Flag hoisting @ school on Jan.26, 2011

Sancta Maria International School celebrated its first Republic Day on the 26^th of Jan. 2011. Among those present on this occasion were the Chairman, the Directors, Principal, Administration Head, students, teaching and administration staff. Wing Commander A. George hoisted the flag. Our Principal, Ms. Shetty elucidated why we celebrate Republic Day. Voices blended together as we sang the National Anthem. All present were served sweets and snacks in the Dining Hall. The children sang some songs for the Management and guests present. Students returned home by noon.

Wg. cdr. George Antony(Retd) Head-Administration unfurls the flag.

26 Jan. @ Sancta Maria

Mrs. Shetty tells us why we celebrate 26 Jan.

Singing ‘sare jahan se achchaa…..'

Circle Time Activities cont…….

Pizza with the Principal

Finally, the children had their share of the Pizza with the Principal after gaining the olives, tomatoes, pineapples for the little acts of respect they did during the last week.

The fun part of the entire concept was that the children had the privilege to top up their Pizzas and bake them in the oven!

Here is a glimpse of the ‘Pizza with the Principal’ day-----

Mrs. Shetty makes the Pizzas with the kids.

Very excited to make their own pizzas.

Everybody trying their hands.

Mrs. Shetty serves us.

Pizza with Principal!

Sancta Maria on Gemini News

PONGAL CELEBRATIONS @ SANCTAMARIA

The New Year season ushers in festivities across the country, marking a new beginning of prosperity and peace.

Pongal, the harvest festival is celebrated in the Southern part of India on 14 of January every year. To rejoice the occasion, Sancta Maria celebrated Pongal by flying kites, making Rangoli and savouring the traditional ‘pongal’ dish prepared by our Principal, Mrs. Shetty.

Here are a few festive moments captured on camera…..

Rangoli - Children at their colourful best

Stringing to soar high in the sky!

Here's my kite!

I think I can also give it a try!

Let's see.........how does this work?

If I were a kite............

Importance of Playing

For the last one week, my small daughter has only one thing to discuss about her school - the ongoing installation of the play equipment at the large outdoor play area. She is absolutely right to fancy about… because this play structure, which is coming right under our 'tree house', is a unique one; imported from Dubai, and contains swings, slides, jungle gym, etc.
Large outdoor play areas containing swings, jungle gym, slides, tree house, and sand pit help the learning needs of all kids and develop their social and co-ordination skills. These types of play activities allow a lot of creativity and development without any performance or pressure issues. Toys and ideas work together very well to have the most fun and the best education options.

Language skills: Outdoor play involves a lot of communication which develop language skills with no conscious effort.

Conceptualization: The ability to visualize without actually seeing it in practice is a primary mechanism in higher logic and mental exercise. Playing with creative toys is the best way to ensure this vital skill is learned and enjoyed.

Motor and fine skills: Game play is the best way of learning fine motor skills.

Numeracy: Basic numeric skills are a part of early literacy. Recognising numbers and their meanings is a particularly essential element in fundamental skill development.

Social Development: Large outdoor play area is a healthy way to ensure kids get a good grounding interaction with other people. They can achieve much in terms of social development, making friends and reducing shyness.

Viji Sajeev

Circle Time Activities @ Sancta Maria

Pizza with the Principal

New Year greetings for a bright year ahead!! It’s rejuvenating to have all the children back to school after the winter break! The school is bubbling with energy and enthusiasm.

Here is an insight into the Circle Time activities planned at school for the next couple of months. The Circle Time is when the children gather together, share and learn! The focus during the Circle Time at school now would be the Six Pillars of Characters:

Respect

Trustworthiness

Responsibility

Fairness

Caring

Citizenship

We started with the following acts of RESPECT on Monday and Tuesday:

• Looking into the eyes of a person when you greet.

• Wait for somebody to finish with their talk for you to speak.

• Respect others belongings by asking permission before you touch it.

To give incentive towards this theme, we have the PIZZA WITH THE PRINCIPAL PROGRAMME. Here the children will have to complete the toppings on a pizza cut out with the cards they earn for each act of respect they display in the school. They will win an appointment with Mrs. Shetty for a piece of Pizza at her office on Monday.

Role-play by teachers 'Not so respectful acts'

Red card or white card! Children judge the acts

Now its children's turn to enact the CharACTer Acts!

Planning for the acts!

To be polite at the bookshop......

The toppings of Respect!! Pizza is building up!!

Posted by: Shailja & Suzan