- ‘Education brings humbleness….
‘Vidhya Dadadhi Vinayam…’
…..the motto of Air Force School Vaysena Nagar, upon which we build the future of our country.
- Our goal is to transform the boys and girls in blue to young dynamic men and women in uniform.
- Honourable chief guest, Air Marshal Shashiker Chaudhary Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, Indian Air Force and Mrs Anita Chaudhary, President AFWWA (Regional), other esteemed guests, parents and my dear children….. Very good evening and a hearty welcome to you all to the annual day celebrations of the Air Force School. I will now be presenting the school annual report. As of today, we have 530 students, 27 teachers, 2 administrative staff and 9 Multi Tasking Staff. The school was established in 1968 as a kindergarten school and grew to be a junior school later. It was recently in 2018-19 that the school was upgraded to a secondary school and has been affiliated with CBSE.
- School functions under the aegis of Indian Air Force Educational and Cultural Society, New Delhi and is administrated in accordance with the provisions of the Education Code for Air Force Schools issued by the Air Headquarters and the instructions of the Headquarters Maintenance Command. The School Management Committee under the chairmanship of Group Captain Sunil Mahto, Commanding Officer, Headquarters Maintenance Command (Unit) and Executive Director Flight Lieutenant Sanghmitra monitors, directs and reviews the functioning of the school.
- We, at AFS VSN believe in creating a stress-free environment to facilitate holistic development of the children. The dedicated staff here undertakes various activities and events round the year towards achieving this. We have classes from LKG to 9th and we are proud to inform that we will be upgrading to Class X in the coming academic year 2020-21.
- Academics. Education breeds confidence, confidence breeds hope and hope…. hard work leading to success. Pre-primary, Primary and Secondary stages of education are so designed as to bring about overall development in the children.
(a) Play way method is followed in Pre-primary and emphasis is given in developing phonics, development of gross motor skills and social awareness.
(b) Primary classes focus on laying strong foundation of knowledge acquisition and human interactions. Each lesson is integrated with music, art and sports for easy comprehension. Interactive method supported by extensive activities is followed for teaching.
(c) Objective of the Secondary Section is to prepare the students not just for the Boards exams. It strives to serve a much bigger objective of preparing them for the future. Character building and social responsibilities are given due importance along with academics.
(d) We have different groups of students pooled into various clubs on the basis of aptitude like Eco Club, Literary Club, Good Living Club, Maths and Science Club, Sports and Zumba Club, Music Club, etc. All these clubs help to promote teamwork and task accomplishment with a strong penchant for social responsibilities.
(e) Remedial Classes are conducted on Saturdays for those students who are felt to be in need of special care and support. I would like to proudly make a mention of the immense contribution voluntarily made by the team of dedicated teachers of the school. We have achieved 100% pass percentage in all classes from KG to IX. I am certain that this could not have been achieved without the support and efforts of the teachers and the parents alike. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Mohamed Saad of class VII…he is the school topper in the secondary section so far with an aggregate of 95%.
(f) PTMs are conducted on a regular basis to facilitate effective communication between the parents and the teachers. All creative suggestions are taken up seriously by the school management.
- Assembly School begins everyday with Assembly, which is held theme-based and turn-wise by all the classes. This offers a regular opportunity to every child to perform before the entire school.
(a) Regular sessions include- Prayer, Pledge, Thought for the Day, Word of the Day, News, Air Force School Song or Air Force Song and other Special Items.
(b) Teacher’s Talk is held on important days, on subjects which are morally, socially and globally relevant.
(c) SOPs on various contingencies like Terrorist Attack, Fire Outbreak, Earthquake are explained and practised on weekly basis.
(d) PT, Yoga and Aerobics are practised on all Wednesdays.
(d) House-wise Assemblies are conducted once a week, and this helps to promote the sense of healthy competition among the students.
- Recent Infrastructure. This year too, the management has significantly added to the infrastructure of the school. This includes:-
(a) 12 smart-boards which serve the requirement of the entire school.
(b) 200 more books were added to school library.
(c) An integrated modern science lab, set up as per the CBSE norms.
(d) Purchase of students-friendly hexagonal tables for Pre-Primary classes was another major addition undertaken this year.
(e) Provision of new furniture for the newly introduced Classes.
(f) Art room, music room and counsellor’s room were created out of the existing infrastructure.
(g) School office was refurnished, creating cubicle workstation with Air Conditioners.
(h) Venetian blinds were fitted in Classes 5th to 9th and in the entire administrative block.
(j) School undertook upgrading of sports room and hexagonal building used as indoor play area.
(k) A 5×5 feet giant snake and ladder floor mat with 8 inch dice has been provisioned, which helps to develop mathematical skills and promote symbolic thinking of the students.
- Events, Festivals and Celebrations. Festivals and celebrations fill our lives with joy and at the same time instil in us a unique sense of belongingness to our family, society and the country. Young minds are taught about all the festivals of the country and the importance of celebrating them all, irrespective of caste, creed or race. We, at the AFS VSN take profound pride in celebrating each significant day and every occasion with zeal and enthusiasm. We also make it a point that apart from being fun, these celebrations add to the trove of knowledge of the students. Every festival whether big or small… popular or lesser known… be it Baisakhi, Diwali, Id, Christmas, Raksha bandan, Gurupurab, Janmashtami, Onam or Lorhi, was celebrated with fun and frolic. Nevertheless, with the same refrain…. ‘Celebrate Hard and Work Harder.’ A few of the other occasions celebrated include-
(a) Kargil Vijay Diwas. Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated on 26 Jul 19. The programme put in by our students, upholding the spirits of valour and sacrifice, came in for profound appreciation of the Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Maintenance Command.
(b) Celebration of 150th Year of Mahatma’s Birth. As a part of 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth celebrations, various events were organised between 28 Sep and 30 Sep 2019, which included- Debate on Significance of Ahimsa, Lecture on Gandhi’s Life and Vision, Quiz on Bapu, Drawing Competition on related topics, Clean and Learn etc.
(c) Teachers’ Day. Students joined together in thanking the faculties through a variety cultural event. Teachers reciprocated by urging them to reward back by earning name and fame, when they grow. We, the entire staff of AFS VSN express our sincere gratitude to the Unit Administration for felicitating the school staff on the occasion.
(d) Children’s Day. It was a role reversal with teachers tirelessly competing to put up a stunning cultural feast for the children. Birth anniversary of Chacha Nehru was celebrated with reverence and jubilation alike. For a change, teachers conducted the assembly, performed skits, exhibited the cultural diversity through a dance-drama. Students were later taken for a movie at the Station Auditorium. Sweets were also distributed to the children.
(e) Other major events celebrated include:-
(i) National festivals like Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
(i) International Yoga Day on 21 Jun 19.
(ii) Investiture Ceremony was held on 28 Jun 19. .
(iii) National Sports Day was celebrated on 29 Aug 19 to commemorate the birth anniversary of our hockey legend Dhyan Chand.
(iv) Air Force Day and Army Day on 08 Oct 19 and 15 Jan 20.
(v) Fit India Week from 05 Dec to 10 Dec 19.
(vi) Annual Sports Meet on 19 Dec to 20 Dec 19.
- Teachers’ Workshops and Seminars. Teacher is a leaner for life. Workshops develop skills, helps her to master new knowledge, develop new proficiency, which in turn, translates to students. Our school was assigned the task of conducting the Centralised Teachers’ Workshop for Principals/ Headmisterss and Health and Wellness teachers on 14 and 15 October 2019. President AFWWA (Regional) graced the occasion. The workshop was very well conducted and was profoundly appreciated by one and all.
Let me proudly state that, 14 of the 26 teachers attended various workshops organised by the CBSE, Maintenance Command and the Directorate of Education. This included workshops on ICT by CBSE, Neuro Linguistic Programme, Use of IT in Education, Fun Based Learning- to name a few.
- Efforts for a Social Cause. We aim to develop every student into a socially responsible and morally upright citizen. We strive to educate and equip our students to achieve this. The various steps taken by the school include:-
(a) Go Green Initiative. To inculcate in the young minds, love and care for the green cover, which is essential for the sustenance of life on our planet, sapling planting is held on the sidelines of most of the activities. A Birthday Garden has been set up at the school. Come every birthday, one more tree is added to the nature by students of AFS VSN. Vanmahotsav was celebrated from 01 Jul to 06 Jul 19 by extensive planting of saplings in the school premises. It’s very heartening to note that most of the children have now started gifting saplings to their friends on their birthdays. And, even a few teachers have followed suit…. a very good gesture indeed…. worth emulating.
(b) Anti-plastic Campaigns. Students strived their best to spread awareness about the hazards of plastic by holding Anti-plastic campaigns from 11 Sep 19 to 02 Oct 19, with the motto, ‘Plastic Se Raksha’, Swachhata hi Suraksha’.
(c) Swachhta Pakhwada. Children participated with zeal in the Swachhata Pakhwadas and cleanliness drives carried out on many occasions. Cleanliness drives were held both inside and outside the school. The flagship campaign was conducted from 11 Sep 19 to 02 Oct 19.
(d) Anti-tobacco Campaign. Anti-tobacco campaign was held on 02 Aug 19, in order to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and the role of teachers and parents in curbing the menace.
(e) Anti-crackers March. An Anti-crackers March was organised by the school on the eve of Diwali on 25 Nov 19. Marching along the streets…..holding placards and distributing awareness cards…. our young soldiers of AFS VSN spread awareness about the alarming dangers of bursting crackers. Apart from expressing their resolve to say no to the crackers, they inspired many others to do so. Every child and staff of the school can take heart from the fact that they all contributed in whatever little way they could, for a safe and bright Festival of Lights…..
- Other Miscellaneous Initiatives. We firmly believe that schooling is not just learning alone, it’s more about grooming and growing. A large number of other activities were organised by the school. And we don’t leave any stone unturned, when it comes to opportunities for hosting events for the benefits of our students. I shall endeavour to touch upon a few of those:-
(a) Safety Drills. Fire Safety Drills, Earthquake and Terrorist Attack drills are practised twice a month. Drills are video-recorded and corrective measures are initiated. Fire Safety Workshops are being conducted by Air Force Personnel. Teachers and the non-teaching staff are given individual demonstration and training on operation of the fire extinguishers.
(b) Annual Medical Check-up. Prevention is better than cure… And, early detection is a great help in cure. Medical check-up for the children is conducted every year to ensure that every child remains healthy. Parents are promptly apprised of any observation made by the medical team. Every child and the entire staff of the school join me in extending our sincere gratitude to the Senior Medical Officer and his team.
(c) Water Bell; the Exclusive Water Recess. It’s a widely known fact that no beverage or drink can actually substitute water . Sipping water frequently could do a world of good to our children. In order to create this awareness and to encourage children to have water, the school has recently started three water breaks a day.
(d) Road Safety Awareness Campaign. Visit to the school by RTO Nagpur officials was arranged on 15 Jan 20. Lectures and interactive sessions on various aspects of road safety were held by the visiting officials. Similar sessions by the unit MT Section were also conducted on 16 Jan 20.
(e) Healthy Heart Awareness Talk. A lecture by the team of doctors from Platina Heart Hospital Nagpur was conducted at the school on 30 Sep 2019. The visiting cardiologists freely interacted with students, enlightened them on various important measures to keep the heart healthy and answered the queries of the students. An essay competition was also organised as part of the awareness campaign.
(f) Cyber Security Awareness Talk. A talk on cyber security issues by technical experts from Ramdeo Baba College of Engineering was organised at the school on 23 Aug 19. Various dangers looming over the world of web and precautions to effectively handle the threats were discussed by the visiting team.
(g) Diabetic and Cancer Awareness Campaigns. School has recently registered with the Blue Circle Society for promoting Diabetic Awareness Campaigns. Another feather in the cap… AFS VSN is the second school in the country to have got the society’s affiliation. A Cancer Awareness Talk by the NGO- Cancer Patients Aid Society was organised at the school on 17 Jul 19. Director of the NGO urged the students to follow a healthy lifestyle by taking up physical activities, having balanced diet, limiting use of gadgets and avoiding junk foods.
(h) Visit by the Air Force Pilots of the Surya Kiran Aerobatics and SARANG Team Leaders. One of the most memorable days for our children… a day I am sure they are going to cherish forever! On 11 Nov 19, team leaders of the world-fame SKAT and Sarang teams visited the school and inspired the students to be the world beaters. The simplicity and humbleness that the great air warriors displayed would definitely inspire many of the young brave hearts out here to touch the sky with glory with feet firmly on the ground.
(j) Express Well to Impress Well. Many of our young ones have already become known poets and writers…. writings and drawings of our students are published in our weekly magazine ‘The Knowledge’ and many of them later make their way to the popular daily ‘Hitawada.’ We firmly understand that to lead well one needs to express well.
- Visits. Visits and travels are great teachers… they always offer something to learn from.
(a) Visit to Raman Science Centre. Organised visits to Raman Science Centre are undertaken periodically in order to inculcate scientific inquisitiveness in students and to offer them a hands-on experience of practical experimentations.
(b) Visit to Atal Tinkering Lab. Similarly, frequent visits to Atal Tinkering Lab at the Kendriya Vidyalaya, VSN are also undertaken.
(c) Air Fest 2019. Students were taken to Air Fest 2019 held at Headquarter Maintenance Command on 08 Nov 19. It was a life-time opportunity for most of the students to see the flying machines from the close quarters and to interact with the men behind the show. Children happily grabbed of another similar opportunity to visit the IAF Mobile Publicity Vehicle of ‘Disha’ Cell. They thoroughly enjoyed the simulator experience.
- Winners of Various Competitions. We are proud to announce that many of our students participated in various competitions and most of them did well. The list of achievements includes:-
(a) Third position in Inter School Battle Model Making Competition, which also carried a cash prize of 7,500/- rupees.
(b) Dipjyoti and Hitishree of Class IX stood first and Md Saad of class VII and Ritika Jangid of class VIII stood second in the Bharat Ko Jano Quiz (Zonal) held on 06 Nov 19, in the senior and junior categories respectively.
(c) Parth Shendre of Class V, Anshika Sinha of Class IV and Aradhya Rana of Class III have qualified for the Second Level International Maths Olympiad. Aradhya Rana secured second rank both in the zonal and international level.
(d) Vikram of Class VI….our little computer wizard, got a diploma in C programming from the Atlanta Institute, by scoring 100% in just four minutes.
(e) Mind Wars is a multi-platform knowledge programme, promoted by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. This initiative offers an open platform for students to assess themselves against peers, on a national scale using multiple testing platforms across the three segments- Curriculum, General Knowledge and Current Affairs. Anshika Dixit of Class VIII was among the toppers selected from 6 lakh students worldwide.
(f) Ms Anvi Godbole of class V has won gold medal in 50 m butterfly and silver medal in 50 m free style in the swimming competition organised by the ‘Star Sports Academy’ at Priyadarshini College, Nagpur. She also bagged the overall championship trophy Under 11 Girls Category.
(g) Twin sisters – Anvi Godbole and Asmi Godbole bagged a total of five medals in the recently conducted Aquatic Championship, held as part of the Navbharat-Navrashtra Sports Fest. Anvi won three Gold Medals in 50 m Back Stroke, 50 m Butterfly and 50 Freestyle. Whereas, Asmi secured Silver medal in 50 m Freestyle and a Bronze medal in 50 m Backstroke. It was a maiden hat-trick of Gold for Anvi.
(h) Aryan Hiranwar of Class IV won first prize in the 400 m race category of the District Cross Country Championship.
(j) Afnan Ahmed of Class II participated in All India Karate Championship at Hislop College and won gold medal in Kumite and silver medal in Katha. He also won a gold medal in the 38th National Karate Championship in Jan 20, organized by Dr. Ambedkar Sports Academy, in association with Karate Association of India.
(k) Many students participated in District Sports Competition in various disciplines like Kho-Kho, Chess, Badminton, Swimming, etc.
(l) Rehansh Choudary of III B won first position in Karate Competition conducted by Sadh Natai Karate Academy of Bhopal.
(m) As part of the World Wild Week Celebrations, a drawing competition was held at Maharaj Bagh Zoo on 01 August 19. Students from the school bagged all the top three positions.
(n) Three students of the school made the school proud by bagging top positions in the All India Dance, Music, Instrumental Contest, organised by Shreekrishna Cultural Foundation, Nagpur recently. Disha Bhatnagar of Class VI won 1st prize in Solo Song Competition, while both Somya Kodan of Std VI and Niyati Budhlani of Std IV bagged 3rd prize in Solo Dance Competition.
(o) Vihan Raut of Class IV participated in the state level Children’s Drama Competition held in Amaravati in Jan 20.
(p) A small performance about Air Force and Air Force School put up by the students was broadcast by the All India Radio on 08 Sep 19. They also won a cash prize of Rs 2,100/-
- At AFS VSN, we are very clear about our goal…. it’s to identity the strength and weakness of each student, help him or her to constantly improve upon both…. to provide them with a strong foundation of values and knowledge, from which they would go on to derive the confidence and skills to flourish into responsible adults, on whom the whole nation could count on. I would like to assure one and all of you that Team AFS VSN shall continue to work with the same sense of responsibility and enthusiasm in the future too. We earnestly look forward to the continued guidance and co-operation from the Headquarters Maintenance Command and the Unit. As we celebrate the School Annual Day, I am very proud to announce that we have ensured 100% participation of our children in the event, which is soon going to unfold before you. It’s very heartening that the other two academic ventures of the Air Force Nagpur- The Bachpan Nursery School and the Umeed School are also joining us this evening. We shall start the evening with the events presented by these schools.
- As we strive day in and out to embrace excellence, we remain inspired by Robert Frost, who, stopping by woods on a snowy evening, sang…
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep…
But we have promises to keep
And miles to go before we sleep...”
Thank you all…. hope you will all enjoy the evening … and encourage our children as they perform before you.
Thank You Very Much……. JAI HIND.
