Learning from Nature and Memories - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

 

Reflections (26.04.26)

In the reading session, Brinda Ma’am read to us the chapter “The Tortoise Hills” from My Family and Other Animals, where we learned about the author’s observations of tortoises on the island of Corfu. He treats them not as slow, dull creatures, but as individuals with distinct personalities and “armoured” lifestyles.

He pays close attention to the architecture of their shells—the dusty, scarred plates that tell a story of years spent navigating the thorny scrub. It was very interesting to read about his interest in tortoises’ movements and actions. I feel that the author had a lot of patience to conduct such detailed observations.

Vankshit, VII G

Sunday’s reading session began with Brinda Ma’am reading a passage from the chapter “The Tortoise Hills” in the novel My Family and Other Animals. However, the most interesting part was when Sandeep Sir and Manisha Ma’am showed us the flipcharts from the GSA Retreat held at Mayoor School, Jaipur. Sir showed the flipchart that I had worked on with my team.

Our team had chosen the chapter “Power of Wellness” from Highway to Swades by Bhairavi Jani. I was proud to show my work to the other Sunday School participants and shared my experience in detail once again. The album, consisting of all the photos, brought back many memories of the retreat. It was a truly amazing learning experience. I extend my gratitude once again to Sandeep Sir and GSA for organising this retreat.

Srishti Prasad, VIII A

I have always considered the tortoise a slow creature and have never been interested in learning about it. However, the chapter we read today filled my mind with many details about a tortoise. So far, most of the chapters include mentions of one animal or another. For a child to take an interest in the natural world and study the intricate details of different creatures is indeed fascinating.

I sometimes feel that, in the busy routine of our urban lives, we miss out on these seemingly small yet profound experiences. Durrell, unlike us, was fortunate to live on an island where he learned through natural observation and his innate curiosity.

Another amazing part of today’s session was revisiting the GSA Retreat memories, as Manisha Ma’am showed us the flipcharts she had uploaded on the Joy of Learning Diaries page. Sandeep Sir explained the importance of the 4S framework and the role of the YES Workshop, encouraging us to understand the value of 4S (Service, Skill, Sports, and Study) in our lives.

Gauri Agrawal, IX C

Thank you note from Sunbeam School Ballia

Thank you, Sunbeam School Ballia, for your love and kindness. On behalf of the Host Committee and all of us at the Good Schools Alliance, we express our deep gratitude to Dr Kunwar Arun Singh, the Principal, and the Staff at the school for their deep commitment to spreading the joy of learning.

A Journey of Learning and Growth: MGS Retreat

The Retreat is a meaningful journey of learning and personal growth. It provides a space to explore new ideas, interact with inspiring individuals, and gain knowledge beyond textbooks. Through engaging sessions, discussions, and shared experiences, the Retreat encourages us to reflect, develop new perspectives, and grow both intellectually and personally. It is not just about learning facts, but about understanding ourselves and the world around us more deeply and thoughtfully.

Together We Grow - My Good School Retreat

 

Students discovered that when they live together, laugh together, and spend meaningful time with one another, learning goes far beyond the classroom. During the retreat organised by Mayoor School in collaboration with the Good Schools Alliance, they experienced the true value of connection, empathy, and shared growth. The retreat provided them with a purposeful space to interact, reflect, and build lasting friendships. Through group activities, conversations, and quiet moments of reflection, students learned teamwork, respect for diverse perspectives, and the importance of community. It became not just a gathering, but a meaningful journey of self-discovery and collective learning.

My Good School 19th April 2026

PLEASE NOTE, FROM NEXT WEEK WE WILL HOST MY GOOD SCHOOL IN WEBINAR MODE AND THE RECORDING WILL BE SHARED ON YOUTUBE AS ALWAYS.

Sunday School for Reading and Reflection

To read and discuss two books, “My Family and Other Animals” and “Time Stops At Shamli (Hindi).”

Key Takeaways

• “My Family and Other Animals” Reading: The Durrell family moved to the “Daffodil Yellow Villa” to accommodate unexpected guests. Gerald’s observations of swallows and an oil beetle (Melloproscarabeus) highlight the book’s core theme of nature discovery.

• “Antim Sanskar” Reading: A boy processes his father’s death, feeling isolated from the adults. His unique coping mechanism—imagining becoming a flower to help new life grow—was praised for its maturity.

• My Good School Retreat: A recap of the Jaipur retreat showcased its focus on reflection and community building. All future My Good School sessions will be held in webinar mode to increase capacity and improve YouTube recording quality.

Topics

My Good School Retreat Recap

• Manisha Khanna shared photos and a video of the recent Jaipur retreat, which hosted 11 schools.

• Key Activities:

  • An art exhibit where participants turned line drawings into full artworks.

  • “Discovery of India” session based on a book about travelling across the country.

  • Talent night for student performances.

• Reflection Method: Participants used flip charts (“joy of learning diaries”) to document their experiences, prioritising human intelligence over electronic media.

• Resources: All retreat photos and flip charts will be posted on schooleducation.com.

Program Updates

• Webinar Mode: All future My Good School sessions will use webinar mode.

  • Rationale: To increase capacity, reduce interference, and improve recording quality for the My Good School YouTube channel.

• Program Overview: Sandeep Dutt reviewed the My Good School ecosystem.

  • Sunday: My Good School sessions.

  • Saturday: Teachers Academy & Youth Engaging Society (YES) master classes.

  • Retreats: Held twice annually (April & October).

  • Membership: Open to schools and individuals (via a small donation).

Book Reading: “My Family and Other Animals”

• Brinda read from Gerald Durrell’s memoir, set on Corfu Island, Greece.

• Plot Summary:

  • Larry’s unexpected invitation of 7–8 guests forced the family to move from the “Strawberry Pink Villa” to the larger “Daffodil Yellow Villa.”

  • The new villa was a decaying Venetian mansion with an overgrown garden.

  • The new maid, Lugresia, was a hypochondriac who constantly detailed her ailments, causing the family to avoid her.

  • The family was swept into a festival for Saint Spiridion, the island’s patron saint.

    • Ritual: Kissing the mummified saint’s feet.

    • Outcome: Margot kissed the feet and contracted influenza, while Gerald feigned it.

  • Gerald observed swallows nesting under the eaves, noting the distinct personalities of the male birds.

  • He found a flightless oil beetle (Melloproscarabeus) with shrunken wing cases.

    • Life Cycle: Its larvae prey on a specific bee species.

    • Significance: This discovery was identified by Gerald’s biologist mentor, Theodore, who visits weekly to help with specimens.

Book Reading: “Antim Sanskar” (The Last Rites)

• Manisha Khanna read a Hindi story by Ruskin Bond about a boy at his father’s funeral.

• Plot Summary:

  • The boy felt isolated from the adults, who were focused on their own grief and social etiquette.

  • He reflected on his father’s lessons about nature during their walks.

  • Coping Mechanism: He imagined that after death, he would become a flower, and a bird would carry his seeds to help new life grow.

  • Final Thought: He recalled his father’s words, “The strongest person is the one who stands alone,” as he walked home through the fog, feeling alone but determined.

Next Steps

• Manisha Khanna: Post Jaipur retreat photos and flip charts to schooleducation.com.

• My Good School Team: Transition all future sessions to webinar mode, starting next Sunday.

• Participants:

  • Use a notebook to record new vocabulary and concepts from the readings.

  • Join the next session in webinar mode.

MGS Retreat 2026: Nurturing Learning, Reflection, and Relationships

Enjoy the Photo Book courtesy Varun Arora of Mayoor School Jaipur.

The My Good School Alliance Retreat (MGS Retreat), in collaboration with Mayoor School Jaipur, was successfully held on the school premises, with participation from 12 schools across the country. The Good Schools Alliance (GSA) promotes the values of “Joy of Learning” and “Joy of Giving,” aiming to build a connected and inclusive community through Service, Skill, Sport, and Study.

The retreat focused on the 3R’s—Reading, Reflection, and Relationships—providing students with a holistic learning experience. The four-day camp included enriching book-reading sessions led by eminent authors, including Ms Bhairvi Jani and Mr Jugjiv Singh, during which students explored excerpts from inspiring works such as Highway to Swades.

Each day began with engaging sports activities, including basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, and indoor games like chess and carrom. A special art session by Prenita Dutt introduced students to creative techniques using various art media. Interactive sessions by INME encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional awareness.

Students also enjoyed an educational excursion to the City Palace, where they experienced its rich heritage and architectural grandeur. The retreat featured a vibrant talent show where students showcased their skills through music, dance, skits, and cultural presentations.

FLP for Educators at Jaipur by Learning Forward India Foundation

The closing ceremony included an insightful session on financial literacy led by Mr Manoj Kumar (Executive Director, SEBI), Mr Venkat Chalasani (CEO, AMFI), and Mr Suryakant Sharma (Sr. Consultant, AMFI), emphasising the importance of financial planning and investment.

The event concluded on a positive note, fostering unity, learning, and inspiration, while opening new avenues for future generations.

Regards

Team Mayoor School Jaipur 🦚

Their creativity knew no bounds, and the results are there for all to see!

Discover the Artist in you!

The simple yet powerful artworks created by the participants during the Art Workshop at The My Good School Retreat.

The Retreat opened with an inspiring interaction with Bhairavi Jani, author of Highway to Swades. The students and teachers chose one word that the reading session evoked in them.

Inspired by their choice of words and with that feeling in mind, each individual worked on one piece of paper with an identical line form drawn on it. They were free to move the paper around and choose an angle that could best express their thoughts.

Their creativity knew no bounds, and the results are there for all to see!

MGS Retreat 2026 AIR by Learning Forward India Foundation

The Retreat was such a wonderful joy of learning—a journey that has left an indelible mark on my life.

Thank you,

Prenita Dutt
Artist-in-Residence
My Good School Retreat 2026
Mayoor School Jaipur

The Power of a School Retreat - Sunbeam School Ballia

Good School Retreat

My Good School Retreat is more than just a break from routine—it is a thoughtful expression of how deeply a school cares for the holistic growth of its students. It reflects a commitment to the four pillars of development: Study, Service, Sports, and Skills. Through meaningful activities, reflection, teamwork, and experiential learning, a retreat creates space for students to recharge, rediscover purpose, and realign with values. It strengthens academic focus, cultivates empathy through service, builds resilience through sports, and sharpens life skills essential for the future. In essence, a well-planned school retreat is a powerful way of saying, “We care for every dimension of your growth.”

Sunbeam School Ballia

Reflection: Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025

As we depart for our homes, the wall stands alone, waiting for our next visit!

The Good School Retreat 2025 was truly one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of my school life. Held at Sunbeam Suncity, Varanasi, and hosted by Sunbeam Gramin School, the retreat brought together students from different schools under the Good School Alliance — all with one goal: to learn, share, and grow together.

Our journey began on 26th October, when we boarded the train to Varanasi with excitement bubbling inside us. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at Sunbeam Suncity. The first day began with flag bearers’ practice, followed by ice-breaking games that instantly helped us bond with students from other schools.

The next day, we had our opening ceremony, where we got the opportunity to meet inspiring personalities like Mr Sandeep Dutt, author of My Good School, Mr Jugjiv Sir, Headmaster of the Good School Alliance, Nilashi Ma’am, and many others. The morning started with yoga, after which we went for our service project visits. Our group went to Banaras Beads, India’s largest exporter and single-unit bead-making factory, while other groups visited Kiran Village, where we saw how specially-abled children are empowered through education and skills. Both visits were eye-opening experiences that taught us about hard work, empathy, and real-life learning. Later that evening, we had tea and snacks, a reading session by Jugjiv Sir from the book My Good School, followed by an interactive Joy of Learning activity by Nilashi Ma’am.

On Day 3, the day began with an energetic Zumba session, which filled everyone with positive vibes. Then came the Inme Activities led by the Inme team, where we played games that taught us teamwork, communication, and leadership in the most fun and creative ways. That evening, we were treated to a special Baati Chokha dinner, which was absolutely delicious! The day ended beautifully with another Joy of Learning session by Nilashi Ma’am, where we reflected and interacted even more deeply.

Day 4 was my personal favourite! We went on a Varanasi Darshan, visiting the archaeological site of the Buddha Temple, the monument of Rani Lakshmi Bai, and Assi Ghat, where we saw the real home of Tulsidas Ji. Learning about the ancient monasteries and their preservation was fascinating — it felt like stepping into history itself. Later that evening, we had our Talent Show, where our school performed a poetry piece and a rap. Everyone loved our performance, and the appreciation we received made us feel so proud! We also got to see other amazing performances — from dance and singing to flute playing — each one filled with pure talent and joy.

Finally, on Day 5 (30th October), we visited Sunbeam Gramin School, where we attended the morning assembly and participated in the YES Workshop. Throughout the retreat, we had been working on our flip charts, a 25-page reflection journal highlighting what we learned from the four S’s — Study, Skill, Sports, and Service. In the workshop, we presented our learnings and shared how these values are implemented in our school. It was a truly meaningful way to end the retreat.

As we departed for Ballia, I carried with me not just memories but life lessons — about joyful learning, teamwork, service, and friendship. The retreat wasn’t just a trip; it was an experience that helped me grow as a student and as a person. 🌟

Janvi Singh
Sunbeam School Ballia

Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025 - Opening Ceremony and Highlights

 

My Good School Retreat 2025 opened today at Sunbeam Gramin School, Varanasi, in the presence of distinguished members of the Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, the Good Schools Alliance, and other esteemed guests. With 117 students and mentors from 16 outstation and core Sunbeam branches, the grand opening set the tone for four inspiring days of learning, reflection, and collaboration — where students from diverse and marginalized backgrounds come together to learn, share, and grow through experiential and value-driven education.

Anchored gracefully by Sunbeam Gramin School students, the day witnessed soulful chanting, music, dance, and dialogue — beautifully capturing the spirit of education beyond classrooms, one that nurtures empathy, equality, and real-world understanding.

The GSA Retreat 2025 an enriching confluence of learning, leadership, and culture! 🌟 Over five remarkable days, participants explored new ideas, engaged in reflective workshops, and experienced the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi. From teamwork to self-discovery, every moment inspired growth, connection, and purpose — truly embodying the spirit of the Good Schools Alliance. 💫

My Good School Retreat 2025 - Sunbeam Gramin School Feedback

Sunbeam Gramin School.pdf by Learning Forward India Foundation

Thank you, Shweta Morolia for filing the report and for all you do to spread the #JoyOfLearning

The PYDS Team Presentation at the My Good School Retreat 2025

PYDS Presentation at the My Good School Retreat 2025 by Learning Forward India Foundation

Today, PYDS provides mentorship, healthcare, nutrition, and an education of the highest order to children who would otherwise never have gotten it.

"Life is for Giving"

Anoop Seth

Director & Secretary

Echoes of Experience: Student Insights from the Retreat

Peer Learning in Action: Reflections from the My Good School Retreat 2025

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 YES Way (TYW) - Service, Skill, Sport and Study - our log books for the My Good School Retreat.

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:

• The Fastest Cheetah - TYW 1

• The Lion King - TYW 2

• Black Cat Group - TYW 3

• The Brave Dog - TYW 4

Manisha Khanna
GSA Ambassador

The YES Way: Black Cat Group - TYW 3

Sunbeam Suncity TYW 3 by Learning Forward India Foundation

The YES Way: The Lion King - TYW 2

Gyanoday School TYW 2 by Learning Forward India Foundation

Sunbeam Lahartara- My Good School Retreat 2024

Day- 0 

We were the first to arrive at Khan Farm for the Retreat. We met Manisha Khanna, ma'am, who introduced us to the members and took us around the farm to explore. After that, we waited for others to arrive, started our playtime, and chatted with the others to bond with them.

Grade -IX D

Shubh Jaiswal

Day- 1

We went for a walk around, enjoying the nature around us. Then we went on to Arthur Foot Academy, where we celebrated Children's Day and donated them some stationery and saw their faces light up with joy along the way their faces were. In the afternoon, we went back to Khan Farm and had a session with Amit Sachdeva sir, where we explored the meaning of 'giving' and tried to find a way to do it. After that, we had an art session with Feroza Ma'am, where we displayed our creativity about nature with our drawings.

Grade -IX D 

Divyanshu Singh

Day- 2

Our second day starts with jungle walking early at Khan Farm. After getting ready, we did our school project and represented our school and its culture. Then, in the afternoon, we had a session with Sandeep Dutt, sir, in which we read three books: "Is Your Child Ready to Face the World", " Inner Life of Animals" and "Shomie Das, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow". Then, in the evening, there was a cultural program in which we sang a patriotic song, 'Mera Mulk', and recited a beautiful poem on our city, 'Kashi'. Then we celebrated our night and danced with the students of JDS and Gyanoday, members of My Good School.

Grade -IX D 

Prashant Singh Kushwaha

Day 3

On our last day, we started with dispersal from the Khan Farm, where we presented our token of love with a thank you note to Ms Firoza Khan, owner of Khan Farm. From there, we departed to The Doon Boys Schools, explored the campus, and met the Headmaster, Mr Jagpreet Singh. All the school departed for their journey home. we headed to Doon Girls' school, as our train scheduled for on 17th Nov. We had dinner there and then returned to our destination. That was all of the Dehradun trip.

Grade -IX D 

Anmol Kashyap

JDS School - My Good School Retreat 2024

DAY 1

Joy of Giving

The Retreat began with a walk on Khan farm, where we explored more about birds, plants, and animals. We also went to Arthur Foot Academy. There, we celebrated Children's Day, which included dances and speeches from Khan sir and our special guests, Mr. Amit Sachdeva, Mr. Sandeep Dutt, and Mr. Assad. Then, we helped AFA children with some stationery, decorated their class board with handmade flowers, and found real happiness in giving. The evening session was completed with our reading session.

Parnaz Singh

Grade-7th

DAY 2

Joy Of Learning 

First, we went for a jungle walk, saw different kinds of trees and tree houses, and enjoyed ourselves a lot in the lap of nature. In the presentation session,  all the schools help to explore and learn more about service, skills, sports, and study by representing the timetable and calendar of their school. Then we attended the GSA meeting, where we studied the inner life of animals and learned more about facing the world's challenges with Sandeep sir. In the evening, we explored the treasure hunt. And the memories were made more robust by dancing and enjoying the retreat to its fullest.

Prabhveer Kaur

Grade-7th

Day 3

Joy Of Exploring

On 16th November, we visited The Doon School, one of the best schools in India. We had many more beautiful experiences in the design and technology lab. There, we saw students of the Doon School making different types of metal and wood things. We also learned a lot about the art and creativity of the Doon School students. We went to music school, where we.

We Explored different types of musical Instruments. We also went to the library of the Doon school. That was a wonderful and exciting experience for all of us. The greetings of the Doon school staff were very warm. Finally, we visited the office of My Good School, which Sandeep sir very well maintained. Also, we got a chance to see the Bookshop, where we bought books to enhance our knowledge. Last but not least, it was a wonderful experience for all of us.

Harpreet Kaur

Grade-7th

Reflections - My Good School Retreat 15th November 2024

My Good School Retreat 2024 - November 15

To conduct a My Good School retreat session focused on discussing animal behavior and emotions through the book "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben.

Key Takeaways

• The group explored the concept of animal emotions, particularly maternal love, through the first chapter of the book
• Participants learned about squirrel behavior, including their nesting habits, food caching, and interactions with other animals
• The discussion highlighted how human perceptions of animals are often influenced by emotions rather than objective observation
• The session emphasized that maternal love is not exclusive to humans and exists across species, though with variations in its expression and development

Topics

Book Introduction and Context

• The group is reading "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben
• The book explores animal emotions and behaviors, challenging assumptions about human uniqueness
• The author uses scientific research and personal observations to illustrate animal experiences

Squirrel Behavior and Survival

• Squirrels demonstrate maternal care by carrying babies on their necks
• They build nests (dreys) in trees, using soft materials for comfort
• Squirrels cache food for winter, but often forget locations, leading to natural tree planting
• Their survival strategies include spiral descent to avoid predators like hawks

Animal Emotions and Human Perceptions

• The group discussed how humans categorize animals based on appearance and perceived usefulness
• Squirrels were used as an example of how perceptions can shift (e.g., from cute to predatory)
• The discussion emphasized that animals act primarily for survival, not to be "good" or "bad"

Maternal Love Across Species

• The chapter explored whether maternal love is innate or learned
• Hormones like oxytocin play a role in bonding for both humans and animals
• Human capacity for learned love (e.g., adoption) was contrasted with more instinctive animal behaviors
• Examples of interspecies bonding were mentioned (e.g., cats caring for human infants)

Next Steps

• Participants encouraged to watch related movies/documentaries (e.g., Born Free, Lion King)
• Research Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees for further insights on animal behavior.
• Reconvene at 5:30 PM for the Teacher's Academy session to continue book discussion.
• Local retreat participants to engage in a treasure hunt during the break.

Think it over

1. Did the story connect with you today, and why?  

2. Find out about- 

a. dreys

b. nests of animals

3. How do animals prepare their nest? Which material is required by the animals to make their nest?

4. Winter, however, is more devastating than any predator. Who does the writer refer to ?

5. What will happen if there will be no food chain?

6. What is selfless mother's love according to you?