Ritanjali Hastir, Associate Editor, 26th September, 2015, Shimla
As the years is about to end before the students of Auckland House School Girls head home for their Autumn Break, but only after exuberant and lively Annual Day Celebrations in the school here today. The event started with the welcoming of the chief guest Rev P. K. Samantaroy, Moderator, Church of Punjab North India, Bishop, Diocese of Amritsar and Chairman, who was accompanied by other distinguished guests including Rev. Lily Samantaroy, Administrator, Diocese of Amritsar, Rev. Ayub Daniel, Rev. Mushtaq A. Malk, Daniel B. Das, Dr. Amrita Dass and Dr. Girte Derick Engles, Members of the School Board of Governors and Michael John, Principal, Auckland House School for Boys, by the Director Principal Sunita John. The morning began with an opening hymn Land of Our Birth followed by the annual report by the principal.
During the report it was highlighted that this year 91 students appeared for ICSE Boards and 67 for the ISC Examination. The result was a cent per cent with 95 per cent by Sonali Negi and Kriti Sharma at the ICSE Level. 67 children appeared for the ISC examination and the highest percentage in the Science stream was 91.25 per cent with 92.75 per cent in Commerce and 96.25 per cent in Humanities. The subject-wise highest in English being 94, Physics – 92, Chemistry – 90, Biology – 95, Maths 90, Commerce 94, Accounts – 88, Economics – 96, Music – 95, Psychology – 97, Computer Science – 99, History – 92, Political Science – 96 and Sociology – 99. At the ICSE level subject wise highest were English – 94, Hindi – 99, Punjabi – 94, Maths – 94, Science – 95, Social Studies – 95, Computer Science -97, Physical Education – 95 and Economics – 94.
School Head Girl – Zodinthari shared her experience as a student of Auckland House School and reflected on the years spent which made her a better person with each passing day. She was overwhelmed with joy and sorrow at same time as her beautiful journey was almost on the verge of its completion. She left a beautiful message for the young students that they should never say die and continue to strive hard as no goal is impossible to achieve.
While speaking on the occasion Rev Samantaroy emphasized on the role of education and school in life of an individual. He stressed on the need for being more empathetic and compassionate towards other human beings which is disappearing in current times.
Then came a turn for prize distribution – Reynoo Mathur Memorial Scholarship was shared by Teiashvi Panwar of Nursery B and Prerna Verma, Form II. Late Mr. Arian Singh and Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Batra Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Himanshi Sharma of Form X, for being adjudged the Best All Rounder of the Year. Oshima Mogta, Meyanka Chauhan, Avleen Mander, Devina Thakur, Arzoo Shyam, Sagarika Kalta, Nachakon, Ayushi Thakur, Anam Gulzar, Lalremruati were recipients of this scholarship for Excellence in Extra Curricular Activities. The Hazrat Maulana Syed Rahmani Scholarship was shared by Anshita Sood of Form IX B, Tanya Modi of Form XI, Yachna Sharma of Form IV and Sharlene of Form VII. The Indira Shandil Memorial Scholarship for being the Best in English was shared by Keny Dulom, Amisha Nanda, lnayat Gill and Glory Kaushik of Form XII. Apart from this the School disbursed scholarships and freeships worth Rs.29,35,371/- and above to deserving students, both in the Girls and Boys Schools. The much coveted Auktimus Merit Scholarship was won by Prakriti of Form VII. The winner of this scholarship is awarded one year’s tuition fee i.e. a sum of Rs.21,000/-.
After a vote of thanks a school song was sung which was followed by a variety of cultural program.
The opening Hymn You are Beautiful and other songs like Lean On Me and Mr. Postman won hearts of all and lifted up the spirits whereas on the other hand Classical dance and Indian Music Orchestra mesmerized all. The highlight of the event was a rocking performance of Sweet Child of Mine by the school rock band SHELZ.
Students made spectators giggle with their acting skills through a play titled The Sound of Music –A Musical. The play depicted the story of Maria, a free-spirited young Austrian woman studying to become a nun at Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg in 1938. Her love of music and the mountains, her youthful enthusiasm and imagination, and her lack of discipline causes some concern among the nuns. The Mother Abbess, believing Maria would be happier outside the Abbey, sends her to the villa of a retired naval officer Captain Georg von Trapp to be the governess to his seven children—Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl. The Captain has been raising his children alone using strict military discipline following the death of his first wife. At first, the children treat Maria as they did their former governesses — playing tricks on her as a way of gaining their father’s attention. Maria responds with kindness and patience, and soon the children come to trust and respect her.
The play left everyone in good humour and on a happy note as the event was drawing to a conclusion. As the wedding bells rang finally came turn of the national anthem and everyone left the hall with smiles on their faces.
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