Newsletter- july 2025
Dear Reader
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.*
Infrastructure Upgrades at Our School
We’re excited to share recent infrastructure upgrades at our school, aligned with NEP 2020.
* All classrooms are now air-conditioned for year-round comfort.
* Sports area upgraded with thematic wall art and new equipment.
* Front garden enhanced with turf and outdoor seating for open-air learning.
* Girls’ washroom on the top floor fully renovated.
* Nursery and Kindergarten classrooms redesigned with child-friendly layouts and materials.
* Cozy reading corners added in early years classrooms to encourage reading habits.
Montessori Demo Function
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.”
Demo Functions for KG (10–11 July) and Nursery (17–18 July) classes showcased joyful learning in action. Parents observed their children confidently participating in activities based on the theme “Myself”. Highlights included prayers, rhymes, CVC reading, vyanjans, number recitation, body parts and hygiene sessions, songs, chick dance, and life skill activities like beading and buttoning. The events offered a wonderful glimpse into the children’s progress and the experiential learning approach followed in school. Parents’ presence and appreciation made the experience even more meaningful.
Assembly on Van Mahotsav
“Each One, Plant One!”
On 4th July 2025, Van Mahotsav Day, Class IV students of Salwan Junior School presented a vibrant morning assembly promoting environmental conservation. Highlights included a speech on Van Mahotsav’s origin, an awareness video, a soulful nature song, and a humorous yet impactful *nukkad natak* on deforestation. A sapling was planted by the Principal, followed by an environmental pledge. The event beautifully blended learning, creativity, and responsibility towards Mother Earth.
Animal Rescue Day Assembly
“Voices for the Voiceless – Save the Elephants”
On 9th July 2025, the students of Class IV A at Salwan Junior School conducted a powerful and moving assembly on *Animal Rescue Day*, focusing on elephant cruelty in India. Through compelling speeches, visuals, and heartfelt messages, the students shed light on the suffering of elephants due to poaching, captivity, and abuse. The assembly encouraged empathy, compassion, and responsible actions towards animals. It concluded with a pledge to stand against animal cruelty and protect our wildlife. The young learners inspired everyone to be true voices for the voiceless.
Kargil Vijay Diwas Assembly
Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it; it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.
On 23rd July 2025, students of Class III of Salwan Junior School conducted a heartfelt assembly to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. The event began with a patriotic song followed by a video presentation on the bravery of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. A powerful enactment and a patriotic dance depicted the courage and sacrifice of our heroes. Students also shared touching lines in tribute to the martyrs. Principal Ma’am’s inspiring words and a minute of silence concluded the event, reminding all of our soldiers' unwavering spirit and the value of freedom.
Assembly on Community Helpers
Students of KG A had an assembly on Community Helpers on 27th July 2025. The assembly started with story narration on helpers followed by few recap questions. Students enjoyed the story session and answered enthusiastically. Then students spoke few lines sharing the roles of few community helpers followed by reciting a song in helpers with actions and expressions.
International tiger Day Assembly
“Preserve Tigers, Preserve Our Treasure”
On 29th July 2025, students of class 1A of Salwan Junior School celebrated International Tiger Day with an engaging and educational presentation. The students shared fascinating facts about tigers—their appearance, habitat, diet, and behavior—while also highlighting the threats they face from deforestation and poaching. Through poems, dialogues, and a powerful group message, the children emphasized the need to protect tigers and their forests. The event ended with a united slogan, “Save the tigers! Save the forests!” inspiring everyone to take action. The celebration reinforced the message: “Preserve Tigers, Preserve Our Treasure.”
Excursion – Movie Day Fun!
On 10th July 2025, students of Classes III to V visited PVR Inox Cinema to watch Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that emphasized empathy, inclusion, and celebrating differences. A reflective class activity followed, encouraging students to express how everyone is special.
On 24th July 2025, Classes I and II enjoyed Paddington in Peru at PVR Naraina. Children were thrilled by Paddington’s jungle adventure, giggling through every scene while enjoying popcorn and fun with friends.
Both excursions combined entertainment and life lessons, making them joyful and meaningful experiences for all students.
Chocolate Day
“Anything is good if it’s made of chocolate.”
On 4th July 2025, Classes I to V celebrated World Chocolate Day through fun-filled, chocolate-themed activities. From chocolate wrapper collages and dream chocolate designs to bookmarks, brand creation, and research-based collages, each class engaged creatively. Students expressed imagination, improved fine motor skills, and learned joyfully. The event beautifully blended art, learning, and love for chocolate—making it a truly sweet and memorable experience for all.
Eco Warriors
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
On 11th July 2025, students of Class I and II joyfully created nature collages using leaves, petals, and sketch pens. They explored shapes and textures, enhancing creativity and fine motor skills. The activity sparked environmental awareness and excitement, making learning both meaningful and fun.
Guru Purnima Activity
“A teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others.”
On 18th July 2025 to honour the timeless bond between teachers and students, our school celebrated Guru Purnima through meaningful Friday activities across Grades I to V. Each class expressed gratitude in unique ways. Class I created “My Teacher, My Star” cards, celebrating their teacher as a guiding light. Class II made “Thank You, Guru” handprinted cards with heartfelt notes. Class III spoke heartfelt lines about their gurus, expressing their love, respect, and gratitude with sincerity and warmth. Class IV crafted a symbolic “Torch of Wisdom” with messages about how teachers enlighten their lives. Class V wrote thoughtful notes on scrolls titled “Gratitude Scroll for My Guru.” These creative expressions helped instill values of respect, gratitude, and reflection in our learners.
IT Quiz and MS Paint Drawing Competition
To foster digital literacy and creativity, our school organized ICT-based competitions for Classes I to V in July 2025. Students of Classes I and II participated in the MS Paint Drawing Competition, showcasing vibrant digital artwork while developing mouse control and creativity. For Classes III to V, the IT Quiz was held in two rounds—preliminary (19th July) via Microsoft Forms and a dynamic final (22nd July) featuring rapid-fire and audio-visual rounds. The quiz enhanced students’ computer knowledge, critical thinking, and teamwork. These activities successfully blended fun with learning, and all participants were applauded for their enthusiasm and skill.
Kargil Vijay Diwas Activity
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”
To honour Kargil Vijay Diwas, on 25th July 2025, students of classes I–V participated in meaningful activities, paying heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers of the Kargil War. Students created salute handprint crafts, tricolour medals, thank-you cards, tribute messages, and shared heroic stories. These age-appropriate activities encouraged patriotism, gratitude, and pride in our armed forces. The day was filled with respect, emotion, and national pride, reminding young learners of the courage and sacrifice that safeguard our freedom.
Shining Stars of Our School!
Friendship: The First Lessons Begin with Us
"Everyone has a friend during each stage of life. But only lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life ❤ "
1.Why is it important?
Friendships are important for a child’s emotional, social and mental growth and parents play a vital role in helping children develop meaningful friendships. A child who learns how to make and keep good friends feels more confident, supported, and happy.
2. Being empathetic
Showing kindness, respect, and empathy at home can support this. Children often learn how to treat others by watching how their parents interact with family and friends.Children are likely to copy those behaviors. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and listening carefully during conversations teaches children how to treat others kindly.
3. Encouraging group activities
Activities like sports, clubs, or art classes allows them to meet peers and also help them in teaching basic social skills like sharing, listening, and resolving conflicts peacefully. Role-playing different social situations at home can help children feel more confident when making new friends.
4. Importance of playdates
Inviting other children over for playdates in a safe and welcoming environment gives kids a chance to form deeper bonds. Parents should also guide their children in choosing kind and supportive friends, while gently helping them move away from harmful friendships.
5. Encouraging throughout
Listening to their child’s concerns and being emotionally supportive builds trust, making it easier for children to open up about their friendships. Through encouragement, guidance, and love, parents can help children form lasting and meaningful connections that support them throughout life.
Article by- Ms Gurleen Kaur, Parent of- Anshveer Singh VB
Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Early Learners
In today’s world, where change is the only constant, academic excellence alone is not enough to ensure a child's success and well-being. Children must be equipped with life skills that help them understand themselves, connect with others, and navigate their emotions with maturity. One such critical life skill is Emotional Intelligence is the cornerstone of human connection. It is the ability to understand one's own emotions, to empathize with others, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. For adults, it may appear as a refined soft skill, but for children, especially early learners, it is their language of self-expression. They cry when overwhelmed, laugh uninhibitedly, sulk when ignored, and jump in delight with the smallest gestures. Emotions are their way of experiencing the world — raw and real.
At Salwan Junior School, we believe that learning goes beyond books—it's also about nurturing a child’s emotional world. We focus on building empathy, resilience, and self-awareness from the early years, when children are most impressionable. This is the time when they form meaningful relationships and begin understanding their emotions. Through gentle guidance, we help them learn that it's okay to express feelings, ask for help, or say sorry. These early lessons lay the foundation for emotional intelligence. Children who grow up emotionally secure become confident learners, caring friends, and responsible individuals ready to navigate the world with compassion.
I recall a morning when one usually cheerful child sat quietly in a corner, unlike their usual energetic self. When I gently asked what was wrong, he shared that a close friend hadn’t spoken to them due to a small fight. In that moment, the class didn’t need a grammar lesson — they needed a heart lesson. I paused the routine and shared a simple story about friendship and forgiveness. It was a small moment, but it held deep value. The children learned that feeling upset is natural, but what truly matters is how we express and resolve our emotions.
Emotional development is as important as academic growth. One of our daily practices at the pre-primary level is “Circle Time,” where children begin the day by sharing how they feel. This builds a sense of safety, trust, and emotional awareness in a gentle and natural way.
Stories also play a powerful role. Through tales of animals and relatable characters, children learn to understand and manage emotions like anger, sadness, and joy. These stories help them connect with others’ feelings and nurture empathy from a young age.
Creative expression is encouraged through drawing, writing, and poetry, giving children an outlet for their inner thoughts. These moments are not about winning competitions, but about honouring what each child feels and wants to say.
Each morning, students take part in short meditation sessions that help them settle their minds and begin the day calmly. This quiet time strengthens their ability to focus and manage emotions effectively.
Emotional intelligence grows best through strong school-home partnerships. We encourage parents to talk openly about feelings, helping children see that emotions are natural and manageable. Together, through small steps, we are helping our learners grow into kind, confident, and emotionally strong individuals.
A 4-year-old in our pre-primary class, joined school with a lot of anxiety. He cried daily and avoided interacting with others. Teachers soon realized he was unable to express his feelings in words. With gentle support through circle time, drawing, and one-on-one care, he slowly began to open up. He started saying, “I miss Mama but I’ll play now,” and later even comforted his classmates. His transformation showed how patience and emotional support can help a child feel safe, understood, and connected.
Fostering emotional intelligence is not about adding one more subject to the timetable. It is about weaving emotional sensitivity into every interaction. It is about allowing children to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are — not just for what they achieve.
At Salwan Junior School, we dream of raising not just smart learners, but kind and thoughtful individuals. For in a world that is becoming increasingly complex and fast-paced, emotional intelligence is not an extra; it is essential.
Let us remember, long after children forget the lessons and worksheets, they will remember how they were made to feel — through smiles, patience, and care. Let us give them not just knowledge, but emotional wings — so they can fly into the world with confidence, courage, and compassion.
Because when we nurture the heart, the mind follows. And that is what true education is all about.
Article By- Ms Ekta Sehgal, Faculty SJS
Tiny Hands, Big Masterpieces!
🎬 Educational Movies
1️⃣ Inside Out – Helps children understand emotions, empathy, and mental well-being in a fun way.
2️⃣ March of the Penguins – A beautiful documentary teaching about nature, perseverance, and teamwork.
📚 Books
1️⃣ Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – A heartwarming story about friendship, kindness, and compassion.
2️⃣ The Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole – Makes science and exploration exciting and easy to understand.
🌐 Websites
1️⃣ National Geographic Kids– [kids.nationalgeographic.com](https://kids.nationalgeographic.com) – Fun facts, quizzes, and videos on animals, science, and culture.
2️⃣ **BBC Bitesize – [bbc.co.uk/bitesize](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize) – Short, engaging lessons and games for various subjects.
Credits:
Created with images by Seventyfour - "Top view close up at multi-ethnic group of children stacking hands while standing in circle outdoors, concept of friendship and unity" • DenisMArt - "Recommended text appearing behind brown paper" • Towfiqu Barbhuiya - "thank you message on sticky note with tulip flower on tiles background "