A Winter Wonderland: Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park hosts ‘Minerva’

December carries a charm unlike any other month — a time to reflect on the year gone by and bask in the golden hues of winter. As the adage “December rewinds and January reminds” suggests, it provides an ideal occasion to commemorate significant achievements and forge lasting memories. Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, embraced this spirit with its vibrant winter carnival, Minerva, a delightful celebration of achievements and festivities that brought together students, parents, and teachers in a joyous atmosphere.

Winter carnivals are not just about fun and frolic but also about fostering community spirit, encouraging creativity, and showcasing talent. They provide a platform for students to display their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with team activities. True to this spirit, Minerva transformed the school premises into a hub of excitement and positivity.

The carnival began with a warm, green welcome for Chief Guest Ms Sujata Sunderasan, Principal, Panchshila Montessori School, along with other dignitaries. The presence of Dr VS Garg, Education Advisor, Apeejay Education, added a distinguished touch to the event. Also present were Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education, Mr NN Nayyar, along with Dr DK Bedi, and Mr Sharad Tiwari, Education Officers, Apeejay Education.

The day unfolded with an enchanting Christmas carol performance by the pre-primary students, followed by a stunning dance performance by senior students, setting the stage for an eventful day. The atmosphere was alive with the energy of fancy dress competitions, raffle draws, carol contests, tambola, and captivating band performances.

Addressing the audience, Ms Sunderasan shared her admiration, saying, “It is such a pleasure to be a part of the brilliantly put-up carnival organised by Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park! All the events were amazing. The participants were admirably competing with one another in terms of presentation and execution. Deciding on the winners was quite a tough call. It is the result of a well-coordinated effort behind such a stupendous show. I congratulate the entire team of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!”

The school also organised a blood donation camp, setting a stellar example of altruism. Leading by action, Principal Mrs Surabhi Pant Joshi herself donated blood, inspiring others to follow suit. The camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 38 visitors and 16 donors within the first two hours contributing to this life-saving cause.

Speaking on the benefits of blood donation, Camp In-charge Dr Teja emphasised, “Regular blood donation not only reduces cholesterol levels but also promotes heart health. It is crucial for individuals with good haemoglobin levels to donate at regular intervals, as this can delay the onset of cardiac issues significantly.”

The camp saw heartfelt participation from parents. Mr Rohit Yadav, father of Lakshay Yadav from class I, shared, “The last time I donated blood was during my college days when we organised a similar camp. It feels noble, and I hope to continue contributing to such causes.”

Echoing the sentiment, Mr Rahul Kumar, another Apeejay Panchsheel Park parent, remarked, “Donating blood is a deeply fulfilling experience. I’ve done it for a family member before, and I hope today’s donation will bring relief to another family in need.”

Regular blood donor Ms Deepti Sardona from Apeejay’s Head Office added, “Being a regular blood donor is immensely rewarding. It’s a vital cause, and I urge everyone to participate.”

However, the highlight reels of the carnival were the game stalls run by students, showcasing their creativity and entrepreneurial skills. These stalls gave students a unique opportunity to brainstorm ideas, set up operations, and interact with visitors, offering them valuable life lessons in teamwork and problem-solving. The stalls, which included virtual reality games, classic cup-and-coin games, and activities like shooting cups or dropping ping pong balls in glass, were highly popular among the crowd.

Class X students Sahil Khan, Arjun Lilani, Vihaan Barbara, and Aayushi, along with class VII student Khyati, ran a buzzing stall with a variety of fun games.

“Our stall features games like Pick the Pencil, Lucky 7, Bucket Bangle, Tinted Marbles, and Bollywood Guess Puzzle,” said Sahil. “It took us two hours to set everything up, and we’ve already had over 70 visitors!” Aayushi added, “The school supported us with logistics, and this experience has taught us teamwork and business skills as we brainstormed cost-effective and fun game ideas.”

The game stalls, meticulously set up and run by students, became the focal hub of excitement and learning. These stalls were more than just sources of fun — they served as a platform for students to hone essential life skills. From brainstorming innovative game ideas to managing logistics, interacting with visitors, and handling finances, the students got hands-on experience in creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. Their ability to think quickly, adapt to challenges, and collaborate effectively was evident, making the activity both enjoyable and enriching. 

Another highlight was the carnival’s food stalls and thrilling rides, which added to the day’s festive charm. Parents, students, and staff enjoyed delicacies ranging from street food to continental treats, while roller-coaster rides kept the adrenaline levels high.

The carnival’s second section, filled with exhilarating rides and mouth-watering food, ensured that there was something for everyone. While the roller-coaster rides added a touch of exhilaration, drawing cheers and laughter as students, parents, and teachers joined in the fun, further enhancing the festive spirit of the day.

 Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park’s Minerva was more than just an event — it was a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the spirit of the season. It reminded everyone that even as the year winds down, it’s the moments of happiness and togetherness that truly make it special.