​What a happening year it has been! Honestly speaking if I am to talk straight from my heart there’s tons and tons that I can go on…and not to brag, but I bet you would ask me to go on and on…
If my memory isn’t deceiving me the year began with a brand-new feel – first year which had the eldest class as G10. We were still reveling in this new experience while as if in a flow we progressed towards the first time ever CAT Elections followed by the Investiture Ceremony of the elected members. Yes! It was an experience in itself; from the introduction of the CAT design to the process of Election to the culmination of the same by the Investiture. This further lead us to a number of routine yearly events and activities along with the academic progress.

But, this is not what I want to say from my heart…for now what is impatiently seeking expression from my mun is all about the SMIS MUN Event to be hosted on our campus in the month of November 2017. Yes, for the first time ever in the history of SMIS our students of G9 & 10 are working towards organizing this grand event where we have invited students from all schools, not just across Jamnagar, but also across Gujarat, and a few from outside Gujarat as well. After being successful in organizing in-school events these children seem quite confident with the organization of this public event. Being a constant observer of their mode of working and preparation, makes me feel like a proud person who finds herself to be fortunate not just for being associated with them through all these years but for also receiving enriching life-lessons through them.

Talking about the SMIS MUN Event – it’s an event jointly organized by SMIS and MUN World India. This is a Model United Nations conference which endeavors to provide students with a platform to hone their nascent skills and broaden their outlook. We look forward to furthering our objective of enhancing global awareness, promoting the power of expression and enlightening students about the importance of diplomacy through this conference. With three committees focusing on a range of different issues, SMIS MUN 2017 promises to be a great learning experience for all participating students from across the country.  
 
A simulation of the actual United Nations, MUN will provide students with an opportunity to step into the shoes of delegates who represent the views of different countries while discussing various raging world affairs. They provide students with an excellent opportunity to hone skills of diplomacy such as lobbying, negotiation and collaborative problem solving while giving them a wonderful platform to refine their public speaking and regular communication skills.
 
Focusing on the development of the aforementioned skill sets and abilities through the concept of Model United Nations, it is a perfect opportunity for students to recognize the leaders hidden within them. With an interesting theme, innovative committees and thought provoking agendas, SMIS MUN 2017 provides the perfect platform for students to emulate real world leaders and solve raging world issues.
 
As we are no more school-going students and as we all majorly belonged to the 20th century schools we don’t stand a chance to either participate in this Event or even witness the same…sadL
 
But don’t lose hearts, the documentation of the entire event along with relevant experiential write-ups shall be posted on our website as soon the event finds its completion for all of you to get acquainted with the same.
 
As of now, so much from my mun…see you soon for more from my mun…

How do we distinguish knowledge, skills, and thinking from….learning? How do we make learning visible, so that we might surface and document powerful discoveries about the influence of our teaching on learners? Most of us are in groups all the time. But are these groups learning groups? When does a group become a learning group? Can a group construct its own way of learning? Can showing children's learning, lead to new ways of learning?
 
Here, at SMIS, we conduct a half-yearly MLV (Funderstanding - Understanding with fun) from Pre K to G2. 
MLV involves demonstrating what children have learned over a span of six months and presenting it in different ways in front of an audience -which definitely include their parents but could also have other people like teachers, visitors to school etc. Other than the presentation of learning that is done by children themselves, we even display students' work collected over time which gives the children as well as parents an opportunity to realize how each child's work is unique and distinct.  Here the children do not rehearse or rote learn scripts given by teachers, rather they engage in classroom like activities to show the varied skills. Comparison is not encouraged.  The audience is not a passive participant. It participates by asking questions to the children to see how far children are clear with the concepts. We also document their work in the form of visuals which parents can view from time to time.  
MLV is an exhibition: 

• Exhibition here differs from celebration, in a way that here the emphasis is on the learning rather than on the product.
• Although “how much” a child has learned is more important to parents, but in the long run “How” he has learned becomes more important as “how much” is content and “how”, being skill based, will remain with the child forever.

Parenting a preteen or a teen may look like a Herculean task at times, as adolescence can be a confusing time of change for children and parents alike. But while these years can be difficult, there's plenty you can do to nurture your teen and encourage responsible behavior.

Following are a few strategies for parents.
1. Role modeling
“Actions speak louder than words”. Demonstration and role modeling is the best way to help children set good ethical and moral standards. E.g. teaching the moral value of ‘respecting elders’ while talking disrespectfully about other elders in front of the child.

2. Showing your love
As parents, our lives revolve around the child and we assume that the child is aware about the same but showing our love towards them by spending quality time and giving undivided attention at least once a day can have a magical effect on the child’s behavior.
 
3. Respecting them
As a part of growing up process, preteens and teens start developing their identity, ambitions, romantic interest and sexuality. This is the best time to give respect to their thought process and opinions to help them build their self esteem.
 
4. Keeping doors open
If the child has the assurance that he/she will be heard with an open mind by parents, it is less likely that the child will end up taking wrong decisions.
 
5. Setting rules in advance
It is always a good idea to set up some basic and clear rules in advance to convey what is expected and acceptable by the family to avoid any confusion or contradiction.

Once More! Once More! This sound still resonates in my ears.

What a mesmerizing show of Ashtotram Navratri 2017 - 18 was! The efforts put in by children were phenomenal.

Festivals and Celebrations are the times which unite the Family Members and create a sense of belongingness in all. SMIS family had the most enjoyable two-day Navratri event. Children across grades were the stars of the event. From dancing to managing to the warm hospitality, I was awestruck seeing the SMISians on toes throughout. Our CATs (Children’s Advisory Team) and the volunteers of Grades 8, 9 and 10 showcased commendable skills in managing the entire event function smoothly.
Recalling the journey to this successful event we all have created lifelong memories of laughs, love, dance and dissensions. 

Such events have always helped us all grow inside out. As we believe learning happens from everything around we have learnt, grown and evolved along this journey. 

SMIS has always strived to set its benchmark higher than before and will always create infinite histories of Successes.