Prayer Service for the Late Mr. Helmut Kutin

April 24, 2024: A prayer service was held for Mr. Helmut Kutin, who passed away on April 23, 2024. Mr. Kutin was the former President of SOS-Kinderdorf International. The service was held at Hermann Gmeiner auditorium at 3.15 p.m. which was attended by Senior Section students and staff members. The butter lamps were lit in front of the portrait of Mr. Kutin and special prayers were offered for the swift rebirth of his soul.

Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, the village Director spoke about Mr. Kutin and elaborated how TCV is indebted to SOS for its consistent financial support since the inception of TCV in early 1960s. He mentioned that even the big auditorium where the prayer was held was funded by SOS.

The school extends heartfelt condolences to his family and relatives for the loss. May his soul rest in peace!!!

SEE Learning Enhancement Workshop for Teachers

12^th April, 2024: The SEE Learning Committee of the school organized a workshop on SEE Learning on April, at 2.30 P.m. for teaching and office staff. The workshop aims to gain insights of the SEE Learning curriculum and intensify the teaching of SEE Learning in school. The resource person for the event was Geshe Lhakdor la.

Addressing the gathering, Geshe la, elaborated the human potential: the ability to explore and analyse, and tendency to regulate emotions unlike other beings.  He explained the pathetic scenario where people fail to deal with the emotions despite having all the materialistic resource for happiness. The content of the curriculum is designed to benefit nonbelievers as much as it does for believers. There was a Q and A session for thirty minutes where Geshe la answered the questions and responded to the participants’ views.

Mr. Tenzin Ngodup la, the school SEE Learning program coordinator, gave vote of thanks speech, expressing deepest respect and gratitude to Geshe la for the talk.

The workshop ended with refreshment at 4 p.m.

The school extends its gratitude to USAID for sponsoring the program and their continue assistance in developing education facility.  

World Art Day Observed in TCV Upper

15^th April, 2024: The school observed World Art Day on 15^th April with a program at the senior section assembly. The day coincides with the birthday of world’s renowned artist, Loeonardo da Vinci. The program aims to hone students’ creativity and enhance aesthetic talent. The preparation for the day started a head of the actual day in Junior Section and Senior Section initiated by the Art Teachers.

A creative drawing time was scheduled on 6^th of April, in the morning at Junior Section to heighten their imaginative and creative power. The entire hundred and sixty- four students of the section took part in the joyful drawing program while one hundred and nine students of Senior Section have registered for the contest but forty-six students have made it to the actual Art Contest held in the afternoon.

The day was marked by a presentation at the assembly highlighting the life of Leornardo da Vinci and displayed on the screen, his two remarkable artworks: The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

The school Principal, Mrs. Nawang Lhamo honored the winners of the Art Contest:

1^st position – Tenzin Samten of class X B

2^nd position – Jigmey Thinley of class XII B

3^rd position – Tsering Dhargyal of class VIII D

The seven contestants received consolation prize. Audience had a glimpse of their paintings on the screen too.

Addressing the assembly, the Principal Ma’am explained the importance of organizing such programs where students get to explore their inner talents and develop them in school.  She urged all to make sure they participate in such programs with interest.

The program was initiated by the Art Teachers: Mr. Tashi Topgyal and Mr. Jigme Tsering. The team thanked the teachers who worked behind the scene and artists for making the day memorable.

The art works displayed in the corridor are truly a feast for the eyes.

Earthquake Drill Day at Upper TCV

4^th the April, 2024: The school conducted an Earthquake Drill on March 4 at 11a.m. The event aims to prepare everyone for earthquakes which is one of the most unpredictable natural disasters. It gives an opportunity to learn what to do during, and after an earthquake. Students and staff members of all the sections actively participated in the drill.

Through the morning presentation, students of class IXD highlighted important information about earthquake with PowerPoint presentation and demonstrated Drop, Cover and Hold On. They shared tipsfor protecting oneself from injury during an earthquakeanddemonstrated how to carry out the the drill when the siren sounds.

“Earthquake struck without warning, but preparedness saves live.”

A short video clip was screened showing safety measure when the earthquake occurs while one is outdoors.  Facts on Earthquake and safety tactics were pinned on the boards of the corridors and walls the school buildings more information.

The alarm for the drill sounded at 11 o’clock. Students acted as directed and evacuated the classrooms when the shaking stops. Everyone rushed to the playground covering their head. The school nurses attended the injured students. The rescue teams were busy looking for more survivors. The class teachers took the roll call, making sure all the students are intact and kept record of the missing and injured students.

The event was worthwhile. Everyone had the feel of the disaster and is better prepared for it. The Social Science Department chaired by Mr. Tenzin Wangchuk executed the event.

The class resumed from 4^th period.

Ms. Sujata Interacted with Teachers of Upper TCV school

3^rd April, 2024: The school arranged an interactive session on Reading with Mrs. Sujata at 2.30p.m. at Deckyi Tsering Hall. The program aims to strengthen the reading practices and promote a reading culture in the school. The attendees included all language teachers, Social Science teachers, the Librarians, counselors and Headmasters.

The school Principal, Mrs. Nawang Lhamo introduced the resource person, Ms. Sujata Noroha who is the director of Bookworm Trust – a library based organization in Goa. The school is associated with her through Department of Education,CTA for she being the advisor to the librarians of Tibetan schools.

Through an interactive strategy, she tried to brain storm the possible ways a child learns so as to read and explained how best we could inculcate reading habit. She stated that Reading is a social activity; a positive culture of reading has to be fostered in community of educators like TCV.  She made the attendees to ponder by asking questions: Do students get chance for apprenticeship? How many adults read? Does the community read? Does anyone talk on books? In groups, the participants counted on the existing reading practices and further discussed how to enrich the reading environment. She called for teachers initiatives to train kids for passionate readers. In gaining reading proficiency gradually, she recommended vigorous Read aloud and storytelling in class and at home. She further stated that human language capacity begins from listening thus recommended to use audio books often to enhance a child’s listening skill and improve their attention span. Considering the rich reading resources of the school she sounded optimistic to fulfill the goal of cultivating a rich reading culture in school.

The Principal Ma’am gave the closing remark in which she extended gratitude to the speaker for the impactful interactive session and urged the attendees to take initiative towards building a community of readers.

Graduation Day for class XII Upper TCV School

29^th March, 2024: The school celebrated Graduation day for outgoing class XII students at nine o’clock at the basketball ground. There were eighty-seven students graduating this year. The students of all three sections and the entire staff members attended the ceremony to congratulate the graduating boys and girls on the successful completion of their schooling. The chief guest for the event was Geshi Ngwang Sonam la and the guest of honor was Mr. Sonam Sichoe, the President of TCV who was escorted by the Village Director and the Principal.

The village Director Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee gave the welcome speech introducing the chief guest, one of the former students who made an outstanding contribution in the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism. Geshe la is a translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He said that event would encourage and inspire all children to make the best use of their school days and dream to complete class XII.  He suggested the graduating students to have a certain plan to achieve their set Goal and make sure to see what is to be done, how it can be achieved, whose help is needed and when the goal be fulfilled. He reminded all to make the best use of their college life and the later life meaningfully with the thought of Others before Self.

As a token of good luck, Geshi Nawang la offered all the graduates a scarf ‘Khata’.  He then addressed the gathering so intimately, sharing his journey as a young student in TCV and later as a monk in the monastery. Her further applauded graduates for completing the formal schooling despite emotional ups and downs and other challenges. He stated that it is time to be smart and resilient as they walk out from the comfort zone for their further studies in different places. They were also advised never to give up when things don’t turn out well as expected, instead seek help and it is fine to pause for a while. He stated how the knowledge on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy helps one face the ups and downs of the life with wisdom thus suggested to find time to explore.

The school captain, Master Tenzin Lungrig gave a speech on behalf of the batch thanking the school for the education and wished the fellow graduates all the luck and success.

Next was the closing remark by the Principal Ma’am. She congratulated the graduates on successful completion of twelve years of formal schooling and wished all success for their future endeavours. She stated that the school had   facilitated them for the good result and will assist further for the smooth transition, for which students are urged to contact the school for any assistance and join the Whatsapp group created by the school counselor, Mrs. Tsering Chodon. The function concluded with some very motivating farewell notes.

The school photography club captured every moment of the events. There were group photo sessions with concern teachers, wardens and school heads. The farewell lunched was arranged at the basketball ground

World TB Day Observed

26^th March, 2024: The School Health and Environment Committee organized a program at the Senior Section morning assembly to observe the World TB Day which falls on 24^th of March. The program aimed to raise awareness among students about TB. The school Principal made her presence at the event with teachers.

Prior to the actual day, the committee collected questions from students of senior section with regard to Tuberculosis and a poster making contest was carried out.

Ms. Tenzin Kelsang representing students asked the questions to the school doctor. The Q and A session   cleared the doubts and myth they have on the disease. The winners of the poster competition held on the theme ‘Yes, We can end TB’ were rewarded with a cash prizes sponsored by the Health Department, CTA. The committee had also put up charts and posters on the board of the section corridor giving facts about the disease: its cause, preventive measures, symptoms and treatment.

The Annual Spring Fete – 2024

23^rd March, 2023: The school organized its annual Spring Fete at the advent of summer season   at 9 O’clock at the basketball ground.  The event was aimed to raise fund for the school Games Committee. The event gives a break from the hectic class hours.  It is also an opportunity for both the students and staff members to engage in productive activities which ultimately cultivate in students a team spirit and instill a sense of responsibility.

Home mothers have put up food stalls of momos, while teachers have set up fun games hat test eye-hand co-ordination and analytical still. The office staffs have set a table attracting audience with an attractive game. The students’ Council had their white elephant sale in the hall. As always the MickeyMouse and Mini Train were favorites of younger children.  Trisong and Trirel House ran the Snacks and fast food corner treating the audience with fresh delicacies while Nyatri House and Songtsen House managed the food stall with their mouthwatering dishes.

The most anticipated game ‘Tambola’ started at 4p.m. The game was conducted by Senior Section. One can sense the game spirit and excitement to win the cash prizes. Finally the winner walked away with the cash prize of Rs. 3500.

The entire event was organized by the school Games Committee chaired by Mr. Dorjee, the assistant Headmaster of Senior Section.

Global Dalai Lama Fellows Visited Upper TCV School

21^st March, 2024: A group of Dalai Lama Fellows visited Upper TCV school on 21^st at 6:15 p.m. They were received by Mr. Sonam SIchoe, the President of TCV,  the General  Secretary , Mr. Choenyi  Dhondup and the Village Managerial Committee. The delegates were then taken for a short campus tour by the Village Director and the Principal before the program.  Students of class X and XII and teachers made their presence at the event.

The host of the event  Mrs. Tsering Dolkar addressed the welcome speech expressing the joy and honor of having Dalai Lama Fellows in school and have interactive session with the senior students. She threw some light on Dalai Lama Fellows (DLF) for the students and briefed briefly how TCV started off from a baby crèche in early 1960s and its expansion over the years .  She further stated that the school continues to engage students in understanding Buddhist values and experiencing the rich Tibetan culture besides imparting sound modern education.

 Geshe Thubten Jinpa, the principal English  translator to  H.H the Dalai Lama and the founder of Compassion Institute took the stage and applauded  the school  and the organizing committee for making the program possible.  Geshe la added how the interaction like that would not only pave a way for senior students to boost self-esteem but also embolden them to be a change maker.  It could be a turning point for many students.

The actual interaction with delegates began after a short introduction of themselves and the work they do for humanity. The delegates seem energetic and devoted in bringing positive change in their respective communities.

The moderators prompted students to interact through activities.  When asked to share their super power, one student said it’s his ability to adapt to the changing surrounding, one said it’s his smile. The Q and A session was engaging and students made the most out of it. Some of the questions asked were :  The fellows of Dalai Lama live miles away in different part of world, how do you keep in touch?  What is the vision of Dalai Lama fellowship?  Who are eligible for the fellowship? What’s your vision in near future?

The conversation concluded with a song ‘Open Your Heart’, a song the Dalai Lama Fellows sing when they meet for conferences.

On behalf of the school, Mrs. Tsering Dolkar la extended a deep gratitude to the delegates for the visit and the motivational, interactive session.

Spring Fete