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Bloom Fest 2023, an activity day for grades I and II, was held at MESIS.Many subject corners were located throughout the hallway. English, Maths, EVS, Qatar History, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, French, Islamic studies and Arabic had distinct sections. Under the leadership of their teachers, the students explored a multitude of topics in the presence of their parents. The activities planned in various areas addressed different domains of development, such as language development, cognitive development, fine and gross motor development, creative development and socio-emotional development.The event was inaugurated by Faisal Mayan, the MES governing board’s director of transport. The attendees included board member Shahid, MESIS principal Pramila Kannan, MES Indian School principal Dr Hameeda Kadar, Off-Campus administrator Manmadhan Mampally and vice-principal Annie Francis. Daya (Grade 1) gave a welcome speech while Mersiha (Grade 2) delivered the prayer to commence the event. Dhiva (Grade II) was the event’s anchor and Gunasree (Grade II) proposed a vote of thanks.

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Qatar chapter hosted the 5th Math Whiz Contest 2023 at the Philippine School Doha (PSD) gymnasium recently, bringing together young mathematicians from various schools. The event, described as a prestigious inter-school maths quiz bee in Qatar, highlighted the importance of camaraderie and sportsmanship. The contest started with an opening remark from the current PICE Qatar president, Elvin D Fajutagana, who encouraged participants to embrace the spirit of healthy competition. He said the contest serves as a platform in showcasing their mathematical prowess and stressed the significance of learning from one another, in addition to inspiring future generations of maths enthusiasts. The event was graced by a number of personalities, including Dr Lorina S Villanueva, vice principal of PSD’s Quality Assurance and Accreditation Department, who delivered an inspirational message; and Mike Edison B Pioquinto, the HS Maths co-ordinator and Senior High School Maths Coach of the Philippine International School Qatar (PISQ). The Math Whiz Contest featured a qualifying round for both Junior (Grade 9 and 10) and Senior High School (Grade 11 and 12) levels. Participants underwent a rigorous two-hour exam, from which the top 5 teams from each school and level were selected to advance to the final round. In the Junior Level category, the second runner-up was secured by Jacob Emmanuel B Uy (Grade 10) and Mark Joseph V Nucos (Grade 9) from PSD; Steeven C Manalang (Grade 10) and Justin Edric A Tenafranca (Grade 9) from PISQ bagged the first runner-up. The champions were Laurence Jean T Villanueva (Grade 10) and Aaron Joel P Nepomoceno (Grade 9) from PSD. PSD’s Junior Level team’s victory marked their third consecutive win, earning them the grand slam trophy. For the Senior Level category, PISQ dominated the competition, securing all the top positions. The second runner-up was earned by Maria Beatrice B Endaya (Grade 12) and Matt Gabriel G Molmisa (Grade 11). Matt Karl Randell B Magnaye (Grade 12) and John Paul C Natividad (Grade 11) were adjudged the first runner-up. Lance Andrew V Paja (Grade 12) and Zygon Gregg S Manlulu (Grade 11) from PISQ won the first place. Since PISQ had already achieved three consecutive wins in last year’s Math Whiz 2022, they were honoured with the grand slam trophy. All winners, in both Junior and Senior Levels, were presented with trophies, medals and cash prizes, in recognition of their exceptional mathematical skills and dedication. PICE Qatar, an organisation dedicated to uniting Filipino civil engineers worldwide, aims to promote the field of civil engineering and to strengthen the capacities of Filipino schools with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes.

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) organised a cleanliness drive for students of classes IV and V under the Clean India Mission (Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan). The aim was to create awareness among the students regarding cleanliness and its benefits.

The Under-19 Boys’ team of MES Indian School won the overall championship in the CBSE Qatar Cluster Handball Tournament 2023-24 held over three days, featuring 13 Indian schools. The team has qualified for the nationals to be held in Uttarakhand in India in November. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated the students and their coach Mohamed Navas.

The under-19 Boys’ and Girls’ football teams of MES Indian School won the championship in the CBSE Qatar Cluster Football tournament. After the final match at MES and organised by Ideal Indian School, the latter’s principal Shaik Shamim Saheb handed over the trophies. Birla Public School secured the first runner-up position in the Boys’ as well as the Girls’ categories. A total of 15 teams of boys and 13 teams of girls participated in the three-day event. MES is now qualified to participate in the National Football Championship in November in India. The winning teams were trained by Binoy K K and Shani G R, teachers of the Department of Physical Education. Afsal and Gigi P Abraham were the managers for the boys’ and the girls’ teams, respectively. MES principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated the winners and the coaches.

Johan Jobsy (VI -D) of MES Indian School represented India in the Qatar Masters Open 2023 chess championship in the 'B' category and achieved 23rd position playing against 92 players from more than 30 countries. He was congratulated by Indian ambassador Vipul at a ceremony.

MES Indian School hosted its maiden TEDx youth event which also included the audience from MESIS, the other school under the same management.The speakers were Pramod Janardhan Shetty, Naureen Youssef, Jeacim Francis Adaya and Trivikram Sunil. MES principal Dr Hameeda Kadar gave the opening speech.Academics director and cultural and co-curricular activities deputy director Ashraf Sharafudheen P T presented mementos to the speakers.Off-campus division administrator and Students External Activities chief co-ordinator Manmmadhan Mambally highlighted the efforts from obtaining the TEDx licensing, to execution of the event, by the members of the organising committee that included MES Grade XII students Alen Thomas, Johann Cherian George, Johan Thomas, Arundhathi, Rene, Rajalakshmy, Liana Jermy, Afiya Haroon and Vasudev.

DPS - Modern Indian School, conducted an Islamic Studies Tasbeeh-making activity in a kindergarten glass, which included Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The primary goal was to familiarise young students with Tasbeeh and Dhikr, while promoting fine motor skills, creativity, and cultural awareness. The teacher introduced Tasbeeh and Dhikr, explaining their significance in Islamic culture. The students chose their favourite colours and carefully strung the beads, all while reciting Dhikr. The students gifted their beautifully crafted Tasbeeh to the principal, vice principal, headmistress and the Department of Islamic Studies. This activity created an inclusive, respectful classroom environment and deepened the students' understanding of cultural and religious practices.

With an objective to honour and acknowledge the students of Classes XI and XII, who excelled with their outstanding academic performance, MES Indian School conducted a Blue and Green card awarding ceremony during the morning assembly. Students who scored above 90% were honoured with green card status and those with 80% to 89% with blue card certificates.

The 4th edition of the Inter-school competition, Scintilla, organised by Rajagiri Public School (RPS), brought together about 450 participants from 19 schools across Qatar. Indian Cultural Centre's cultural head Suma Mahesh Gowda inaugurated the event.A highlight of the inaugural function was the welcome address by Nevaa Mariah Bobby, a kindergarten student. Various competitions were held across three venues.

The fifth edition of DPS-Modern Indian School Model United Nations (MUN), held over three days, was attended by 250 students from schools across Qatar. They engaged in discussions which enhanced the learning of intricacies of leadership, diplomacy, teamwork, research work, debating and negotiations through hands-on experiences. This edition’s theme was ‘Global Crisis Response’. The closing ceremony was graced by DPS-MIS finance director George Thomas and his wife. Principal Asna Nafees threw light on the success of the school in organising the conference which ensured equity and inclusion.

A special assembly titled ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ was organised by Grade 8B and 8D students of DPS-Modern Indian School to commemorate the contribution of the second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to the national movement of India. A team of students shared some interesting facts about the late leader and another presented a patriotic song. Guest speaker Ameer Khan gave a motivational speech. Vice-principal Hyacinth Mary Cruz and activity, academic co-ordinators appreciated the efforts of the students. The assembly was conducted under the guidance of C S Rajyalakshmi and Piali Biswas.

A group of students from Noble International School (NIS) went on an edutainment trip to the US. At Kennedy Space Centre, Orlando, the students completed a short-term course on Astro robotics offered by Nasa, witnessed a satellite launch and interacted with an astronaut. The team visited the UN headquarters. They saw the White House, The Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, War Memorials, Statue of Liberty, Aerospace museum and toured Disney Land, Universal Studios and the Niagara Falls.

A total of 13 schools participated in a training programme hosted by MES Indian School in association with Qatar Scouts and Guides for boys’ scouts.Addressing the gathering, principal Dr Hameeda Kadar, complimented the role played by the Scouts and Guides in the promotional activities of the school and added that scouting develops self-knowledge and the need to explore, discover the world beyond the classroom. Scout Association Commissioner Jassim al-Hardan, scout activity experts Hamad Yousef al-Amri, Ahmed Khamis B al-Yousef, Yacub al-Thamimi, Ganim al-Kwari, Hezam Nagi Hezam al-Masleh, Muna Jumah al-Mansouri, Sana Sulthan and expat schools co-ordinator Paramjeet Kaur Bhullar were present.The sessions focused on concepts such as promise, law, scarf folding, salute and camping equipment. Nesseem Health Care and Community Police undertook an initiative to create awareness among the Scouts. The day also witnessed an exhibition by MES students on Qatar culture.The guides in charge Asha V Nair welcomed the gathering. Mary Jainsha compered the programme and overall in charge Rajesh proposed a vote of thanks.

Noble International School (NIS) organised a special assembly to honour best students from Grades IV-XII who have shown an unwavering commitment to reading and a passion for exploring the world through books. The ‘Blooming Reader of the Month’ event saw the achievers presented with certificates of recognition and badges.

Five students of MES Indian School won prizes in the Hindi International RajBhasha Utsav 2023, organised by ‘Bharti Bhasha Samvardhan Sansthan’ under the patronage of the Embassy of India.The online international literary event in Hindi language was conducted for students from classes 1-10 from September 17-October 2. Sara Muztaba (10-M) bagged the first prize in Hindi Sulekh, Manual Melwyn (4-J) and Vedha Virender Redkar (9-P) secured second position in Poem Writing and Hindi Sulekh contests, respectively. Farha Rashid Momin (9-S) and Viashavi Rahul Shah (8-P) secured third position in Hindi Sulekh and Original Poem writing contests, respectively. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated the winners.

Over 100 students from 14 Indian schools participated in an inter-school dance competition organised by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the embassy of India.The competition had performances from three solo classical dance forms (Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam) and a group competition for Indian folk songs. The judges, Dr Gayathri Subramanian and Rekha Sathish, were specially flown in from India.Dr Manisha Tandale, wife of Indian embassy first secretary Dr Vaibhav Tandale, was the guest of honour. ICC’s head of school activities Shantanu Deshpande, welcomed the gathering. ICC president A P Manikantan described the event as a dream project. Vice-president Subramanya Hebbagelu proposed a vote of thanks.Cultural activities head Sumaa Gowda anchored the event proceedings. Organising committee chairman P N Baburajan, Indian Sports Centre president E P Abdul Rahman, ICC general secretary Mohan Kumar and other community leaders were in attendance along with students, parents, school co-ordinators and teachers.

The water bell break, instituted in MES Indian School since 2018, has been effectively encouraging students to drink water during school hours.Among other benefits, it helps students to concentrate, elevate their physical activity, and reduce the frequency of illness.According to the programme, a short bell is scheduled at 11am to help students replenish themselves, in the presence of the teacher, by drinking water carried by them in water bottles.Drinking sufficient water in the daytime significantly impacts students’ improved health and cognition performance.“Adequately hydrated during school hours would enable the children to keep them in their readiness besides improving their energy level and brain functioning, which eventually boost them to perform better at all levels,” principal Dr Hameeda Kadar said.

Three Class 12 students of Birla Public School (BPS) - Jai Aadithya, Nihal Ashik and Hanish Abdulla - released a guide to Robotics by presenting the first copy to Indian ambassador Vipul at a ceremony at the embassy.Becoming a Maker, A Condensed Introduction to Hobby Robotics delves into core concepts such as kinematics, sensors, actuators and programming languages, and establishes a robust foundation for understanding the principles that govern robotic motions and interactions.The guide further provides hands-on experiences, allowing aspirant roboticists to design, build, and program their robots. There are step-by-step instructions and images. The trio, each 17-year-old, are co-founders of Panatex, a tech organisation to bolster robotics enthusiasts, and have bagged Rs150,000 in Indian national-level engineering contests. Jai Aadhithya and Nihal Ashik, both based in Qatar, have also ventured into micro-robotic cancer research.The book is set to make its appearance on Amazon, in addition to various brick-and-mortar bookstores, a statement added.

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) has joined Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s ‘My Values My Identity’ project, aimed to enhance national identity and Qatari culture in private schools and kindergartens.Under the theme, ‘Me and My Neighbours’, the nursery teachers came up with the idea of ‘Sip of Delight’ activity.The students were instructed to prepare lemonade, a skill they had learned in the school’s Little Chef Club activity.They were then encouraged to share the lemonade with their neighbours.In order to document the experience, parents were asked to take photos of their children while they shared the lemonade and e-mail them to the class teacher. This activity not only helped the students to learn but also provided them with a delightful opportunity to create and share something with their neighbours.The main objective was to teach the students the importance of being good neighbours and to foster qualities such as empathy, co-operation, and social responsibility.The activity also introduced the students to Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3.