SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 2020-2021 LOWER SECONDARY SECTION
Transcript of SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 2020-2021 LOWER SECONDARY SECTION
THE FROEBEL’S
SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
2020-2021
LOWER
SECONDARY
SECTION
Message by the Headmistress
Dear Parents and students,
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
I hope you all are in the best of your health and spirit, Ameen.
The year 2020 – 2021 was a very challenging year for parents and the school but particularly
for our students. However with your support, our students’ motivation and the dedication of
our teachers, we managed to overcome all obstacles and limitations. Our teachers used
multiple strategies to make Distance Learning Program (DLP) meaningful and fun for all
learners via PPT’s, prerecorded lectures, online competitions and a range of e-learning tools.
I would like to thank you – the parents, for your continued cooperation and
support with The Froebel’s School. We believe that teaching, learning and
experience is only possible through the constant link between students,
teachers and parents.
We are proud to say that The Froebel’s School has gone beyond all boundaries to set
up their buildings in the most organized manner with all SOPs being followed, preference on
complete hygienic conditions and trained staff to follow day to day requirements. We have
also facilitated each child through study packs, art packs, written tasks and online teaching
as per government regulations throughout this year.
At The Froebel’s School we managed to cover most of the syllabus in major subjects at each
level, despite of the obstacles of online teaching. However we missed the physical presence
of our students during the lock downs.
Highlights of the academic year was the Universal children’s day celebration, Pakistan Day
assembly presentation and many such activities where our students had great fun and
showcased their talents.
Let us all hope and pray that 2021-2022 will be a better year. All staff at Froebel’s School is
now 100% vaccinated and the role being played in controlling the virus by the government
seems to be bearing fruit. Hopefully we will resume with a new normal in the coming academic
year. I am personally looking forward to welcoming each child At Lower Secondary Section in
his / her class, praying that tomorrow is brighter than yesterday for each passing day.
With love and respect for the past, we as a community face our new beginnings and journeys
with anticipation, optimism, enthusiasm and care for each other — creating our own New
Normal.
- Brenda S. Levya-Gardne
Best wishes and prayers,
Maimona Fahim Zuberi
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever: The COVID-19 has resulted in schools closure all across the world. Globally, over 1.2 billion
children are out of the classrooms. As a result, education has changed dramatically, with the
distinctive rise of e-learning.
Online learning is an educational process which takes place over the Internet as a form of
distance education. Distance education becomes ubiquitous as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic during 2020. The Froebel’s School tries its level best to reduce the communication
gap between the teacher and the student.
Online learning faces many challenges ranging from learners’ issues, educators’ issues, and
content issues. It is a challenge for us to engage students and make them participate in the
teaching–learning process. It is a challenge for teachers to move from on-site mode to online
mode, changing their teaching methodologies and managing their time. It is challenging to
develop content which not only covers the curriculum but also engages the students.
Practice makes a man perfect is a famous and very true proverb. Students and teachers
never really practiced e-learning. This unprecedented time has taught us that everything is
unpredictable and we need to be ready to embrace changes.
Virtual Orientation:
To start the new session 2020-2021 virtually, the Sectional Heads and teachers gave their
virtual introduction through short video clips uploaded in the respective group of students.
In these video clips the sectional heads and teachers gave a little glimpse of their
personality by sharing a couple of details about their educational background, subject,
teaching certificates, hobbies and other etc.
This introduction helped in transition from the classroom to teaching online by focusing on
the fundamentals of online teaching as learning is an ongoing process that never ends. The
main purpose of a good orientation session is to bridge the gap between the teachers and the
students, ensuring a smooth communication between the two.
Independence Day Virtual Celebrations: The Independence Day of Pakistan has always been celebrated with patriotic zeal at The
Froebel’s School. In the new normal of online schooling during the pandemic, school
celebrated the Independence Day virtually. Despite the unprecedented situation this year,
we painted the virtual world in green and white on August 14, 2020.
Details of the Independence Day program are as follows:
● Independence Day was celebrated live via face book for first time in the history of
The Froebel’s School.
● The school live-streamed the celebrations on face book in the presence of our
respected Principal, teachers and other staff members by following adequate safety
measures and following social distancing.
● After the flag hoisting ceremony everyone saluted the flag and then sang the National
Anthem.
● Teachers themselves represented a lively program by taking part in skits, national
songs, speeches and other competitions.
● Students along with their parents, thoroughly enjoyed the day by watching live
streaming of the program on face book.
● Students also took part in the celebrations by dressing up in green, displaying their
creativity through online poster making, singing, speeches and art activities. Art packs were
provided by the school for students to perform art work which was shared on Google Class.
● This program was the most memorable one for our children.
Islamic New Year greetings and pledges by the teachers:
The end of each year is actually the
beginning for a new one.
Muharram is the first month of the
Islamic lunar calendar. Every new
Hijri year is a time to review one’s
deeds and relationship with Allah
and with people. To mark the
beginning of the Hijri New Year,
teachers at The Froebel’s School
wished their students a peaceful and
successful Hijri New Year. They also
shared their pledges and new year
resolutions with the students
through recorded video clips uploaded on GCR. Google Classroom
Defence Day:
We at The Froebel’s School believe in educating our students about the important events
which shaped our country 6th September commemorates the day when the Pakistani armed
forces successfully defended the attack of the Indian
military in the Indo-
Pakistan War of
1965. We celebrate,
this day via DLP
session on 06th
September 2020 at
9:00 a.m.
Presentation on“
Youm-e-Difah” was
shared with the
students and a quiz
was held in this
regard.
Teacher’s Day celebraTion:
“In this crisis, teachers have shown, as
they have done so often, great leadership
and innovation in ensuring that
#LearningNeverStops, that no learner is
left behind. Around the world, they have
worked individually and collectively to find
solutions and create new learning
environments for their students to allow
education to continue. Their role advising
on school reopening plans and supporting
students with the return to school is just
as important.”
Teacher’s Day is celebrated annually on 5th
October all around the globe. This year we
celebrated Teacher’s Day with a theme
“Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining
the future” The COVID-19 pandemic has
significantly added to the challenges faced
by already over-extended education
systems throughout the world.
It is no exaggeration to say that the world
is at a crossroads and, now more than ever,
we must work with teachers to protect the
right to education and guide it into the
unfolding landscape brought about by the
pandemic.
Recalling the appreciative moments of this
day, School was decorated with buntings,
banners. The best part of the day was
when teachers received Teacher’s Day
cards from our adorable students it was
like cherry on top. We clicked pictures and
saved the day with beautiful memories for
ever.
Indeed being a teacher is not an easy task
at all, but with passion and enthusiasm we
proved that we teachers can face and
accomplish any kind of situation ☺
CHALLENGES OF VIRTUAL LEARNING AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: As a result of the global closure of schools in order to curb rapid transmission of Covid-19,
the school once again switched instructional activities to remote learning platforms.
Some of the most common challenges that institutions faced in general during online learning
are as follows:
● Technical issues.
● Distractions and time management.
● Staying motivated.
● Understanding course expectations.
● Lack of in-person interaction.
Alhamdulillah, our team managed to overcome all of these complications by taking the
following measures:
● Schedule time for learning by sticking to a particular study plan.
● Setting up a good learning environment.
● Have a reliable internet connection.
● Teachers actively participating during online classes.
Getting ready for the new session: The school management ensured to take all the measures before the reopening. New
furniture was placed and all the necessary renovation was made. Following steps were taken
for the complete disinfection and reduction of risk of COVID infection:
● Installation of sanitizer dispensers.
● Sitting arrangement with proper distance
● Disinfection of the furniture and floor at regular intervals.
● Cards depicting the precautionary measures against COVID and Supplication for
protection were placed in every class.
● The whole building was renovated which included a new basketball court and wall art
for students.
1st Physical opening of the school:
The first physical
reopening of the school took place on 12 Oct 2020. The students were welcomed with a bars
of chocolate and badges on the entrance. As schools reopen, it’s important that precautions are taken both inside and outside the
classroom to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Following points were kept under
consideration:
Physical distancing at school:
● Maintenance of distance of at least 1 metre between everyone present at school.
● Increased desk spacing.
● Encouraging students not to gather and socialize in big groups upon leaving school
grounds.
Practicing health and hand hygiene :
Reinforcement of frequent handwashing and sanitation. Even with clean hands students were
discouraged to touch their eyes, nose and mouth.
IKMC 2020: The International Association “Kangourou Sans Frontières” is responsible for organizing the
world-wide event “International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest” (IKMC). The contest’s main
purpose is to promote mathematical thinking and stimulate an interest in math by providing
students with an opportunity to broaden their minds and compare their abilities against the
abilities of other students across the world. The 30th IKMC took place on 7-8 October and
Froebelians participated enthusiastically. Our student Eisha Mustafa of Grade VII secured a
Bronze Medal.
Seerah Week: The Froebel’s School arranged an exciting week of activities
and events in honour of Our Beloved Messenger Prophet
Muhammad (S.A.W). The aim of the Seerah week was to
encourage the students to appreciate the legacy the
Messenger of Allah has left behind and understand why he is
deserving of our utmost love and devotion. The teachers
prepared different soft boards and a Seerah Corner
depicting different Seerah was also set up. The Froebelians
participated in different hands on activities like Talbeena
making and Miswaak activity. The benefits of Sunnah food,
Sunnah’s of sleeping and Sunnah’s of drinking water
were shared in the assembly presentation.
Iqbal Day: سے ویراں کِشت اپنی اقبال ناامید ہے نہیں ساقی ہے زرخیز بڑی مٹی یہ تو ہو نم ذرا
Iqbal Day (Urdu: یوم اقبال; Yom-e Iqbal) is the birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal (R.A) on 9th.
November. The day was a public holiday in all provinces and federal administrative areas of
Pakistan until 2018. Iqbal, a poet and philosopher, was a great inspiration for the Pakistan
Movement. It has been celebrated on 9th. November every year with great efforts and
enthusiasm of both teachers and students. Even this time, Teachers made beautiful props of
different poetries written by Allama Iqbal so everyone can understand it easily. Teachers
prepared the students for the speeches, poetries and tableaus like:
د کی بچے “ اور ”ہمدردی“ ”عا ُFrom these poetries children came to know about moral values like humanity, sympathy and
respect. This program has been performed twice, first time for the girls and second time
for the boys with strict SOP’s and the reason to perform it twice was same reason i.e. to
keep social distancing. The expressive and energetic speakers told children about the
services of Iqbal and his expectations from his nation. As at The Froebel’s School we believe
such activities not only provide students a platform to express their freedom of speech but
they also come up with confident and responsible individuals of the society.
Universal chilDren’s Day:
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal
Children's Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote
international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and
improving children's welfare.
The Froebel’s School believe that, “All work and no play makes Jack a
dull boy”, so to make children refreshed and away from monotony of
life, we arranged a party in which they brought edibles items of their
own choices and sat together by following strict SOP’s and had party
with their class mates. The
children also took
participation in the Art
Competition in their
respective classes where
they made beautiful
paintings. The Froebel’s
School also organized a
Puppet Show in which
awareness about Social
Distancing and SOP’s was
given to the students in an interesting way.
Different game stalls were also there to recharge their
energies where they were supposed to stand in the queues wearing masks to wait for their
turns and enjoy games of their own choices and those who got highest scores in the
competition got beautiful gifts as well. It was a day full of excitement! Children also brought
stationery, books and clothes for the less privileged children. The school was beautifully
decorated by teachers with theme of World Children Day.
Parent teacher meetings:
We believe that, connecting
home and school makes us a
great community of learners,
to achieve this purpose two
Parent Teacher Meetings
have been organized this
year.
Our first PTM was held after the
mid-year assessments, in order to
provide a decent chance to
the parents to share the
academic progress and
growth of the students
based on their strengths,
needs, behaviors, and
learning styles.
The second PTM was conducted to provide guidelines to
the parents by which the learning of their children can
become more effective. Different strategies to enhance
the learning were discussed to bring the best in student’s performance.
Learning is fun when you are appreciated:
We at The Froebel’s School integrate academics with project
learning to help students better understand and comprehend as well
as learn to design and manage projects. In the year 2020-2021
students of different grade levels were asked to make 3D projects on
specific topics. The project integrates specific competencies of the
course subjects with variety of innovation which not only gave them
the chance to picturize their concepts but also to present it and gain
the art of public speaking.
The topics on different grade levels were as follows:
6th Graders depicted the story of Hazrat Saleh (AS) and,
7th Graders depicted the concept of success mentioned at different
places in Quran.
Students of grade VII were assigned by the English teacher to write
a moral story of their own by using their imaginative and creative
writing skills. As we believe that when we learn with pleasure we never
forget. Students enjoyed a lot while doing this activity and some very
outstanding creative work with perfect grammar, appropriate use of
vocabulary and great ideas, theme and plot were presented by the
students.
Winter Break: The holiday season is definitely the time all the students look forward to. We, at The
Froebel’s School believe that mental and physical health is very essential for a child’s
nourishment. Students were given winter break from 24th December, 2020 till 10th January,
2021 with some fun based activities so that they can enjoy holidays with some learning.
Teachers’ wishes for Their sTUDenTs: Faculty at The Froebel’s School has always stayed in touch with their students so that
children never miss the fun at school and their teachers. Teachers of all the grade levels
sent their warm greetings for their lovely students to make them feel the warmth and
affection of their teachers during their holidays.
Kashmir Solidarity Day:
Kashmir Day is a national holiday observed in Pakistan on 5th. February annually. It is
observed to show Pakistan's support and unity with the people of Indian-administered Jammu
and Kashmir and Kashmiri separatists' efforts to secede from India, and to pay homage to
the Kashmiris who have died in the conflict.
An assembly of the students and teachers was conducted in the break time following strict
SOP’s in which the girls gathered in the inner hall while boys in the outer hall, our Head of
Academics Ms. Maimona Zuberi (Lower Secondary) gave the children the background of the
day and importance of this day and what should we do to express our solidarity with our
Kashmiri sisters and brothers. At the end of this assembly the children held their hands
together and repeated the words of Ms. Maimona Zuberi to show their solidarity with
Kashmiris in Chorus.
Awareness session --- say no To valenTine’s Day: We live in a world with the concept of global village, where the acceptance of rituals has gone
way too far. This acceptance faded the concept of the actual festivals of the Muslims. As
Muslims, we have only two festivals Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. But regretfully, we have
adopted the western culture and festivals and started celebrating their occasions which are
prohibited in Islam. Students at Froebel’s are always given the awareness regarding these
social events especially, the 14th of February. Special awareness session named as SAY NO
TO VALENTINE’S DAY is organized yearly which includes the presentations and some
activities to test the understanding of the students.
Revision Week: Education without the understanding never benefits a child and that is what the faculty at
The Froebel’s School believes. Every year before testing a child through formal assessments
a proper revision week is planned along with revision tests where the teachers give a
thorough review of the complete lectures taught throughout the sessions so the students
can revise and clear their concepts.
Mid-Year Assessments: During the pandemic this year, our school designed short cycle assessments for the first
time in which we examined the vital subjects only. The topics were revised thoroughly during
the online and face to face classes in order to facilitate students. Strict SOPs were followed
by the school management during these physical assessments, to avoid any unfortunate
consequences of COVID-19.
Sports Week:
Sports as co-curricular
activity are paramount for
physical health of the
students in their busy
schedule of studies. It is of
great importance as it
produces healthy minds,
provides the students opportunity
of healthy environment, and incorporates sense of
competition and sportsmanship in students.
Keeping this in view, Sports Week was organized for our young athletes. There were in
campus rehearsals for the whole week and the main event was held in NED ground which
included activities like taekwondo, archery and rollers skates. The outstanding performances
by Froebelians stole the show. The field events were highlights of the day.
Second Parent Teacher Meeting: PTM is a very effective and important way of communication between parents and the
teachers. They are scheduled to review the progress of the students. It is mandatory for
parents to attend these meetings as it is an effective and great platform for the teacher
and parents to share their insights The second PTM was conducted to provide guidelines to
the parents by which the learning of their children can become more effective. Different
strategies to enhance the learning were discussed to bring the best in student’s
performance.
Pakistan Day:
Pakistan Day was celebrated in high spirits
with special celebrations. The assembly held that day highlighted the vision of Pakistan
Resolution. The students enjoyed this day by participating in different quizzes and by coming
all dressed up for to perform the tableaus. Debate competition was organized to polish the
public speaking skills and the winners were awarded with the prizes. National days remain
incomplete without the national songs, so a group of students sang national songs. The event
ended on a motivational note by the head.
RAMADAN FAMILY FESTIVAL: According to Hadith, “All the believers are like a single man that if his eye is affected,
so all the body parts feel the pain, and if his head pains, then also his entire body
feels pain.”
This Ramadan, as millions of Muslims break their fast every day at sunset, some families
faced a never-ending fast. There was nothing for them to eat before or after sunset. In this
regard, this year, The Froebel’s School revived it’s tradition of steering the under privileged
society away from starvation by organizing a special event titled “The Ramadan Family
Festival”, for the fifth time Alhamdulillah by the grace of Almighty ALLAH (S.W.T) at the
high school campus (girls).
This festival eventuated after the strenuous and perpetual struggle of our school
management including our teachers as well as students. Students and teachers engaged
themselves in collecting funds and items including food stuff as sadqa. Rashan packs were
assorted by the school management team along with the senior campus boys and were
distributed among the destitutes.
Keeping in view the perception to “buy for a cause”, stalls were set up at the high school
campus (girls). exhibiting paintings, decoration pieces and similar stuff so that the funds
collected through these goods could be used as a charity for the needy people.
The school managed to amass clothes, toys, handbags, jewellery, and other stuff with the
help of parents, students and teachers to sell at a low cost for the underprivileged people.
The school managed to accomplish all of these goals by making certain that SOP’S were
heeded adequately.
CHALLENGES OF VIRTUAL LEARNING AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: As a result of the global closure of schools in order to curb rapid transmission of Covid-19,
the school once again switched instructional activities to remote learning platforms.
Some of the most common challenges that institutions faced in general during online learning
are as follows:
● Technical issues.
● Distractions and time management. ● Staying motivated.
● Understanding course expectations.
● Lack of in-person interaction.
Alhamdulillah, our team managed to overcome all of
these complications by taking the following
measures:
● Schedule time for learning by sticking to a
particular study plan.
● Setting up a good learning environment.
● Have a reliable internet connection.
● Teachers actively participating during online classes.
INTRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE HIGH-STAKE ONLINE EXAMINATION DUE TO COVID 19:
We cannot ignore the fact that examinations
are a critical part of the education process
and a necessary step in providing students
with accurate grades. Therefore, this
year with the status of the coronavirus
pandemic constantly evolving, our school
opted to conduct online examination to avoid all
in-person contact.
However, in general, institutions faced several challenges along the way. Hence, the school
management came up with the latest high-tech expertise and the teachers ensured that the
set of rules designed by the institution were adequately abided by the students.
However, after experiencing the virtual examination process for the first time, we came to
the conclusion that during a period where in-person contact comes with many risks, online
exams are a great way of maintaining momentum in education and to ensure the learning
process doesn’t ground to a halt.
Annual Result Day (2020-2021) :
“Every single day you are the result of
what you did on the days prior.”
The Annual Result Day of The Froebel’s
School was beheld on the 7th of July’ 2021.
The school held a distinct aura that day. As
a result of the ceaseless engagement of
the Froebel’s team, the school was adorned
celestially. Various souvenirs were handed
over to both the parents and students as a
token of love and appreciation.
On the other hand, to cherish the endeavors of the teaching and administrative staff, the
school’s respected principal herself along with the management team, rendered souvenirs
to the staff and arranged lunch for the employees, hence valuing and showing gratitude
towards their diligent staff members.