AY 2024-25 - The Year of Action

Vol. 19
Sep 2024

S I S N E W S L E T T E R

Students Council
2024-2025
STUDENT DIARIES
Boarders Trip to Ahmedabad
From August 30th to September 1st, 2024, I had the pleasure of exploring Ahmedabad on a remarkable trip with fellow boarders.
One of the standout experiences was visiting the Adalaj Stepwell, a breath taking historical site. This architectural marvel,
resembling a grand underground reservoir, boasts exquisite carvings that left me in awe of the intricate artistry. Our guide shared
that this stepwell, constructed in the 15th century, was designed to provide water for travellers and local communities. Witnessing
such a splendid example of ancient Indian craftsmanship was truly captivating.

Another highlight of the trip was our visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It was enlightening to
learn about his life and the pivotal role he played in India's fight for independence. The ashram’s serene atmosphere and the
historical artifacts displayed there vividly conveyed tales of courage and non-violence.

The trip concluded with a delightful traditional Gujarati dinner at Vishala restaurant. The meal was delicious, and dining in a
setting reminiscent of a village offered a unique and enjoyable experience.

Overall, the journey was both educational and enjoyable, enriched with history, culture, and
exceptional cuisine. I highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in exploring India’s rich heritage.

Mishka Shah
Grade 7
SWAMINARAYAN AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE

TRADITIONAL GUJARATI MEAL ADALAJ STEP WELL

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STUDENT DIARIES
Students ventured on an immersive cultural journey to
Ahmedabad as a part of the Incredible India Experience
From August 30th to September 1st, we went on a school trip to Ahmedabad. We arrived at the airport an hour early and waited
for our flight. In about a few hours, we landed in Ahmedabad, where the airport’s impressive array of stores caught our eye. Since
it was late by the time we reached our hotel, we had dinner and went to bed.
Saturday began on a high note with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Our first stop was the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma
Gandhi lived and spun cotton into thread. Next, we visited the Swami Narayan Temple, an enormous and stunning structure. As
we entered the temple, we were greeted by a grand golden statue of Swami Narayan. In the evening, we enjoyed a captivating
water and laser show at the temple.
On Sunday, our final day, we explored the Adalaj Stepwell, a 15th-century marvel that illustrated
historical water storage techniques. We then savoured a traditional Gujarati lunch at Vishalla Restaurant
before heading back to the airport.
The trip was both educational and enjoyable, offering insights into Gujarat’s rich history and culture.
I highly recommend visiting Ahmedabad if you haven’t already.

Aditya Jain
GANDHI ASHRAM Grade 8B

ATAL BRIDGE

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STUDENT DIARIES
AY 24-25
A Year of Growth, Innovation
and Expression
This academic year is all about turning our ambitions into
achievements and there are more opportunities than ever.
Kicking off the year with Confluence, this event was a blend
of exciting discussions and competitions, all designed to
spark new ideas. Following Confluence, we have the
SISMUN, dedicated to fostering debate and communication.
The Model UN meeting provided students the chance to
treat international issues with the seriousness that they
deserve by following the THIMUN rules of procedure. An
exciting edition this year is our brand-new Economics Club
for those who are ready to delve deeper into the fields of
economic theory, markets, and finance. The club is a must- Confluence
join because it helps you not only learn but also apply
economic concepts to real-world problems.
For all the music lovers out there,
Conzert is the event you’ve been
waiting for. Conzert is your
stage, whether you play an instrument,
sing, or are a member of a band.
It's about the ability of music to bring
together people, not just a performance!
Prishaa Madan
Grade 11A
SISMUN

Building Connections
My first Sunday in boarding was truly memorable. Though
I felt a mix of homesickness and excitement, the day took a
thrilling turn when our dorm parents announced a
scavenger hunt as the morning’s activity. We were divided
into four teams, and I was honored to be chosen as the
leader of my group. The challenge was to solve a series of
puzzles and ultimately decode a final code to "disable" a
mock bomb (don’t worry, it was all in good fun). Despite
encountering numerous obstacles and almost getting
stuck on every clue, my team
finished in a close second place.
Overall, the scavenger hunt was
a fantastic way to bond with my
fellow boarders and start
building connections.
Ayanna Agarwal
04 Grade 6
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STUDENT DIARIES
Seizing New Opportunities
It’s a year of diving deep into history and indulging
innovatively in trendiest global affairs through our very
own SISMUN (MUN: Model United Nation) and to top it up
– CMUN, DAIMUN and the THIMUN; do not forget to
include our Round Square Conference expeditions and
Community Service endeavors.

It’s a year of sporting events varying from within the size of

a small white Table Tennis ball to a big Football and
Basketball, a year of splashing water while Swimming to
drooping sweat while performing Karate.

It’s a year of STEM exploration as we

prepare for our Science Fair for sustainable
future, code for CATHCON, and calculate
for MPL.

Truly a year full of Opportunities and

Challenges for a holistic development!
Krishiv Agarwal
Grade 8B

SISMUN: Cultivating Global Leaders through Debate,

Diplomacy and Collaboration
Having been an avid participant in various MUNs, even while finding it difficult to thrive in the
chaotic atmosphere it brings, it would be wrong to say they haven’t helped in my personal growth as
a student. Even though being in an MUN might initially put you in a tough situation where you feel
outnumbered, it is an essential experience to have. It teaches us social skills as people tend to have
trouble adjusting to each other's standards at first, but over time people learn how to co-exist in an
environment where everyone can thrive. MUNs force students to go out of bounds and think on their
feet. While facilitating communication skills, MUNs also provide a chance for students to gain a wide
array of information that can be used to stay updated on the current affairs of the world. It is an Ira Puranesh Banerjee
experience I feel every student should go through, as it fosters one’s speaking, research and Grade 9A
networking skills. Core aspects which I believe every student should hold.

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ARTISTIC ADVENTURES

Yaira Gupta
Grade 6
Action is the foundational
key to success

Anirudh Malik
Grade 8B
In art there is only one thing
that counts the bit that cannot
be explained

Vettra Bajpai
Grade 6
Don’t let what you cannot do interfere
with what you can do

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ARTISTIC ADVENTURES

Jash Sodha
Grade 11B
The photo is that of a river flowing in the
Leh Ladakh region, situated near the
Tiger Hill and Batra top signifying the
Kargil war. This river originates from
the Siachen Glacier and moves down
past many army regiment camps,
blessing the people of the second coldest
habitable place on Earth, The city of
Dras. It then continues its beautiful
journey as one of the cleanest rivers,
providing direct consumption of water
while it's flowing. It flows across its
journey to the Sangham point where the
confluence of the river takes place along
with the Indus river and then it
continues providing water to the
habitants of the place.

Medhansh Saha
Grade 8A
The wheel of the year

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STUDENTS RECOMMEND
Innovative Apps
The IBDP calls for the integration of technology with the way
one learns. However, the sheer multiplicity of applications and
frameworks available across the internet makes it difficult to
implement their usage. As a rising senior, here are some of the
things that have worked for me over the last year: Google Drive,
a shared workspace environment, provides one with the
opportunity to collaboratively work over assignments with one’s
classmates while also allowing students to structure out their
work into smaller modules or folders. As deadlines and project
submissions intensify over the course of the year, having your
work already planned out helps you keep track of what is to be
done and make the most out of your time. In addition, calendars
or timetables such as the Google Calendar or the Apple Calendar
can be set to automatically incorporate any tasks one receives
from ManageBac, making it easier to visualize what your day
ahead of you would look like. As many classes also make use of
online websites and resources for further learning, bookmarking
such platforms can get hectic; however, applications such as
Linkeeper–developed by Om Chachad, a student in Grade 12–
allows you to sort out your bookmarks by topic, making it easier
for you to manage them. While this list isn’t exhaustive, what
also helps is exploring the net for frameworks that can help you
become more efficient. These tools help you to linearise yourself,
but the ultimate tasks of productive nature need to be carried Anshul Sheth
out by oneself. Grade 12B

In today's world we’re constantly reminded of our decreasing attention spans, low motivation, and chronic laziness. With tools at
our fingertips, how is productivity so elusive? What we don’t realize is, Choosing the right tools changes everything. This article
highlights innovative apps that help you study, research, and focus.
1. Notion
An all-in-one workspace that combines notes, tasks, databases, calendars, and more. Notion is entirely customisable, offering
thousands of editable templates. Notion is the perfect way to organize yourself, with intuitive UI, an AI assistant, and cross-device
access.
2. Focus To Do
A Chrome extension that manages study periods, helping remove distractions in a way that is comfortable for you. Moreover, it’ll
analyze productivity statistics, set goals, and track time.
3. I miss my cafe
A focus simulation that lets students customize environments by adding music, sounds, and chatter. It might be an unusual
choice, but the right mix of background noise minimizes distractions and builds focus.
4. Mind Graph AI
The perfect AI-driven study guide. Just upload a file and use the website to study it.
Whether it’s an image, book, or dataset. MG helps break down and connect concepts,
giving you the right resources for any subject.

Evana Bandyopadhyay
Grade 11D
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STUDENTS RECOMMEND
Revisely- AI Quiz generator
Revisely is a fantastic website that I've found incredibly useful, especially as
exams approach. This AI quiz generator helps me revise and prepare effectively
by creating tailored quizzes from my study materials. The process is simple:
just upload your study notes, textbooks, or any written content, and the AI will
generate questions based on that material. You can upload screenshots, photos,
or type in your text directly. Remarkably, Revisely even works with
handwritten notes! It’s a brilliant tool for testing your knowledge and ensuring
you're ready for any exam. If you're looking for a smart and easy way to study, I
highly recommend trying Revisely. It’s been a game-changer for my exam
preparation.

Yaira Gupta
Grade 6

Trello
Trello is a popular project management app that uses a visual board system to
help users organize tasks and track progress. It features customizable boards,
lists, and cards to manage projects collaboratively or individually. Trello’s
drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and it integrates with various other tools
like Slack and Google Drive, making it versatile for different workflows.

Habitica
Habitica gamifies goal-setting and habit-building by turning your daily tasks
into a role-playing game. Users create avatars and earn rewards by completing
tasks, fostering a sense of motivation and accountability. Habitica also offers
social features, allowing users to join groups and tackle challenges together,
which helps maintain engagement and consistency in achieving goals.

Sarthak Devrani
Grade 10A

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QUIZPICABLE ME
Crossword Puzzle

Answers

Tiana Dsilva
Grade 8A

ACROSS
2. Physical or mental strength or energy (5)
4. Careful and persistent effort (9)
5. The ability to produce a desired effect (8)
8. Great enthusiasm and eagerness (4)
11. Careful attention to detail (14)
12. Persistence in accomplishing a goal (12)
13. Persistence in achieving one's goals (8)

DOWN
1. Determination and firmness of purpose (7)
3. The ability to take action independently (10)
6. Courage in the face of difficulty or adversity (9)
7. Cleverness and resourcefulness (9)
9. The quality of being resolved to do something (13)
10. The ability to recover quickly from difficulties (10)

Answers

Sanya Moolchandani
Grade 12B

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BEYOND BOOKS
Confluence: The preparatory efforts
that lead to its success

The 15th Edition of Confluence 2024 – SIS Literary

Convergence took place on August 16, 2024, bringing
together schools from all across India for a day of
brainstorming on a myriad of current global issues through
mediums of speeches, debates, and quizzes. As Head of
Synergy, I started preparing weeks in advance, managing
and coordinating the influx of school teams, their
accommodations, hospitality, safety, and navigation in
school. Under Ms. Tripti Joshi’s guidance, we planned and
executed the event smoothly, which enhanced my
leadership, teamwork, and networking skills. We are
extremely grateful to Mr Parnab Mukherjee for curating a
spectrum of global concerns and being our source of
continued inspiration. The event’s success was highlighted
by the enthusiastic participation and gratitude from both
attendees and the SIS community, creating a memorable
experience and strengthening my connection with the SIS
community.

Shlok Shirodkar
Grade 11C 11
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POET’S STREET
A year of Action Rise up
A spark of thought that engrossed the brain In the year of action, we rise to the call,
All around the world it lights a flame With determination and courage, we stand tall
Flames fueled by hunger and passion
Blossoms into an inferno within your heart With each passing day, we work towards a better tomorrow,
Where love and compassion replace sorrow.
Pencils sharpened and spirits high
Open your wings and soar in the sky
From your mouth, never leaves a sigh In this year of action, we plant the seeds,
For success we forever strive Of a future where all are loved and their needs.

Sweat drips on the ground It's a time for growth and self-discovery,
The grass now trodden A time to push past our limits,
The pages now filled To strive for greatness and reach for the stars,
The seeds now sown To break down barriers and tear down bars.

We toil the fields night and day

So let us rise up, let us be bold,
Our resolve must never sway
For in this year of action, our stories will be told.
Never say later, the world never waits
We don’t have time to sit and contemplate
Together, hand in hand, we will prevail,
The seeds have grown And create a world where peace will never fail..
We now reap what we sow
We feast tonight So let's make this year one to remember,
But tomorrow I want more A year of action and passion we'll never surrender.

Nathan George Kannanaikkal Yatharh Bhati

Grade 9A Grade 7

I move one step forward,

Someone just got a scholarship to Havard.
I move one step forward,
My cousin finished two degrees in four years.
I move one step forward
A girl in 5th grade wrote three books and started her own
newsletter.
I move one step forward
Has everyone else already finished the race?
I move one step forward Arfeen Mulla
What was the point of the previous step? Grade 11B
I move one step forward
But
I no longer stand where I started,
I move one step forward
And one day I will be miles ahead.
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STANDING OVATION
Inter-House Debate Competition Winners
LMD - Wimbledon MD & UD - Grandmaster
Best Speaker Best Speaker Best Speaker Best Speaker
(Proposition) (Opposition) (Proposition) (Opposition)

Naisha Gupta Ian Gonsalves Reuben Menezes Zorawar Bhinder

Grade 7 Grade 7 Grade 11A Grade 10B

Certificate of Achievement
Academic Performance in Indian
Completing Spanish A1.2
School Talent Search Examination
Certification with 93%
(Online) Winter 2023

Krishiv Agarwal
Yatharth Bhati
Grade 8B
Grade 7

Rithvik Singh from class 9B was invited to

participate in the International Round of the
First Tech Challenge in Australia after
winning the National Competition. He along
with his team did very well there and won
three awards.

Finalist Award
Promote Award
Judges' Choice
Innovation & Research
Award
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STANDING OVATION
Blue Coat Achievers AY 2023-24
Semester 2

Naisha Gupta Viransh Shetty Manan Desai Ananya Subramanyan

Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 7A

Jackson Bentley Tiana Dsilva Joshua Jose

Grade 7A Grade 7A Grade 8B

SIS Confluence

Best Interjector Best Answer Best Block and Tackle Best Research Best Research
Debate Quiz Debate Creative writing Creative writing

Navya singh Yojit Mirani Shashwat Saravagi Prisha Agrawal Yojit Mirani
Grade 12A Grade 12A Grade 12C Grade 12A Grade 12A

Inter School Events

First Place Best Speaker Best Speaker
Moview Review Semi Finals-Debate Semi Finals-Debate
Punjab Public School, NABHA - Punjab Punjab Public School, NABHA - Punjab 23rd Amidas Goradia International Conclave

Third Place and Best Individual Entry

Creative Writing
Mayo College Girls School, Ajmer - Rajasthan

Shashwat Saravagi Yojit Mirani

Grade 12C Grade 12A

Navya Singh
14 Grade 12A
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STANDING OVATION
Trinity College London Speech and Drama Exam Results 24 (LMD)

Distinction

Yatharth Bhati Naaz Karina Charania Manan Desai Naisha Gupta Purvansh Gupta Avika Mehta
Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6

Hriday Papneja Varidhee Parashar Mishka Shah Viransh Shetty Vihaan Sonawane Aarya Bagadia
Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 7A Grade 7A

Tiana Dsilva Aditya Jain Ashmita Sharma Mahi Jain Aadi lyer Jackson Bentley
Grade 7A Grade 7A Grade 7A Grade 7A Grade 7A Grade 7A

Pratham Prabhakar Yug Agarwal Nihal Kasera Revant Shah Sohum Agarwal Ava Bajpayee
Grade 7A Grade 7A Grade 7B Grade 7B Grade 7B Grade 7B

Nayantaara Ray Dar Aarunya Doshi Aayush Gandhi Krishiv Agarwal Vihaan Basu Rehwa Pable
Grade 7B Grade 7B Grade 7B Grade 7B Grade 7B Grade 7B

Nikita Pasupuleti Shayan Rawal 15

Grade 8B Grade 8B
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STANDING OVATION
DELF Examination
The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française, for beginner
and intermediate students) is a French as a foreign language
official diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education. It is
valid for life and is recognized worldwide. It allows the student to
officially validate his French learning.

Ram Agarwal Idhant Iyer Kiaan Savla Advika Singh

Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5
DELF A1.1 DELF A1.1 DELF A1.1 DELF A1.1

Peher Vikam Vetra Bajpai Sanaya Mahajan Shauryaveer Nagpal

Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6
DELF A1.1 DELF A1 DELF A1 DELF A1

PD Monitors of AY 2024-2025
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

Divyansh Jain Kiyan Agarwal Viaan Yadav Avi Mehrotra Agastya Garodia
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

Saanvika Agrawal Eva Raikar Dea Shetty Shree Agarwal Advika Singh
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

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PRIMARY DIVISION
The Academic Year 2024-25 holds great promise for our young learners. The first week was filled with engaging icebreakers and
activities that helped build rapport. As they embark on this new learning journey, the learners establish essential agreements to
guide their progress. This year also offers a platform for proactive learning through hands-on tasks and various learning
engagements. By fostering the core values of our school and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile, we empower Learner Agency
through collaborative learning. Additionally, the class selected their Monitors, providing students with opportunities to develop
and showcase their leadership skills.

Primary Division learners engage in PD Talks, where they articulate their thoughts on a chosen topic or theme, thereby honing
their communication skills. They actively brainstorm and organize their ideas, which they then present to an audience. This
process not only broadens the knowledge of others but also fosters a personal connection with the audience, particularly when
the speaker shares personal experiences. Additionally, it helps learners build confidence.

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PRIMARY DIVISION
Grade 1

We love listening to stories

We can use our senses well

We are avid readers

We are smart techie’s

18 It’s our SPLASH TIME

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PRIMARY DIVISION
Grade 2

Our learners discover how the Earth’s rotation creates day Learners investigated the properties of materials, such as
and night their waterproof capabilities

Celebrating Independence Day through Art, letting their

creativity shine on this special day
Learners showcased the toys or games that their parents or
grandparents enjoyed and shared them with their Grade 1
and 2 classmates

Our Learners diving into the digital world:

From wheel to work of art: Crafting beautiful pottery
Exploring new tech tools
together
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PRIMARY DIVISION
Grade 3

Learning Spanish vocabulary

Peer Clay learning

Inquiring into body systems and their functions

Modelling creativity through Mandala Art

Introduction to Touch Typing Lungs are like balloons! Filling up with air

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PRIMARY DIVISION
Grade 4

Science- Visit to Science Lab and exploring the bones of the

human skeletal system.

Math- Engaging game to understand Round Off Numbers

English- Students collaborating and discussing the Reader

Charlotte’s Web Visual Arts- Exploring the Colour Wheel

Dance- Preparation for Grandparents Day Spanish and French Social Studies- Exploring The River Nile

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PRIMARY DIVISION
Grade 5

Students concentrated on wheel pottery, honing their skills in

the centering and lifting techniques. They aimed to perfect this
method, which is crucial for crafting balanced and well-shaped
pottery pieces.
Students engaged with Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure
Island through a 'Treasure Hunt' activity designed to
encourage teamwork, creativity, and quick problem-solving
skills.

The learners played a treasure hunt game as a tuning in for The learners showcased their understanding of the physical,
their class reader "Treasure Island' emotional, intellectual, and social changes they have
experienced using a Fishbone Template.
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MAKER’S NOTE
From The Principal's Desk

As we begin a new academic year, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the opportunities ahead. Our focus remains
on upholding the core values that define our community: Engaging Minds, Touching Hearts, Dignity in Action, and a Sense of
Enterprise. These core values guide our students to be inquirers, thinkers, and communicators, ready to embrace challenges with
resilience and an open mind.

To our students, this year is your opportunity to explore, learn, and grow. Approach each challenge with determination and with
curious, confident minds. To our parents, your support is crucial in this journey, and we are committed to working together to
ensure your child’s success.

As we collectively embrace the International Baccalaureate philosophy, emphasizing qualities like being reflective, caring, and
principled, we aim to foster not just academic excellence but also integrity and empathy. Let’s make this year truly amazing, full of
growth and positive impact.

- Mr. Stephen Willoughby

Principal

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MAKER’S NOTE
Greetings,

Thank you for reading our first edition of Since 2007 for this
academic year, 2024-25. As we delve deep into the pages of our
newsletter, we explore the theme “The Year of Action”, encouraging
everyone to transform themselves into their ideal personas to
positively commence this start to the year.

Through a myriad of articles and self-reflective pieces in various

mediums, students can be seen commiting to turning their goals
into reality by taking part in events happening at school, as well as
engaging in personal endeavours. We hope reading this newsletter
inspires you to chase your dreams, and turn them into reality this
year!

On behalf of my entire team, I would like to extend our heartfelt

thanks to everyone reading this newsletter. Your support and
enthusiasm for Since 2007 have been truly inspiring and we deeply
appreciate your continued encouragement. We pass on this
newsletter onto the next spirited group of editors with high hopes
that they will grow it with the same fervour we did. I would also like
to thank our teachers who have constantly helped us make
Since2007 a success.

Please feel free to share any feedback you may have, it means the
world to us!

Cheers to another successful year of growth and positivity!

For more information, scan the QR code

-Prisha Agrawal
(Student Editorial Team Member)

Student Editorial Team Curation and Designing Faculty Advisors

Prisha Agrawal (Editor) Purva Kulkarni Shefalika Kumar Chitkara
Anshul Sheth, Sanya Moolchandani, Vanshika Khaitan (Editor-In-Chief) (LMD Coordinator)
(UD Correspondents) Chelsha Gosai Tasneem Arsiwala
Siddhi Mangla, Arina Bajpai, Netra Shah (Sr. Executive-Digital Media) (Deputy IB PYP Coordinator)
(MD Correspondents) Jigar Patel Fleur Dsouza
Krishiv Kasat (PD Correspondent) (Graphic Designer) (Executive Assistant UD)