OISCA

"Every action, no matter how small, has the power to create a ripple effect of positive change. Together, let's ignite a wave of environmental consciousness that transforms our world for the better."

An awareness programme through distribution of pamphlet, plants, Film Show and interview ofstudents were organized atW. H. Smith Memorial School on 29th January 2024.The programme highlighted that through collective action and awareness, everyone has the power to mitigate thechallenges and restore balance to our planet.

Through the interview, the studentsgave insights on the current state of environmental issues.

One of the students said, “The state of our environment is at a critical juncture. Climate change, deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity threaten the very ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. However, there is hope and we have to show collective effort to restore it.”

Through this programme, the message was given to the participating schools who prepared films on Environment that every individual has the power to make a difference through simple yet impactful actions. This includes reducing waste, conserving energy and water, supporting sustainable products, advocating for environmental policies, and participating in community initiatives. By making conscious choices and inspiring others to do the same, we can collectively drive positive change for our planet.

Nearly 20 different schools of Varanasi participated in the awareness programme.‘Remember, the future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. Let's work together to create a sustainable and thriving world for generations to come.’

ICSQCC

Our school recently participated in the 25th International Convention for Student Quality Circles (ICSQC), a prestigious event that brings together students from more than 100 schools worldwide to promote quality management and collaborative problem-solving. The convention featured various competitions, including case study presentations, collage making, poster and slogan creation, debates, and quizzes. A team of 10 students participated in the event and the team was accompanied by three teachers – Mrs. Shashi Seth, Mrs Rupali Arora and Mr, Yogesh Chandel.

Our students showcased their talents and dedication across multiple events:

Collage Making, Poster and Slogan Competition, Debate Competition and Quality Quiz Competition.

A highlight of the convention was our school's receipt of the prestigious Ishikawa Award, named after Professor Kaoru Ishikawa, a pioneer in quality management and the father of Quality Circles. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in promoting quality control and teamwork. The QC team named ALPHA – The Change Makers won this award. The team members were Vaibhavi Chaurasia, Saanvi Chaturvedi, Hetal Madhwani, Aditya Tandon, Pranya Chaurasia and Sanghavi Singh.

The event also featured cultural programs, providing students with opportunities to engage in cross-cultural exchanges and build international friendships.Participation in the ICSQC has been an enriching experience for our students, enhancing their skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and quality management. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence in education.

GENERATION GLOBAL

A meeting was convened on April 22nd, 2024, at the staff room, chaired by Fiona Dwinger, witnessed participation from various schools including W.H. Smith Memorial School, Bal Bhartiya, Rohini, G.B.G.L Secondary School, Bhopal, British Academia, Gujrat, and Laiba Shaheen from Pakistan. Notably, 10 students from our school attended the session. Discussions revolved around pertinent questions concerning climate change and its ramifications. Participants delved into the multifaceted impacts of climate change, emphasizing its effects on food security and health. Shifts in rainfall patterns were highlighted, with examples like Bangalore experiencing scorching heat instead of heavy rains, and Dubai encountering unexpected floods after decades of arid weather. Concept of Panchtatva and traditions like worshipping the Basil plant were highlighted. Suggestions for environmental stewardship in daily life were shared, emphasizing active participation in tree planting initiatives and adopting practices like kitchen gardening. The exchange showcased diverse perspectives and actionable insights towards nurturing a sustainable relationship with our planet amidst busy lifestyles. 

INTACH

The Heritage Education and communication Service (HECS) of INTACH in collaboration with the Helen Hamlyn Trust UK, pioneers the Film It programme, which seeks to impart to the idea of heritage education, dynamism in the form of short films which are conceptualized and shot by children.

INTACH is recognized as one of the world’s largest heritage organizations, with over 190 Chapters across the country. The Annual Filmit Festival for the city of Varanasi was held at Cecilia Rose Hall of W.H. Smith Memorial School on 30th January 2025. Students and teachers from 20 schools were participated in the event. The festival is a celebration of their efforts and showcases the short heritage film made by them. The participant schools were W.H. Smith Memorial School, Sunbeam School,Lahartara, Little Flower House,Kakarmata, The Aryan International School, Delhi Public School, Sunbeam School,Varuna, Little Flower House,Nagwa, Sunbeam School, Annapurna, SantAtulanand Residential Academy, Sunbeam School,Bhagwanpur, Sunbeam Suncity, Sunbeam School, Mughal Sarai, The Aryan International School, Mughal Sarai, Sunbeam School,Indiranagar, Sunbeam Sarnath, Seth M R Jaipuria School, Babatpur, JB Academy, Faizabad, YashVidyaMandir, Ayodhya, Bhavdiya Public School, Ayodhya&Takshila Academy,Ayodhya.Comperes for the event were AchintyaMalviya and Mimansa Singh.

The Program began with the welcoming of the guests by comperes. The program was Inaugurated by lighting of lamp with the auspicious hands of the Chief Guest Dr. Sunil Vishwakarma, Guest of Honour Dr.JasminderKaur, Mr.Abhishek Das, Senior Programme Coordinator, Convenor of Varanasi Chapter Ashok Kapoor, AditiGulati (Co - Convenor of Varanasi Chapter) Nirmal Joshi, Administrative Officer Mrs.Pratyasha Mary Mukerjee and Headmistress Mrs.SangeetaNayak. Formal Welcome was done by Mrs.Minakshi Singh.It was followed by beautiful songsthat were sung by school choir. Introduction of Intach was done by Mr. Ashok Kapoor which was followed by Biodata reading of Mr.Abhishek Das, Senior Programme Coordinator by DigvijayYadav.

Mr.Abhishek Das, Senior Programme Coordinator, addressing the audience spoke about the Filmit Project and its objectives, he shared that how the project has allowed students not only to think creatively but also to express it through the visual media of films. It was followed by the presentation of ten schools. Students of each school have to express how they felt and what they learned while making a film.

Bio-data reading of Guest of HonourDr.JasminderKaurwas done by Ms. UtkarshaSrivastava which was followed by her motivational speech.

It was followed by the presentation of next ten schools. Students of each school have to express how they felt and what they learned while making a film.

The festival saw the screening of the Best Films from Varanasi &Ayodhya, which was then followed by a screening of the best films from Varanasi &Ayodhya Schools

Bio-data reading of Chief Guest Dr. Sunil Vishwakarma was done by Mrs. RupaliArora

Chief Guest Dr. Sunil Vishwakarma in his address to the audience thanked the schools, expressing his pleasure on being part of the festival. He appreciated the films made by the students and added that watching the films was a wonderful experience.

The festival saw the screening of the Best Filmsfrom India, which was followedby award ceremony. Overall Best Film award was bagged by Seth M R Jaipuria School, Babatpur. The students of W.H. Smith Memorial School won the award of “Best Narration” for the film ‘The Eternal Saga: Ramleela’ and “Best Unique Film” for the film ‘Seasoning The World: Beyond The Stalls’.

After award ceremony Honourable Chief Guest Dr. Sunil Vishwakarma, Guest of HonourDr.JasminderKaur was felicitated by Mrs. Anita Pauline Dey, Principal of W.H. Smith Memorial School, by presenting them a token of love. This was followed by felicitation of Mr. Ashok Kapoor (Convenor of Varanasi Chapter) and Mr.Nirmal Joshi which was done by Respected Principal Ma’am Dr. Anita Pauline Dey.

Participating schools teachers were felicitated. The films made by the students were also awarded in various categories. This was followed by felicitation of Mr.Abhishek Das, Senior Programme Coordinatorwhich was done by Respected Principal Ma’am Dr. Anita Pauline Dey.

Vote of thanks was given by Mr. Nirmal Joshi. The festival ended with commemorative group photography. Refreshment was served to the audience.

ASISC

On Sunday, 18 August 2024, St. Johns Marhauli hosted the ASISC Fr. George Hess Memorial Literary Events, showcasing the exceptional talents of students from different schools. W H Smith Memorial School achieved outstanding results across various categories, demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence and literary prowess.

In the Sub-Junior Debate, Ananya Gupta (10A) excelled, securing 3rd position with her compelling argument in favor of the motion “Social Media is more harmful than beneficial.” In the Junior Debate, Arna Shandilya (10A) impressed, bagging 2nd position with her persuasive argument against the motion. Dipantshi (10C) bagged 2nd position in the Junior Declamation, showcasing her exceptional oratory skills. In the Senior Declamation, Aditi Sharma (12B) shone brightly, bagging 2nd position and earning the esteemed privilege of representing our school at the regional level ASISC literary events. This prestigious event will take place at CMS, Gomtinagar, Lucknow on 29th August 2024.

Last but not least, our students made us proud in creative writing events too. Saniya of class 11A and Anya Agrawal of class 9A bagged 3rd position in the senior and junior categories, respectively. The day ended with warm greetings and a treat from our principal, Mrs. Anita Pauline Dey. It was indeed a day filled with a little anxiety for the competition, but the results made it a memorable day.

RWYC

An online cultural exchange programme was organized between ‘Kugayama After School, Tokyo, Japan’ and W.H Smith Memorial School, Varanasi from 12:00noon to 1:00 p.m. (IST) on 29^th January 2024(Monday). It was an hour session. The mode of communication was English and Japanese.  A Google translator was used in this meeting to overcome the language barrier and ease out the communication properly and efficiently to the other group.

The time allotted to each group was 25 minutes.

The session started with the Japanese students. During the session, they started with the most cherished Tea Ceremony and demonstrated it with full enthusiasm.

After which W.H. Smith Memorial School began the session for 25 minutes. They discussed on Indian Food, Festivals, ceremonies and life style.

Students of class 4 participated in this cultural exchange programme in which they informed the Japanese children about Indian Cuisine,festivalsand life style with full zeal and enthusiasm.

Last 10 minutes wasfor free discussion. It was a questionnaire round in which each group asked questions to the other group about their favourite food, favourite cartoon, their school and many more.

It was a fruitful cultural exchange session in which they interacted with each other and came to know many new things.

The session finally came to an end with the school song sung by the children of W.H. Smith Memorial School.