Welcoming New Year 2022: A year of growth and expansion for Apeejay School, Model Town

Saluting the undying spirit of India’s national heroes, the Annual Appreciation Day of Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar – ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’ on December 28, 2021, was powered by the emotion of patriotism and the enthusiasm of young students.

Welcoming all the guests, alumni, students, parents and teachers, the school Principal, Ms. Sinia Sajith said, “The New Year 2022 comes with hope, it brings with it new challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. We are gathered here today, more powerful and wiser from the previous year, to commemorate the Annual Appreciation Day for Apeejay School, Model Town. It is a celebration of emotions, determination and resilience, as we at Apeejay strive for excellence, independence of thought and action by developing sensitivity to ours and others’ well-being.”

Through a short video, she highlighted the vision and mission of the Founder-Chairman of Apeejay Education Society, Dr. Stya Paul who laid the foundation stone for Apeejay schools in Jalandhar in 1989. An eminent educationist, industrialist and philanthropist, his vision for setting up educational institutions pan-India was powered by the spirit of man-making and nation-building, aiming to impart world-class education to students. “Today his vision has materialised into 24 institutions of Apeejay and we are truly inspired by his dedication and passion,” said Sajith.

Carrying Dr. Stya Paul’s legacy forward, his only daughter, Madam Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson Apeejay Education and President, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Co-Founder and Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, has been instrumental in building the Apeejay institutions. Sajith further thanked Mr. Aditya Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, highlighting how he brings a new perspective towards furthering the vision of holistic education for Apeejay Institutions and Dr. Neha Berlia who has been leading strategic initiatives within the Group.

Extending a heartfelt welcome to the Guest of Honour, Mr. Nishant Berlia, Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University and Member, Management Board, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Sajith said, ‘We thank him for gracing the occasion with his presence.”

Presenting the Annual Report of the school for the year 2021-2022, Sajith stated, “The past year has been full of challenges. It was a year of observation and learning, and during this time, our number one priority was to keep the school open and help students learn. Prompt communication was our focus in order to support students in this tough time. I am happy to announce that soon Apeejay School, Model Town would grow into a full-fledged institution till grade 12, with state-of-the-art of the Science, Arts and Mathematics laboratories. We are currently working on our infrastructure, keeping in mind all the necessary facilities required to grow into a larger entity.”

Academic and Extra-curricular initiatives at the school

To reinforce teaching and learning through pedagogical techniques, the school encouraged students to ask questions, think critically and engage with concepts constructively. Apeejay School, Model Town has introduced a range of activities and programmes to further this, such as Reading Programmes, Special Lectures and Workshops, Spell Bee competitions, Life-skill development initiatives, etc. “We aim to go beyond academic learning to enhance students’ skills and speaking abilities. During the pandemic, we have taken special initiatives towards the health and wellbeing of our students and introduced – Buddy Programme, Yoga Instructor Programme and Emotional-Wellbeing sessions,” says Sajith.

Events and Special Assemblies  

The school has ensured to move away from the pandemic gloom and inspire the spirit of festivity among students. In that regard, Apeejay School, Model Town has celebrated festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday with the students and conducted special assemblies. “We also commemorated this year the 102^nd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Stya Paul, our beloved Founder-Chairman on October 4, whose glory and legacy inspires us to become better each day. To honour him, the school organised a Cyclothon event in Jalandhar.” To awaken leadership qualities among students, the school also celebrated the virtual Investiture Ceremony to identify student leaders and award them scholar batches.

Staff Training initiatives

The past year has been full of learning, even for the school management and fraternity. The school teachers were determined to leave no stone unturned in delivering the quality of education to students. “Therefore, we have conducted special sessions, talks and webinars for teachers for skill-enhancement and capacity building,” says Sajith.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Nishant Berlia, the guest of honour said, “I congratulate the team of Apeejay School, Model Town for their work. I extend a warm welcome to the students, teachers, parents and alumni. Apeejay Education is guided by the vision of my late grandfather, Dr. Stya Paul and our focus has been value-based and holistic education following global standards. In the wake of the pandemic, Apeejay was the first to go seamlessly into a completely online education mode keeping in mind our stakeholders. The quality of our curriculum and learning, paired with the skills and ability of our staff are in line with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). I am proud to share that Apeejay School, Model Town is soon to be growing into a full-fledged institution. Education for us is a social commitment, and may we continue to soar high, and high and higher!”

Post Mr. Berlia’s address, the stage was set for students who took the audience through India’s journey for freedom from the East India Company. Student patriots displayed an array of performances such as one on the life of Rani Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi, to name a few.  

Guests Mr. Nirmal Mahajan, Member, Board of Governors, Apeejay Education Society andMr. Rahul Kumar Azad presented student awards across sports and extra-curricular activities. This was followed by student performances honouring the values of truth, non-violence and simple living by displaying the life of Mahatma Gandhi.  

Mrs. Namrata Sharma, Headmistress of the school delivered the vote of thanks at the event thanking all the guests for their presence. She applauded the students for putting together a great show. She remarked, “The youth of today will become the change makers of tomorrow and our country has a glorious future ahead as we step into the new millennium.”

The day’s events concluded with a ‘Pledge for the Nation’ by the students and a grand finale performance where all the student participants gathered on-stage together to salute the nation.