In order to promote Indian classical Music and culture among the children, Shalom Hills International school co-hosted an online ‘Great Masters’ episode organised under the aegis of SPICMACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture among Youth) on 21 st October 2023. These series of Interactions were introduced by SPICMACAY to make new and rising generation aware of the approach and style of legendary artists. The children introduced their school and the Great Master Pt. Bhajan Sopori ji, the maestro santoor player to the audience. They also got an opportunity to interact with his son and disciple Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori ji. Pt. Abhay Sopori ji who himself is an Indian Santoor player and music composer, took the audience not only through the journey of his father but his ancestors across generations too.
The children of grade VI of Shalom Hills International School wholeheartedly participated in Virtual Visit to Birds and Mammals Museum on 15thDecember 2023. The visit was organised by SPICMACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Among Youth) in association with CSMVS Museum (Chatrapati Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalya) Mumbai. The programme attracted participation from various schools across the country. The expert presenters guided the students through a fascinating exploration of diverse birds and mammals’ species, their habitats, and the meticulous preservation methods employed for museum displays. During the virtual presentation, experts showcased an array of birds, providing insights into their behaviours, habitats, and ecological importance. The children were enthralled as they learned about the intricate process of preserving these avian specimens for museum exhibits.
“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky."
Van Mahotsav, celebrated in the first week of July, is an annual tree-planting festival observed to spread awareness about the vital role of trees in maintaining ecological balance. Across the nation, initiatives are undertaken to highlight the importance of afforestation, forest conservation, and the harmful effects of deforestation.
At Shalom Hills International School, the Van Mahotsav Week was a memorable and enriching experience. The campus buzzed with excitement as students engaged in a series of educational, creative, and hands-on activities designed to foster a deeper connection with nature.
Our young learners from Grades I and II enthusiastically participated in a variety of engaging activities such as colour code sorting, leaf printing, a nature walk, and the Earth Saviours fancy dress competition. They also explored capillary art, enjoyed a sorting race activity, counted seeds, and created eco-friendly wristbands using leaves and flowers—each activity helping them internalize the importance of environmental stewardship.
Students of Grades III and IV took part in a plantation drive and organized a rally promoting chemical-free farming, showcasing self-made posters and slogans. They also displayed creative models of eco-friendly homes, recited self-composed poems on the theme Save Trees, Save Earth, and captivated audiences with a powerful Nukkad Natak and a vibrant dance performance.
Grade V students participated in the Green Edge Measure activity, applying their math skills to measure the perimeter of leaves. They also designed impactful posters and confidently expressed their thoughts in a declamation event on the theme Planting Hope for a Greener Tomorrow.
The Van Mahotsav celebrations at Shalom Hills International School instilled a strong sense of environmental responsibility in our students. The week concluded with cheerful smiles and a heartfelt promise:
“We will care for nature, every day, in every way!”
"The true purpose of education extends beyond preparing students for exams—it is to equip them for life. Experiential learning is a key to unlocking this purpose."
In keeping with this ethos, a thought-provoking and dynamic workshop was organized for all the students of Grade VIII at Shalom Hills International School, centring on the theme "Save Soil - Save Earth." The session was designed to foster a deeper understanding of environmental conservation, with a specific focus on soil health.
Spearheaded by the school’s visionary Founder and Chairperson, Dr. Mrs. Lilly George, and guided by the ever-inspirational Sherpa & Vice Chairman, Mr. Dennis George, the workshop aimed to cultivate a sense of responsibility among the students towards protecting the Earth, particularly its soil.
The guest speaker, Dr. Sashikant Bhende, a renowned Agronomist dedicated to imparting environmental awareness, provided an enlightening session on the alarming rate of soil depletion and its causes. Dr. Bhende, with his extensive expertise and passion, highlighted how human activities and population growth have severely impacted soil health over the years
What made the session especially impactful was its direct connection to the students' prior knowledge from their studies on Crop Production and Management. Dr. Bhende skilfully built upon this foundation further enriching their understanding of soil preservation and the role they can play in safeguarding it for future generations.
The students left with a renewed sense of responsibility, empowered by the knowledge that they, too, can make a difference in preserving the Earth’s most vital resource—its soil.
The workshop was a resounding success leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
‘Van Mahotsav: A Celebration of Togetherness.”
In a vibrant celebration of nature and sustainability, Shalom Hills International School celebrated Van Mahotsav from 1 st July amid great exhilaration and fervour. The week filled with engaging activities promoted environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility towards nature in the students.
Throughout the week, students from classes VI to VIII participated in various activities such as bookmark making, DIY planter creation, poster designing and eco-craft projects. These activities not only nurtured creativity but also raised awareness about the critical role trees play in our ecosystem. Special morning assemblies were also conducted featuring student-led presentations on biodiversity emphasizing the inter-connectedness of all living beings and the essential role trees play in maintaining ecological balance. These presentations underscored the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect our environment.
The Van Mahotsav culminated on July 9th with the students from VI to XII partaking in a plantation drive. They planted saplings exemplifying their dedication to enhance green cover and combat climate change.
The Van Mahotsav Week celebrations not only enriched students' knowledge but also inspired them to take proactive steps towards a greener and more sustainable future. By fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting responsible citizenship, the school community reaffirmed its dedication to preserving our planet's natural heritage for generations to come.
“Van Mahotsav - Sowing the seeds of tomorrow.”
Van Mahotsav, the annual tree-planting festival of India, is celebrated with great enthusiasm at Shalom Hills International School every year. The event aims to create awareness about the importance of trees and to encourage students to sensitize the students about their role in conserving environment. This celebration has been an ideal opportunity to instil the value of social responsibility in the students towards safeguarding trees and forests.
‘Van Mahotsav week’, carried out through various activities, was celebrated in grade I-V towards forming a personal connect between the students and trees.
The first day had teachers explaining the importance and facts about celebrating Van Mahotsav in the classrooms with the help of PPT and videos.
The students of Grades I and II engaged in poster making activity on the 2 nd day, creating beautiful and informative posters to depict the importance of trees. Students of grade III-V participated in an oath taking ceremony under the theme ‘I am an earth Saviour’. They wrote pledges to commit towards the conservation of trees and environment.
Day 3 began with students of Grade I-II sharing information on seed to sapling during an oratory activity. Students of grade III-V engaged in a tree adoption programme; ‘Adopt Not Shop’. Students were encouraged to adopt trees and take care of them, ensuring their growth and survival.
While teachers of grades I-II presented a skit on Happy Tree and Sad Tree on day 4 for students, followed by a leaf printing activity, the students of grades IV-V participated in a Mime Act on the topic ‘Save Trees, Save Earth’. The entire school reverberated with slogans during the ‘Green March’ conducted by the students of grade III.
The final day of the Van Mahotsav week started with the Intra-class competition- ‘Katha Kathputli ki’ on the topic- Grow trees and Save Trees. Students narrated beautiful stories by using different colourful puppets emphasising the importance of saving and growing more trees. The celebrations came to an end with a plantation drive by the students.
The Van Mahotsav celebration not only educated students about the importance of trees but also actively involved them in activities that promote environmental consciousness. The event fostered a sense of responsibility towards nature and highlighted the collective effort needed to protect our planet.
“Future is in our hand, protect the trees, preserve the land.”
Van Mahotsav, a week-long festival of tree plantation is organized every year in Shalom Hills. Our inspiration and ever encouraging source behind these celebrations is our Founder and Chairperson ma'am, Dr. Lilly George. She has always encouraged the young Shalomites to be eco warriors. Our school premises are also integrated with ecofriendly practices. The first day celebrations began with a PPT, videos and facts on 'Van Mahotsav- its importance, origin and need that was shown to students of Grade I to V on the 3rd of July. On the 2 nd day, grade I and III students participated in 'Plantation Drive' where each student brought a sapling to the school and later planted it in the school garden. Grade II students indulged in Slogan writing. Grade IV engaged in Mind Map activity to know the importance of forests in our life. Students of grade V presented “Waste Management” as their holiday homework. On the 3 rd day, students of grade I learnt leaf printing. Grade II engaged in poster making activity. Grade III and IV did Green March and Oath taking activity respectively. Grade V participated in 'Plantation Drive”. On the 4 th day, students of grade I and III discussed their holiday homework (Grade I-Fallen leaves types and Grade III- Growing a plant from stem, root or leaves). Students of grade II engaged in coaster making activity. Grade IV participated in 'Plantation Drive” where as students of grade V performed a role play on famous environmentalists. The culmination of the week-long Van Mahotsav celebrations was done with the help of an Intra class Poster Making competition by grade I students. 'Plantation Drive' by grade II students. Grade III and V engaged in Slogan writing and Oath taking activity respectively. Collages of different types of leaves were presented by grade IV students as their holiday homework.
Vanmahotsav, also known as Tree Plantation Day, is an annual celebration in India aimed at raising awareness about the importance of trees and promoting a greener environment. Van Mahotsav celebrations involve various activities such as tree planting ceremonies, rallies, seminars, and awareness campaigns. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), schools, and citizens actively participate in planting saplings in parks, public spaces, schools, and other suitable areas. As a part of 'Vanmahotsav' celebration initiated by 'Directorate School Education' Panchkula a plantation drive was conducted in Shalom Hills International School ,Gurugram on July 7 by the young and enthusiastic Shalomites.
The students planted the 'Triveni' -Neem, Peepal and Banyan trees in the school playground and surrounding areas. These trees were planted primarily by the students born in the July month while the others also pledged to plant a tree on their birthday. The activity was thoroughly enjoyed by the students. It served as an eye-opening session, inspiring students to take part in more such activities.
