The Investiture Ceremony for the academic year 2018-19 at NPS International, Mysore was a spectacular occasion to motivate students to be the torch bearers of today for a better tomorrow. It was a day that transformed the vision of many students into reality.

The ceremony commenced with great elegance as the students of class IV enchanted the audience with their melodious song and dance. The newly elected students’ council was adorned with badges and sashes by the Principal, Ms. Shubha Achaiah, during the ceremony. The school flag was handed over to the School Prefect, Ankith Mohan Reddyand the Sports Captain, Thomas K M and the house flags were given to the respective house captains. The announcement of the School Executive, Anushka Sundaresh, was the biggest surprise of the day. The students from classes IX to XII received badges of honour for different associations like Art, Dance, Cyber, Mathematics, Literature, Science, Music and several other categories.

The leaders took an oath to perform their duties diligently with dedication to uphold the honour and glory of the institution. On behalf of the student council, the Prefect, School Executive and the Sports Captain delivered speeches ensuring that they would keep the flag of the school high. The Principal congratulated the school council and motivated them with her inspirational words. The programme came to an end with the singing of the School Hymn.

NPS International Mysore stepped into its sixth glorious year with the celebration of Founder’s Day on 14 June, 2018. The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries for the day followed by a melodious rendition of the invocation song by the students. The Principal, Ms. Shubha Achaiah welcomed Dr. K P Gopalkrishna, chairman and founder principal of NPS group of institutions and the other dignitaries. She presented an overview of the years gone by and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the ‘Empowered Educaring’ group of teachers, willing learners on the campus, the parent fraternity and every other individual whose relentless support has made the institution a benchmark in itself.

The students of class XI presented a tuneful prayer song. This was followed by a short movie- a visual treat that brought back joyous moments spent by the NPSItes in the five years gone by. The auditorium was kept enthralled by a foot-tapping contemporary fusion dance by the students.

The school magazine, ‘Silhouette 2018’, which is a result of tremendous hard work, was released with grandeur. Ms. Pooja, the chief editor, took us through the making of the magazine. She also thanked the teacher editors and student editorial board for their contributions to the magazine.

One of the fourteen front-runners of the alumni group, Gaurav Achaiah addressed the audience on how being a part of the institution has shaped his personality for the better and said that this echoed the voice of his peers too. Ankit and Anushka, the students of class XII, delivered speeches on how the school has nurtured them and provided ample opportunities for them to blossom.

The honorable chairperson, Dr. K P Gopalkrishna, cut the cake along with the eminent members and reflected upon the importance of ‘reach out, reach high and reach beyond’. Citing the example of Mr. Narayan Murthy, he motivated the students to dream differently, to aspire for entrepreneurship and create more jobs. Calling the students the Brand Ambassadors of the school, he expressed that NPSItes have always made a positive impact on the outside world.

The comperes of the programme, Ms. Sangeetha B S and Ms. Meera R, concluded with a vote of thanks to the significant personalities and everyone present there. Yes, five years down, but NPSItes have forever to go…

Every year, the leaders at NPSI are elected in an autonomous manner where the student body casts its votes and selects its own leaders. The students nominate themselves for different posts prior to the election and campaign for themselves. This year too, the much awaited day for the nominees arrived on 5 June 2018. The environment witnessed a blend of stress, hope and excitement with anticipation of desired results.

The voting for the School Prefect from class XII, School vice Prefect from class XI, School Junior vice Prefect from Class X along with Sports Captain from Class XII and Sports vice Captain from Class XI commenced in the morning. Classes IX, X, XI, and XII cast their votes for their choice of deserving candidates. The teachers along with the support staff also voted for the contestants. Soon after the ballot voting, the auditorium was filled with cheer and applause awaiting the vote counts to begin. As the counting of the votes went on, the auditorium turned into a power house radiating support and encouragement for the nominees bringing vibrancy and optimism to the occasion. The candidates gave a tough competition to each other and in no time the results were declared. Ankith Mohan Reddy emerged as the School Prefect and Deepak Narayan as the School Vice Prefect, Janak Sunil as School Junior Vice Prefect, Thomas K Marattukalam as Sports Captain and Satvik Chethan as Vice Sports Captain.

Soon after the results were declared, the elections for house representatives were set in motion. The classes from VI to XII exercised their duty and right to vote for preferred candidates. Elections for all four houses took place meticulously at the same time at different venues in the campus. The results were declared in the same manner again enlivening the entire school.

It was a delight to watch the students cheering, congratulating and comforting each other.

On 1 June 2018, the academic session began for the students of KG1, Mont Beginner and classes I-VIII. An orientation programme called ‘The Connect’ was held for the new students and their parents in the school auditorium. Our Principal, Ms. Shubha Achaiah commenced the programme by welcoming the new students and their parents to the NPSI, Mysore fraternity. She enlightened the gathering about the reason behind the programme being named ‘The Connect’. She emphasized that today’s curriculum must focus on ’Educaring’ - incorporating education, personality development, confidence and discipline that will ensure all round development of children. The foundation for all these must be strengthened at home.

The highlight of the programme was the speeches by student panelists comprising of Nageshwar Rao, Chandini Kushalappa and Ameiy Acharya from Class X; Kompella Shanmukha Priya , Abishek Nanjappa and Adhiti Sharma from Class XI; Yuvika Balaji an Ankith Mohan Reddy from Class XII. Each one of them spoke about the various aspects of regular functioning in NPS like almanac maintenance, being independent and organized, monitoring digital usage by children and the importance of practice work along with extra reading. Sharing their experiences, the students elaborated on the benefits of adhering to school norms.

Ms. Shubha also highlighted the importance of regularity, punctuality and assessments. Advising parents to refrain from comparison of all sorts, she stressed upon the need for inculcating right values and spending quality time with their children. This would mould the children into competent learners and responsible citizens.

'The Connect' Programme is the platform where parent-teacher connect to have an overview of the NPS culture and CBSE curriculum. The Connect Programme for classes IX to XII was conducted on Wednesday, 23 May 2018. All parents and students attended the programme with a lot of enthusiasm and goodwill. Principal, Ms. Shubha Achaiah welcomed the parents and students to the new academic year and briefed them about CBSE Curriculum, school expectations and the need for making a difference to young learners. She expressed her concern about overwhelming digital exposure amongst children and asked the parents to monitor the same.

School alumni Siddharth Bhatnagar spoke on how NPS has helped him build character and confidence. Vishnu Mangalvedkar spoke about the study patterns that will help in scoring better marks in boards and competitive exams. Vishal Parackal addressed the gathering and gave his inputs on independent learning. Aayush Ayanna stressed on the importance of extracurricular activities. Hemanth Patel deliberated on healthy eating and sleeping patterns that a student should pursue.

Ms. Shubha Achaiah concluded the session by seeking a hand in hand approach of parents and teachers to bring the best out of students and helping them face the challenges of the real world.