director)

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Dear Parent
Greetings!!!
 
This is to inform that the school dog " Daffodils" has arrived. The kids had a great time welcoming  their new pet. The Photographs for the same will be available on the school website soon. I sincerely hope that this new addition to the excelsior family will bring immense joy and happiness to everyone.
 
Thank You
With Warm Regards
Shalini Nambiar
(Director)

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Dear Parent
Greetings!!!

As you may be aware that we are planning on having a School Dog as a pet. We are happy to inform you that the dog is arriving on Monday. Hurray !! Everyone is very excited about welcoming the new member of the excelsior family. The Pet has been tentatively named " Pan Cake", however, the contention over the choice of name is still on. Hopefully, this issue will resolve once the pet is here on monday morning. We also request parents to send us their suggetion for the pet's name.

Looking forward to an exciting welcome ceremony which begins at 0900 am on Monday, 31st August 2009. .
If any parent wishes to join us you are most welcome to come and be a part of this celebration.

A special Thank you  Mrs & Mr. Trikha for helping us in getting the dog.

Thank You
With Warm Regards,
Shalini Nambiar

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Dear Parent
 
Greetings !!!
 
All children have natural admiration and love for animals, keeping this in mind we have decided to adopt a school  Dog & a Cat.Besides we have already around 5 rabbits in the school.Pets can prove to be great companion to humans and are often used in therapies for trauma victims and special children. The children are already excited about the idea and are thinking of different names for the pets. I am sure that this effort will help children in the over all development of their personality and make them compassionate and sensitive towards others.
 
Thank You,
With Warm Regards
 
 
Shalini Nambiar
(Director)

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Dear Parent,

We are taking this opportunity to invite you for an 'Elementary Project Presentation' by classes I to VII as per the following schedule...

1. Grade IA&IB First Floor Reception Thursday 27th August 0900am to 1000am 2. Grade IIA &     IIB First Floor Reception Thursday 27th August 1030am to 1130am 3. Grade III Audio Visual Room Thursday 27th August 0900am to 1000am 4. Grade IV Audio Visual Room Friday 28th August 0900am to 1000am 5. Grade V to     VII Audio Visual Room Friday 28th August 1030am to 1130am

Please note:
Its' a time to encourage children and appreciate their efforts so please be present. Please do register yourself at the help desk.

Note Many pre-primary parents have also shown interest in attending the presentation so we invite you for the same . Please be present 5 minutes before the presentation begins.

Thanks
With warm regards,
Shalini Nambiar

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Dear Parent,
Greetings!!

I would love to share this incident which took place in Grade 2 A while I was taking their class yesterday. It is an eye opener for us adults and a very fulfilling thought as whatever anyone might say this is the kind of education which is important and mandatory.
Some children had thrown another child's pencil box in the dustbin and the concerned child was really upset so we decided to search the whole class but could not locate it. After a long time it was found in the dustbin. I took a circle time with them and told them that we have a camera in each class so we will come to know who has done it and that child would not be allowed to come to school from the next day.
My main intention while taking the circle time was making them understands that it's all right to make mistakes but what is needed is the ability to know when we do something wrong and the courage to admit it.
They all thought for some time and after that Ananya and Krishna stood up and Ananya said that 'Ms Shalini, I would not like you to punish any of my friends by stopping them from coming to the school and I am ready to take the responsibility for the same’. It actually brought tears to my eyes as this was indeed the real education. Krishna seconded the same thought and finally the child who had thrown it admitted.
We clapped for all of them.
Sometimes I meet parents who insist that the child is not doing anything in math or English etc. Of course that is also equally important but we must remember the school needs to prepare children to be happy adults, content and confident to take the whole world by storm.
This is indeed where Excelsior will always remain different and we will provide education which is complete to let them step into this world when they pass out from school.
Most of the people who have excelled in this world , the reason behind their success is not only literacy but qualities like commitment, hard work, dedication, honesty and oft times schools in their hurry to complete the curriculum neglect these.
Look around yourself and think of even one person who you feel has been successful and think of that quality which has led him to achieve that and I know the answer to this for all of us will be the same.
May God always help me to achieve this and nothing is possible without your support.
I did not feel giving these two children a ‘Child of the week’ Tag would have been enough. They need a special appreciation and yes Ananya and Krishna …I am very proud of you and my Heartiest Congratulations to their parents too.

Thanks
With warm regards,
Shalini Nambiar

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Dear Parent

Greetings!!!!!

We are celebrating the ‘Spirit of Freedom’ to mark the Independence day
celebrations on the 13th of August.
We have planned a fun-filled day for children and as a prelude the children have already started getting training in Kho-Kho, Kabbaddi which will give them an exposure to the long forgotten Indian sports.
The schedule for the day is as follows…..

1. Special assembly at 0815 am to 0845 am.
2. Inter Class Kho Kho & Kabbadi matches Grade I upwards.[0900 am to 1000 am]
3. Kite Flying [ 1000 am to 1100 am]
4. Inter Class Painting competition   [1200pm to 0100pm] For Grades I and II ‘What does freedom means to me …’
5. Inter class Creative writing competition [1200 pm to 0100pm] Grade III to VII.
6. Safari to Cultural 2 will do drawing & colouring on what they understand about ‘My Country’ This would be an activity which will allow them to express in colours their thoughts and dreams.

This is an In-house event but if some parents wish to join us in the celebrations they are welcome.
We would also want some parent volunteers for helping us in Kho-Kho and Kabbadi competitions. Please let us know at the help desk incase you want to volunteer.
Kindly note children can come dressed as national leaders or the colours of freedom .Let them be free to decide what they want to wear on that day.

Happy Independence Day!!!!!

Thanks
Shalini Nambiar

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“Everywhere I go I find that a poet has been there before me”  ---  Sigmund Freud

There are a lot of emotions embedded in us and lot of channels to express them too .our face, our eyes, our touch express a lot of emotion, and all these are non verbal, but the moment we associate words to them they become verbal, more meaningful, more expressive.

So here we are giving a chance to all our pupils to express themselves verbally through a poetry recitation competition as a part of the ‘Recitation and Poetry Appreciation Week ‘  27th July to 03rd August 2009.
The rules for the competition in different grades are as follows
Elementary [Grade I upwards]

1. Each class will have their individual class recitation and the teacher will select three children for the competition [dates for which are given below]
2. Upper Elementary [Grade III to VII] children will be encouraged to recite a poem written by them It can be in Hindi, French or English while Lower Elementary [Grade I and II] can pick up a poem of their choice.
3. The time allotted will be 3 to 4 minutes.
The students will be judged on the following points
1.  Expression
2.  Voice modulation & intonation
3.  Creativity
4.  Topic      5 Self-Composed work.
The following classes will be competing on the given dates.
1. 30th July ……Lower Elementary IA , IB IIA and  IIB
2. 03rd  August …..Class IIIrd to VIIth.
 Furthermore as a part of the Recitation and Poetry Appreciation Week, the teachers will be discussing one poet for a day ……..about his life, work and read one of his contributions. Children will be learning how to write poems, critically analyze the poetry etc. The following poets will be introduced.
1. Rabindranath Tagore
2. Shakespeare
3. William Wordsworth
4. Harivansh Rai Bachchan
5. Keats
PRE-PRIMARY [Grade Safari to Cultural II] It will be non-competitive event .We want each child to recite a poem of their choice.
They will be reciting the poem as per the following schedule.
1. Safari & Discovery (27th July)
2. Dinosaurs & Wildlife (28th July)
3. Cultural I & Cultural II (29th July)
In the Pre-Primary section the teachers will be working with the children on rhyming words and poets of famous Nursery Rhymes. Incase any parent who has an interest in poetry wishes to contribute to this week please mail us as to what you would like to do. We would love you to be part of this exciting week.

Thanks,
With warm regards,
Shalini Nambiar





Dear Parent,
Greetings!!
 
In case you have travelled abroad please make sure you have got your children tested for swine flu [H1N1] before they re- join school.Some parents have expressed concern but I am sure you will understand as a school administratively it is difficult to get each child checked . I trust my parents and would request you to get it checked from appropriate authorities.
This is a reminder seeking your cooperation.

Thanks,
With warm regards,
Shalini Nambiar