Good Schools of India
Joy of Learning Weekly | Wednesday #8
My Good School Retreat
One week feels like a lifetime, an extraordinary experience for many of us, in a world far removed from our own. Beneath the stars, at the forest's edge, in a village just 15 minutes from the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway yet so isolated that most residents have never seen cities as close as 25 kilometers away, this is my India. This nation is deeply aspirational, spiritual, and loving. We hosted the My Good School Retreat in the Hardwar district, our biannual event at Lalwala Mazbata.
Why do we host the event?
Getting involved in community activities is an incredible way for students to boost their confidence and broaden their horizons. These experiences build vital connections and knowledge, empowering them to pursue their interests passionately after school. With the support of dedicated teachers, students can truly thrive, maximising the benefits of both school and extracurricular activities. This holistic approach shapes their journey into a fulfilling adult life.
My Good School Retreat truly caters to the needs of modern learners, providing a fantastic mix of flexibility and affordability. Teachers and students embark on a thrilling, outward-bound adventure while engaging in our unique Special Projects, fostering growth and collaboration! The Retreat cultivates a spirit of service and generosity within our partner schools. We are passionate about enhancing education, health, and the overall well-being of the communities we serve. By providing vital resources to organisations committed to making a meaningful impact, we strive to create positive change and uplift those in need.
The Doon School Old Boys' Society and the Good Schools Alliance believe service, skill development, sports, and academics can create well-rounded individuals.
The Good Schools Alliance (GSA) invites you to join our mission by supporting our member schools and participating in our #JoyOfGiving initiative. Together, we can make a remarkable difference in lives!
Bridging the gap!
The Retreat united students, teachers, and program managers. We bridged the gap between The Teacher's Academy and My Good School, enhancing our ability to offer improved learning opportunities for everyone involved. From Wednesday to Sunday, you now have more choices than ever before. Moreover, we are overcoming the language barrier and eliminating obstacles to embrace the #JoyOfLearning through reading, reflection, and fostering strong relationships among all participants, including teachers and students.
Thoughtful Thursdays: Interdisciplinary Explorations in Art
Brinda Ghosh outlined the session's plan, Subhashish Ghosh presented on art appreciation, and Jatin gave a musical performance. The team discussed the connections between art, music, and poetry, the importance of art and craft in various fields, and the need to nurture creativity and imagination in children. The conversation ended with Brinda expressing her hope for a successful My Good School and the continuation of fruitful sessions, and the team wished each other good luck and continued success in their teaching endeavors.
Managing Pressure, Nurturing Well-being: A PLP Session for Educators
The April 11 Special Projects Professional Learning Program (PLP) session centered on pressure and stress management for students and teachers. It aimed to deepen the understanding of the challenges faced in educational environments and explore practical strategies to promote well-being.
We read books in Hindi and are committed to helping teachers at the Arthur Foot Academy, Sunbeam Gramin School, and our GSA Special Projects. Tune in to SoundCloud and listen to a live recording of the session.
Brewing Knowledge Friday
🌿 A Special Reading Session at the Khan Farm
The book reading session was uniquely held at Khan Farm, near Rajaji National Park, offering a serene and natural setting for a meaningful gathering. The session was designed for The Retreat and included participants from our Special Projects.
📖 Chapter Discussion: Reflections on Chapters 5 and 6
Introducing Productive Failure - opening session for the Saturday Masterclass for 2025-26
What if failure isn't the opposite of success but the very path to it?
This Saturday was not just about reading a book —challenging a mindset. A thought-provoking Masterclass as we dived into Dr Manu Kapur's groundbreaking work: Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. Whether you're an educator, a leader, or a lifelong learner, this session will shift how you approach challenges, growth, and learning. Let's move from fearing failure to harnessing it.
Books of The Week - April 12, Saturday, 2025
Famous Last Questions: A Confused Woman’s Investigations into the Country that Shaped Her by Sanjana Ramachandran, a writer and marketer from Bengaluru. Her essays and reportage have appeared in The Caravan, The Print, VICE, NDTV, Fifty Two, New Lines Magazine, and other Indian and international publications.
My Good School, Sunday, April 13 2025
A day with Shikha Agnihotri, Founder of Right Side Story
The session featured a robust conversation with Shikha Agnihotri, founder of Right Side Story, a pioneering organisation dedicated to enhancing child safety and student well-being across India. With over 13 years of experience, Shikha shared her mission to bridge the gap between policy and on-ground impact, especially in light of a reported 500% rise in child crimes over the past decade despite the presence of 10,000 NGOs working in the field.