PRINCIPAL’S ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021

Mrs. Vijaya Ravi Principal MLZS

The year 2020 was struck by the pandemic of corona virus, referred to as Covid -19, which had

a global presence and affected all the countries in the world. India was affected on a lesser

scale, as compared to the Western countries and countries in the Far East. Still, as a

precautionary measure, the Indian government imposed lockdown throughout the country, in

order to prevent the spread of the epidemic, brought about by physical contact, negligence

shown in following elementary hygiene practices and going about without wearing masks.

Business establishments were closed; schools and educational institutions were shut. Life had

become paralyzed, as it were, with all activities coming to a standstill.

Plans and schedules were made in the interval between the end of the previous academic year

2019-2020 and the beginning of the forthcoming academic session 2020-2021. There was

enthusiasm and optimism among the mentors to begin the new session on a vigorous note,

learning from the slippages and lapses of the previous year, promising to make the forthcoming

year as enriching and enlightening as possible, for students, who would enter the portals of the

institution with earnestness and sincerity.

But with the imposition of lockdown in mid March 2020, all the zeal vanished. However, even in

these cloudy times of adversity and uncertainty, there were silver linings. There were moments

of sunshine, triumphant situations and euphoric achievements. I am happy to present the

Annual Report for 2020-2021, in the above background, as under:

Conduct of Board Examinations (2020-2021)

There was a disruption in the conduct of final examinations, as a result of the imposition of the

lockdown following the resurgence of the second wave of Covid-19, in April 2021, wherein

students of other classes, except the X and XII, for whom final examinations were scheduled for

a later date, which happened in the lockdown period that followed. The disappointment of

these students was understandable. It couldn’t be avoided. Their diligent preparations were in

vain. All their efforts were put paid, so to say. Students of the CBSE Board X and XII classes were

affected the most, as also those countless ones, at the national level. After months of

deliberating, discussing and debating, the CBSE Board finally decided not to conduct the Board

examinations but left it to the individual schools themselves to work on and finalize the results

of the students of these classes based on a specified methodology and a workable formula.

After working out and finalizing the results, the CBSE Board published them. I am happy to state

that out of 17 students who appeared for the XII Board, 3 students scored above 90%, 2

students scored above 80%, 8 students scored above 70%, while 4 students scored above 60%.

The performance of students appearing in X Board exams was equally encouraging. Out of 34

students, 13 students scored above 90%, 11 students scored above 80%, 6 students scored

above 70%, while 4 students scored above 60%. All these achievements were attained in

challenging times of the pandemic, during lockdown times, with students and teachers adapting

to the online mode of learning and adopting it as the New Normal. I convey Kudos to them for

the stupendous achievements.

Recruitment of Teachers

In order to replenish the team of mentors, as per the requirements of the forthcoming

academic session 2020-2021, new teachers were appointed after a meticulous perusal of their

curriculum vitae and scholastic attainments. It was hoped thus that with the strengthening of

talented, skilled, qualified and competent mentors, students would receive quality learning in

MLZS, Ratlam.

Functioning of the institution as a Quarantine Centre

With the city and surrounding areas coming under the grip of the Covid-19 epidemic and the

number of affected people mounting, the local administration earmarked MLZS, Ratlam, which

had become non-functional, as a Quarantine Centre, along with other schools, to accommodate

persons suspected to be infected and adding to the count of cases, needing care and treatment

in isolation from their homes, kith and kin. This was an emergency situation. The Management

of MLZS, Ratlam, rose to the occasion and cooperated in making the necessary arrangements

towards this, unmindful of the repercussions it would have on students’ well-being, if the

school were to commence functioning subsequently. It was humanitarian gesture that spread

goodwill and unity.

Affirmation and Assurance of the Management

Situations were uncertain, in the absence of clear cut guidelines and instructions regarding the

fate of students, following the closure of schools and a sudden disruption in the flow of

classroom learning. Understandably, parents were the anxious lot, apprehensive of their wards’

future and the school’s commitment to sustain learning during the lockdown period. Queries

mounted. The Management assured parents that the school stood by its commitment to

sustain learning. Parents were apprised, too, of the school premises getting vacated by patients

affected by Covid -19, and the school becoming free from functioning as the Quarantine Centre.

Further, the Management informed that the premises were thoroughly cleaned, sanitized,

toilets and other utilities becoming usable, classrooms being revamped, with walls being

whitewashed and painted. The Management reached out to parents frequently, enquiring of

their welfare and well-being. In view of financial hardships faced by all, the Management was

kind and considerate to come out with flexible options of payment of fees by parents, adopting

a parent-friendly approach. Substantive efforts were made to keep the morale of mentors high,

in the event of such adverse situations.

Accepting and Adopting the New Normal

Alongside, the idea of virtual learning was conceived, with experts in government and

education backing it. Certain schools jumped upon it, with our institution joining the

bandwagon. During May 2020, virtual learning was implemented as the new mode of learning,

through platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet. It began on a trial and error basis, with

several teething problems, besides the sudden switchover from the conventional off-line mode

of in-class learning to the unfamiliar on-line mode of virtual learning, not being smooth and

hassle-free.

Yet, both the students and teachers adapted themselves to the on-line mode of learning

remarkably well, with the required zest and passion shown both ways. The Management was

pro-active in motivating teachers and students to adopt this mode of learning. Gradually,

students’ attendance improved and they adjusted to the on-line mode of learning.

Training & Development

The closure of schools did affect normal learning but all was not lost. There were a host of

activities that were curricular, which were done on-line, to make learning lucid. Teachers’

Training was conducted on-line, so as to ensure qualitative improvement in their teaching

methods, and bring in the required value-addition. In addition to the training programmes

devised by the CBSE, there were trainings framed by NCERT and approved by the Ministry of

Human Resources Division, which were conducted in a smooth, hassle-free and in an interactive

way, where teachers were subjected to e-learning. The DIKSHA App enabled teachers to being

creative and novel. Response and participation of teachers were encouraging. They upgraded

themselves suitably.

Details of Training & Development undergone by teachers of MLZS 2020-21

S.No. Name of Employee Type of programme Venue Date 1 Hemlata Tak Interdisciplinary projects MLZS(CBSE

Bhopal) 16/09/2020

2 Sumitra Samarwal Interdisciplinary projects MLZS(CBSE Bhopal)

16/09/2020

3 Priyanka Chouhan Creating Library as centres of learning

CBSE 30/10/2020

4 Priyanka Chouhan Understanding school library purpose & future

CBSE 28/10/2020

5 Fatema Katib Interdisciplinary projects CBSE (Bhopal) 16/09/2020 6 Preeti Jain Happy classroom-Happy

Teachers CBSE 07/10/2020

7 Suhotra Rathore ICT in Physics CBSE 8 Suhotra Rathore ICT in Maths CBSE 9 Suhotra Rathore Virtual Labs, Physics CBSE

10 Kiran Pareek Interdisciplinary projects MLZS(CBSE Bhopal)

16/09/2020

11 Anshu Acharya Magic of gratitude CBSE 27/10/2020 12 Vikas Jain Magic of gratitude CBSE 27/10/2020 13 Neeta Gupta Essentials of a lesson plan in

Social Science (IX-X) CBSE Bhopal 02/09/2020

14 Neeta Gupta Enhancing Life Skills- Self Awareness

CBSE Bhopal 31/10/2020

15 Shweta Kabra Happy classroom-Happy Teachers

CBSE 07/10/2020

16 Rajni Sharma Teaching strategies in English CBSE Bhopal 04/08/2020 17 Vijiya Ravi Story telling as pedagogy Center of

excellence (Chennai)

10/09/2020

18 Gyaneshwari Vyas Interdisciplinary projects CBSE 16/09/2020

In order to keep students engrossed and engaged, Guest Lectures were organized for Retail,

where they were sufficiently exposed to aspects and features of the subject. Students evinced

interest and interacted with the speaker, asking questions and coming out with certain

observations that reflected their thinking out of the box. Such guest lecturers help to kindle

curiosity and research in students.

Partial functioning of the school

Lockdown was lifted during the period following Diwali, when conditions improved and the

infection had abated. But school was not open for students of all grades. Only senior students

of grades 9 to 12 attended the school from 2 January, 2021. In view of the loss suffered all this

while, owing to the Covid-19-induced lockdown, CBSE reduced the syllabus for the students by

30%, as some compensation. Thus, the syllabus was completed.

Tests & Assessment

Despite the non-functioning of the school during the lockdown, regular tests and assessments

were carried out. PT1, PT2, Half-yearly and Annual examinations were held regularly on-line,

while Pre-board examinations were conducted for students of Class X and Class XII. Answer

scripts were assessed timely and suitable feedback given.

Notable Student Participations

Students were not the passive lot. They took part in the Model United Nations (MUN) event

conducted on-line by DPS North, Bengaluru. Participation was wholesome. They took an active

part in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ISA projects. The school earned the ISA accreditation of the

British Council, for a period of 3 years (2020-2023) which is certainly stupendous, in the school’s

annals.

Sundry Issues

There were other peripheral issues concerning rationalization of fees payable by parents, in the

backdrop of financial hardships faced, due to the lockdowns. These were resolved amicably,

with some relaxations given

Thus the year 2020 turned out to be catastrophic for all. The school was not spared of the

losses, both academic and financial. However, on the bright side, valuable lessons were learnt,

healthy introspection was done and gaps and crevices were identified. This will hold in the

forthcoming year. The collective strength of the mentors, students and parents, nurtured by

the ever supportive Management, will manifest. We may be down, but we are not out. In times

to come, the institution will show resilience and regain the moments lost, only to script more

glorious stories in the forthcoming year, the Tenth one, since its inception.

5th June’20 - World Environment Day

To keep up our effort to spread the awareness, MLZS, Ratlam celebrated “Week of Wariness”

from 1st June to 5th June’20. Students from pre-primary to grade 10 were assigned different

task to be performed which taught them the ways of re-cycling and importance of nature

around us.

10th May’20 - Mother’s Day

The day that celebrates the essence of a mother is Mother's Day. One of those occasions that

none of us can afford to miss. So, we at MLZS, Ratlam had something special to bring smile on

our beloved mother's face. Students from grade 1 to 12 participated in "Super Mom" activity

from their home and prepared beautiful cards and expressed their gratitude to their mothers.

11th July’20 - Elocution Competition'2020

Elocution plays a crucial role in the formation, articulation, and pronunciation of speech and

speaking skills for children. To continue this process of language development, online CCA

Activity was organized for students of group D.

25th July’20 - Hindi Poem Recitation

The online CCA activity - Hindi Poem Recitation unfolded the creative imagination and

expression power and Students of group presented the topics with amazing props and

background. They exhibited the utilization of available resources.

8th August’20 - Radio Show

To improve students communication skills, voice modulation and to boost confidence.

Students of MLZS, Ratlam showcased Radio Show in groups on different topics.

Teachers were spellbound by students creativity. It was enthralling to witness them.

12th September’20 - Storytelling Competition

"Storytelling opens up the vivid imagination"

Students participated in online storytelling competition. The young vibrant storytellers came

forth with wonderful tales. While some stories provided food for thoughts, some reinforced

moral values and some were humorous.

19th September’20 - Tell-a-Tale'20

"After nourishment, shelter and companionship, tales are the things we need most in the

world. To incite the value of tales and encourage reading stories, "Tell-a-Tale" competition was

held, Students presented their stories delightfully.

6th November’20 - "Puppet Panache"

Poetry and Puppetry are two art forms that encourage use of language. To encourage them,

these two art forms were accumulated in "Puppet Panache" competition. This activity enabled

them to use language orally and built confidence in their speaking and communication skill.

10th November’20 - Spin A Yarn'2020

One of the most awaited and interesting competition took place virtually for students of group

A,B,C,D and E in a totally new way. Spin-a-Yarn'2020 was conducted for the students of MLZS. It

was an Open-House Activity, where three rounds were held. The students kept on adding their

interesting thoughts to make an innovative tale. Each story they wove had some moral value

attached and a suitable title was also given to it.

29th November’20 - Role Play on Corona warriors

"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives”. Keeping

this in mind students participated in role-play competition to perform as Corona Warriors.

Some students participated individually whereas some involved their family members to act.

The activity filled gratitude in hearts of students in an interesting way.

29th November’20 - The Young Corona Warriors

The Young Literans of Grade 1 to 4 followed the path of their seniors and presented their

gratitude to corona warriors by stating the ways they have been helpful to us to fight against

the pandemic.

6th December’20 - Anagrams in a Minute

Students were given one word, which they have to re-frame and make a new meaningful word

in one minute. Words were presented through PPT along with its pictures so that students can

comprehend quickly. Participants response was overwhelming.

6th December’20 - Hindi Extempore

To imbue leadership and public speaking ability and provide them that platform to express

themselves without prior preparation, Hindi extempore competition was organized for students

providing them various topics to present their thoughts in the given time. Participants were

very expressive and their enthusiasm was contagious.

12th December’20 -Telephone Etiquettes

To enhance communication skills and develop confidence "Telephone Etiquettes Activity" was

organized. Students had to choose any one topic from the Google Form and one partner from

the class. It was a group activity with various topics.

19th December’20 - Art Integration Activity

Art Integrated Learning (AIL) is a framework of experiential learning which provides an

equitable learning environment for all learners through their own access points. English Art

Integration activity was conducted on Dec 19, 2020 for grade IX to XII. Students were ask to

choose a chapter of English and converted into the artistic form of their choice. CBSE had

advised around thirty of these artistic forms.

19th December’20 - Show and Tell

To show confidence and Spontaneity about past memories, "Show and Tell" activity was held.

Students were provided various topics to choose from. Displaying their favourite toys,

vegetables etc. Students of junior grade presented things with different shape, participants

presented their thoughts and connection with it. It was wonderful witnessing their nostalgic

expressions.

21st June’20 - International Yoga Day

The theme of " 6th International Yoga Day'2020 was "Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family as

decided by the United Nations. Keeping this in mind Google meet session was organized by our

Respected Principal Ma'am (Mrs. Vijaya Ravi) along with Mr. Naresh Trivedi from "Art of Living"

The yoga session went live on MLZS, Ratlam Facebook page. Students and their parents

immensely enjoyed the refreshing session.

15th August’20 - Independence Day

"74th Independence Celebration" Smiling behind the mask, and celebrating virtually nothing

can dampen the fervor of Independence for Mount Literans. Students have performed

independently and their performances are merged to present a successful digital event.

5th September’20 - Teachers’ Day

With the pandemic changing our ways of celebration, the students of MLZS, Ratlam also went

virtual to mark the special occasion of Teachers' Day celebrated on the 5th of September. With

a wonderful virtual invitation and heartwarming letter, mentors were invited to witness the

wonderful performance presented by students. Students of different grades also presented

small videos wishing their facilitators.

26th November’20 - 71st Constitution Day

MLZS, Ratlam shared the importance of 'Samvidhan Divas' with the students on 26th Nov'20 to

commemorate the adoption of the 'Constitution of India'. PPT presentation was shown

explaining the 'Fundamental Rights' as well as emphasizing on "Fundamental Duties" towards

our country.

19th December’20 - Artificial Intelligence

Students of grade 11th (Yashi Surekha, Maria Rangwala, Zahara Rangwala, Vaibhav Kumar

Baliyan) made it to the level 3 of CBSE - IBM Ed Tech Youth Challenge, India (2020-21) based on

Artificial Intelligence and their AI Enabled idea: (Don't Risk it) has been shortlisted for further

monitoring by IBM and is one of the top 100 ideas all over India.

31st October’20 - Mock Parliament

Mock Parliament was conducted on 31st Oct’2020 by Mount Litera Zee School, Ratlam initiated

by “The Ministry of Parliament Affairs. The objective of the program is to strengthen the roots

of Parliamentary democracy, inculcate healthy habits of discipline and tolerance.

21st November’20 - Scavengers Hunt

To allow kids to practice identification of objects according to description and improve their

listening skills, Scavengers Hunt activity was held for grades 1 to 4. Students were provided 30

sec, to comprehend and bring correct objects. Students participated individually and enjoyed

thoroughly.

9th Jaunuary’21 - Maths Demonstration

To pique students' interest in mathematics and encourage them to value intellectual pursuits,

Maths Demonstration Competition was organized. The students presented a small video in

their first round, representing their favourite Maths topic and a follow up quiz. It was very

enriching.

6th December’20 - Science Demonstration

Developing curiosity about environment and skills like experimenting, observation, recording

and conclusion in one of the basic teaching in school; continuing this culture activity of "Science

Live Demonstration" was organized in two rounds: Preparing videos on given topics followed by

questionnaire round. Students enjoyed a lot presenting live demonstration.

E-Summit – 2020

The students of grade XI and XII of MLZS, Ratlam were part of E-Summit’2020 organized by

Choithram School, Indore. The students took part in three different categories which were: Sell-

a-Thon, Ideate and Rebranding.

24th Wednesday’21 - ISA (International School Dimension)

International School Award is being held by British Council every year. Mount Litera Zee School,

Delanpur, Ratlam has accredited International Dimension in Schools 2020-23.

The celebration took place virtually on Wednesday 24, 2021. The school principal Mrs. Vijaya

Ravi and Mentors witnessed ceremony at Crystal Hall, Kids Zee.