CLUB DAY 2011 Friday, November 18, 2011

This year's Club Day was observed on 18th November just for one period. The reason was that the school authorities have decided to commence this year's winter vacation earlier than it was initially planned to coincide with the Kalachakra initiation. Our teachers will have to complete the prescribed syllabus before the ensuing academic session ends.   

Actually, the school has many life skill clubs but this year due to constrain of time, only five clubs were asked to present their reports and performances.  They were Western Music Club, Science and Math Club, Junior English Drama Club, Tibetan Song and dance Club. Presentations by these clubs were held in the school hall after the 5th period with the Western Music Club first making their presentation with musical instruments.   The Science & Math Club did a presentation on nuclear energy which was the most educative as the others were mostly the presentation of songs and dances. The presentation by the junior English Drama Club was ‘The Emperor's New Cloth’ which was quite okay. As expected, the Tibetan Song and dance Club also presented traditional Tibetan dance and a solo song supported by students playing their traditional musical instruments and it was better enjoyed by the audience. The Tibetan Dance Club that performed a very lively dance presented the concluding presentation.

The Club Day was concluded with a speech by the school Principal appreciating all the presentations. He encouraged the students to take more interest in school’s life skill clubs as they are aimed to enhance students' knowledge from a different perspective. -By: Tenzin Saldon (Class IX B)    

A MEMORABLE CHILDREN'S DAY Monday, 14th November

     India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was an affectionate lover of children as we know that he used to say, “Today's children are tomorrow's leaders” and children also loved him and called him “Cha-Cha Nehru” Because of his love and affection for the children, Nehru made a formal announcement that from November 14th, 1947 onwards, his birthday will be observed as the “Children's Day” specially in government and semi-government schools in India.

Accordingly our school too, celebrates Children's Day every year with a great pomp and show and the students usually wait for the day to come with great excitement. This Monday, It was Children’s day and because of the recent crisis in Tibet, we observed the Day in a different way.  

In the morning the students assembled in the school hall, everyone curiously waiting for the school Principal to come.  When the Principal entered the hall and took his seat, there was a pin drop silence.  The program began with the Principal's stimulating speech. He appreciated very much the Power Point presentations done by our teachers highlighting those selfless young monks and nun who immolated themselves in defiance of the Chinese Government continuous repressive policy in Tibet with a voice “Free Tibet” & “return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet." The Principal in his address to the students said we should show our solidarity with young Tibetans who sacrificed their lives in Tibet and that we should refrain from merry making for this year's Children's Day.  Further, the Principal announced that there will be a talk by the former Tibetan political prisoner Kushog Bhakdo on his experience under Chinese imprisonment in Tibet, what he did since he escaped from the Chinese death-trap, and what we should do as leaders of future Tibet in a free country in exile.

Kushog Bhakdo took the stage, gave a detail moving and passionate speech to which everyone in the hall was spell bounded.  After his arrival in exile, Bhakdo-la travelled to different countries to let the free world know that Tibetans in and outside Tibet are against the Chinese Govt.'s policy to annihilate the Tibetan people's distinct identity.  Bhakdo la said that the best way to serve in whatever way we can for the Tibetan cause will be to remain in India where His Holiness lives and that he will continue to strive for the common cause as he has been doing so.

After Bhakdo la's speech, we had a short break, while enjoying variety of Indian festival sweets. Most of us were talking about Bhakdo-la's eloquent speech and many said if we were tortured by the Chinese prison guards like he was, many of us might not have survived.   Then it was lunchtime with teachers serving the students with different Indian delicacies and we enjoyed every item of those sumptuous food but also felt uneasy when our teachers served us food, we always have high regard and respect for our teachers. 

For many of us, the most exciting event of the day that began after the lunch was the inter-class quiz on those young martyrs who sacrificed their lives since March 2011 onwards.   The final event of day was a drama presentation in the evening by Gu-Chu-Sum, the Tibetan NGO that looks after the well being of Tibetan political prisoners in whatever way it can.  Thus, this year's Children's Day induced us to conceptualize more about the enduring repressive policy of the PRC and to work in whatever way we can for our common cause.-By: Tenzin Saldon (Class IX B) 

SCIENCE DAY 2011Friday October 28, 2011

Everyone talks about the importance of science but many do not care to look for an appropriate definition of science. Scientists and scholars define science differently, but commonly accepted definition is that ''science is a systematic knowledge of the physical or material world.'' With this concise definition in mind, our school observed Science Day this year.

A fortnight before our science teachers assigned the students with their science project. In-order to provide and facilitate the students with the project requirement, Students accompanied by their science teachers went shopping. We remained busy in preparing the explanation of our projects and then on the day, we all hurriedly went to the Basketball Ground to receive the Chief Guest of the function who was non other than the TCV Education Director Gen Tenzin Sangpo-la. The Science Day Exhibition was arranged at the school Basketball Ground and the Honorable Chief Guest inaugurated the Exhibition. Along with the Chief Guest, other notable guests were the 'Commander of an ambulance' from Wales and his colleagues. They all observed our exhibition with great interest. A student was assigned to each project to elucidate any query on a particular part of a project and we all did our best to answer their questions lucidly for the Chief Guest openly remarked that the students did a great job at the exhibition. The projects were mainly categorized into working models, non-working models and educational technology and so on.

The next event was science quiz in the school hall between the students of classes IX and X. as the visitors were observing the exhibition, the rest of the students were directed into the hall and waited for the quiz to begin. Gen Kalsang Phuntsok-la and Gen Lhundup Nangyal-la organized the quiz. The quiz went on for many rounds and we could make out that each round became exceedingly exciting than the preceding one with cheers for the participants by their classmate. For the audience it was worth a wait, as they seemed to have enjoyed every question and answer of the quiz very much.

The final event of the Science Day was presentation of a skit by some student volunteers on substance abuse and its consequences & a speech by the Chief Guest with his specific remarks on the overall observation of the Science Day.-By: Tenzin Saldon (Class IX B)

School's Founding Day -Athletic Meet Held to Mark the Day Monday 10th October

It has been 27 years since our school was founded this day, October the Tenth, in the year 1984, as another branch of TCV School to cater to the need of the Tibetan Children. And to celebrate the day, inter house athletic meet is held in the school every year.

This year, preparation for the meet began as soon as the announcement was made by the head master. The house teachers and students met again after the cultural meet to do their house proud. The sprinters and jumpers were selected and they trained themselves for a months’ period beginning 6th September. In the mean time the houses also practiced their drill under the watchful eyes of their house teachers. The School band geared up with their instrument and presentations to lead this glorious day.

On the appointed day, the finance Minister of central Tibetan administration, Mr. Tsering Dhondup La made his presence as the chief guest of the day. The school also had the pleasure of receiving the welfare officer, Dharamshal, Mr. Sonam Dorjee La and General Secretary, TCV Head Office Mr. Thupten Dorjee La.

The day began with the March Pass drill, followed by track events in which senior, junior and sub-junior students participated and competed amongst their level. Some of the track events to mention were 80 Meter Sprint and hurdle, 200 Meter Sprint and Hurdle, 400 Meter Sprint, 800 Meter Sprint, 1500 Meter Sprint, Long jump and High Jump. The events like Shot-put, Discuss Throw and Javelin were played a couple of days back on the school ground when the rest of the school was having their regular classes so as to avoid any mishap.

As the Athletic Meet couldn’t be held last year, this year our students were much more excited and enthusiastic to compete for their houses. Each of the houses was sat in their group with their house teachers and resulted in great cheering crowd. The athletes representing their houses toiled hard to win medals for their houses but not everybody was lucky enough. Some won and some lost but they kept and enshrined the spirit of sportsmanship that “participation is more important than winning” and they did stand to it.

This is the result of Inter-House Athletic Meet 2011

Gandhi Jayanthi Celebration in School Sunday, 2nd October

Gandhiji was born on 2nd October, in the year 1869 and it has been 142 years since his birth. He is remembered for his contribution to the Indian Freedom Struggle and the upliftment of the depressed sections of the society through his reforms and education. He is known as the father of the Nation and is highly regarded in many other countries for his philosophy of non-violence.

To celebrate the day an art contest was held by school’s art teacher Mr. Kelsang La for teachers and students on the topic ‘Our Mother Nature’. Students and teachers alike completed their piece with great enthusiasm and fun. Our art teacher stated that the winner of the art contest will be rewarded handsomely and the piece will be exhibited in the coming art exhibition. This is an extract from the circular that announced the art contest in the school “We all know that Art is not the truth. Art is a lie that makes us to realize the truth. At least the truth that is given to us to understand. The artist must know the manner whereby to convince others of the truthfulness of his lies”.

Like every year, at around 11 in the morning, the students from class VII to X swiped Dharamshala Town on a cleanliness drive, with their broom, sticks and sacks to deal with the large amount of unaccounted wastes lying around the street. The school headmaster and the teachers supervised the cleaning. After the service to the town was accomplished the students were directed to the Gandhi Park where they offered prayer.

Monkey’s Paw-English Play by WW Jacob, a Presentation of Class VII Saturday, 1st October

Fluency and glibness in language can be achieved by using the language. Nobody gets the command over the language without practicing it. Therefore with this purpose to train the students over the usage of language, to make them acquainted with English expression and to provide them opportunity, classes from IV to VIII are required to present an English Drama within the time frame set by the school diary.

This after noon the three sections of Class VII presented their English Drama called ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ written by ‘WW Jacob’ in the school hall. The act was divided among the three sections of Standard Seven. Each section performed their part to everybody’s delight.

There were some occasions in which they missed a part of their dialogue and mis-pronounced some words but they rejoiced for having performed and participated in this activity which they thought was an up hill task.

Senior English Declamation Contest Friday, 30th September

The Senior English declamation contest was held this evening in the school hall during the evening self study period. The senior students and staff witnessed the contest.

The topic for the declamation was ‘Substance abuse is a Social Problem’. The Students who participated were selected from class IX and X. The girl students outnumbered the male students in participation. There was only one boy out of six contestants.

Tenzin Sangpo La from class X D was declared the best speaker of the evening for his eloquence in delivering his point of view. The delivery was judged by Tsewang Dolma La, Kelsang Phuntsok La and Lobsang Dorjee La.

Good News! The school To Have a Brand New Building from the New Session 2012 Monday, 26th September

The construction of the new building to accommodate a Science lab, Library and Computer class is at its final stage. The construction that started last year will soon be finished and the school is happy to know that we now could take our temporary classes to a more spacious building.

The old building that stood there once couldn’t stand the test of time and it had to be dismantled to give way for the new one. The constant occurrence of earthquake and Dharamshala being an earthquake prone zone also added to the reasons that led to its abandonment.

Without the generous support and funding of our grateful supporters and well wishers, the project couldn’t have been possible. When this old building was dismantled we shifted the library and computer class to the dinning hall and it is still held there. The school would like to express its heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their generosity and kindness in making this project possible. From our side we could only afford our prayers and good wishes for your openhandedness with a word of sincere thanks.

To speed up the work on this construction, the students and teachers too are giving a helping hand. In the evening as soon as they finish their classes, they would group themselves and help in shifting block of stones and mud.

This new block will give our school a face-lift and we are all excited about it.

Substance Abuse and Its consequences-Art and Essay Contest Held Saturday, 24th September

To create awareness among students on the Substance Abuse and its consequences, the health committee invited students from class VII to X to participate in an essay and art contest. Some hundred students turned up and spent their Saturday afternoon in the Peace Zone expressing themselves on the issue. The students from class VII To VIII made posters depicting the result of Substance abuse and the senior students expounded on the matter through their written piece.

The school’s guidance counselor Mr. Lektsok La said that it is very important for a school to organize such awareness drive, as there were many instances around the world of students becoming users as a result of their immaturity and lack of awareness. He also said that in the coming months they have some plans to organize debate, skit and to invite resource person to the school to enlighten the students on this grave issue.

Inter House Marathon Race-2011Wednesday, 21st September.

In order to achieve holistic development of the students and to make our students understand the importance of physical health, the school organizes related activities like Inter house Basketball and Football tournament. Athletic and marathon is also one such event and the students are usually interested and excited about these events. Last year, due to an unfortunate incident, the school had to call it off. But this year it was held as per the school Diary.

Before the final Marathon Day, students practiced their run and tested their stamina for a period of fortnight. In the evening the students escorted by their house teachers jogged for some miles towards Khanyara. From each house twenty students were handpicked by their house teachers based on their performance and stamina during the practice session.

Today, in the afternoon, the participants and the house teachers made themselves ready for the run. They were distributed their house uniform and the non-participants were grouped in their respective houses to cheer up their house runners. As soon as the race was flagged off, there was a great cheering spectator. Teachers were posted along the road to Khanyara and they were ordered to regulate the race to watch out for the speeding vehicles. The students ran very well. The competition was held among senior boys, senior girls, junior boys and junior girls. The senior boys had the longest distance to run. As the runners enter the school gate after finishing their race, there was a great excitement to see who has come first.

The first position holders of this year’s marathon race is as under-
Senior Boys-Tsega of Machu House
Junior Boys-Chokley of Zachu House
Senior Girls-Dickey of Zachu House
Junior Girls-Nyidon of Machu House.

English Committee organized the year’s most awaited-English Quiz contest Friday, 14th September

In a year, English committee organizes various activities based on reading, writing, listening and speaking in which students get an opportunity to further extend their knowledge and the usage of Language. Such opportunities make our students confident and develop their proficiency of the language.

This Evening Open English Quiz Competition was organized and met with great success. There were six teams namely A, B, C, D, E and F and each team was comprised of two individuals. They were selected after a preliminary round in which large number of students from class VII to X appeared for a general English Test and those who scored 15 marks out of 25 were selected for the final.  

The organizer Mrs. Tsewang Dolma La and Mrs Chemi Youdon La anchored the contest and they equipped themselves with a wonderful power point presentation for the purpose.
The quiz was divided into five different sections. They were Books and Authors round, Poetic Devices, Proverbs and Riddles, General English and Rapid Fire Round.

As usual the rapid fire round aroused the most excitement from the students and occasionally there were some answers that burst out from the audience before the participants answer them and the chairperson had to remind them often to maintained silence.

Girls from Team ‘D’ won this year’s English Quiz contest with 145 points. Principal Sir awarded the certificates to the participants.

Mr. Duk Tsering La in Lower TCV Wednesday, 24th August

Mr. Duk Tsering La the Principal Of TCV School, Saleque visited our school and made necessary inspection in accordance with the school’s guidelines, in which school principals should make a visit to other school to observe its running. During a week’s period of his stay here in the school, he made a through examination of the school. Being a science teacher himself, he observed science classes and was highly satisfied and impressed by our teachers.

Saturday, 27th August.

The staff of the school had the privilege of listening to Mr. Duk Tsering La. In his address to the staff, he expressed that our students were full of energy and life, with an enormous pride in themselves and said that it was a positive sign signifying the ‘freedom’ they enjoy from fear. He said that he was overwhelmed by the ‘Jangshing’ and ‘Riglam’ classes. After inspecting the Home, he felt that the space there was limited compared to the occupants, and even than Home Mothers have properly maintained their respective homes. He also expressed his satisfaction with the cleanliness and hygiene of the school kitchen.

In relation with the school’s environment he said that he was happy to see waste bins around the school but raised a question whether students were using them properly as he found wastes not attended and lying around the road. Therefore he suggested that we should encourage segregation of wastes and teach students to be responsible of the wastes they generate.

To the teachers and the staff, he reminded the three guiding principles of TCV. He advised us to maintain transparency, to keep positive attitude and to give our best to the school.  “Learning Teacher is better than learned teacher”, he quoted and asked teachers to keep upgrading their knowledge. He also suggested some teacher friendly websites.

To deal with students, he said we should understand child’s psychology which is very fragile and we shouldn’t at any cost resort to corporal punishment and that we should educate our children with positive reinforcement based on co-operative learning rather than competition oriented.

Finally he asked teachers to be passionate about their profession.

The staffs of the school were highly inspired and encouraged after listening to Mr. Duk Tsering La.

Commemorating Buddha’s 2600 years of turning the wheel of Dharma Wednesday, 3rd August

The students from the school have taken part in grant celebration of Buddha’s 2600 years of turning the prayer wheel at the main temple of   His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Like all the Buddhist communities across in India, our school too observed the day as a special occasion to commemorate Buddha’s teachings especially the turning of the wheel of Dharma. Our school cultural and religious committee has organized a special prayer service to recall the main teachings of Buddha whose eternal teachings still brings depth of relevance to the current generation. The students from class IX to X and the staff have read the Holy Scripture in the school hall. After reading the text and in order to bless and sanctify every being, the staff and the students took rounds of the locality with the Holy Scriptures on their shoulder. The day was fully dedicated to the teachings and sacrifices of lord Buddha for the salvation of all the beings. May everybody attain Buddha hood.

Resource person Talk -What Is Enzyme? Wednesday, 27th July

Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam is an ex-student of TCV. He has his Doctorate on Buddhist Philosophy and is currently serving in the library of Tibet, in Gangchen Kyishong as a re-searcher and a scholar. He is also an expert in Enzyme (a liquid that is procured after kitchen wastes, fruits and brown sugar are brewed in accordance with its recipe) Dr. Chok was so inspired by this new discovery that he even visited Thailand to get himself trained by the founder Dr. Rosukon.

Dr. Chok visited our school this evening to shed some light on this newly discovered wonder liquid-the Enzyme to students and staff. He said that Enzyme could be a solution to the ever-increasing pollution of earth’s elements and the depletion of ozone layer. He said Enzyme releases ozone gas and that it could greatly reduce the wet wastes that make around 45 percent of world’s total wastes product if only people learn to convert garbage into Enzyme.

Enzyme is used as a cleansing agent and a sanitizer and a disinfectant. It is even claimed that it could neutralize radiation and keeps away vermin and mosquitoes at bay.

Enzyme is also used as health syrup if it is brewed with fruits and honey. The enzyme obtained from kitchen wastes is for external use only. Dr. Chok said that drinking enzyme cures ulcers, acne and heals wound and infections.

Students listened very carefully to the speaker and they were also fascinated by all the promises that Enzyme makes. A large number of students came up to Dr. Chok to clarify their doubts with their questions.

Class III Drama -PINOCCHIO Saturday, 23rd July

Number of students 45

How it was organized:

The whole play was divided into two:  Part one and two. The part one was played by class 3 K and twenty students participated in it. In part two twenty five students from class 3 B participated. The aim was to give equal opportunity to the students of each class and to give chance to maximum number of students. So the characters were divided among number of students. On June 13th the scripts were given to the students. Since then they were taught within their respective class by the concerned language teachers. After 11th of the same month the combined students from the two classes practiced the drama after the class hours. And finally on the July 23rd the Drama was successfully performed on the stage in front of the all the junior section of the school.

Class X Education Excursion and Field Trip 22nd July, 2011

Program: To visit:
(i)         CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur
(ii)        Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur
Program Schedule:
8.30 AM - Students left the school.
10.00 AM – Reached the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur
10 AM- 12.30 PM – Visited various departments of IHBT, Palampur
1.00 PM – 1.30 PM – Visited the museum of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur
2.30 PM – 3.30 PM – Visited the Department of veterinary and animal husbandary, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur
3.45 – 4.30 PM – Visited the centre of Mushroom research and training Centre, Department of plant pathology.
At 6.00 PM- We reached back to our school.

About the excursion and field trip at Palampur:
Field trips with significant planning and coordination for teachers and administrators will have an educational experience that children never could have had in the classroom.
Learning experience such as school trips, excursions and field trips expose children to a ‘real life’ situation of what has been taught in the classroom, thereby learning leaves a lasting impression on the children.
This year our school has organized an excursion and field trip for the class X students to the two the above mentioned institutions nearby.

(i)         CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur
At CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur we have visited the following deparments:
a. Department of veterinary and animal husbandary

1. Livestock production management
2. Animal nutrition
3. Animal genetic and breeding

The children educated themselves regarding the:
a. Genetic engineering in the breeding of cattle’s. 
b. Evaluation of locally available feeds and fodders to improve quality and formulate economic rations with high roughage diets to increase the milk yield.
b. Evaluation and improving locally available feed resources and developing feeding systems for improved livestock production.
b. The centre of Mushroom research and training Centre, Department of plant
pathology
The children acquainted themselves regarding the various aspects of cultivation of ‘White Button Mushroom’.
c.  The exhibition hall.
The students received a chance to see the university museum and educate themselves in the    agricultural field.

(ii)    Institute of himalayan bioresource technology, palampur
At the institute of Himalayan bioresource technology, palampur, the students are familiarized with different aspects of technologies for sustainable utilization of Himalayan bioresources. Few of the areas that we came across are as follows:
a. Biotechnology:
We were explained Plant Tissue Culture, Plant Molecular Biology, and Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. Plant tissue culture aims at micro propagation of economically important plants like tea, bamboo, rose, ornamentals, and medicinal plants.
We were shown the modern culture room and one of the researchers in the institute explained the students about the plant tissue culture and how is it done in the laboratory condition.
b. Natural Plant Products:
    After visiting the biotechnology department, we were led to another division of the institution called Natural Plant Products. We were led by another researcher that informed us about the plant science, phytochemistry, natural colors and essential oil of plant origin and chemical technology to develop bioactive molecules and their synthesis. Chemical modification and formulation of value added products from plant sources for important medicinal and aromatic plants for pharmaceutical and essential oil industry
c. Department of Pest control
The head of the department has led the students to a world of pests and its effects. He showed our students different pests and explained about their life cycle and effects on the crop production.
Positive Outcomes:
1. Interactive Learning:
Field trips helped students interact with what they are learning. The experience goes beyond reading about a concept; students are able to see elements with their eyes rather than reading about it and believing what they are told because it's in print. Visiting a farm and milking a real cow is much more powerful than reading about milking a cow.
2. Entertainment:
Field trips provided entertainment for students. It proved a powerful motivator for students. Breaking away from the routine provided kids with a refresher that might make them more focused back in the classroom. Learning and fun made a great combination. Field trips are considered fun, but the children learn as well, whether they realize it or not.
3. Extension of Classroom Study
Field trip has taken the book learning from the classroom and extended it to life. Students often question the importance of topics they study in class. There are also plenty of opportunities to incorporate the field trip experience back into classroom activity after returning to school.
4. Social Interaction
Leaving the classroom for a field trip places the kids in a different social environment. They encounter with other members from different learning faculty during the field trip. These interactions taught them how to behave in different settings. They employ more self-control because it is a less contained environment than the classroom. It fosters a sense of teamwork and community among the students as they experience a field trip together.
Such educational excursion and field trip take a great deal of work and energy, broadening the horizons of the students is worth it.

Inter House Song And Dance Competition- Drichu House Wins Consecutively For The Third Year. Friday, 8th July

After a great toil and sweating for a month, Inter House Song and Dance competition finally culminated today in the evening with the Drichu house winning the title continuously for the third year.

The school witnessed a great congregation of dignitaries from various institutions to observe the evening cultural presentation. Mr. Tsering Phuntsok la, the minister of religion and culture- Central Tibetan Administration made his presence as the chief guest of the day.

The students performed songs and dances depicting the lives of the Tibetans in the three traditional provinces of Tibet. The four houses also presented Opera which was a complete new experience and to our surprise the students performed it to their level best.

Everybody waited anxiously for the result as the presentation ended. There were many who reckoned that this year we would have a new winner but Drichu house proved everybody wrong. The teachers of Drichu house and the students were jubilant and ecstatic as soon as the result was declared.

Each house gave four different presentations. They were senior and junior group dances, a Tibetan duet songs and opera presentations. The overall result of the inter house song and dance competition is as under

First Position               -Drichu House
Second Position          -Zachu House
Third Position             -Kyichu House

English Editorial Board

His Holiness Turns Seventy-Six Wednesday, 6th July

On this auspicious day, the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we offer our sincere greetings and warm wishes. May you live long and may Tibetan issue be resolved soon.

Today, to celebrate the birthday of His Holiness, the senior students and the school dance troupe were directed to Tsuklakang with their class teachers. In the school, the teachers and the junior students offered prayer and Sangsol.

Talent Night- In the evening, as the custom of the school, talent night was organized by the school captains and the prefects. The audition for the evening program was carried out some days back by the prefects and the captains of the school. A flock of students turned up for the selection but few were selected for the final- the talent night.

The show was styled in a typical television based entertainments in which there are anchors, judges, artists and audience. The judges gave their marks instantly by picking up a placard number from 1 to 10 after each item is presented. As it happens in the TV the judges were expected to give some comments on the performance but only few came.

Mrs. Kelsang Tsomo La on Time Management
Wednesday, 29th June

For the last few days we had Mrs. Kelsang Tsomo in the school, She had served in TCV School, Bylakuppe as an English Teacher. Before she left for her full bright education in the US under the Tibetan Scholarship Program (TSP), she had also taught here in Lower TCV for some months. She is a postgraduate teacher. She visited the school to share her experience and her learning in the west on ‘Child Centered Methods’ with the teachers.

This evening she spoke to the students in the hall, on the importance of ‘Time Management’. She said that time management is very important whether we are in school, traveling or on holiday and that proper planning could save us a lot of time. She stressed that procrastination is the thief of time and that we should avoid the habits at all cost.

We the students learned a lot and felt strongly that we could manage our time properly if we were punctual and hardworking. Proper time management also results in success stories. Therefore planning from early age is an indispensible part of students’ life to be an achiever.English Editorial Board

Inter House Song and Dance Practice Begins
Monday, 13th June

Traditional songs and dances form a great part of our culture. Tibet as a nation can’t have its identity without its culture. So to keep alive this rich culture and to pass it to the new generation, every year the school holds inter house song and dance competition.

The practice session of this years inter house song and dance competition began today with the announcement of the school’s summer Timetable. The song and dance teachers from TIPA as usual were assigned houses to be trained. This year to add variety to our cultural presentation, students were asked to perform Opera in place of group song. The school is now echoing with the sounds of students practicing their song and dance and the beating of drums and flute being played. The house teachers are working hard, trying to make their arrangements and presentation to the highest of standard.English Editorial Board

Qualifying Round Of Inter TCV Tibetan Debate Held-Visiting School Qualified for the Next Round Friday, 17th June

Today the qualifying round of inter TCV Tibetan Debate was held between TCV school Lower Dharamshala and Bylacupe and witnessed by Chief guest TCV president Phuntsok Namgyal La and Director of TCV Gopalpur Mr Passang Wangdue La. The event was judged by the panel of jury comprised of Sangay Tenthar La, a Scholar of Tibetan language and culture, currently serving the Tibetan Library and Archives, Chogay Norbu Gyaltsen La from Peton School and Mr Urgyen Tenzin La from Department of Education. The debate was convened und the chairmanship Mr. Lhakpa Dondup La.

The topic for the Debate “There is no remedy for the achievement of inner peace other than Buddhism” was argued. TCV Lower spoke in favor and TCV Bylacuppe spoke against the motion. Both of the school presented their argument in their best and the rebuttal session aroused an unusual and peculiar interest and excitement from the audience. Ultimately TCV Bylacuppe got qualified for the next round of the debate to be held in Bylacuppe.

Mr Sangay Tenthar La was asked to give feedback on the evening programme. He said that he was well satisfied with the presentation and the debaters knowledge of the matter. Regarding the rebuttal, he felt that the debaters had already come prepared with their questions, which he discouraged. He stressed that the questions for the rebuttal must relate or based itself on the argument that was freshly delivered. He discouraged the framing of rebuttal question before the actual argument was heard.English Editorial Board

Junior English Play Saturday, 28th June

In order to build up students’ confidence with English Language and to enhance their learning, the school provides the students with various opportunities and platforms to execute presentation in the form of recital, debate, reading and one act play, through out the year.

Today in the afternoon, the class VI students presented their class drama titled ‘Barnaby the Brave’ in the school hall. It was a story in which hard work and dedication to one’s job was highlighted. There were many students who participated and each presented their dialogue and action in their best.English Editorial Board

Machu House Wins Senior Boys and Girls Basketball Trophy-2011
Tuesday, 31st May

Senior Boys and Girls of Machu House and Drichu House today met for their final basketball match here in the school basket ground before they left for the Summer Break of ten days. Both the boys and girls of Machu House made their house and house teacher proud by winning the cup. Both the houses cheered up their team and expressed their solidarity. The match was witnessed by the principal and the headmaster and the parents and guardians who turned up to the school to take their children for the vacation and enjoyed it. Mr Kelsang Phuntsok la, Pt Sir Mr. Tsering la and Mr. Wangchuk were the referees for the game. English Editorial Board

Buddhist Dialectic Contest (Classes VI-VIII)
Friday, 27th May  

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has constantly asked the school to introduce and teach their students the concept of Buddhist dialectic and that it should not confine itself within the monasteries. Since the inception of dialectic lesson into the school curriculum, five years have passed. Students who have been receiving this education have become well versed with the phrases of dialectic engagement and its philosophy.

The junior level dialectic contest was held today under the watchful eyes of the panel of jury from Sera, Drepung and Ganden. To commence the contest, the children offered Manjushree’s Mantra in the hall.  The three judges invited to judge the contest were Geshe  Jangchup Sangay la, Geshe Jampa Yeshi la and Geshe Lobsang Kachoe la. They were highly learned individuals with their Masters in Metaphysics and Buddhist philosophy.  

The student participants for this year were novice and had a little experience of the subjects. They were trained by the senior students who first received the knowledge and guidance from our religious instructor Geshe Lobsang Ngodup la. The students engaged in their dialectic contest with great sense of contemplation and with much confidence. The audience exulted their support by cheering their team. 

The position holders were -From VI    1) Tenzin Sherab   2)  Tenzin Choedar. From VII   1) Tenzin Kunsang 2) Tenzin Woser. From VIII 1) Tenzin Pema 2) Tenzin Tashi.
English Editorial Board

Resource Person Talk-Dr. Tsering Thakchoe La
Wednesday, 25th May

The school cultural committee invited a resource person Dr. Tsering Thachoe la, serving in the Tibetan Medical Institute, to offer his experiences and his accounts, being an alumni of the school.

His talk was based on his personal experience and knowledge gained from the school during his schooling. He was II batch student of the school. He said that the conditions of the school of his time was deplorable and there were no proper ground and homes where the children could spend their time happily in a healthy learning atmosphere and that the circumstances now has improved. He advised the students to excel in both academic achievements and morality in the school. His talk indeed helped to enlighten their understanding about the Tibetan Medicines and put much needed effort in their studies. English Editorial Board

TIBET OUR COUNTRY DAY.
Friday, 13th May

Tibet Our Country Day was celebrated in the school and our chief guest to the function was Mr. Tenzin Sangpo lak, the education director of TCV schools, Dharamsala.  Unlike the previous year, this year the school had its focus on the Tibetan Traditional values and system of administration before 1950. The senior classes studied extensively on these subjects and the junior classes particularly the classes III to V were assigned the study of Tibetan Traditional sports for a month in the school. During the function   the Tibetan Committee had organized Tibetan Quiz on the Topics and the questions were framed by their class teachers based on the lesson that was given during the month (11April to 13May 2011). The winners of the quiz in senior section was class X B and from the junior section was class VII B 
                                                                   
An exhibition on ‘Tibet Our country Projects’ was also displayed. Each classes were distributed their spot where they displayed their exhibits with a student elucidating and giving explanation on their presentation.

Throughout out the day, the students and the staff were in their traditional dress and relished on traditional food of Tibet English Editorial Board

Television Helps in Education and ethical development: Junior Tibetan Debate Held 6th May, 2011

Today at the seventh period Junior Tibetan Debate was held. The topic “Television helps in Education and ethic development” was debated. Those in favor argued that Television is an indispensible means receiving knowledge while those speaking against the motion stated that television destroys human’ creative power and deprives one of health both physically and mentally.
As soon as the last debater presented the argument, large number of students flocked to the podium and presented their view on the topic. Most spoke in favor of the topic.
The feedback of the debate was given by gyen la from Petoan School. He declared his stand on the topic by rejecting it. He said that books are the store house of knowledge and stressed that students should build up their reading habit and read a lot of books.English Editorial Board

Junior English Elocution contest held
Friday, 29th April

Today in the seventh period, English elocution contest was held. The students from classes VIII, VII and VI participated after practicing and rehearsing for a month. The class VI students had their first experience of the contest. They were competing with the students of Class VIII and VII.

In this contest, three students delivering a speech, reciting a poem and enacting a monologue represent a class. Poems Like you are old Father by Lewis Carol, Sept 13 by WB Yeats, Load Ullin’s Daughter by Thomas Cambell and many more were recited. They presented the speech of Krishna Murti and Martin Luther King on education, Queen Elizabeth II on death of Diana and of other famous personality like the president of India, Nancy Pelosi. In the dramatic section, the participants dressed themselves to suit their role and they played the part of discontented princess, confused teens, Tom Sawyer etc.

The Elocution was judged by gen Pempa Tsering la, Kelsang Phuntsok la and Phurbu Chokpa la. Here is the result of the Contest.

First position               - Class VIII ‘B’
Second Position          - Class VIII ‘K’
Third Position             - Class VI    ‘D’     

English Editorial Board  

World Tuberculosis day (resource person Talk)
Thursday, 23rd March

Today is the world Tuberculosis day. Dr. Tashi Dolma and Madam Andrea from Delek Hospital paid a visit to the school to enlighten the students and the staff on the disease that is caused by bacteria called Micro Bectium. Her talk was followed by a small quiz on the issue and those who gave the right answer were gifted a T-shirt on which there was a message saying ‘never give up’. The students remain alert and attentive throughout the talk. They participated in the quiz and cleared their doubts by asking many questions with all their heart. They seemed to have enjoyed the talk.

The doctor said that TB is one of the biggest health related problem in the developing countries and that around 5000 people die in a day as a result of this disease. Some 80 % of people suffering from this disease are in between the age group of 15 to 30.

Coughing, regular discharge of bull gum, mild fever, sweating, feeling of weakness and loss of weight are some of the symptoms of TB. People with such complications must consult a doctor immediately and get himself examined by for an early detection and better treatment.

TB affects many organs of our body like brain, liver, kidney etc. Some of the most common form of TB are Pulmonary TB, Hip TB, Lungs TB and Intestinal TB. If a person is diagnosed with the disease, he or she must take the medication for six months without any lapse. Early discontinuation of the medicine, incorrect drug dosage and the patient not taking the medicine regularly could result in lapse, which means the disease causing bacteria could become resilient to the drugs and the patents might have to start again with a heavier and stronger dose of the drugs.

Senior English Elocution contest   (IX-X)
Saturday, 25th April, 2011

After an in depth preparation, the students from these classes (IX to X) participated in senior English Elocution Contest during the life skill period in the school hall.  The judges were Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok la, Mr. Lobsang  Dorjee la and Mrs. Phurbu Choekpa la. 

The winners of the contest from each section are as under:
In the poetry, Miss Sonam  Dolma  XB stood the first position
In speech, Miss Tenzin Dasang        IXB held the first place
In dramatic extract, Tenzin Choekyi IXB stood the first position.

The class wise position holders were

1. IX B First
2. X B Second
3. X K Third

English Editorial Board

Peace Workshop from classes V to IX with Mr. Ross Hlozman.
Tuesday, 14th April

Ex- Students visit school, Share Idea on Further studies
Wednesday, 6th April

A group of young ex Lower TCV students who are continuing their studies in different streams  in different colleges came to guide the students from classes IX –X on how they should choose their field of study after their completion of  class X.  The school councilor co-ordinated this particular event and organized group discussions among the students with their particular discipline for studying in future. The school is thankful to those students who offered what they could to the senior students of our school. English Editorial Board

Disaster Management- Earth Quake Drill
Monday, 4th April

The head master informed in the morning at the assembly that an earthquake drill would be done at any time during the second and third period of the day. He said that as soon as the first bell was rung, students should locate themselves under tables and at a corner, covering and shielding their head, and with the ringing of the second bell everybody should rush to the ground in an orderly manner and a roll call will be taken. He asked everybody to take the exercise seriously and sincerely.

Dharamshala being prone to earth quake, the drill aims to train the students to meet with such a natural calamities if it ever occurred, with a proper presence of mind and courage.

Two officials from the local disaster management witnessed the drill and they spoke to the students about the importance of such drill and demonstrated how one could attend to the injured in such a natural disaster.

Gen Tenzin Kelsang la demonstrated and explained to the students how a CPR can be administrated in the time of need.
English Editorial Board

SCHOOL OPENING FUNCTION.
14March 2011

Our school principal delineated on the importance of the four goal of  TCV school. He described the essence of achieving these goals   while teachers teaching upon children. In Tibet, Chinese are destroying all the Tibetan values such language, religion and moral ethics in these days. To maintain those besides His Holiness wishes that we need to make    a true Tibetan having the spirit of   love and care for others on this planet. TCV aims at producing a   Tibetan who can help the world to make a better place, help nation and help both society and family of their origin.

According to the speech the students need to realize the goal in attending the school leaving much acquired habit of eating and merry making in it.

To know CBSE Pattern with Change in the system. There was a change in CBSE exam pattern what is called CCE .It is based on day  to day  learning  of a student and the pattern is known as  a”  continuous  comprehensive  evaluation”

Promotion Requirements : In the past, TCV had  promoted a student with D degrade and saw  little failure in all schools besides CBSE  gives  importance to the  curricular activities that encouraged them to get pass their exam but  in the future , a student needs C2 to promote  from class X to XI .

His Holiness’s wish to each Riglam in schools. For the past many years , there was a strong desire to teach Riglam among the children in schools with His Holiness’ guidance and  advice but Lower TCV has taken up this teaching with high performance among the children .

From I to V: Learning basic key subjects. The students from the classes I to V will learn and improve the key subjects namely Tibetan, English and Math during the 7th Period   while the rest of the senior student will be engaged in debating in Riglam

TCV Head office supplements students’ fee. The fee paid by their parents was not enough to maintain their children in the school. Therefore the head office generously supplements the fee to the school to educate them. The monthly fee from each student is Rs 1450 and Rs 950 is used for the children’s food and cleaned items .Further distribution is given below     1) Rs  50for  Stationary 2)  Rs 45  for Health Care Services 3) Rs 35 Class  4) Rs 20 for Painting  5) 25 Misllaneous  and Rs  500 for teacher’s salary . The extra expenses were paid by Head office.

Parent’s Responsibility to educate their children.  The principal also explain the need of the parents to look after children and checking their home works during holidays.  They need to see the behaviors of their children from time to time. He thanked the parents who attended the function regularly while some of them did not turn up in the school.

Chief Guest distributed Prizes: The honorable chief guest distributed the prizes for the staff that were completing 25 years of the service in the school and some of the committee’s members elected this year namely Welfare committee Members, and other people such new staff members, the winners of the Tibetan Essay Contest by CTA  1)  Tenzin Dolkar  ( Class IX)  2) Pema Lhakyi  ( 7)  3) Tenzin Kunsal  (8)  4)  Tenzin Dadon  (8) and Tenzin Tsomo  (ext X)  and he also gave  a  reward prizes  for  the position holders  as well as  the distinction holders in both  Tibetan and  English.

Chief Guest, Mr. Tsewang  Yeshilak emphasized  the need of  specialization in education in the current century  and with much announcement  from His Holiness that  the Tibetans  need to be mastered  in their subjects  and enable to assess one’s skills.

Parent Teacher Meeting in the afternoon. In the beginning of the meeting the school principal clarified the need of such meeting and he explained to the parents that it helps the children’s need in the ground reality.
Minim Level of Learning: a child should know at least something from Tibetan, English, math and other main subject while being in the school.  To discuss and strength the minimum level of learning to the children and try to achieve a better result with them and boost their both confidence and better learning.

.English Editorial Board

Workshop: Instructional Strategies on Lesson Plan
12March 2011

House Meeting In Afternoon.  In the afternoon the house meeting was held in the staff room to discuss on two main matters namely   Spring Fete and Index Measures.
Workshop on Reflection on Classroom Thing Strategies in Evening. Gen Lhundup Namgyal la gave this workshop through a power point presentation in the hall. “The best learning takes place when the teacher is quite” . He explained tools used in classrooms too.

buchung

Orientation Program
11March 2011

General Body Meeting held in the school hall in the evening.
 The first general body meeting was held in the school in this year during evening hrs.
The things talked in the meeting were     1) Staff changed in Kitchen.
                                                                   2) Listening students without RC and IC
                                                                  3) C2 can be promoted to Class XI
                                                                  4) Inspection Team to visit schools

. Buchung