Monthly E-Newsletter- April 2026
Dear Readers, Every year, school plans a comprehensive list of curricular and co-curricular activities to provide best opportunities to our young learners to fostering curiosity, innovation and critical thinking. "The Junior Journal" aims to showcase and celebrate the exceptional events and achievements of the students at SJS, Naraina. The publication is released on a monthly basis, providing a comprehensive overview of the notable accomplishments, events and projects undertaken by the learners in a month, within our educational community. This monthly journal will serve as a platform to recognize and applaud the outstanding efforts of the students. We invite you to stay engaged each month as we highlight the exceptional talents and achievements of the learners at SJS. These deep and meaningful learning experiences are thoughtfully curated to align with the developmental stages, skills, attitudes, and beliefs of the children.
Unveiling Identity, Inspiring Tomorrow
“A logo is the silent ambassador of values.”
On April 1, 2026, Salwan Junior School, Naraina hosted a two-day logo reveal ceremony blending tradition with learning. The event began with a sacred Hawan and a soulful rendition of “Ram Aayenge,” creating a serene start to the new session. The new logo was unveiled by Col. Sameer Saluja, alongside distinguished guests and Head of the school, Mrs. Sonia Wadhwa, highlighting creativity, curiosity, and compassion. Students participated in age-appropriate worksheets, reflective writing, and collaborative projects. Co-curricular activities further reinforced understanding, helping students connect with “Service Before Self” while fostering pride, identity, and active engagement.
Tiny Steps, Big Beginnings – First Day of Nursery
“Every great journey begins with a small, happy step.”
The first day of Nursery on April 1, 2026 was filled with joy, excitement, and warm welcomes for the little learners. A cheerful Mickey Mouse character greeted children at the gate with bubbles, creating a magical start. Inside, puppet play, rhymes, and songs kept them engaged and comfortable. Children enjoyed free play and explored the school environment. A special handprint activity with parents made the day memorable. The day successfully helped children settle happily into their new school journey.
Growing Green, Growing Together – Earth Day Plantation Drive
“Every sapling is a step toward a greener future!”
The school celebrated Earth Day on April 22, 2026 with a Plantation Drive led by the head of the school, Ms. Sonia Wadhwa, along with students of Classes KG to III. The initiative aimed to instil environmental awareness and responsibility among young learners. Students enthusiastically planted saplings within the school campus, showcasing their commitment to caring for nature. The Principal inspired everyone by planting the first sapling and sharing simple ways to protect the environment. The drive was filled with joy, learning, and a strong message of nurturing nature. It encouraged students to take small yet meaningful steps towards building a greener and healthier future.
Little Voices, Big Expressions – Show and Tell Competition
“Confidence grows when children are given a voice.”
A Show and Tell Competition on “My Favourite Toy” was conducted for Nursery on April 24, 2026. The activity aimed to build confidence and enhance speaking skills. Children enthusiastically spoke a few lines about their favourite toys like dolls, cars, and soft toys. The event provided a joyful platform for self-expression, helping them overcome stage hesitation and develop communication skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Dental Health Awareness Session for Young Learners
“Bright Smiles Begin with Healthy Habits!”
A dental health session was conducted on April 16, 2026, by Dr. Neha Saini from Illuminant Dental Clinic in association with Sharpener (Dental) Shine for Classes I and II. Students learned oral hygiene and to keep teeth clean. A quiz was conducted. Toothpaste samples and hygiene charts were distributed, and students pledged to maintain healthy dental habits.
Class Assemblies at SJS –Rise, Shine & Inspire
“Every morning is a new chance to learn, grow, and shine brighter.”
Class I-A Parent Assembly – Healthy Bites, Happy Lives
“Eat Smart, Play Hard, Waste No Food!”
A parent-led assembly was conducted by Class I-A on April 18, 2026 on the theme “Healthy Bites, Happy Lives.” Parents presented a lively skit showing children choosing fruits over junk food. Two melodious songs and a meaningful story highlighted nutrition, balanced meals, and avoiding food wastage. The assembly encouraged students to value food and adopt healthy eating habits.
Fuel Your Body Right – Smart Eating for Healthy Living (Nutrition Workshop for Classes III–V)
“Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.”
A nutrition workshop was conducted on April 20, 2026 for Classes III–V by Ms. Lubhanshi from Troovy. The session focused on healthy eating habits. Students learned to read food labels, identify ingredients, and check sugar and nutritional values. They were encouraged to choose healthier options over processed foods. The workshop was interactive and helped students make better daily food choices.
Battle of Brains – Inter-Class General Knowledge Quiz
“Knowledge is power, and curiosity is the key to learning.”
An Inter-Class General Knowledge Quiz Competition was conducted on April 24, 2026 at Salwan Junior School. Students were selected through preliminary rounds. The quiz included Direct Question, Audio-Visual, Choose the Pic, and Buzzer rounds. Participants displayed excellent knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking. Class III-B, Class IV-A, and Class V-A emerged as winners, making the event exciting and enriching.
Embracing Differences – Autism Awareness Assembly
“We are different, but together we shine brighter.”
An Autism Awareness Assembly was conducted on April 2, 2026 for Classes II and III to promote kindness, respect, and inclusion. A PowerPoint presentation and an engaging discussion helped students understand that everyone is unique. A thoughtful skit highlighted empathy, patience, and supporting others. The assembly encouraged students to be caring friends and appreciate differences, making it a meaningful and impactful experience.
Little Hands, Big Care – Earth Day Celebration for Nursery & KG
“Nurture Nature, Secure Our Future!”
Earth Day was celebrated on April 21 and 22, 2026 at Salwan Junior School with Nursery and KG students through engaging and meaningful activities. On April 21, children participated in a creative fingerprinting activity and proudly wore Earth Day crowns, learning that Earth is our home. On April 22, a special assembly featured a story and role play where Mother Earth expressed her sadness due to pollution. Children actively removed waste from an Earth model, symbolizing responsibility. The celebration effectively encouraged young learners to love, care for, and protect our planet.
Fun Learning Fridays – Engaging Activities for All Classes
“Learning is fun when creativity and curiosity come together.”
The Friday activities for April were thoughtfully planned to engage students across all grades. Classes I–II enjoyed story listening sessions followed by drawing activities, boosting creativity and imagination. Classes III–V participated in GK Quiz prelims and finals, enhancing knowledge and teamwork. An Earth Day activity for Classes I–V spread awareness about environmental care. Younger students worked on colouring sheets, while senior students created beautiful Earth Day hangings, making learning enjoyable and meaningful.
Bagless Day – Learning Beyond Books
“Learning becomes joyful when curiosity leads the way.”
Bagless Day was conducted on Saturdays for Classes I to V to promote experiential and joyful learning. Students attended without books and participated in a variety of creative, interactive, and skill-based activities. These sessions encouraged imagination, teamwork, and confidence-building. The initiative provided a refreshing break from routine learning, helping students explore new ideas in a fun, engaging, and meaningful way.
Weaving Stories, Building Minds – Story Narration Session
“Stories spark imagination and shape young minds.”
A Story Narration Session was conducted on April 29, 2026 for Montessori students based on “Anansi the Trickster.” The teacher used puppets and props to make the session interactive and engaging. Children listened with enthusiasm and enjoyed the visual aids. The session helped develop imagination, listening skills, and moral values, teaching children to use intelligence wisely and be kind to others.
Building Strong Foundations – FLN Support Session
“Every child can learn when given the right support and opportunity.”
The school has implemented FLN (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy) support sessions to strengthen basic learning skills among students. Learners requiring additional help are identified and provided targeted support in English, Hindi, and Mathematics to bridge learning gaps. The sessions include focused teaching, story reading, and fun activities to make learning engaging and effective. Small group instruction ensures individual attention and continuous progress monitoring. These sessions are helping build confidence, improve foundational skills, and promote meaningful learning among students.
Insights from Parents Desk
When to Step In and When to Step Back: The Modern Parenting Dilemma
Introduction
Parenting today feels like walking a tightrope. On one side, there is the instinct to protect, guide, and correct our children at every step. On the other, there is the growing awareness that children need space to learn, fail, and grow on their own. As a parent, I often find myself asking: am I helping my child, or am I unknowingly holding him back? This constant balancing act between involvement and independence is one of the biggest dilemmas of modern parenting.
Understanding the Balance
We all want the best for our children. It is natural to step in when they struggle, whether it is helping with homework, resolving their conflicts, or making decisions for them. However, over time I have realized that stepping in too quickly can sometimes take away their opportunity to think, decide, and learn. I remember a small incident when my child was trying to complete a school project. It wasn’t perfect, and my first instinct was to correct it immediately. But I paused and let him figure it out. The result was not flawless, but the sense of pride on their face was priceless. That day, I understood that sometimes imperfection teaches more than perfection ever can.
When to Step In
There are moments when stepping in is necessary and non-negotiable. As parents, we must guide our children when it comes to safety, values, and emotional support. For example, if a child is facing bullying, struggling emotionally, or making choices that could harm them, stepping in becomes essential. Similarly, teaching values like honesty, respect, and kindness requires active involvement. In such situations, children look to us not just as parents, but as their strongest support system.
When to Step Back
Equally important is knowing when to step back. Children need space to make decisions, even small ones, and face the consequences of those decisions. Simple things like letting them pack their school bag, manage their time, or resolve minor disagreements with friends help them build confidence and independence. When we step back, we silently tell our children, “I trust you.” And that trust becomes the foundation of their self-belief. A simple fact is that children who are allowed to make age-appropriate decisions tend to develop better problem-solving skills and resilience over time. They learn not just from success, but also from their mistakes.
Finding the Middle Ground
The key lies in being present without being overpowering. Parenting is not about controlling every outcome, but about preparing our children to handle life on their own. One approach that has worked for me is asking questions instead of giving answers. Instead of saying, “Do this,” I try asking, “What do you think you should do?” This small shift encourages children to think and take responsibility.
Conclusion
Parenting does not come with a fixed rulebook. Every child is different, and so is every situation. The real challenge is not choosing between stepping in or stepping back, but knowing when to do each. A thought that keeps me grounded is:
“Children do not need perfect parents; they need present parents.”
If we can learn to trust our children a little more and guide them a little less at the right moments, we can help them grow into confident, capable, and independent individuals. And perhaps, that is the true success of parenting.
Patent Blog by Dr. Stuti Narula Markan Mother of Vihaan Markan, Class I-A
Class III-A Parent Assembly – More Family Time, Less Screen Time
“Strong families build strong minds.”
A Parent Assembly was conducted by Class III-A on April 25, 2025 on the theme “More Family Time, Less Screen Time.” Parents presented a creative act highlighting the impact of excessive screen usage and mindful parenting. Another talk emphasized respecting every child’s uniqueness. The assembly was engaging and meaningful, encouraging families to build healthy habits and supportive environments.
Go Green, Grow Green – Green Day Celebration
“Green is the colour of life, nature, and freshness.”
Green Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Nursery class on April 30, 2026. Children came dressed in green and brought healthy green fruits and snacks. They enjoyed colouring, sorting activities, and identifying green objects, enhancing their observation and motor skills. Wearing cute green crowns, they actively participated and had fun. The celebration was a joyful learning experience promoting awareness of nature and the importance of the colour green.
Honouring Hands that Help – Labour’s Day Celebration
“Dignity of labour is the foundation of respect and gratitude.”
Labour Day was celebrated with warmth and appreciation for the school’s support staff. Students of Class V organized a special programme including a welcome song, prayer, and compering to express gratitude. A felicitation ceremony with handmade cards, badges, and mugs made the occasion special. Students also recited personalised poems, adding an interactive touch. The celebration included fun games, a group photograph, and a special breakfast and lunch. The event fostered respect and acknowledged the valuable contributions of the support staff.
Beautiful Letters, Brilliant Minds – English Calligraphy Handwriting Competition
“Good handwriting reflects a disciplined and creative mind.”
An English Calligraphy Handwriting Competition was conducted on April 24, 2026 for Classes I and II. The event aimed to enhance students’ handwriting skills, neatness, and presentation. Young learners participated with great enthusiasm, showcasing their ability to write clearly and artistically. The competition encouraged focus, patience, and creativity, making it a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all.
Rhythms of the World – International Dance Day Celebration
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
International Dance Day was celebrated on April 29, 2026 with great enthusiasm. The event began with an introduction to its significance. Students from Western and Classical dance groups showcased vibrant performances, presenting global dance forms like Russian, Spanish, Chinese, African, Zumba, Indian, and Arabian styles. The celebration beautifully highlighted cultural diversity and the universal joy of dance.
Young Achievers’ Corner
ACTIVE LISTENERS OF THE STORY PODCAST - APRIL 2026
Insights from the Teacher's desk
Dance in the Age of Screens – Building Balance, Hard Work, and Resilience
The Digital Dilemma: Children and Screen Dependency
In today’s AI-driven world, children are increasingly drawn towards gadgets, spending long hours in a virtual space with limited physical activity or social interaction. This growing dependence often leads to various physical and mental health concerns, making it essential to introduce meaningful alternatives.
Dance as a Holistic Solution
Dance emerges as a powerful and engaging medium that not only encourages physical movement but also nurtures emotional expression. It provides a creative outlet for children to channel their energy and feelings in a positive way.
Dance in Education: Beyond Movement
When integrated into the school curriculum, dance goes beyond steps and routines. It becomes a tool for developing life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience in a structured and supportive environment.
Learning Hard Work Through Dance
India’s rich cultural heritage offers diverse dance forms, each requiring dedication and consistent practice. Through learning intricate movements, expressions, and techniques, students develop perseverance, patience, and a strong work ethic.
Learning Balance Through Movement
Dance helps learners achieve physical balance by improving posture, coordination, and body alignment. This physical control gradually translates into emotional stability, enabling students to manage stress and maintain balance in their daily lives.
by Sadhana Raghvendra, Dance Faculty
Read, Watch, Explore: A Learning Adventure
🌐 Educational Websites
- KidSpark A fun website with interactive games for Maths, English, Science, and more. It is designed for kids up to Grade 5 and helps improve learning through play-based activities and quizzes.
- Turtle Diary This platform offers 1000+ educational games, quizzes, and videos for Grades 1–5. It helps children practice grammar, math, and other subjects in an engaging way.
📚 Recommended Books
For Classes 1–3
- Putul and the Dolphin - A beautiful story about a girl living near the river and her bond with nature and dolphins.
- Ammachi’s Glasses - A fun and imaginative story about a grandmother’s missing glasses, encouraging observation and creativity.
For Classes 4–5
- Who Will Be Ningthou? A beautiful story about a king choosing the next ruler—teaches kindness, empathy, and leadership.
- The Forbidden Temple An adventurous mystery story that keeps children engaged while building curiosity and imagination.
🎬 Educational Movies / Documentaries
1. SciShow Kids Fun science experiments and explanations for young learners 2. Peekaboo Kidz Animated educational videos on science and general knowledge for primary classes
Credits:
Created with an image by JJAVA - "Thank you"