In the words of Emily Dickinson- Hope is the thing with feathers - that perches in the  soul…   After a two year pandemic hiatus, hope spread its wings and descended on the grounds of DPS International, Gurgaon on Saturday, December 17, 2022 as the school held its annual winter carnival. The Christmas spirit of joie de vivre pervaded the air, as the school adorned bright festive colors. The carnival titled ‘Carnival of Hope’ aimed at raising funds for Aliya Charitable Trust, a philanthropic endeavor by Ms Devyani Jaipuria, Chairperson DPSI. The trust has brought hope and cheer to the lives of many and provides medical assistance, treatment and support to the underprivileged. It conducts free medical camps and health check-ups for them. In keeping with Ms Jaipuria’s vision of making healthcare accessible to all, a cause very close to her heart, the proceeds from the day were donated to the trust.   The theme of this year at DPSI is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A special calendar featuring art work by DPSI art students and autistic children, was released at the carnival by Ms Devyani Jaipuria. This creative collaborative project titled Titiksha, the brainchild of Ms Preeti Trehan, Director Ishatvam, acted as a symbol of hope for a more inclusive world that truly embraces neurodiversity.     The entire school community came together to put up a spectacular event that saw a massive turnout, including members of the school community and hundreds of visitors. There were stalls with delightful arts and crafts, home-made scrumptious snacks, trendy hair braids, to name a few. One of the biggest attractions was the raffle draw that saw an enthusiastic and overwhelming participation. Jugglers, stilt walkers, clowns and uni-cyclists kept the crowds engaged with their captivating stunts. Electrifying and energetic dances by the students and teachers of DPSI set the stage on fire adding to the joyous spirit. This display of gaiety inspired hope that the spirit of kinship and oneness always prevails.   All age groups had something to do- from the giant swings and game stalls for children to apparels and food stalls for the elders, the carnival offered an opportunity to everyone to step out and celebrate the culmination of a happy, healthy year. A complete package of entertaining activities, the carnival gave the students and staff an opportunity to unwind after a hectic academic term.

We are pleased to announce that DPS International has ranked First in Haryana and Gurgaon and sixth all over India in the category - Career Counselling Leaders in  EducationWorld India School Grand Jury Rankings 2022-23 Awards

DPS International, Gurgaon is committed to creating leaders of tomorrow and the Student Senate is one such platform for this to take shape. After an exhilarating and competitive election process, the worthiest candidates for the student senate were elected and they were invested with their new role on Sept 30, 2022, during the Investiture Ceremony.  Ms Abha Adams, a noted educationist, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest to felicitate and encourage the new leaders. The guiding lights of our students, Ms Devyani Jaipuria, Pro Vice Chairperson DPSI, and Ms Aditi Misra,  Director DPSI were also present to applaud them. Diversity, equity, and inclusion, the theme of DPSI for this year, embodied by all the Senate members, were highlighted by marvellous art performances during the ceremony. A music piece, medley of four songs in different languages, celebrated the language diversity of DPSI.  Diversity and individuality were witnessed in the grooves of the dancers of the Talented and Gifted dance programme at school, wherein students put forth an enthralling fusion of classical and western styles. Ms Rima Singh, head of school, congratulated the newly invested leaders with her motivating words and urged them to be role models and go far with fortitude and resilience and by being ardent. Ms Misra led the students in the oath taking ceremony where they promised to uphold the school values and abide by the motto Service Before Self. Parents and teachers were overwhelmed with emotions and pride watching the senate members take the oath. All Senate members’ faces had huge smiles as they accepted their sashes, badges from the guest and their parents.  At the same time, it was a sentimental day for the outgoing Senate who passed on their responsibilities representing transition, continuity, and progress.  The incumbent School President, Rithwik Sharma’s first address to his team was inspiring. It made the community assured of their choice of leader, in whom they have put their faith. The occasion came to an end with a buzzing high tea that gave everyone the opportunity to meet, greet and laud the leaders!

The United Nations General assembly has declared the year 2022 as The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development . In light of the same, students of MYP 2 to MYP 5 of DPSI organized a one of a kind  event : Science symposium titled “Inquisitive “. It entailed a diverse group of activities like Group discussions, Science Quiz, Investigating research questions etc.  The journey of a scientist, where students explored the lives, discoveries of important scientists, and thereafter reflected on their impact on mankind  through dynamic monologues, poems and  comic strips . CAS 9 Unleashed, where  2 teams  researched , collaborated and presented their arguments to evaluate the implication of various scientific decisions . Scientific investigation: Where students made important and relevant observations , and conducted an investigation to validate and justify their observations using the scientific method.  Group discussion, where students dissected the topics given to them, and examine their intricacies and  finally Sophionaire  where students are challenged with questions on  various/subtopics which fall under the 3 sciences. In all, the students' hard work paid off  to spread awareness and share their knowledge and valuable opinions on the implication of science through various creative expressions .

Credit: Saanvi Suri, MYP 4

Despite the overcast skies and spells of shower, sunshine descended on the grounds of DPS International, Gurugram, on Sunday, August 7,2022 when thousands of enthusiastic runners gathered for the Freedom Run in their bright yellow attire, led by the supermodel and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman. In the run up to India’s 75th Independence Day, DPSI celebrated the hero in every Indian who aspires to be free from health-related issues and remain fit. The event carried forward the tradition initiated back in March 2021 by the honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, as a vision to create a ‘fit’ India. Thousands of participants of all ages showed up for this grand affair. The infectious excitement was palpable as Milind Soman and Ms Devyani Jaipuria, Pro Vice Chairperson of DPSI, flagged off the races for 10 kms and 5 kms. To inspire the runners, Milind Soman joined in the run and led by example. After the race, Mr. Soman addressed the enthusiastic crowd and encouraged the audience to make physical exercise a part of their daily regimen. He interacted with the student volunteers who joined him in doing push-ups. Fitness was clearly the mantra for the day! Ms Jaipuria lauded the participants for showing up in such large numbers and expressed her appreciation for their grit and determination in finishing the race. She extolled on the virtues of engaging in physical activity. Ms Aditi Misra, Director, DPSI, stressed on the importance of staying fit in body and mind to improve one’s quality of life. She expressed her desire that the future generations will be inspired to adopt a healthy lifestyle because only fit individuals can become productive members of society. The run brought the entire school community together and Ms Rima Singh, the head of school thanked them for showing up to mark the special occasion and making the event a memorable one

To mark the World Mental health day, the teachers at  DPSI organised a Wellness Gala for students on October 8, 2021.

The days activities focused on three A’s -art , aesthetics and authorship .

Students participated in a Halloween craft activity wherein they carved pumpkins, cooked gourmet festive recipes, crafted Halloween decor and painted ghoulish faces …. Both online and offline, the results were startling and the camaraderie that was witnessed in the art room was a treat to the eyes.

Dancing was used as a transformative experience to add grace and aesthetics to aerobic exercises.  Students jived during a  music and movement  activity that focused on physical and mental well-being.

The rush of the endorphins after the strenuous activity was followed by a calming and thought provoking book reading session by Bulbul Sharma a renowned children’s author. She regaled students with excerpts of her stories and anecdotes. The Q and A round was a resounding success with both the readers and the author engaging in a lively discussion .

The pandemic has robbed us of the simple pleasures that school life afforded and as we gradually step into the new normal world of masks and sanitizers this Wellness gala served to create a happy return to school experience which will be long cherished.

The past year has been an eventful one and each one of us embraced lessons on growth and opportunity with mixed feelings. What was thus far treated as normal ceased to be. We learned to deepen connections leaning on those most supportive of us. Our priorities evolved resetting our understanding about what really matters. It validated our belief in our capabilities and how resilient we are in the face of adversity. And as we adults did all this, our children were watching… and learning. If we transitioned to use technology so did our children. “When the moon greets you to a new day at midnight, it is not yet light.” said Shannon L. Alder. Students could not have waited till daybreak to receive education on campus when technology was promising to offer almost school like experience inside their homes.

They did well to navigate the virtual platform for understanding, sharing, reflecting, conversing, and of course learning.  Many early learners who were to walk into the precincts of school in the July of 2020 knew school only as the screen of a laptop. Classmates were reduced to school uniform clad close up shots of peers who had never shared a hug,  not eaten together at snack time or shared the same table to work in partnership for activities. Yet what they shared candidly was a tight bond with names they heard each day when they logged in for lessons. Voice of  their teachers that was music to their ears. While we worried for their physical wellbeing as they seated themselves in front of the screen, they continued to learn and grow.

They had grown enough to understand social distancing, mask, sanitizer, vaccination as new and important words in their vocabulary. At DPS International the Early Years faculty gently decided to float the idea of revisiting the fun in learning- but this time on- campus. So the school planned extensively to ensure all safety norms were revisited. Nu

DPS International is the Overall Showcase School Winner of the Tech for Good challenge by Microsoft  Its a very proud moment for us.

“Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live” said Jim Rohn, for the key to our future lies in our hands and mind. Wellbeing is a dynamic and fluid continuum influenced by many interconnected dimensions. To strike a balance between key aspects needs understanding of what works for us, empathy and ability to action our thoughts. Development of The Wellness Edge requires cultivation of environmental wellbeing that recognizes our responsibility to protect the earth and promote sustainable lifestyle practices. The intellect needs nourishment too. Critical thinking, stimulation of curiosity, problem solving, and creativity are not confined to the classroom or office, but instead requires lifelong sustainment and cultivation.  Recognition and acceptance of all of our thoughts and feelings instil balance and resilience that support us in nurturing relationships.

We at DPSI invited students from schools across the NCR, Hyderabad and Bangladesh to take part in activities that enabled them to inquire and apply learning in the true context of life. The registrations for the event closed on October 12 while the submissions had to be made by October 20,2020. The results for the event would be declared on November 6, 2020. It allowed them to seek solutions to situations that are commonplace and vie for our attention. The event categories were:

1. The Flower Power- scent of sensibility

Student from Grade 3 was expected to use only recycled or re-useable paper material to create a 3D flower arrangement. It needed to be pleasing and send out a message to reduce mindless generation of waste.

2. Ubuntu- I am, because you are

Students from Grade 4 were to use their Information Technology skills to design a digital poster that spoke of caring and sharing to foster emotional wellness. Adobe Spark is a free online tool that was to be

DPSI bid farewell to the students of CLASS 2020 in a virtual Graduation ceremony on July 11,2020.

To make the experience as close to life, the programme began with relaying of heartfelt  wishes  from the pro Vice chairperson Ms Devyani Jaipuria and the Head of School Ms Rima Singh.The secondary school principal read out the citations and parents at home helped the  students don their graduation gowns and caps in this very poignant and emotional part of the ceremony.Resplendent in the graduation finery meritorious  students took a bow as the roll of honour and the certificates of excellence were announced.The yearbook of class of 2020 was released by the School Director Ms Aditi Misra.

Moving Valedictorian speech and message by Aarushi Bhargava and Ojas Shukla and the thanksgiving by parents Mr and Ms Bhargava were appreciated by the audience.

Video montages of childhood snapshots of DP2 graduates, some candid moments  and the moving speech by the DP coordinator brought in a sense of nostalgia.

Virtual yet connected,.far yet so close and loved ...DP2 the first graduating class from DPSI will always hold a special place in our hearts.

A special assembly based on ‘The Sustainable Gastronomy Day’ was hosted for grade learners from grades 3-5 on June18,2020.  The assembly shared the purpose of celebrating World Sustainable Gastronomy Day to recognize gastronomy as a cultural practice relating to the world’s natural as well as cultural diversity. Students prepared a traditional non flame mango mint cooler that is popular during summer months across northern parts of India. Their focus on SDG#2 –Zero Hunger looked at promoting awareness about locally sourced  and seasonal foods.

A Gond Art Workshop was organised for DPSI students to understand the relevance of traditional art forms in the present century and also explore various ways in which traditional art has changed over centuries. Gond art is a form of painting from folk and tribal art that is practiced by one of the largest tribes in India – the Gond – who are predominantly from Madhya Pradesh. The work of Gond artists is rooted in their folk tales and culture, and thus story-telling is a strong element of every painting. Traditional Gond artists from Madhya Pradesh have been invited to share the nuances of this art form with students.