THE VKE VOICETHE VKE VOICETHE VKE VOICE

MEET THEthe voices behind the pagesWe are the new Editorial Team of the VKE School Newsletter for the academic year 2026-27! With fresh ideas, big enthusiasm and a shared love for storytelling, we are excited to bring you the stories, achievements and moments that make our school community so special. As we begin this journey, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the previous year's team for their incredible work in building this legacy. We are also truly grateful to the School Core Team for giving us this opportunity to create, explore and express.Here's to a year of stories, creativity and new beginnings!ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026EDITORIAL TEAMOUR TEACHERS 1) Reneesh Matthew, Sir 2) Balvinder Kaur, Ma’am 3) Isha Karandikar, Ma’am 4) Piyush Patil, Sir 1) Nayraan Sharma 2) Teeya Doshi 3) Deshna JainOUR DP TEAMOUR MYP TEAM 1) Kaavya Mishra 2) Ariana Vasisht 3) Nivi Partharkar

PRINCIPALA leader. An educator. The visionary behind our school community.INSPIRING MINDS, SHAPING FUTURES.FROM THE DESK OF OURMR. RENEESH MATTHEWSECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALISSUE 01 / JUNE–AUGUST 2026leading with vision, inspiring us every day ♥There's a particular feeling that settles over a school in late August: the first-day nerves have worn off, timetables have settled into a rhythm, yet everything still feels new enough to notice. I've always thought of this as the end of the beginning: that quiet stretch where the excitement of starting meets the steadier work of building something together. This year, that "something" is well- being and care, not as a slogan on a poster, but as the lens through which we want every decision, conversation, and relationship in this school to be shaped. I was reminded of this just a few weeks ago, sitting with a room full of MYP 1 and 2 parents over coffee. What struck me wasn't the discussion of assessment criteria, useful as that was; it was watching parents lean into each other's stories during our session on parenting through the middle years. Nodding in recognition of a stranger's struggle. Laughing at a shared frustration. That room full of coffee cups became, for an hour, a small community reminding itself that none of us is doing this alone. That's what well-being actually looks like: not the absence of difficulty, but the presence of people willing to sit with it together. Our MYP 2 and 3 students found their own version of that lesson at the Gurudwara a few weeks ago, serving langar alongside strangers who quickly stopped feeling like strangers. There's something almost embarrassingly simple about learning empathy by washing a plate for someone you've never met, but that's exactly why it works. It doesn't ask a child to imagine kindness; it asks them to do it, with their hands, right there. That's the same spirit we hope our empathy curriculum fosters all year: not empathy as a lesson to be studied, but as a muscle to be used, again and again, until it becomes who our children simply are. As our DP students prepare for their journey to Pondicherry and the rest of us settle into the term ahead, I keep coming back to that phrase: the end of the beginning. The nervous excitement of September has done its job. What's left now is the real work: showing up for each other, caring in ways that are sometimes loud and sometimes as quiet as a shared cup of coffee, and building a year in which every child and every parent feels a little less alone. That's not a beginning anymore. That's just who we're choosing to be. God bless! ReneeshGreat leadership creates a legacy, not just results.ISSUE 01 / JUNE–AUGUST 2026

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 “The end of one thing is just the beginning of another.” - Simone Elkeles Most importantly, this year is ours to make. Let us approach it with curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Welcome back to school! Here’s to new beginnings and countless memories waiting to be made. The beginning may be ending, but our journey is only just getting started. For some, this may be the start of an exciting new journey; for others, it may be another step towards a goal they have been working towards for years. A new academic year begins, bringing with it new faces, new opportunities, fresh ambitions, and another chapter in our journey together. As we welcome everyone back to school, we also take a moment to look back at the experiences that have shaped us and look forward to everything that lies ahead. “End of the Beginning” is not just a theme, it represents the transition between where we have been and where we are going. Every ending marks the beginning of something new. The lessons we have learned. The challenges we have overcome. The friendships we have built and the memories we have created all form the foundation for what comes next. As we step into a new year, we are reminded that there is always more to discover. New ideas will take shape, new challenges will test us, and new experiences will give us even more opportunities.

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VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. Victorious Kidss Educares welcomed its MYP and DP students at our annual Student-Parent Orientation, marking a special beginning to their journey at VKE. The event was led by our esteemed Secondary Principal, Mr Reneesh Matthew, and our dedicated DP Coordinator, Ms Selvakumari. It introduced students and parents to the curriculum, expectations, and the opportunities ahead. Our distinguished Vice President & Managing Director, Mrs Saarada Ghosh, addressed the gathering and extended her warm wishes to the students and their families as they begin this important new chapter. Her address reflected the vision and commitment of VKE’s leadership in creating an environment where students are encouraged to grow and strive for excellence.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 "At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents." - Jane D. Hull The orientation set a warm tone for the year ahead, bringing together students, parents, teachers, and the leadership team as the newest members of the VKE community begin their journey. First Introduction STUDENT-PARENTORIENTATION new beginnings At VKE, care and academic excellence are not competing priorities; they are inseparable. Victorious Kidss Educares’s IB MYP and DP programme is designed to stretch students intellectually while ensuring they feel genuinely supported by the community around them. The orientation reflected these values, setting a strong and positive tone for the academic journey ahead.

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. The DP2 CAS interviews were a significant milestone in my academic journey. They encouraged genuine reflection, helped me connect my experiences to the CAS learning outcomes, and gave me a clearer understanding of my progress towards my final CAS portfolio. The interviews encouraged me to look back at my experiences more deeply. Rather than simply recalling what I had done, the questions made me consider specific moments, why they mattered, and what I had learned from them. This showed me that meaningful reflection often begins with asking the right questions. They also helped me connect my experiences to the CAS learning outcomes more effectively. Instead of simply assigning outcomes to activities, I began considering whether my experiences genuinely demonstrated them and identifying connections I had previously overlooked. Most importantly, the interviews gave me a clearer picture of where I stand with CAS and what I still need to develop. They reminded me that CAS is not simply about completing experiences, but about making them meaningful and demonstrating personal growth. REFLECTIONS IN ACTIONREFLECTIONS IN ACTIONISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi DP2 CAS INTERVIEWS The DP2 CAS interviews were a significant milestone in my academic journey. They encouraged genuine reflection, helped me connect my experiences to the CAS learning outcomes, and gave me a clearer understanding of my progress towards my final CAS portfolio. The DP2 CAS interviews were a significant milestone in my academic journey. They encouraged genuine reflection, helped me connect my experiences to the CAS learning outcomes, and gave me a clearer understanding of my progress towards my final CAS portfolio. Overall, the interviews were an important checkpoint in my CAS journey. They helped me understand that reflection is not just looking back—it is questioning experiences, finding meaning in them, and recognising how they have contributed to my growth. ~Rishabh Pal (DP 2)

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. The Literary Fest was an inspiring experience that celebrated creativity, imagination, and the power of storytelling. This fest included a variety of events, such as the Fantasy Writing Workshop, which encouraged students to explore different fantasy worlds, develop unique characters, and experiment with their own writing styles. Along with the workshop, the guest lectures by student authors gave us all an opportunity to hear about their journeys as young writers. These sessions showed all of us that anyone can develop their ideas into meaningful stories with creativity and confidence. The Literary Fest helped us appreciate literature not only as something we read, but also as a way to express ourselves and connect with others in our own unique way. ~ Kaavya Mishra (MYP 4 C2) & Ariana Vasisht (MYP 3 RT2)ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 CLUES: ACROSS 3. A person who writes stories 5. Imaginative creation DOWN 1. A short story 2. A group of lines in a poem 4. Using your imagination LITERARY FEST imagination

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. "Baking may be regarded as a science, but it's the chemistry between the ingredients and the cook that gives desserts life."- Anna Olson This bake sale brought us students together to support a meaningful cause while sharing our homemade desserts and baked goods with the school community. We worked together to prepare and sell an array of treats, with everyone contributing in different ways to make the event successful. There was a lot of demand for the food, as students, teachers, and parents enjoyed the different treats, leading to many items being sold incredibly quickly.BAKE SALEISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 The event had a lively and cheerful atmosphere, and it was great to see everyone working together and contributing towards a common goal. The funds raised went towards supporting Ecclesia - International Youth Symposium, which made the bake sale more than just a fun event. It was an engaging experience that brought everyone together and allowed us to do something good for the community. ~ Myrah Mehrotra (MYP4 C3)BAKE SALE

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. He shared with us all the wonderful landscapes, impressive innovations, and inspiring individuals from Argentina. I even got the opportunity to taste the traditional drink the sir brought from Argentina, which was warm water in the leaves of a bush found there. It was a memorable experience, and it was my first time speaking in Spanish in front of others, discussing the similarities between festivals and food in Argentina and India. I would love to thank Linda ma'am and the school management for arranging this wonderful event!! ~ Bhavika Shah (DP 2) SPANISH CULTUREISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026EXCHANGE“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people” It was an honour to be able to interact with someone with such vast knowledge and the ability to hold the attention of people even when speaking in a language not everyone in the room understands well. It has been a year since I started learning Spanish, and thanks to the amazing guidance that I've received from Sanjana ma'am, I was proud to be able to understand a great deal of what sir was telling us.

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. “I found the session to be informative and the presenters were well-informed. The event was well organised and provided great insights into universities in Germany and the application process. I found this exceptionally useful since it also covered fields like medicine. Overall, it was an eye-opening session that broke down the entire journey of studying in Germany in an easy-to-understand way.” - Ashneer Kaur Pannu, DP1 “The world is full of wonderful things you haven't seen yet. Don't ever give up on the chance of seeing them."- J.K. RowlingISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 This month, we had the privilege of attending an inspiring presentation by a counselling agency dedicated to guiding students toward studying in Germany. The session was well- structured, beginning with an overview of what the transition toward studying in Germany can feel like and guiding us through the application process.New Places New Learnings New FutureGERMANYGERMANYGERMANYSTUDYABROADSTUDYABROAD

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. “Every story matters, every action leaves a mark, and together, they become the change we hope to see.” - Nayraan Sharma (DP 1 P1)ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 The event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our Vice-President & Managing Director, Saarada Ma’am; Secondary Principal, Reneesh Sir; and Primary School Principal, Ira Ma’am. Their continued encouragement and belief in students provided the foundation for SUTRADHAR and reflected the leadership’s commitment to empowering students to take initiative and lead with purpose. SUTRADHAR’s 2026 Edition came to life on 1st August 2026 at the Victorious Kidss Educares campus, transforming the Green Grass Area into a space for stories, purpose, and collective impact. The event was brought together by a team of 40 students, led by Nayraan Sharma and Anika Tata, with students from the VKE community and across Pune and Mumbai, making SUTRADHAR a truly youth-led initiative driven by a shared commitment to social impact. SUTRADHAR 2026SUTRADHAR 2026SUTRADHAR 2026 We were also honoured to welcome Mrs Aishwarya Pathare as our Chief Guest, alongside our beloved Principal, both of whom addressed the gathering and shared words of encouragement. “Sutradhar brought together creativity, community, and a shared commitment to making a difference. It was inspiring to see how our collective efforts as students could grow into something that impacted so many people.” -Shanaya, DP1

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 Every organisation received contributions, with the highest individual collection reaching approximately ₹23,000 for an animal welfare organisation. The event was brought alive through art and performance, including a performance by student band Salt Avenue and numerous student performances, reinforcing SUTRADHAR’s belief in using the stage not simply to entertain, but to tell stories that matter. Despite a city-wide rally taking place on the same day, SUTRADHAR welcomed approximately 250 attendees, creating an engaged and impactful community. To close the event on a meaningful note, ₹1,000 from the remaining funds was dedicated to each of the 11 participating NGOs. At the heart of SUTRADHAR were 11 NGOs working across child welfare, animal welfare, senior citizen care, education, sustainability, environmental conservation, and women’s empowerment. Each NGO had a dedicated stall to showcase its work, interact with attendees, raise awareness, and collect donations, along with five minutes of stage time to share its story.

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. “Behind every great achievement is a dreamer of great dreams.” - Robert K. Greenleaf MYP 5 RESULTS Among this outstanding cohort stands a truly rare achievement: a perfect score of 56 by Teeya Doshi, placing her among a handful of students anywhere in the world to ever have touched this ceiling of academic excellence. “I don’t think there are words to describe how I felt after seeing the 56 on my phone screen. It was an unbelievable moment—achieving something I’d spent so long thinking was impossible; it might have been one of the best feelings in the world— to know that, after everything, all that hard work and dedication would lead to exceptional results like this.” This year, 53 students sat for the E-assessments for their MYP certification, and what they returned with tells a story worth pausing on. Grade 10 results remain one of the most significant academic milestones for students in India. The MYP5 Class of 2026 met the demands of the IB MYP in a truly exceptional manner. They scored a school average well above the latest published global average, with 13 students all crossing the 50-point threshold out of 56, which only a small fraction of MYP learners worldwide have achieved.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 At VKE, we celebrate every learner for not just their points in these examinations but for the person they are. Congratulations to the MYP Class of 2026 for living the school’s mission statement, and a special standing ovation to them for reaching the pinnacle of academic excellence.MYP 5 High Achievers Teeya Doshi, World Topper

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” “Seeing the 53 on my screen honestly didn’t feel real at first. After all the late nights, revision, and worrying about the assessments, it was a huge relief to see that it had all paid off. I was really proud of myself in that moment, especially because it was something I wasn’t sure I could achieve.” “My MYP 5 e-Assessment results felt less like an ending and more like a checkpoint. Seeing the 52/56 on the page made me realise just how much I’d grown throughout my MYP journey, and how much I’ve started expecting from myself. I’m proud of my result and myself, but what stays with me more is the feeling of knowing I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned into DP and see what I can build from here.” ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 “It was quite unexpected when I first got the results. It was one of the most shocking yet happiest events of my life. To think that all the hard work I ever put in has actually resulted in something great. Seeing all those 7s on my screen was something I’d only ever imagined in my dreams, making this moment even more special for me.” Deshna Jain, 52 Shravani Bavdhankar, 54 Neil Gandhi, 53

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together.The Student Council election is an exciting time in the school year. It is a time when students step forward to share their ideas and represent the voices of their peers. Their journey reflects the core values of leadership and responsibility—from filling out the nomination form all the way to the final Investiture Ceremony. The journey began with nominations. Numerous students put themselves forward and expressed their willingness to contribute to the school community. They had confidence and took the courage to say, “I want to make a difference”. Once the nominations were complete, candidates began campaigning. Campaigning served as an opportunity for students to introduce themselves and share their visions for the school.STUDENT COUNCIL After the campaigns, the time had come for the student body to make its choice. The voting procedure gave every student a voice in deciding who they believe will best represent them. Voting is an important part of the democratic process and reminds us that leadership is about so much more than simply holding a position. It means earning the trust of those whom they wish to serve and represent.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. - John C. Maxwell CAMPAIGNING NOMINATIONS VOTING

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 The journey culminated with the Investiture Ceremony, where the newly elected Student Council members were inducted and took an oath to abide by their responsibilities and commitments to the school. It marked a commitment to lead by example and work towards making the school community stronger and a better place for all. Following the voting process were panel interviews, where candidates had the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership qualities, ideas, and ability to handle responsibility to our school’s leadership team. The interviews allowed the panel to look beyond the campaign speeches and understand each candidate’s goals and commitment to the school community in more depth. The announcement of the results was one of the most anticipated moments of the process. For those selected, it marked the beginning of a new responsibility. For everyone who participated, it was an achievement in itself to have the courage to put themselves forward as a leader. The Student Council election process is not solely about choosing leaders, but about encouraging students to find their voices, participate in their community, and understand how leadership is rooted in service. As the new Student Council begins its term, we look forward to seeing their leadership shape another memorable year at school. PANEL INTERVIEWS INVESTITURE CEREMONY RESULTS

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. The Taste of VKE was a fun and inviting event organised by our cafeteria. The purpose of this event was to allow students to try the food in the cafeteria with a complimentary meal. This event gave the students a chance to experience and learn about the cafeteria's wide variety of foods.TASTE OFCOMPLIMENTARY MEAL ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 "A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe."- Thomas Keller This event also encouraged the students to visit the cafeteria more often rather than bringing food from home. All in all, the Taste of VKE was a great event that was well thought out to give the students an experience of the cafeteria's food and services. ~ Kaavya Mishra (MYP4 C2) V K EV K EV K EV K E

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. "Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err and even to sin." - Mahatma Gandhi Victorious Kidss Educares came together to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day in a spirit of patriotism, pride, and unity. The celebration was an opportunity to honour the nation’s journey, remember the sacrifices that shaped our freedom, and reflect on our responsibility towards India’s future. The occasion was honoured by the presence of Lt. Gen. Akhil Nagpal, VSM (Retd.) as the Chief Guest, whose distinguished service as a paratrooper, physician, and former Director & Commandant of AFMC added great significance to the celebration. His inspiring words offered students valuable lessons on leadership, discipline, and service. INDEPINDEPINDEPENDENENDENENDENCE DAYCE DAYCE DAYINDEPENDENCE DAY YEARS 80ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 The programme began with the flag hoisting ceremony, followed by the National Anthem, creating a solemn and proud atmosphere across the campus. Students then presented a range of speeches, cultural performances, and presentations, celebrating India’s rich heritage, diversity, and journey as an independent nation. Through music, dance, and thoughtful performances, students expressed their pride in the country and their hopes for its future.

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 The success of the celebration was greatly shaped by the vision, encouragement, and guidance of our respected Vice President, Dr Saarada Ghosh, distinguished Primary Principal, Ira Ma’am, and our esteemed Secondary Principal, Mr Reneesh Matthew. Their support empowered students and staff to collaborate, take initiative, and bring their ideas to life. Their leadership ensured that the event was not only a celebration but also a meaningful reflection of the values of patriotism, responsibility, leadership, and unity. The celebration concluded on a note of pride and gratitude, reminding us that independence is both a legacy and a responsibility. It was a memorable occasion that brought the school community together to celebrate the spirit of India and look towards a brighter future.

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. "Coffee is a kind of magic you can drink." - Catherynne M. ValenteISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 What a lovely morning we had with our MYP 1 & 2 parents! Over coffee, we explored how to understand assessments in the MYP, unpacking how criteria-based evaluation supports real learning, not just grades. The highlight? A fun, interactive session on parenting in the middle years, full of relatable scenarios, honest conversations, and practical takeaways for navigating adolescence together. Because when home and school walk in step, students thrive.COFFEECOFFEECOFFEECONVERSATIONS & COMMUNITY Thank you to all our parents who joined in and made it so special: here's to more coffee mornings ahead! #ParentPartnership #MYP #IBEducation #CoffeeMorning #CommunityMatters #ParentingTeens ~ Pooja Ma’am (MYP Assistant Coordinator)

VKE VOICE D OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. We worked together responsibly, developing our Social and Self- management Skills while learning the value of seva. The Langar service taught us that serving food is not just about providing a meal, but about doing so with respect and kindness. Serving Through Creativity Our service continued through sewing and embroidery, where we developed new techniques while using our Thinking and Social Skills to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another. MYP 2 & 3 Learning the Meaning of Seva Our service journey began in the morning when we boarded the bus and set off for the Gurudwara. When we arrived at the Gurudwara, we followed the required practices respectfully. We covered our heads, placed our shoes in the numbered slots, and washed our hands before entering the Langar hall.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 Our visit to the Gurudwara on 20 August 2026 was not just an educational trip or an outing with friends; it was a meaningful Service as Action experience that helped us understand the true meaning of seva—selfless service. What We Learned This experience showed us that Service as Action is about understanding others’ needs and taking meaningful action. Our Gurudwara visit taught us that service is an attitude of contributing willingly, without expecting anything in return. We were then assigned different responsibilities. Some students served food, some cleared plates, others helped wash dishes and clean the floor, while others assisted wherever they were needed.FIELDTRIP The Spirit of Seva:The Spirit of Seva: Serving, Learning &Serving, Learning & GrowingGrowing The Spirit of Seva: Serving, Learning & Growing

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Every collective challenge offers a significant opportunity for growth and connection. By fostering teamwork and embracing diverse perspectives, our community cultivates enduring resilience and empathy. Students not only learn to excel individually but also as a cohesive unit, tackling real-world issues and celebrating meaningful accomplishments together. VISIT TO MACS+ RESEARCHVISIT TO MACS+ RESEARCH INSTITUTEINSTITUTE VISIT TO MACS+ RESEARCHVISIT TO MACS+ RESEARCH INSTITUTEINSTITUTEISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 The DP Biology students visited MACS–Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, on 25 August 2026 as part of an experiential learning initiative. The visit gave students first-hand exposure to a professional research environment and helped connect IB Biology concepts with real- world applications. Students explored molecular biology techniques through hands-on activities and demonstrations, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), agarose gel electrophoresis, and an electron microscope demonstration. These activities helped students understand how DNA is amplified and analysed, as well as how advanced microscopy can reveal structures beyond the resolution of light microscopes. The experience also allowed students to interact with researchers and gain insight into scientific investigation, experimentation, and evidence-based thinking. Overall, the visit strengthened their understanding of molecular biology and provided an engaging glimpse into the world of biological research.DP 1 & 2

“Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today.”- Tim Fargo I joined the Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. I completed initial training in aerospace education, emergency services, character building, and fitness, and earned my first promotion as Cadet Airman. This experience strengthened my leadership, discipline, persistence, and teamwork while allowing me to contribute to an organisation dedicated to serving communities and developing future aerospace leaders. I also worked as a Technology Intern at a local consulting company, Imprint Technologies LLC, where I helped build and improve the company’s website, organised internal data, and developed small software tools assisted by AI to support workflows. I also participated in testing, debugging, researching new technologies, and collaborating with the team to contribute ideas for improving the company’s processes and productivity. This internship gave me valuable insight into how technology can be used to solve real problems that businesses face in a professional environment. One of the most memorable moments of my summer break was completing a discovery flight in a Cessna-172 Skyhawk. Under the guidance of a certified flight instructor, I had the opportunity to taxi and cruise the aircraft as I flew over the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York. This experience was definitely unforgettable and very valuable. It further strengthened my passion for aviation and inspired me to begin working towards earning my Private Pilot License. Overall, this summer was an incredible learning experience that allowed me to grow not just my skill set, but also build my character. My experiences brought me one step closer to my dream of pursuing a career in aerospace engineering and aviation. My summer break this year was filled with several experiences in the United States that strengthened my interests in aerospace, coding, and leadership. ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 DESHNA JAIN (DP1 P2)

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING” Rudra Rai Shines at the Monsoon Cup Tournament 2026. The Monsoon Cup Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note for Legends United Football Club (LUFC), which delivered a remarkable performance against four established teams to emerge as the tournament champions.ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 Adding to the team’s success, Rudra Rai put in an outstanding individual performance, scoring 4 of the team’s overall 7 goals throughout the tournament. His exceptional contribution earned him the prestigious title of Star Player of the Tournament. Rudra’s achievement is a wonderful testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for football. The entire school community congratulates Rudra and LUFC on this impressive victory and wishes them continued success on the field! “Winning feels amazing, but it is not always about coming first. Perseverance means continuing to try, even when things get difficult. I have experienced this while playing football for the U11 team at LUFC (Legends United Football Club). We are proud to have finished 2nd out of 14 teams in the tournament. Our coach, Mr Deeptansh, guided and supported us throughout the tournament. Our club also had a U7 team, which finished 1st, while our U11 team finished 2nd. This taught me that hard work, teamwork, and perseverance can lead to great results.” ~Rudra Rai RUDRA RAI (MYP1 R3)

VKE VOICE “END OF THE BEGINNING”ISSUE 01 / JUNE-AUGUST 2026 This summer, I participated in the Mini- MBA course at Earlscliffe, which immersed me in entrepreneurial thinking and a dynamic business environment. The course combined learning, teamwork, creativity, and hands-on activities, equipping me with skills applicable to my future career. I also gained a crucial skill in product pitching. Initially, I believed a good pitch was merely explaining an idea, but the course taught me that effective pitching involves understanding your audience, articulating the problem your product addresses, demonstrating confidence, and making your idea memorable. Practising our pitches enhanced my communication and public speaking skills Additionally, working alongside students from diverse backgrounds underscored the importance of teamwork, appreciating different perspectives, and the value of collaborative idea generation. This international atmosphere contributed to a more enjoyable and enriching experience. In summary, my time at Earlscliffe's Mini-MBA course was immensely beneficial. Through the design of the flying backpack and learning to present ideas professionally, I gained a solid foundation in entrepreneurship and insight into how businesses actualize creative concepts. This unforgettable journey will stay with me for years to come. KABIR RAI (MYP4) A highlight was collaborating with my team to create a business project: a flying backpack designed for easier and more efficient travel. This experience illustrated how creative ideas are transformed into actual products, necessitating careful consideration of the target audience, product benefits, potential challenges, and marketing strategies.

1. Change 3.Transition 9.Opportunities 11.Farewell 14.Future 15.Milestone 16.Memories2.Graduation 4.Novelty 5. Chapter 6.Bittersweet 7.Journey 8.Nostalgia 10.Beginning 12.Reunion 13.Legacy VKE's philosophy puts a lot of emphasis on student agency, questioning and discovering your own potential, rather than simply memorising information.Answers Crossword Solutions Sudoku