The GreenLine Effect

The GreenLine effect

The week following the last session (for the scholastic  year) of the GreenLine team with the students and coordinating staff, one of the student representatives, Atharva Chaturvedi spoke at the school assembly.  He outlined the initiatives and the projects for the school.  Here is his address:

·         After the enlightening session given by the Green line team, the students who attended the meeting were made aware about the threats to the various animals in India, the reasons for their extinction and the steps needed to conserve them.

·         As a part of our task we would be working on an activity called the ‘Project Sparrow’.

     The objective of this activity is to reuse waste material such as used plastic bottles and tetra packs to make bird feeders to support local sparrow population as we are aware that the number of sparrows is dwindling.  The leaders would be visiting the classrooms to speak to the students the procedures to go about this project.

• ·      The Green line team was really happy with the response that they received from you all during the last edition of the Green Runner Magazine based on the theme 'Fauna of Mumbai.'  We hope that you continue with better and more informative articles on relevant issues in the future.

The 2nd of February, every year is observed as world Wetland Day.  It is a day where actions aimed at spreading public awareness about role and importance of wetlands are carried out.  That's why the February issue of Green Runner Magazine will be all about: 'The wonders of our wetlands.'

Remember: Wetlands include marshes, creeks, seasonal or unseasonal water bodies and most importantly - Mangroves.

The Green line team is looking for:

Ø  Original write ups / articles / poems / facts that you'd like to share o the topic.

Ø  Original artwork related to the conservation of wetlands and mangroves.

Ø  Any information that you have related to the flora and fauna of wetland areas in Mumbai.

Ø  Reports of activities that you have carried out in the school or nature trips that you have been on.

Ø  Interesting nature photographs that you have taken.

Ø  Feedback on the previous issues and on the sessions.

Ø  You can send your entries to: newsletter.greeline@gmail.com

Thanks GreenLine.  A ripple effect indeed!

Protecting our nature - the GreenLine meets our students

Oh, to be a Green Hero!

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza and Master Atharva Chaturvedi

All good things come to an end.  And so it was with the GreenLine team that conducted its last and final session on 15^th Jan 2013 with the students of St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala, for the academic year 2012 -2013.

Two students from St. Joseph's, Aditya Dubey and Vaibhav Dwivedi, gave an extraordinary start to this session by presenting a power-point presentation that mainly talked about the commendable greening tasks undertaken by the students and teachers of the school this scholastic year.  Fr. Savio Silveira, Ms. Devyani and Mr. Aristo from the GreenLine team took the stage thereafter. The theme of their presentation this time around was 'Biodiversity: Threats and Conservation.'  They together brought into focus the need to conserve the natural habitat of animals especially the endangered species and highlighted the threats faced by them

Fr. Savio began his session by recapitulating the discussion on the 'Flora and Fauna' in the world that were the topics of the earlier sessions.  He then spoke about 'Bio-diversity'.  Pictures of endangered animals such as like the Giant Panda, Red Panda, Gangetic River Dolphin, Asiatic Cheetah, Caracal, Gharial, Sloth, … were screened for the participants.  The IUCN (an organisation set up for the conservation of animals) works for this cause. 

Ms. Devyani and Mr. Aristo exhibited a diagram depicting the least imperiled, near threatened, endangered and critically endangered animal species (the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Striped Hyena). They discussed the reasons that make animals extinct and endangered. 

The following factors were stated - deforestation and habitat loss, destruction of wetlands (mangroves), poaching and wild life trade, invasive species - exotic species and pollution. There could be well - thought out solutions to save the endangered species of animals viz. ecological cycles, conservation projects, bio-diversity services, project Butterfly and project Green Zone. We can become part of the solution; each of us can become a Green Hero!   It is time we are action-oriented.  There have been and are various instances of children in India who have done outstanding work to create a Green Zone in their own homes and surroundings. These children have been presented with national or international awards.

We decided on three projects to be taken up in real earnest to save the endangered animals:

* PROJECT SPARROW - create awareness about the endangered species of sparrows; provide food for them in birdfeeders prepared by us.

* PROJECT BUTTERFLY - grow plants which attract butterflies in our balconies.

* PROJECT GREEN ZONE - grow plants to recreate the animal's natural habitat!

Truly, simple yet significant activities of a GREEN HERO to make the world a GREENER PLACE to live in! 

TEACHERS' DAY OUT IN THE SHOES OF LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN

TEACHERS' DAY OUT IN THE SHOES OF LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN

- Sunita D’Souza

The theory on Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner has inspired a generation, and it continues to impact the lives of educators and students alike. The ‘Inclusive Education Programme’ is one such system that identifies and educates students with specific learning disabilities. Fr. Edward D’Souza, sdb, was here at St. Joseph’s to present this topic to the staff (Pre-Primary, Stds. I to VII) on 10^th January 2013.

Rev. Edward D'Souza began the morning session - after the prayer and introduction by the Principal, Fr. Bernard Fernandes - by placing us the teachers in the shoes of students faced with specific learning disabilities. Through the intelligence curve, the teachers got a chance to figure out the difference between slow learners and students with learning disabilities. The term 'Learning Disability' was coined by Dr. Samuel Kirk in 1962. The teachers were given special information based on the cause of learning disabilities (determined by the functions of the right and left hemisphere of the brain as detected in the medical tests with respect to sounds, sights and words). We became more aware of the symptoms of students faced with learning disabilities, their learning difficulties, and the facilities and concessions made available to them to sail through school life joyfully!

The power-point presentations highlighted the examples of famous personalities in art, music, science, etc. all over the world (who were learning disabled in their childhood) thus proving that they did not have an intelligence problem. Learning Disability is merely a neurobiological disorder. We gained deeper insight into the reasons behind the student's learning difficulties.

SETS (Special Education Teachers' Support) is a system to gradually compensate the concessions given to the students with learning disabilities over a period of time as they become better equipped to stand on their own feet and tackle their learning difficulties head on!

 After a sumptuous lunch break, the model of the Continuum of Alternative Placements for the students with learning disabilities was discussed with the participants. The display on the screen enabled us to get a clearer view of the comprehensive plan (that records the student's progress every year based on the teacher's observations) to help these students in different ways - general education class, resource room, separate class, separate school, residential facility or homebound/hospital environment - depending on the nature of the disability. This was to be done with the guidance of special educators.

Emphasis was also placed on ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The characteristics, criteria, symptoms, assessment and treatment of these students too came up for discussion. The information thus accumulated was indeed thought-provoking. We recognized that the discrepancy between the student's potential and achievement was the basis of all learning disabilities! This was motivation and inspiration enough for us to do what it takes to make life easier for the learning disabled children. The checklist provided to us teachers by Rev. Fr. Edward D'Souza furnished us with a deeper insight into the world of the learning disabled students.  We got to see a clearer picture of the potential ability of a student with a learning disability!

The day’s session complete, Fr. Edward was thanked by one of the teachers on behalf of the Management, Staff and students of St. Joseph's, and was offered a token of love and appreciation. For us teachers, walking in the shoes of students with learning disabilities (for a day)  paved the way for a whole new approach to teaching and learning, where the students with learning disabilities will feel at par with the other students and believe that they can and will accomplish greater heights!

MSSA handball champions (u-12), runners -up (u-16)

School Handball teams sign off in style

The victorious u-12 Handball team

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala,

18^th Jan 2013

In a year with many sporting highs, the three school handball teams added to the growing list of trophies in sport during this scholastic year.  While the under-12 handball team brushed aside the challenges of all the leading contenders for the crown to lay hands on the glittering champions’ trophy, the u-16 team came close to winning it.  The under-14 fought gallantly to claim the fourth position in their category.

The u-16 handball team: runners-up at MSSA tournament

The MSSA organized tournament, like the DSO, is turning out to be a grueling affair, with close to three to four matches fixed for the day.  The boys stood the test, and scraped the barrel to outsmart and overpower their opponents.  The u-12 won the finals played on 16^th Jan. 2013 against Pawar Public School 12-9 to win the coveted crown, while defeating Jamnabai and Gopi Birla on the road to the finals.  The Azad maidan witnessed two more of our teams fighting for a place in the finals on the same day.  The u-16 handball team won 12-6 against Gopi Birla, before losing to Garodia 2-8 in the finals.  The u-14 team lost their semifinals to Gopi Birla as also the third and fourth place play-off match against Garodia.

The u-14 handball team

With these victories our handball teams have once more confirmed the status of St. Joseph’s as a powerhouse of handball in the city of Mumbai, while warming the cockles of the hearts of all Josephites. We salute the victors and laud the efforts of the coach Mr. Raj ably assisted by Mr. Avinash.  Three cheers! 

Website prodigy and Android developer

Adair Incorporation delegate, Android developer – Meet our social website prodigy, Aditya Dubey

St. Joseph's High School, Wadala

16th Jan 2013

Aditya caught our attention on the social networking site – will be surprised if you don’t bat an eyelid, after all, at the age of thirteen,  he is too young to be visiting social networking sites when he should be down to his books! Blazing a trail to discover, learn and pass it on is noteworthy.

In his own words:

It all started when I was redirected on Google Japan - I searched for Google India - there I saw a link "Google Days | India".  I clicked there and found that really very interesting. I registered for the event; there were some really difficult questions, but I answered them correctly. The criteria for the test were the time to answer, and the overall accuracy of the answer. I waited for some days - Kept checking for E-Mails and then after 4 days I received an email. "Word's Out, You're In" - It was a confirmation of my email. The email included a barcode image which was uniquely coded for my entry. I went there on behalf of my company "Adair Incorporation" as a delegate.

WHAT I SAW THERE..

There were many developers and to my surprise I was the youngest amongst all of them. The g|india had got almost 8000 registrations and 1000 of them got entry into the event. The venue took place at Goregaon. There were many events being held time-to-time in 4 different halls (tracks). I had attended the whole Android and Android Development Session as I am an android developer. At last I also had a photograph with the Google Country-Head - Mr. Sunil Rao. There were many competitions held which included one which was of Twitter - The most tweets the #gindia hashtag. Although I came second in the competition, I won a Google India T'shirt. It was really a memorable session for me - Also will try to become a speaker in the next season - 2013.

Visit to Technovanza at VJTI

VISIT TO TECHNOVANZA AT VJTI

-Ram Pandey (VII B), Mrs. Namita and Mr. Sunny

Technovanza is VJTI's annual techno-management festival with the motto of 'Taking Technology to the Society'. This year too, Technovanza was a grand three day fest that included a number of social initiatives and outreach programmes. 

Technovanza provides the platform for students to apply the theoretical knowledge they gather in class-rooms and use it practically through exhibits explaining engineering principles to lay people. It presents a great opportunity for students to showcase their potential and provides them a learning experience: They make the exhibits with their own hands and then explain the concepts to the people who visit their stalls. The confidence built in acquiring a concept, developing the prototype and then demonstrating it before an audience goes a long way in making the students ready to face the real world.

On 7^th and 8^th of January 2013, the IT batch of students from Std. V to VIII visited the VJTI college at Matunga to view this technological Science Exhibition organized by the students from various schools – our own school was represented by three of our students with their creative project on display- and the college itself.  We observed inundating creativity and thirst for innovation from the participating students. They worked as a team with integrity and professionalism and their ultimate aim was to “Take Technology to the Society”.

We observed various activities of interest for all categories of visitors, young and old, who came to visit or participate in the event. There were many lectures by eminent speakers and group discussions involving experts in various fields. For visiting students and youngsters, there were a lot of competitions in which we could take part and win prizes. For the parents and elders, the exhibition provided an understanding of the various gadgets used in every-day life.

We gathered immense knowledge of novel technology with simple machineries’.  The VJTI college students introduced some devices and gadgets to us and explained their uses in detail. Some of these find a mention here:

Sign Language Indicator: This could convert their signs into a language and then display it on the indicator. This was a means to understand the language of deaf and dumb and thus make for an easier communication.

Smart Traffic System: This system or device can be used by ambulance or a fire brigade to rescue the people. The installation of this system in the vehicle will allow for a change in the signal system if there is a change in direction of the vehicle, thus reducing the noise pollution that is usually created by the siren of an ambulance or a fire brigade.

Gym Energy

Gym Energy:  The gadgets used in the gymnasium could be connected to run the home appliances.  This would mean that the energy generated while exercising could run the home appliances thus saving power and conserving electricity.

Fire Fighting Robot: Robot made to fight fire and defuse it efficiently.

There were the other projects such as the Cube Art of Mr. Ratan Tata, Virtual Drum, Mobile Detectors, Hologram, Morpheus Alert, FITA (To find major flood  zones), MAGLAV (trains running without railway tracks with the help of magnet energy), LI-FI, Railway Rewamp, that were worth watching.

Eco dye

 Reaching out to students, industry and the society in general, Technovanza 2013 was indeed very grand.

The news makers meet - NIE

THE NEWS MAKERS MEET

Parth Tawde –Std. VII B

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

14^th Jan 2013

                What is news? An editor once defined it as, "Anything that interests a large part of the community and has never been brought to its attention before." In other words, news is what people are talking about. News is new. To introduce us further into the nuances of news reporting, the Times of India group of newspapers, organized ‘the Newsmakers meet’ at Birla Mathoshri Sabhaghar, Fort on 8^th Jan 2013. Three students from St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala participated in this event that is an annual feature encouraging young budding journalists.

                Over 650 school students from all over Mumbai & Navi Mumbai were present for the event. We were asked to report at the venue by 9:00 am for the registration.  Once done, we were directed to the auditorium for the main event. We began with a quiz consisting of 25 questions that related mainly to the current events and issues published on NIE (students’ edition of TOI).  The questions were displayed on the screen, and we were to jot down the answers on the answer sheets provided to us.  The twenty fifth question in the form of picture of tennis ace Leander Paes as well as his upcoming movie poster initiated us into report – writing.  We were asked to write a report on Leander outlining his journey from sports to films.  The answers to the questions of the quiz, and the report would provide the criteria for the judges to select the top 30 students as the Star correspondents for the year.  These would also be provided the platform to cover the lead stories as well as interview some well known personalities. 

The honored chief guest for the day was the Chairman and Managing Director of Videocon company, Mr.  Venugopal Dhut.  All of us participants were excited to be in his company, and were thrilled to know that we would get an opportunity to ask him questions and interview him. Mr. Dhut was felicitated upon his arrival, and he addressed us students immediately thereafter.  It was then our turn to ask him questions, and though not all of us could interview him due to the time constraints – he was with us for about an hour – we were however inspired by his words.

It was time for all of us to leave too – not before we were treated to some refreshment and snacks – after having gathered loads of information in the field of journalism, report writing, and dissemination of news and information.