PARADISE.....

HIDDEN HEAVEN IN HILLS..

BY - SEHAJ GHUMAN

Away from the hustle-bustle of cities, hidden in a valley - SURYAVILAS is the place to rejuvinate. Just 60 km from Chandigarh,serenity of a pristine valley can be felt.

My experience of a holiday at this luxury and spa resort was extraordinary. With facilities ranging from a personal theatre to a gymnasium all in the midst of nature. While listening to the wind whispering through the pine trees one can take a dip in the outdoor Infinity pool.

The green cover spread across the resort revitalizes our health. In the Spa the mineral and sea salts spread an aroma that is extremely refreshing and relaxing. The emphasis on nature represents the source of life. Exotic world cuisines are put forth to feast on.

Days spent at this resort leave an indelible mark on one's life. It is indeed a land of subline tranquility.

VIPIN PUBBY ATTENTS REPORTERS MEETING IN CARMEL....

-SAINA KOHLI

VIPIN PUBBY AT A MEETING IN CARMEL

Vipin Pubby, a journalist by profession, currently the resident editor of THE INDIAN EXPRESS ,chandigarh and the author of the book - "shimla then and now" appeared in a meeting held at carmel convent school on 1st may'10 for the young reporters.Puniita singh and all the carmelities of the reporters and the photography club were present in this meeting.

Mr.vipin bestowed everyone with his knowledge and experience on article writing and reporting and took up many questions asked by the students.He also shared his working techniques with carmelities and told us briefly about the editing of the newspapers.Being an experienced professional ,he also gave us the basics on how to make a report interesting.The meeting was held for about 1 hour and clearly was a very informative experience.

According to puniita singh,the organiser of the clubs,"Mr.pubby has been with us for 3-4 years.In fact our first endeavour started with indian express itself. He has shown a remarkable personal intrestin reporters club from the begining and we are very honored to have him."

Anhadh rai a participant of class 9th concluded "It was a very good experience.If meeting's like these are held often we carmelites will surely be awesome journalists and photographers someday" . Saina kohli chirps in "Mr.vipin not only did told us the basics on writing but also updated us on current facts "."we are very keen to meet him again."points out Ankita srivastava."We all look forward for this kind of meeting again" added Anushka ghai.

“International Worker’s Day”

By Prerna Sharma and Fiza Gupta
Class-9B

“The only liberty an inferior man really cherishes is to quit work, stretch out in the sun and scratch.”

International Labour Day or most commonly known as May Day is a day observed all over the world on May 1 to celebrate the social and economic achievements of the workers.

The students of Carmel Convent School today celebrated this day with lots of joy and fervour. The programme started with Sr. Swati, principal of the school lighting a diya and praying for the good health of the workers of our school, who selflessly help us in all the tasks. A Power point presentation was shown to all the students so as to make them familiar with the faces behind our lives of comfort in the school. On one hand where Baijnath Bhaiya has been in school for 37 years, Meena Aunty on the other hand has just joined the school 9 months ago, but all the workers unselfishly fulfill our demands in every possible way. It is because of their hardwork that our school remains spick and span all the time.

Strange is the situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however there is one thing we do know, that we are here for the sake of others, for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy and working for their well being selflessly. The workers in our school altruistically work all day in the scorching heat, so as to give us a day of relief and comfort. A student of class 9^th Nikhita Kansal said, “It was fun doing something good for our workers and it was the best to know that they liked it,” It was a great pleasure for everyone to see all the workers smiling. “Senior Girls don’t respect the workers anymore, we should be more concerned for them in the same manner as they are concerned for us.” said Keerat. One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men but a machine can’t do the work of an extra ordinary man. All the workers in our school have some extra ordinary capacities which helps our school in all aspects.

So remember always, without labour nothing prospers.

-by FIZA GUPTA CLASS- 9B

Aping Of Western Culture By Younger Generation

Life in the big city is fast paced. The influence of modernization and western culture is reflected easily in the attiude of young generation.The glamour of big cities attracts the young generation to the cinema halls,restaurants,and discotheques.They consider to be 'cool' to be seen at the parties ,where alcohol flows freely and all inhibitions are shed.Bunking classes, using abusive language,truancy,bringing cell phones and electronic stuff,etc are becoming common in schools.They feed on coca-culture,pop-music and disco dance, the youngsters are forgetting there values and traditions completely.In there blind aping of western culture,maxims like 'simple living and high thinking'seem old fashioned and outdated.The youngsters are becoming more demanding,many a time going far beyond their means to fulfil their temptations for fancy things.They seem to have lost respect for the elders.The gap between the old and young is widening gradually as the youth is developing a rebellious attitude towards everything.They are being more aggressive than before. Very early in life,they are being exposed to too much violence and relationship through cinema,television and Internet.

Where will all this lead the younger generation to ??? I think the schools should insist upon value-orientation programmes to discipline and quieten the minds of the youngsters.The energies of the young must me employed in constructive ways so that they feel proud of being what they really are.

CABINET 2010-2011

CABINET TAKES ITS OATH!

The new cabinet elected for the academic session 2010-2011 took its oath on 30th April, 2010 promising to uphold Carmel ’s flag and its noble ideals. The ceremony started off with the entire Cabinet taking the stage brimming with enthusiasm and excitement. The School Pupil Leader Gultash Guron started the proceedings with a solemn promise of doing her best to make Carmel reach new heights in all spheres be it academics, sports, art, cultural activities or any other and invoked Mother Mary’s blessings. She was followed by the Assistant S.P.L. Amla Srivastava and all the other members of the cabinet. The Principal Sr.Swati then pinned on their badges and congratulated each girl heartily. She spoke a few inspiring words saying, ‘‘We have only one chance to walk down the path we are working in. The stage has been set for you. How you make a difference now depends on you. I wish you all the best.” The new cabinet seems set on putting in their heart and soul to fulfill their promises to the school and their fellow students. When asked an excited cabinet member Amla said, ‘‘I am delighted to have been appointed to this position of great responsibility. I fervently hope that I am able to live upto the confidence my teachers have shown in me.” This year the cabinet certainly seems to be charged up and ready to lead Carmel to greater heights.

-By Ankita Srivastava

NO MEMORIES..NO HEIRLOOM...

O!Those Letters!

The world today has become a fast -moving, technology-based place.This has changed the lives of the people in many big ways.But the smaller changes which are not that significant are the most touching!Imagine the joy a granddaughter used to feel when she would find a hand written letter from her grandfather in the letter-box.This was the scenario just fifteen years ago.And it is something that our generation can never experience!Because today it is considered old-fashioned and silly to send a letter which will probably reach a fortnight later.Why waste time!Just type out the message,click Send andVoila!your email reaches your loved one before you count to ten.However one virus and all those typed electronic messages are gone forever.The hand written letters are treasured and preserved for the generations to come.They are much more personal and precious when you can hold a piece of paper over which the pen of your long- lost relative once moved.The emails are nothing more than dull,lifeless black words on a white screen which you read once and never spare a thought for again till the day they are lost beyond recovery.Bring back the letters,bring back the love!

-By Ankita Srivastava

STUDY...ALL DAY??

Remembering School Life!

I studied in Germany for two years. And when I came back I was struck by the harsh differences in the education imparted by these two countries. I remember my first day there, when my teacher took us out in pairs and taught us how to cross a road. We then went on to a nearby forest where we picked acorns as part of our nature class. I returned home amazed to find that a school day could be so enjoyable. The days flew by in a jiffy while I visited the municipal corporation, went to church to listen to the choir and went to a nearby ground on a sunny day to collect wild flowers! For Maths homework, the teacher used to say that we had to spend only ten minutes with our books and do as many sums as we could in that time. Some could do two, others five. But the teachers got to know each child's individual ability. We would listen to audio tapes of nature sounds where we were supposed to identify the different seasons! Even though those two years were the happiest school days of my life, some teachers were of the opinion that Indian and other foreign students were much more hard working than the students there, probably because they were used to it. The German children became so used to the easy lifestyle that when the time came for serious study they could not adapt to the workload. Here the students are assessed according to the number of hours they put in cramming facts while there the assessment is according to what they put into those hours. Thankfully our education system is changing for the better as the Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) being introduced in schools is a good mix of Indian and European techniques involving hard work and fun. This system will hopefully make school life for students what it should be - enjoyable years of fruitful learning!
-By Ankita Srivastava

TASTE THE WORLD.....

CUISINES OF THE WORLD
BY- SEHAJ GHUMAN

Food is the most significant symbol of a country. It is a notable fact that almost every country on Earth has its own extraordinary and exceptional cuisine. The tradition and rituals of a country have an effect on the genre of food. The cuisine reflects the lifestyle of the people.
One of the most prominent cuisines of the world, is the American cuisine. The food eaten by the Americans has always been the object of criticism, as it is unhealthy and calorie-laden. The deep fried burgers along with the ready-made drinks like beer make the American cuisine universal.
The aromatic Italian food with its distinctive herb fragrances is considered the ancestor of fine culinary art. Italian pizza, pasta and wine are always in limelight.
Indian cuisine is one of the oldest and most diverse cuisine in the world. Its rich and unique flavours are emerging in the world.
The location of Thailand has a great bearing on it's cuisine. Thai cuisine has many food products with fish and other marine animals. Seasonings of coconut milk, pineapples and citrus plants make it exclusive.
Ancient civilization of Aztecs and Mayas used to feed on Mexican cuisine. It is based on the assortment of products like maize, avocado and pumpkins. Mexican tequila, tacos, burritos, tortillas and fajitas are very sought after.
Food is God's gift to humanity and each cuisine in this world satisfies our taste buds.

STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY

The female is an ignored spiecie in our male dominated society which still practices gender bias.There is an apparent discrimtionin the upbringing and eduction of the girls in the rural areas,middle and lower classes of the society.This is all due to our old traditional customs, values and ethos of the society which do not encourage women to contest against men and come out victorious,also the harassment of working women resuts from the dominant position of the male bullies and the fear of economic insecurity of the female workers.

From the starting of birth the only sufferer is the female.Most of the people of the country consider the birth of a girl as a sin commited in their previous lives for which they are paying now.In our male dominated society , female education is relegatted to the back ground and all the family funds and resources are lanished on the upbringing and education of the sons.

As someone pointed out "if we educte a boy we educate a person , on the other hand if we educate a girl we educate a family." Some conservative section of the society regard women as weak and inferior to men and hence unsuitable for outdoor work .These people are highly mistaken.In now days , modern women are fully equipped with education , expertise, confidence,self esteem and respect and independence . If we glance at the result of public examination we reveal that the rank and the percentage of the girls is superior. If women can run home efficiently, they can manage the affairs of the state with the same procession.Women do not lag behind men in any sphere.

The rise in the standard of living is possible when women supplement the incomes of the males. National development is impossible without the whole hearted contribution and active participation of women .We can also root out the evil of male domination by reserving seats for women in parliament on the lines of reservstion in local bodies.This measure will end the marginalistion of women in the supreme policy bodies and pave the way for their emancipation,enlightment and empowerment.

FIZA GUPTA,CLASS-9B

NEW VENTURE OF SAATHI

SAFETY DRIVE

by - SEHAJ GHUMAN

Scars of Accidents don’t heal easily, sometimes they last a lifetime. Accidents hurt a lot but Safety doesn’t…..
By following the traffic rules, there is no jeopardy.
Persisting with the noble endeavor of removing the economic divide, for the underprivileged, Ms. Puniita Singh organized a seminar for the students of Government Middle School, Sec-52 Kajeri educating them about the traffic rules. A group of 160 students reached the Traffic park, Sec-23, with transport facilities organized by the NGO – SAATHI.
Ranbir Singh, an official at the Traffic Park gave an informative and interactive lecture, followed by awareness videos directed by Mr.Jaspal Bhatti. Mr. Ranbir stated, “The initiative of educating these children about the traffic rules is admirable. It is imperative for the young children to know all the traffic rules, as the number of accidents taking place in Chandigarh is on the increase. Tools and machinery can be repaired but our lives cannot.”
The children gave an eager response and appreciated the NGO’s efforts. They were given souvenirs, which would remind them of the safety rules.
Inspector Prem Singh Dalal, said, “Hope that Saathi keeps carrying on the great work. Youngsters are the most likely victims of the accidents, they don’t wear helmets or seat belts which cost them their lives .After today, I hope these students will follow the Traffic rules.”
So, when you drive safely, you arrive safely.
Better late than never….

INTERVIEW WITH SISTER SWAATI -SAINA KOHLI AND FIZA GUPTA

Interview With Sister Swati
Saina : How do you feel being the prnciple of carmel convent school?
Sister : it makes me feel no difference .it makes me feel proud .i am happy to serve carmel.
Fiza : what is your vision for our school?
Sister : my vision is to make children happy and make them bloom in what ever capacity they posses.I wish to get support from the school committee and to render my support.
Jaisha: How do you feel about the creation of the carmel band?
Sister : i feel very proud.when i do any thing i do my best, and rest i leave to the day to come.When you do anything with 100% effort the results are always in your favour.
Saina : can you tell us briefly about your childhood journey to being the principle of carmel?
Sister : My teaching career started in 1987.i teached 2 years in Goa,3-4 years in gujrat and 4 years in jammu-jammu was the best experience.whenever i talked to people they phrased "you should be a principle ; we expect you to came back as a principle".
Fiza : what do you think is lacking in the carmelites?
Sister :no ...nothing is lacking that way . everything is provided in carmel.But i sometimes feel integrating that what we learn and teach in the school , we dont see it being practiced.
Fiza : How do you feel about the discipline of our school?How do you think can you change it?
Sister : Well it is my feeling....that from the day I have come the discipline has improved alot.

(we all laugh with her) I dont want you girls to follow 'policeman' discipline , i dont want you to pass by the corridors with your hands at the back and a finger on your mouth showing 'i am quite sister'.But in the class i want that the students should be responsible enough to maintain discipline whether the teacher is their or not.
Prerita : what are your expectations from us?
Sister : As students i expect you to be children of prayer, because carmel represents prayer.I want the students to stop their bad habits like using foul language and bullying,etc.
Fiza : what do you want the future of carmelites to be?
Sister : School should excel in quality not in quantity.Whatever we do we should put in our best .Multiplying children is not necessary but the quality we bring out is .
Jaisha : What does carmel mean to you?
Sister : to me carmel means prayer.
Saina : You have often pointed out in these past years about our uniforms and flicks being inappropriate , what do you think about it now?
Sister :What i dont like is that the girls are altering your tunics with your own taste. Its not like that i want the student to make 2 plaates and apply oil but i just want hair to be neatly tied.
Prerita : As the news travels fast ,there were rumours that our dress code would be changed into suits...is that true?
Sister : As long as your uniform is neat it should not come to your worries.......and anyway changing uniform requires little time.
Saina : What are your views about the CCE System currenty in 9th and 10th?
Sister : Im very happy about it,i feel that children are getting more opportunities and i specifically feel that cce system should be alloted to every class from middle school,that way everyone will participate in the upcoming events.
Saina and fiza : how do you feel about the upcoming clubs like reporters club,photograph club,ngo,etc.....??
Sister : to be frank i feel the oppportunities are only given to very few students and by increasing the number of clubs every student can participate one way or another.i just love children and want to do what is best for them.
Saina:since you are such an inspiration,who was your first inspiration i mean your role model?
Sister: well i remember my class teacher of 2nd class.he teached me many values with love though he was strict he was very affectionate.he was my inspiration. that's what i wish to give you.i want you to do the best.
THEN WE ALL GREETED HER BEST OF LUCK AND PROMISED TO COORDIATE WITH HER..............
-interview taken by Prerita Nandwani,Saina Kohli,Fiza Gupta and Jaisha Garg

SISTER MARIA CHRISTI'S FAREWELL-SAINA KOHLI

SR.MARIA CHRISTI'S FAREWELL

Sr.Maria Christi's journey in carmel began from feeling nervous to feeling confident to feeling proud.nervos-as her carmelites would inovate,confident-as her carmelites became ambitious and proud-as her carmelites acheived their goals .
Her journey is now at a standstill of depression.depression-of leaving carmel convent school chandigarh, after 7 years being Carmel's principle.
In an attempt to expose the gratitude carmel feels towards her,Carmelites today on 26th april presented her with a memorable farewell.
The program began from a welcoming speech followed by a power point presentation which exhibited her unforgettable stay at carmel as a principle.
Class 12th then harmonized the song "climb" representing the ache carmel feels on sr.maria christi's leaving. the song was followed by an entertaining rajasthani dance and a hym by class 10th on the lyrics of "i haple you dance".
to participate in sister's farewell the little ones dramatized a play on different type of vessels thus naming sister Maria Christi the "vessel of god".
During the farewell carmelities held out their designed banners calling"sister dont go".
In the end sister Maria christi said that she was confident of the future of carmelities and that she woudnt be what she is today if it was not for all the sisters that helped her make carmel a better place,but even with her brave show she couldnt hide her tears from us.
Mrs .mala said"she has done so much for our school we will really miss her "
Acording to Mrs.manju "it was very emotional,every item in the farewell was the best and every item gave a message"
Mrs.amrita and Mrs madhu said "its very touchy,its like missing a mother and looking for another"
Mrs anurita commented"I had a short tenure of 1 year with her but she inspired me the best.she's my role model"
Mrs vandita kapoor said"Sr.Maria Christi is endured with exsiquite quality of knowing you silently."
Wherever her life may lead her Sr.Maria Christi was,is,and will always be with us.
-SAINA KOHLI

ANTIDEPRESSANTS IN CHILDREN-SAINA KOHLI

ANTIDEPRESSANTS IN CHILDREN!

Depression is a disease that afflicts the human psyche in such a way that the afflicted tends to act and react abnormally toward others and themselves. Depression in the adoloscents is greatly underdiagnosed and leads to serious difficulties in school, work and personal adjustment, which may often continue into adulthood. It is often described as "an exaggeration of the duration and intensity of normal mood changes" .
Key indicators of adolescent depression include a drastic change in eating and sleeping patterns, significant loss of interest in previous activity interests , constant boredom , disruptive behavior, peer problems, increased irritability and aggression . For many teens, symptoms of depression are directly related to low self -esteem stemming from increased emphasis on peer popularityor getting into relationships before their ages. For other teens, depression arises from poor family relations, which could include decreased family support and perceived rejection by parents .
Depression can lead to suicide.Antidepressants are used to treat people with depression. Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children and teens. Sometimes we teens sometimes grow sucidal.
Adolescent suicide is now responsible for more deaths in youths aged 15 to 19 than cardiovascular disease or cancer .
Among children, the highest percentage of users was seen in girls and boys ages 15-18. More than 6% of the girls in this age group used antidepressants, as did 4.2% of the boys. If these figures were extrapolated to the entire pediatric population, it would mean that one of every 16 high-school-age girls and one of every 23 high-school-age boys in a country were taking some type of antidepressant.
Until recently, adolescent depression has been largely ignored by health professionals, but now several means of diagnosis and treatment exist. "Although most teenagers can successfully climb the mountain of emotional and psychological obstacles that lie in their paths, there are some who find themselves overwhelmed and full of stress.".With the help of teachers, school counselors, mental health professionals, parents, and other caring adults, the severity of a teen's depression can not only be accurately evaluated, but plans can be made to improve his or her well-being and ability to fully engage life .
-SAINA KOHLI
CLASS 9TH b

WE'LL MISS YOU SR.MARIA CHRISTI

By: Prerna Sharma and Fiza Gupta

“Goodbyes are not forever,

Goodbyes are not the end,

They simply mean I’ll miss you,

Until we meet again.”

It was heartbreaking when we heard that Sr. Maria Christie, our beloved principal would be leaving us soon. Earlier we just thought it was a rumour but yesterday all the students and teachers bade adieus to her. Yes, it is true! Principal Sr. Maria Christie will be saying goodbye to the school she has called home for the last 7 years. As she recalled her experience she said that, past in 2003 she came to the city beautiful and entered the school with a slight fear in mind as to how will she work here. But she found God on her side encouraging her to put her fears aside and persuading her to enter into this new world.

Sister recollects her experience in Chandigarh as a challenge for her principalalship. But it is from her that we have learnt to take up challenges, no matter what the results may be and so did she. Her hard work can be clearly seen. Her idea of a new building for the primary students, the golden jubilee celebrations, the evening classes for the students, numerous new clubs and not to forget the school band, they all were a hit.

Sister Maria Christi lovingly nurtured the greens and it was in her time that the pharmaceutical garden was developed. All the decisions taken by her were with ease and clarity which were carried out meticulously. She was a charismatic and energetic principal who never let down the students and helped them in every possible way. From a small bruise to a big achievement, sister always presented us sweets. As she leaves us, she is leaving as a satisfied person and has no regrets at all.

She had worked for 2 yrs in Himachal, 3yrs in Goa and then 7 yrs in Chandigarh. Now she is again going to Goa her hometown and will be the principal of Carmel Convent High Secondary School there.

Her final message to all the Carmelites- “ Be simple as that is what makes Carmel girls special and always live up to the motto of in ‘God we Trust’”

We know that the world is round and we may meet Sister again, someday or the other. Let’s hope for the Best!!

cosmetic surgeies- saina kohli

COSMETIC SURGERIES...

In today's society the picture of beauty is a rail thin super model with the body of a goddess posted on billboards all around the world. Children are brought up playing with Barbie dolls with the body measurements of would be 39, 18, 38. Because of these pictures and other figures of beauties projected all over, a person is convinced to believe that to be beautiful and happy, one must look like these images. To most, the easiest way to achieve this is my having cosmetic surgery performed.

Plastic/cosmetic surgery for "beautification" is a result of our materialistic and image reinforced society to what society chooses to be "beautiful" Even smiles are beginning to look as though they have come off of production lines. Teeth are bleached and perfectly even. cosmetic standards are rising to a level that exceeds good sense. As a result, it lowers our self-esteem, since we are trying to "become" what is accepted as beautiful.

We should be happy with just the way we are, not needing plastic surgery to feel "better "and accepted...

Sometimes Low-income people that are attracted to the visions of beauty on the magazines are caught in the lure of these "fake" surgeons. These doctors promise perfect results at half the price of experienced surgeons. Some of these doctors may even produce fake credentials, such as fake PhDs, for customers to view. Customers see these and without doing any research on the doctor, pay the money for the surgery to be performed. With the increase of untrained surgeons performing these procedures, the risk of death and many improper results also increases greatly.
People considering plastic surgery should be informed of all the risks. They should not be concerned with trying to live up to society's standards and by the price of the operations. They should most be concerned with the real price, their lives!.

-SAINA KOHLI

CLASS - 9TH B

ELECTION TIME...

Britain at Electoral Crossroads

BY -SEHAJ GHUMAN

One of the world's oldest democracy and highly esteemed nation is ready for a variation. 10 Downing Street is ready for a newfound owner.
With the vital date of 6th May 2010 just around the corner,the British are ready to make a choice. Gordon Brown,David Cameron and Nick Clegg are gearing to take power over the House of Commons.
The Labour Party this time led by Gordon Brown is aiming to secure a fourth consecutive term in office,but the latter will face a nasty competition from the Conservative Party,who hope to regain the same dominant position in UK politics as in the 1990's with David Cameron as their front runner. Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats hopes to make inroads into the mandates of both the sides.
The leading Labour Party believes that a lot can be achieved by the strength of common endeavour.They claim themselves as a "Democratic Socialist Party" and promote living together in the spirit of solidarity,tolerance and respect. On the other hand,the Conservative Party is offering rebuttal by promoting a VOTE FOR CHANGE. They are bullish on getting the sluggish British economy moving and hope to raise standards in the schools. The Liberal Democrats promise to build a FAIRER BRITAIN. They are the only party promising to deliver positive changes in the environment.
Britain is gearing up for a three-legged race instead of a two-pole playoff.
A tough competition awaits the trio, even as the whole World waits with

CELL PHONES MORE INPORTANT THAN MAN’S BEST FRIEND . . . .???

SEHAJ GHUMAN

Albert Einstein quotes “it has been appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.”
It has transcended enough to give man’s best friend the back bench. People are splurging money in thousands to buy the new cell phone in town, whereas there is no psychiatrist in the world like a dog licking your face.
Money will buy you a cell phone that might entertain you for a while but will take a toll on your health, it may make you feel satisfied with your success but if you really want to feel rich then just count the things that money can’t buy. So no matter how little money you own or lack the new technologies, having a dog will make you rich. So let us pay attention to the things that matter in life than the things that would make us popular in high – school !!!!

EARTH DAY

SAVE OR GRAVE
BY-SEHAJ GHUMAN

The Earth is degrading at a tremendous speed, Mother Earth is threatening her own children. Carmelites cannot sit back and let this happen.
Carmel Convent School,Chandigarh is making a great effort to put the green foot forward. 22nd April, marked as World Earth Day was celebrated by the latter as an effort to save Mother Earth.
The Primary school students carried out a procession to create awareness among the Chandigarhites. Tiny-tot, Arni was promoting water conservation saying, "A bottle of water that we throw,could help a plant grow."
One of the teachers, accompanying the students in the rally, Ms.Chandarvati stated,"This day is very important and is a vital one for each human being. I am educating the students about the do's and dont's for preserving nature."
Interactive sessions and competitions were held throughout the day, students eagerly made posters,slogans and masks. Saplings were planted on the campus ground.
Ananya, a class X student said, "We are destroying our own home, it is the duty of each responsible citizen to contribute in preserving it." Offering solutions, a teacher Ms.Esha said, "If we want to benefit the Earth, we can grow more trees, save water, cover small distances by foot instead of travelling in vehicles."
Acting fast will be our last hope of avoiding disaster. Sr.Maria Christie, Principal of Carmel Convent School commented, "We should treat each day as Earth Day, our efforts to save Mother Earth should be on a regular basis." So SAVE the Earth or GRAVE the Earth, the choice is ours....

Books our Best Friends

By: Prerna Sharma

“Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill.”

Celebrated on 23^rd of April, World Book Day seeks to promote reading amongst the youngsters and to gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. 23^rd April is also considered as a symbolic date in world literature as on this date in the year of 1616 died Shakespeare- whose writing contained more actual wisdom than the whole body of English learning. This coincidently happens to be his birth anniversary as well.

To commemorate this event the British Library, Sector-9 Chandigarh organized several competitions which took place on the 22^nd and 23^rd of April. The competitions organized were Dress as your favourite book character, Book mark designing, draw your favourite Shakespeare character and a debate competition.

The Carmel girls this time also shone brightly. They bagged 4 prizes in all the competitions. Maria Joseph stood 1^st in the Fancy Dress Competition, Prerna Sharma of class 9 came 2^nd in draw you’re your favourite Shakespeare character and Jaisha Garg and Meghna Bhasin stood 3^rd in the book mark designing and debate competition respectively.

The chief guest Mrs. Sumita Mishra honoured the prize distribution ceremony with her noble ideas. She said that books are works of art and science and vehicles for ideas. They magnificently materialize creative diversity, generate universal knowledge and contribute inter cultural dialogue.

“Books improve our knowledge about others and of their philosophies and therefore enhance our understanding of the world. They also provide development opportunities for all ages and in particular for young people.” said a parent present at the event.

On 23^rd April 2010 let us celebrate every aspect of books across the world and recognize them as instruments of peace.

Every Day should be the Earth Day

By: Prerna Sharma and Inayat Sood

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth’s environment. Celebrated on 22nd April it is a day devoted to show our gratitude towards earth. This day aims at growing eco-activism among the people and specially the children.

The students of junior wing of Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh celebrated this event by planting a new tree “CHAKRASIYA” in the Pharmaceutical Garden in the school campus. Students of classes 1 and 2 actively took part in the poster making and slogan writing competition. These tiny tots could be seen jumping actively showing around their posters some of which read “Plant a tree, Save the Earth” and “Preserve Nature and Save the Planet”. The senior students were also not behind in the race for protecting our Mother Earth. The students of classes 6 – 9 took part in Mask Making, Slogan Writing and Poster Making competitions. On one hand the posters of senior students displayed intense messages like that of “Global Warming is Global Warning” and on the other hand the students of class 6 are now too conscious to pluck a flower.

“The earth’s climate is significantly changing at a faster than normal rate. One thing remains clear that mankind’s actions are behind these changes. We’re not environmentalists but can contribute by saving electricity”, said Prerna Sharma and Inayat Sood of class 9. For 200 years we’ve been conquering nature and now are beating it to death. It is good that the younger generation is coming up and putting a lot of effort to preserve earth. This was what Sr. Maria Christi, the principal of Carmel Convent School said “I’m happy to see the students creating awareness on this topic. And it is not only today that we should save the earth, but it should be done regularly by saving electricity and using the water judiciously”.

So our message on this earth day for all is “DON’T BLOW IT – GOOD PLANETS ARE HARD TO FIND” remember always we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children

BY-SEHAJ GHUMAN AND SAINA KOHLI


OUR INVITE....
WALK FOR THE HERITAGE..!!

An initiative taken earnestly by Carmel Convent School.
Save our heritage because it's not the honor that you take with you but the heritage you leave behind.



Carmel Convent School will come forth in the Chandigarh heritage walk which will commence tomorrow, 18th April at 6:30 am at the cultural venue- the open hand monument. The volunteer conservers of the heritage will walk 2km to the rock garden in a fascinating procession which would be outlined by a rally organized by Carmel Convent School.



The Carmelites will entertain the audiences with a dance and music concert followed by a refreshing welcome speech. To engage the audiences, a group of activities will be organized by the latter, which would analyze the knowledge of the attendants and will update them on the new facts with attractive posters, banners and pamphlets. The prize winners will be rewarded by souvenirs.



A cleanliness drive will be coordinated by Carmel Convent School which would contribute to the idea of a better hygiene for the tricity.


Only with the good intentions of the school administration - the heritage can be preserved .So, let's stop encroachment and PROTECT OUR HERITAGE !!



So, we invite you to transmit a reporter and a photographer to cover the event.

Thank you.

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY!!!!!


Environment has degenerated to such an extent that now there's so much pollution in the air that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it all.

Carmel Convent School , Chandigarh is not behind in the race for protecting Mother Earth. The continuous efforts made by our school are blooming as our school has one of the most eco-friendly campuses in the tricity. The latter has been organizing abundant activities like models on endangered species, environment quizzes, CD waste management and making hand-made paper bags to ban plastics.
Several saplings were planted in the Pharmaceutical gardens of our campus on the occasion of Vanamohatsava. PowerPoint presentations were used to deliver the message of conserving our environment.
It’s cool to be an Eco-School so – GREEN, that’s how Carmelites would like the world to be!

by - ankita srivastava ; saina kohli ; sehaj ghuman

What is Saathi?

- By Sachi Singhal

Saathi, is a friend in need for those who have none, a ray of hope for those who have lived in darkness forever, and the corner of that innocent smile on those faces who had long forgotten what is it to smile again.
Inaugurated on 17th December, 2009 by the Governor Gen S.F. Rodriguez and Home Sec. Mr. Ram Niwas, this Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) is an Alternative Innovative Centre (AIC) where more than 300 underprivileged kids are taken care of. We look after their every need; see they are not deprived of any facility the administration has bestowed upon them and teach them the fundamentals of everything, from the origin of Santa Claus to how to maintain personal hygiene.
Our main aim is to make them worthy of main stream schooling (In simple words, they are coached in the evening; mainstream is the type of schooling we have been through or are doing). Every helping hand is welcome, every sincerely interested person invited. Come, join us! 

Decisions and Deliberation - Saathi's First Meeting

- Meghna Bhasin

On the 17th of March, Saathi, the NGO formed by the students of Carmel Convent School, held their first official meeting.

The meeting commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, after which the members of Saathi sat down to begin their elaborate planning and decide on the agendas for the upcoming months.

The structure of Saathi was decided as follows – The NGO is divided into five committees, namely, the Community Service Committee, the Cultural Committee, the Sports Committee, the Social Committee and the Extra – Curricular Committee. Each Committee is headed by a Committee Leader, who is changed every two months.

The team decided that their goal would be to execute at least five to six projects in the period of two months. The projects, depending on their type, would fall into the section of the different committees.

Together, the members of Saathi discussed their ideas, displaying great insight and creativity and finally, a list of agendas were created. A few events that we are sure to see in the future include a Sports Day, organized in the Government Model High School, Sector 52, a Rock Concert, organized in the Rock Garden, as well as other educational activities like sermons on the importance of road safety and first aid, well as competitions and quizzes.

Another cool thing which will soon be seen is the Saathi NGO t-shirt, which will be available to all volunteers, as well as anyone who wants to support the Saathi cause.

All the members of Saathi seem fired up and enthusiastic as can be. This will also help them in another major project – profiling. Every single student of The Sector 52 Government Model High School will be closely interacted with, and his/her records will be kept in order to ensure the all round development of every child and to make sure that he/she is happy. The aim of Saathi is to grow close to the students of the school.

The meeting ended with the rendition of the National Anthem, and the promise of great things to come.

It looks like we will see many interesting developments in Saathi’s agenda scheme. Don’t forget, Saathi is always open to more volunteers. Lend a helping hand and save a child!

The Event of the Year - Sports Day

-By Meghna Bhasin

On the 14th of February, when most people were celebrating Valentines’ Day, the students of Carmel Convent School, Sector 9B, Chandigarh, had a different game plan; and using the word ‘game’ is extremely apt, for they were celebrating their Sports Day in which Classes first to the eleventh took part with great vigor and enthusiasm, performing in front of parents and the Chief Guest, Mr.
The function started off with a bang, as the school band magnificently welcomed the chief guest, followed by a march past conducted by the students of Class 9, displaying the values of pride, and discipline.
This performance was only the beginning of many other enthralling ones. Each class showcased a fantastic performance, each unique in their own way whether it was the graceful ‘Peace prevails’ dance by Class 6, involving many yoga postures, or, ‘Emotional Ecstasy’ by Class 8 , whose skillful dance moves, choreographed by Enayat, a student of Class 8 herself, set everyone’s feet tapping.
Even the tiny tots got an opportunity to showcase their hard work. Twirling and swirling with ribbons, hula hoops and umbrellas in their hands, in performances like The Colours of Life and Seasonal Sonata, they seemed to be having even more fun than the enraptured parents watching!
Various races were held, and the children of each class took part with fierce determination. Some of the competitions included the wheel and barrow race, shuttle race, hockey race and bucket race for the older students, while the younger ones took part in just as delightful races, like, rolling the log to the fair, off to grandma’s house and Cinderella’s walk.
The Chief Guest presented special awards to students who had achieved special merits in athletic excellence and also enlightened them through his insightful words of wit and wisdom.
The display of the band at the end was an absolutely spectacular. Dressed in their uniforms of green and white, bearing their shining instruments of percussion, the Carmel Convent school band mesmerized their spectators. They flaunted their routine with a perfection that left a rapt expression on everybody’s faces. The combined effect of drums, with trumpets and other brass instruments was a sight to behold.
Carmel Convent’s Sports Day was an occasion that will be remembered. The students, who put in a lot of hard work and practice, also were in extremely high spirits because of their success.
The participants as well as their parents went home exultant. What better way to spend a day than that?