Sunday School is a wonderful time to read, learn and have fun together. Our reading sessions encourage us to share our ideas, listen to different perspectives and reflect on what we have read. Through these conversations, we develop a deeper understanding of the story and ourselves. Reading together makes learning joyful, meaningful and engaging.
To read and discuss two books, focusing on themes of ambition and school life.
Low Attendance Due to Exams: Final exams for classes 9 & 11 (home) and 10 & 12 (board) significantly reduced student attendance.
Dual-Book Format: The session featured two books: a Japanese novel, What You’re Looking For in the Library, and a Hindi story, “The Whistling Schoolboy” from Kabhi Kabhi School Masti Ka Adda Lagta Tha.
Core Themes: The English novel explored ambition vs. responsibility through protagonist Ryo’s dream of opening an antique shop. The Hindi story used humour to highlight the fun, non-academic parts of school life, like plays and food.
“Parallel Career” Concept: A key idea from the English novel, a “parallel career” (coined by Peter Drucker), was introduced as a way to pursue two complementary careers without one being secondary.
Low student attendance was attributed to ongoing final exams across many schools.
Shailaja from Holi Sai International School (Chennai, IGCSE) joined for the first time to observe the session.
Jugjiv Singh provided an overview of the program’s goal: using books to spark dialogues on life skills and socio-emotional learning.
Recap: The session began by reading student blog reflections to recap the story.
Plot: Ryo, stuck in a finance job, dreams of opening an antique shop.
Librarian’s Role: Ms Komachi gives Ryo a book on worms and a felted cat, prompting him to discover a cat-themed bookshop, “Cats Now Books.”
Reading & Discussion:
Ryo’s Work Stress: Ryo is burdened by his boss’s lack of software skills and an unmotivated assistant.
Hina’s Family Pressure: Hina’s parents see Ryo as a “steady chap” and hint at marriage, creating pressure that conflicts with his dream of running an antique shop.
“Parallel Career” Concept: Ryo learns this term from Peter Drucker, defined as two complementary careers in which neither is secondary.
Pre-Reading Quiz: A quiz on “fun school moments” served as a warm-up, with students identifying activities like sharing jokes and playing during free periods as key to enjoyment.
Reading: The story, read by Manisha Khanna, used humour to describe the author’s experiences at boarding school.
Plays: Rehearsals were a fun escape from mandatory study.
Food: The author would intentionally finish last in races to stop at a tikki/samosa stall, highlighting the importance of food in school life.
Library: The library was a favourite place, made lively by the senior master, Mr Knight.
Discussion: The story sparked a discussion on the importance of food in boarding schools, with participants sharing anecdotes about hunger and the quality of school meals.
Manisha Khanna shared the March calendar to provide context for new participants.
Weekly Schedule:
Sundays: Dual book readings (English & Hindi).
Saturdays: Professional learning for teachers and a masterclass for students.
Fridays: “Brewing Knowledge” meet-and-greets with published authors.
Upcoming Event: A retreat is scheduled for April 10–14 at Mayoor School Jaipur.
In this ever-evolving and changing world, Shikha Ma’am talked about the importance of real and genuine friendships and how they shape you into the person you are today. In a world where hustle culture has become really common, friends teach us how important it is to balance fun with productivity and make the most out of this precious little life.
You all must have heard the phrase, "Quality over Quantity," which is a major part of true friendships. Instead of boasting about having a hundred online friends, the importance of those two true friends who always have your back no matter what was clearly highlighted by Ma’am. They see through the flaws in you and still want to be a part of your life story.
Real friends would never leave you stranded, even if they themselves earn a scolding from the teacher (but at least we were together in this mess).
Agreed, friendships are messy, confusing, and sometimes a major headache, but I promise you, in the end, it’s all worth it. Friendships are the mess you never knew you needed in your life.
They will sometimes be the ones getting your focus back on the right path, but sometimes the ones deviating you. No matter what, they are never going to disrespect your choices. Of course, they are different individuals, so you can’t expect them to always agree with your opinion or make the same choices as you—but that’s what makes friendships such a big life lesson in negotiation and adjustment, full of fun, happiness, and, of course, fights along the way.
There is no right or wrong way of approaching friendships, but we all should know how to identify who our true friends are and who are…well…just acquaintances. Shikha Ma’am made this easier for us as well.
Today’s session was truly engaging and thought-provoking (especially because of those really difficult Q&As—but hey! I’m not complaining).
Name: Maira Jalan
Class: 8th C
School: Gyanshree School, Noida
We all learn best through shared experiences—with peers who walk alongside us and mentors who guide us thoughtfully. From April 11 to 14, 2025, students from various schools gathered for the My Good School Retreat at the serene and lush Khan Farm, located near Rajaji National Park in Haridwar.
Set against the backdrop of nature, this Retreat was a celebration of fun, friendship, learning, and a lifetime of memories. Over four days, students engaged in enriching conversations, collaborative tasks, reflective journaling, and soulful moments that nurtured not just their intellect but also their hearts.
More than just an event, the Retreat was a journey of self-discovery, shared values, and meaningful connection. With this experience, learning flowed freely, not through textbooks, but through dialogue, activities, and quiet moments under the open sky.
Let us now hear directly from those who experienced it—the students themselves. Their journal entries, carefully penned and compiled into a digital folder, offer a glimpse into their minds and hearts. Through their reflections, we see the impact of learning beyond the classroom, shaped by empathy, understanding, and inspiration.
Step into their stories and experience the magic of the My Good School Retreat 2025—through the voices that matter most.
Students united in nature, discovering joy, learning, and lifelong bonds at the My Good School Retreat.
Visit www.inyouth.in for more details. Keep following us for Reading, Reflection, and building Relationships.
"As mentors, we don't just teach—we listen, guide, and grow alongside our students."
The students and teachers from the participating schools formed teams to cherish the #JoyOfLearning at the Retreat. The groups shared their journey of learning in four presentations, the first, The Fastest Cheetah, is followed by three more in the following posts:
Manisha Khanna
GSA Ambassador
My Good School Birthday from Good Schools on Vimeo.
On the first day, when I entered the gate of The Doon Girls School. I was excited and nervous and was experiencing a mixture of feelings inside my head. I thought about what it would be like to meet new people from different parts of the country, for which I was a little nervous, but now I have known them for a long time. I couldn't even believe that the four days we spent were so memorable and not just unique but precious too.
While I sit and think about those days, the flashback of the precious memories always strikes my mind. I cannot explain how beautiful they were. Meeting different people and learning so much about their places and schools from Powerpoint Presentations was an excellent experience. I felt amazed when I learned that the school from which Ram Charan studied was there with us.
Whenever I sit and reflect on those four days first scene that comes to my eyes is our visit to Khalanga War Memorial. I enjoyed the trip and loved the smell of flowers from the Sal tree and the hill. I was grateful to meet mr Col Vikram Thapa and his team, from whom we learned many things about the war between Gorkhas and the British. As I am Nepali, I felt proud to hear about the bravery of Gorkhas. I enjoyed the walk up the hill, talking to the guiding sir. I felt thrilled to speak to the guiding team in my mother tongue and remain in my place. The view of Dehradun City from the hill was beautiful, in which I was trying to locate my school. I didn't know we could be so connected and share a precious moment in less time.
I even smile when I think of the funny moments in the Khan Farm where we played fun games. Not only were they fun, but they also taught us many skills like listening, coordination, teamwork and other leadership qualities. Also, the o ji, o ji by sir from Blossom School was a lot of fun.
How can I forget the visit to one of the most prestigious schools in India for which I am really grateful? Before visiting The Doon School, I used to talk to my friend while going to school by bus on seeing the tall wall, and now I feel fortunate and grateful. Whenever I see the wall from the bus, the memories stike in my mind of taking around the school with curious minds. I loved everything about the school, from the beautiful buildings to the activities available there.
I also miss the German Shepherd of the farmhouse, Max, Lily, and Dizzy, with whom I played. It was a beautiful moment. I was so mesmerized by the performance of The Doon Girls School students in the cultural show. I will never forget the motivational words by Monisha Ma'am. The morning walk on the Khan farm comes to my mind whenever I see the fields filled with crops and trees. On hearing the song Jeena Jeena, the moment came into my mind when the music teacher of Doon Girls School was teaching us guitar.
On the last day, when everyone was leaving one by one, I could see the beautiful memories we cherished together, and for a while, I felt sad. Before going to The Retreat, I never thought these four days would be this memorable. I am really grateful and thankful for getting this opportunity. Thanks to The Doon Girls School for being so good to us.
Shristi Khulal
Instead of finding faults and criticizing ourselves, we should look at it with a positive attitude thinking that we shall not make this mistake again. We all make mistakes and learn from them. We must not have a delusion about ourselves. Therefore we are flawsome - have flaws but are yet so awesome!
Sometimes, we try to change ourselves for someone else, we tend to show off and change our look, personality and style just to make friends but that does nothing. It simply pressurizes us. Therefore we should have an open character and know we are flawsome yet fun.
On the other hand, criticizing the work of others is clearly wrong because we need empathy and fairness towards others. We must understand the feelings of others. If we spot any mistake in their work, we mustn't show it to them rudely. But politely point it out with the intention of looking out for them only if they ask for our opinion. We shouldn't misguide them.
None of us is perfect with no mistakes, but our imperfections make us so perfect!
Rishona Chopra
Grade VII
Gyanshree School
I see stories clinging onto shelves nonstop.
I want to look at every shelf,
Even the fantasy stories of an elf.
The environment makes me feel as if I should never leave,
Just sit down and read.
The cosy chairs,
Sad stories that shed tears.
Then I think,
I could have ordered books in a blink.
But it won't be as fun,
In the beautiful world of stories that has just begun!
Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School
When I see a glass half full,
I see some yarn left in a ball of wool
I look at the little food on a plate,
And a few words on someone’s slate
I yearn for the small giggle,
When I see a tiny insect wriggle.
Little it may be but not weak it is,
Less it may be but not short it is,
More we might have but do we need it?
Aren’t we pleased with what we gave it?
May it be half empty or
It can also be half-filled,
It is what our perception is,
Do we complain about the loss
Or be grateful for the most?
A Glass Half Full is not just a lesson
For Perspective or pessimistic thoughts,
It is a teacher with no chalk and duster
But with just water,
It can pass on Responsibility and Gratitude,
Simply with its carefree attitude.
Anvesha Rana,
Grade 10-B,
Gyanshree School
The Joy of Learning Diaries is a website where students can post their reflections on My Good School’s reading program every Sunday. They can literally post anything they want. We publish the Joy Of Learning Diaries, and our blogs go in an extensive diary where many students can post.
We connect the Joy Of Reading with the joy of writing by -
We learn all the values needed,
After going to My Good School, we all succeeded!
There are several things you can do,
Each item is new!
We can read and write,
We are bright!
We can design and create,
After all, My Good School is great!
11.00 AM SWAMI AND FRIENDS by RK Narayan
11.40 AM The Art Of Focus by Gauranga Das
12.00 PM Hari Ghaas Ki Chhappar Wali Jhopadi Aur Bouna Pahad Hindi Edition by Vinod Kumar Shukla
Read With Us!
Rishona Chopra Grade VI Gyanshree School
Somewhere in life, there must be someone to take your hand and share the torrid day. Without a touch of Friendship, there is no life, and we must fade away. There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends who become family. Friendship is a tonic for all of us that only grows stronger over time; it is the cure for every challenge, the outlook for every good day, and the wish for every person. Probably no relationship is as essential yet versatile as Friendship. The intimacy and affinity we have with our friends are irreplaceable, and it comes in many forms; whether we are next to each other or miles apart, we always remember them, and they are our Friends.
So, join us as we dive into this adventure with Swami and Friends. We won’t know what’s coming next, for this will be full of twists, turns and steep ends, but one thing we can be sure of, whatever it is, will be the most memorable.
Anvesha Rana,
Grade 10-B,
Gyanshree School
Childhood has been miserable,
Because you have to learn something basic,
When we grow up as a teen
I got pressured to top the boards
I got pressured to become a doctor
Will the world still accept if I am something else?
I feel like running away from home,
I think I am not safe in my home sweet home,
I want to speak to this world,
I have my aspirations,
To change the mindset of the people
Who judges me based on occupation,
Who are you to control me?
I am a phoenix who takes the rebirth from its ashes
Which is from its failures.
If you control me,
I will control you every time,
As you made my life miserable
I will make yours,
At the end of the story
I have my aspirations!
Gaurangi Rastogi
Class VII
The Doon Girls’ School
