Enlighten,Empower, Excel
Welcome to the smdp Newsletter
Welcome to the SMDP Newsletter — where ideas spark, voices shine, and achievements are celebrated! This is your go-to space for the latest happenings, student initiatives, and inspiring stories across our campus. From academic accomplishments and creative projects to sports victories and community outreach, we aim to capture the moments that define who we are.
Our newsletter is more than just updates — it is a reflection of the passion, leadership, and collaboration that thrive within the SMDP community. Each edition highlights the dedication of our students, the guidance of our teachers, and the spirit that connects us all.
Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, we invite you to stay curious, stay connected, and stay inspired. Together, let’s continue to learn boldly, lead confidently, and make a meaningful impact both inside and beyond our school.
Welcome to the Creative Section — a space dedicated entirely to the original artworks of our students and teachers. This section showcases paintings, sketches, digital art, and other visual creations that reflect the imagination, skill, and individuality within our school community.
Creating art is a process of exploration, experimentation, and reflection. Students research ideas, reflect critically and creatively to experiment with materials and techniques, and develop their own visual language. The journey is just as important as the finished piece, reflecting the inquiry-driven spirit of the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts program.
We invite you to explore and appreciate the talent that continues to shape and inspire our school community.
Saanvi Pathare, Untitled, 2025, 21 x 15 cm, soft pastels on paper
Parinishtha Naik, Untitled, 2025, 20.5 x 14.5 cm, watercolor on paper
Aadit Warty, Untitled, 2025, 20.5 x 14.5 cm, technical pen on paper
Shalli Agarwal, Untitled, 2005, 20.5 x 14.5 cm, acrylic on canvas
Creativity in Action
Transition Week
Before the start of IBDP Year 1, our school organised a Transition Week to help students ease into the Diploma Programme. Coming from diverse boards such as ICSE, CBSE, and IB, the week offered a common introduction to IB fundamentals. Activities like designing our uniform and a campus-wide treasure hunt helped us explore the school and feel confident in the new environment.
During the week, we were introduced to core IB components such as CAS, the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge, along with academic expectations. Beyond academics, meaningful interactions with teachers and peers, collaborative tasks, debates, and engaging discussions made this week a memorable start to our IB journey.
Transition Week marked not just the start of the Diploma Programme, but the beginning of a shared journey defined by growth and discovery.
Lights,Games and Togetherness
The Diwali Mela brought the spirit of Diwali alive, celebrating light, hope, and togetherness. As the festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, the place was decorated with a vibrant flower rangoli, diyas, and festive colors, making everyone feel the warmth of the season.
The mela featured exciting stalls such as a colourful Photobooth, Light a Thought, Name It in 5 Seconds, Diya Painting, Balloon Pop, and Cup Stack, each adding energy and laughter to the celebration.
Filled with smiles, creativity, and shared moments, the Diwali Mela truly felt like Diwali itself—bright, joyful, and unforgettable.
Latest Updates
More than Just Teachers
The students of IBDP put together a short program in appreciation of their teachers who do so much for them, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. Seeing themselves enacted through the lens of the students was a unique experience for the teachers.
From the attire to their most commonly used phrases, the students covered it all, playfully adding a dramatic touch to their performances. The teachers laughed more than they had all year at the students’ antics.
A heartfelt voice recording, combining short messages from each student, was the perfect finishing touch to show gratitude and love to the teachers who have made school feel like a second home in such a short period of time
From Festive Flavours to Christmas Carols
In the spirit of Christmas, our class hosted a festive potluck, featuring homemade chocolate cake, gooey chocolate chip cookies, whimsical strawberry-coffee pudding, muffins, chips, and refreshing drinks. Teachers and students indulged with delight, sharing giggles and cheer around every bite.
The Secret Santa twist made the celebration even more meaningful — instead of material gifts, we exchanged experiences that touched hearts, like teaching guitar, a “yes day” ticket, watching F1 races together, a movie marathon, handmade flowers, daily chats, and so much more.
We ended the day on a joyful note with Christmas carols, wrapping up a celebration filled with laughter, warmth, and the magic of shared moments.
Día de la Hispanidad
Día de la Hispanidad, celebrated on 12th October, was brought to life by a vibrant space of Spanish history, culture and language. The environment was immersive from the moment the audience walked in, the engaging visuals and music setting a welcoming and energetic tone.
The students embodied important symbols of Spanish culture through their costumes and live flamenco performances, engaging the audience. Alongside the celebration, the event also encouraged thoughtful reflection by acknowledging Spain’s colonial past and the differing perspectives surrounding the day in Spain and Latin America.
By using the Spanish they had learnt so far to interact with the audience, the students made the event both memorable and meaningful.
Harvesting Traditions Together
Harvest festivals are celebrated across India to express gratitude for nature’s abundance and to mark the season of new crops and prosperity. Keeping this spirit in mind, the harvest festival celebration was organised in a joyful and meaningful way by the IBDP community this year. Both teachers and students came together to honour the cultural traditions associated with Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal, making the occasion vibrant and memorable.
The celebration included conversations about the significance of these festivals, along with traditional music and energetic dance that brought excitement to the atmosphere. Students and teachers also enjoyed festive foods prepared especially for harvest celebrations, allowing everyone to experience the flavours connected to these traditions. The activities created a sense of togetherness while helping students learn more about India’s diverse cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the harvest festival celebration served as a beautiful reminder of unity in diversity within the IBDP community. It strengthened the bond between students and teachers, encouraged cultural appreciation, and left everyone with warm memories of celebrating traditions together.
Exploring Passions Through School Clubs
As part of the IB Diploma Programme CAS programme, students initiated and led various clubs that offered enriching experiences beyond academics, enabling us to explore creativity, leadership, and teamwork in meaningful ways. These clubs fostered active participation and encouraged learning through engaging, hands-on experiences.
The Music Club explored rhythm, beats, and group performance, culminating in an energetic rendition of “We Will Rock You”, where students performed together with great enthusiasm. The Art Club focused on creative expression through activities such as painting jute bags and moulding clay models. In the Business Management Club, students studied three start-ups and confidently pitched their business ideas. The Sports Club introduced basic football and basketball drills, along with rules and placements, promoting both fitness and teamwork. The MUN Club helped students understand what Model United Nations is and how it functions, building awareness of global issues. The Science Club encouraged curiosity through practical exploration and hands-on learning.
The clubs provided a platform for us to explore shared interests, foster a sense of community, and engage actively in school life beyond the classroom. Through this experience, we enhanced our teamwork and confidence while gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of initiative, responsibility, and collaboration.
From Pages to Plateaus: Learning Beyond Comfort
Bhilar was more than just a CAS trip-it was a lesson in adaptation and growth. We engaged in creativity and activity while collaborating in unfamiliar environments.
The Western Ghats showed us the harmony between human life and nature, while the Hay-on-Wye-inspired "Village of Books" highlighted how culture can transform a community, and the outdoor activities pushed us out of our comfort zones, testing our resilience.
From pitching tents and outdoor cooking, to overcoming fear through rappelling and zip lining, each activity required teamwork, trust, and perseverance. By listening to peers, teachers and locals, we overcame every obstacle together.
We returned with greater confidence, curiosity and a deeper appreciation for culture, embodying the spirit of learning beyond the classroom.
Celebrating Childhood Together
Children’s Day, celebrated on 14 November to honor Jawaharlal Nehru, was marked in a meaningful way by the IBDP community this year. Keeping in mind his belief in nurturing children, the teachers planned engaging activities exclusively for the students.
The celebration featured interactive games such as a fun guessing game where students tried to identify teachers from their childhood pictures, along with Just Dance and Queen of Sheeba. These activities created a lively atmosphere that filled the room with laughter and shared moments of joy. Students were also appreciated through personalized certificates that were fun, quirky, and thoughtfully tailored to each individual, celebrating their unique personalities while recognising their efforts and contributions.
Overall, the event reinforced the bond between teachers and students, fostering a sense of appreciation, belonging, and mutual respect among the school community.
Honouring Life Through Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican celebration that honors deceased loved ones. Observed on November 1st and 2nd, it brings families and communities together across Mexico and Latin America through vibrant customs, symbols, and shared memories.
The IBDP Spanish team created an altar to commemorate this occasion, turning the classroom into a space of color and meaning. Calaveras symbolized joyful remembrance, candles guided spirits, incense purified the air, water quenched spirits’ thirst, food offerings reflected earthly pleasures, and papel picado highlighted the fragility of life. We also watched a live telecast of the parade from Mexico, where people celebrated in vibrant costumes with painted faces, bringing the festive atmosphere into our classroom.
This occasion allowed us, as IB students, to connect with Hispanic culture, traditions, and values beyond textbooks.
Subject Spotlight
Physics Beyond the Textbook
In Physics class, students were given the opportunity to design and conduct their own experiments on key topics such as projectile motion, motion on an inclined plane, and the force of gravity. This hands-on approach allowed students to move beyond theory and actively explore the concepts they had been learning in class.
Students gathered the necessary materials and carefully planned their procedures before carrying out their investigations. They worked collaboratively, assisting one another and sharing ideas to improve their experiments. There was a wide variety of creative investigations. Some students threw a ping pong ball to measure its range and better understand projectile motion, while others rolled bottles filled with different masses down an inclined plane to observe how mass affected motion.
Another experiment involved dropping a metal ball into flour and measuring the crater formed, helping students explore the effects of gravity and impact. Throughout the process, students recorded their observations and worked on presenting their findings in clear lab reports.Through this experience, students not only learnt how to design experiments and analyse results, but also developed teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance. By overcoming challenges and refining their methods through repeated trials, they gained a deeper understanding of scientific investigation. Overall, the activity was both engaging and rewarding, helping students build confidence and curiosity in Physics.
Measuring the unreachable, using math!
As part of our ongoing effort to make mathematics meaningful and experiential, DP students participated in a hands-on clinometer activity on the school campus, exploring the real-life application of trigonometry.
A clinometer is a simple instrument used to measure angles of elevation and depression. During this activity, students worked in small groups to measure the heights of buildings, trees, and poles around the campus using clinometers they constructed themselves. By measuring the angle of elevation and the distance from the object, students applied trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, and tangent) to calculate heights that would otherwise be difficult to measure directly. This practical investigation helped students connect abstract trigonometric concepts to real-world problem solving.
The activity encouraged:
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Collaborative learning and peer discussion
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Critical thinking and estimation skills
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A deeper understanding of how mathematics is used in engineering, surveying, and architecture
Students actively recorded observations, performed calculations, and reflected on sources of error, reinforcing the importance of precision and reasoning in mathematical modelling.
This outdoor learning experience not only strengthened conceptual understanding but also aligned with the IB philosophy of inquiry-based learning, allowing students to see mathematics as a powerful tool for interpreting the world around them.
A Word from Our DP Leaders
"Half the year of DP 1 has flown by and we have become a close-knit group of SMDPites. In this short span of time, we have had a lot of excitement, fun, laughter – and studies, of course.
The students have bonded well and their enthusiasm is contagious. This was especially evident after their CAS trip to Bhilar.
From designing their uniform to running clubs and celebrating festivals, they have enhanced their skills and talents. Here’s to the next few months – more learning, more laurels and many wins along the way!"
God bless our IBDP team.
Hola! Bonjour! Namaste!
Sujata Mallic Kumar
~Executive Director & Head of School
Anjali Bhardwaj
~IBDP Coordinator & IB Examiner
My highs and lows as the DPC - Class of 2027
"Working with you as your IB Diploma Programme Coordinator has been a journey filled with both highs and lows—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The highs come from witnessing your curiosity, resilience, and willingness to question, reflect, and grow. Every breakthrough moment, thoughtful discussion, and act of quiet perseverance reminds me why the IB is such a powerful programme. The lows, too, are meaningful—moments of uncertainty, stress, and self-doubt that test us all, but ultimately strengthen our resolve as a learning community.
As the first cohort, you have the responsibility of setting standards and shaping the culture of the IBDP in our school. You are on the right path and demonstrate courage and maturity. Remember, this Diploma journey is not just about results, but about becoming reflective, principled, and open-minded learners for life.
I wish you clarity in challenges, confidence in your abilities, and success in all that lies ahead. You have already made us proud and have carved a special place in our lives."
Student Recommendations
These are just some of the many movie and book recommendations we, as IBDP students, love and enjoy ourselves. We thought, why keep them to ourselves? We’d love for others to experience the same joy and insight these stories have given us. So feel free to explore any of these picks and we promise, they’re worth your time!
Unorthodox
The Book Thief
The Social Network
A powerful series about a young woman who leaves her strict religious community to discover her own identity. It’s a moving story of courage, independence, and self-discovery.
Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel as she finds comfort in stealing books and sharing stories. A touching reminder of the power of words during dark times.
A gripping drama about the creation of Facebook and the ambition behind it. It explores innovation, rivalry, and the complicated side of success.
Goyo
Atomic Habits
IKIGAI
A heartfelt Argentinian movie about emotional growth and connection, highlighting vulnerability, acceptance, and the beauty of human relationships.
A thoughtful exploration of the Japanese concept of “ikigai,” or one’s purpose in life. It offers insights into living meaningfully and finding balance.
A practical guide showing how small, consistent habits can lead to big improvements. It emphasizes discipline, mindset, and long-term growth.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
An inspiring biographical film about mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, whose extraordinary talent emerged despite limited formal training and immense challenges. Traveling from India to Cambridge, he collaborates with renowned mathematician G.H. Hardy while facing cultural barriers, self-doubt, and skepticism from the academic world. The film beautifully highlights brilliance, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge against all odds.
The Last Dance
A compelling sports documentary that chronicles Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their final championship season in the 1990s. Through behind-the-scenes footage and personal interviews, it reveals the intensity, discipline, and sacrifices required to achieve greatness. More than just basketball, it explores leadership, resilience, teamwork, and the mindset that defines true champions.
Aristotle and Dante
Shoe Dog
Dead Poets Society
A memoir by Nike’s founder, sharing the challenges and risks behind building a global brand. An honest look at entrepreneurship and resilience.
A classic film about an inspiring teacher who encourages students to “seize the day.” It celebrates individuality, courage, and the transformative power of education.
A coming-of-age story about friendship, identity, and growing up. It beautifully explores love, family, and self-acceptance.
Queen's Gambit
A captivating series that follows chess prodigy Beth Harmon as she rises through the competitive world of professional chess. Orphaned at a young age, she discovers her extraordinary talent while battling loneliness and personal struggles. The series beautifully portrays intelligence, determination, and the challenges of balancing ambition with inner growth — making it a powerful story of brilliance, resilience, and self-belief.
Abstract
A visually engaging documentary series that takes viewers inside the minds of some of the world’s most innovative designers across fields such as architecture, illustration, photography, and product design. Through personal stories and creative processes, it reveals how imagination, problem-solving, and bold ideas shape the world around us. The series celebrates innovation, creativity, and the powerful impact design has on our everyday lives.
Media
The Diplomaniacs
Enlighten, Empower, Excel
Our school team is more than just a group of students; we are friends, leaders, and passionate individuals who share a love for learning and growing together. Each of us brings something unique to the table, whether it’s creativity, confidence, organization, or a willingness to step up when it matters most. From planning events and leading initiatives to representing our school in sports, debate, and academics, we work as one supportive unit. We celebrate each other’s strengths, learn from our challenges, and constantly push ourselves to do better, not just for recognition, but for our school community. Together, we aim to make a difference, leave a positive impact, and create memories that will stay with us long after this year ends.
