NEWS & EVENTS

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Delhi Public School, Dwarka, observed Mental Health Awareness Week from 05 to 09 October 2026, with a series of activities designed to highlight the importance of mental and emotional well-being among students. The student led initiative sought to encourage open conversations about mental health, dispel common misconceptions, and help students recognise the importance of seeking support when needed. Through interactive workshops, peer-led activities, creative expression, and awareness campaigns, students explored emotional awareness, healthy coping strategies, empathy, and peer support. The observance aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of mental health and encourage a school culture in which emotional well-being receives the attention, sensitivity, and care it deserves.

KEY INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES

1. AWARENESS MARCH & BADGES DISTRIBUTION

Small Symbols, A Shared Commitment

The mental health awareness initiative commenced with a march across the school campus, with students and staff coming together to mark the importance of psychological well-being. The distribution of symbolic badges added meaning to the occasion, giving members of the school community a simple yet visible way to show their support for the cause. The activity brought the message of mental health awareness into everyday school life, encouraging students to look beyond misconceptions and recognise the importance of emotional health.

The initiative also highlighted how collective participation can help bring about a change in attitudes. By taking part in the march and wearing the badges, students were encouraged to see themselves as active contributors to a more inclusive and understanding community. The event emphasised that meaningful advocacy begins with everyday choices—listening without judgement, treating others with sensitivity, and making room for honest conversations. It set the stage for further mental health activities across the school, with a shared commitment to replacing stigma with understanding.

2. A PLEDGE IN GREEN: PROMISES THAT MATTER

Students and faculty came together for a Mental Health Pledge as part of the school’s mental health awareness activities. The green colour-coded dress theme added to the occasion, reflecting hope, growth, and support for mental well-being. The pledge encouraged everyone to think about how they respond to their own emotions and to the struggles of those around them.

The activity carried a simple message: mental health deserves the same understanding and care as physical health. Students were encouraged to listen to others without judgement, be mindful of their own well-being, and reach out when they need support. It also served as a reminder that no one should feel uncomfortable speaking about their mental health. Through this shared pledge, the school community took a step towards making such conversations more open and helping students feel heard and supported.

3. PANEL DISCUSSION on MENTAL HEALTH

LYFSMILE Organisation conducted a psycho-educational workshop for the school’s peer counsellors from Classes VII–XI, with four panellists leading discussions and activities centred on mental health and life skills. The session explored stress management, emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy coping strategies, focusing on situations adolescents may encounter in their academic and personal lives. The panellists highlighted the importance of recognising emotions, responding constructively to challenges, and seeking support when required. They also discussed how peer counsellors can contribute to a more understanding school environment by being approachable, attentive, and respectful of their peers’ concerns.

The workshop combined discussion with hands-on activities to help students engage with the concepts being explored. Mental Health Bingo introduced key aspects of psychological well-being through an interactive format, while the Coping Wheel encouraged students to consider different ways of dealing with stress and difficult emotions. Takeaway stickers carrying mental health messages added a thoughtful element to the session, allowing students to carry forward reminders of the discussion. These activities encouraged reflection and helped connect mental health concepts with everyday experiences.

The discussion also covered essential life skills, including empathy, effective communication, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making. The panellists emphasised that supporting a peer involves listening without judgement, respecting personal boundaries, and recognising when an issue needs the attention of a teacher, school counsellor, or trusted adult. For the peer counsellors, the workshop offered an opportunity to reflect on their role and understand how small, thoughtful actions can make a difference to someone seeking support. The session reinforced the connection between mental health awareness and peer support, highlighting the importance of building a school community where seeking help is encouraged and emotional well-being is treated with care and understanding.

4. AN ALUMNI TALK ON ‘SUPPORT-SEEKING AND RESILIENCE’

Ms. Anusha Sehra, a psychology enthusiast and alumna of the school, conducted an interactive session on “Mental Health, Support-Seeking and Resilience” for students of Classes XI and XII. The session explored the emotional challenges faced by adolescents as they navigate academic demands, personal concerns, and changing expectations. It encouraged students to reflect on their own well-being, recognise when they or someone around them might need support, and understand how resilience can help them navigate challenging situations.

The session developed into an engaging exchange, with students actively asking questions and sharing their perspectives. Hearing from an alumna offered a familiar point of connection and encouraged students to approach conversations about mental health with greater openness. Aligned with this year’s mental health theme, the interaction highlighted the importance of reaching out for help, supporting peers, and creating an environment where emotional concerns can be discussed without fear of judgement. It reinforced a simple yet important message: recognising the need for support and seeking it at the right time are essential aspects of caring for one’s mental health.

5. MINDSCAPE 2026

A Mental Health Fair titled MINDSCAPE was organised to promote mental health awareness among students through engaging, interactive, and informative activities. The fair featured multiple activity stations, each focusing on a different aspect of mental health and wellness. The Mental Health Quiz Station tested students’ knowledge and awareness, while the Personality Testing Station encouraged self-reflection and a better understanding of individual traits. The Myths and Facts Game Station helped students distinguish between common misconceptions and factual information about mental health. As part of World Dyslexia Awareness Day, engaging activities were organised for students to promote awareness of learning differences and encourage kindness, peer support, and respect for individual strengths. In “I Can Be a Learning Buddy By…”, students wrote messages on sticky notes describing ways to support their classmates, while “Two Clues, One Word” challenged them to identify words using picture clues. Peer buddies who assisted with the activities were appreciated with badges and reinforcement stickers. The activity area also featured positive messages on dyslexia, self-confidence, and individual abilities. Overall, the observance encouraged students to appreciate different learning styles and understand how patience, encouragement, and peer support can help create a more inclusive learning environment.

The Support Wall provided students with an opportunity to express encouraging thoughts, share positive messages, and contribute to a culture of empathy and mutual support. The Wellness Station featured stress-buster games and wellness kits to introduce students to simple, practical ways of managing everyday stress. Students also explored sensory bottles as a calming and mindful activity, highlighting the importance of taking mindful breaks and engaging the senses. Adding to the overall experience was a dedicated wall of informative and visually appealing posters on various mental health topics. These displays served as an engaging source of information, stimulating young minds and encouraging students to reflect on the importance of emotional health, self-awareness, resilience, and seeking support when needed.

Through its diverse stations, MINDSCAPE successfully brought mental health awareness into an interactive, student-friendly setting. The fair reinforced the message that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being and that creating a supportive school environment begins with awareness, understanding, and small everyday actions.

6. COLOURS OF THE MIND: AN EXPRESSIVE ART POSTER-MAKING COMPETITION

The Poster Making Competition provided students with a creative platform to visually express concepts related to mindfulness, emotional wellness, and empathy. Through the use of colours, illustrations, and meaningful messages, students explored psychological well-being and communicated their understanding of mental health in an engaging manner. The activity offered a therapeutic, non-verbal medium for emotional expression while encouraging self-reflection and sensitivity towards others. It also fostered creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and awareness of the importance of mental health, empowering students to communicate meaningful messages about emotional well-being through art.

Conclusion

The Mental Health Awareness Week enhanced students’ understanding of emotional well-being, stress management, and healthy coping strategies. Through interactive activities and workshops, students developed greater awareness of mental health concerns, the importance of seeking support, and the need for empathy towards others. The programme contributed to a more informed and supportive school environment.

CLASSES : I & II DUSSEHRA CELEBRATION ACTIVITY
Dates: 09 and 12 October, 2026

To mark the ‘victory of good over evil’ and about Lord Rama's victory over Ravana the festival of Dussehra teaches us to always follow the path of truth and goodness. Dussehra was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by the students of classes I and II on Monday, 12 October 2026 and Friday, 09 October 2026 respectively.

CLASS I

The day began with a small discussion on the significance of the festival along with the videos on Smart-boards. Children were thrilled to listen to the story and were equally excited to carry their own Ravanas back home.

CLASS II

To make the celebration joyful, a beautiful craft activity was conducted. The children of class II created lovely Dussehra crafts with great creativity and interest. The colourful crafts made by them added to the festive spirit.

All the children participated enthusiastically and enjoyed the activity a lot. It was a fun-filled and learning experience for them, helping them understand the cultural values behind the festival.

HAPPY DUSSEHRA!

CLASS ASSEMBLY IV-A “SWITCH OFF TODAY, SHINE TOMORROW: ENERGY SAVED IS ENERGY GENERATED”
Day/Dates: Thursday, 08 October 2026

An informative and thought-provoking assembly on the theme “Switch Off Today, Shine Tomorrow: Energy Saved is Energy Generated” was presented on Thursday, 08 October 2026 by the students of Class IV-A. The assembly began with a soulful performance by the school choir, creating a meaningful and inspiring atmosphere for the morning.

The assembly commenced with a warm welcome to the respected Principal Ma’am, Vice Principal Ma’am, teachers and fellow students, followed by a thought highlighting the importance of using the Earth’s resources wisely.

The students then explained the concept of energy conservation and emphasised the need to avoid unnecessary wastage of energy. They spoke about the growing challenges of climate change, excessive use of fossil fuels and environmental degradation, stressing the importance of adopting sustainable practices. The assembly also introduced students to various renewable sources of energy, including solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy. The benefits of renewable energy such as sustainability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy independence were explained effectively.

Through a series of engaging presentations, the students shared simple yet impactful ways of conserving energy, such as switching off unused lights and appliances, using energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, optimising heating and cooling, and encouraging the use of renewable energy and electric vehicles. The students further highlighted the environmental, economic and long-term benefits of responsible energy consumption. A powerful poem, “A Brighter Tomorrow,” reinforced the message of protecting nature, saving energy and working collectively towards a cleaner and greener planet.

The assembly concluded with a news update covering national, international, sports and weather news, keeping the audience informed about current happenings.

The assembly successfully created awareness about the importance of judicious energy use and sustainable living. It encouraged students to understand that even small, responsible actions can make a significant difference in protecting our planet and securing a brighter future for generations to come.

CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY STAGE 3, 4 AND 5 HAPPINESS AND GRATITUDE WEEK
Day/Dates: Monday, 28 September – Thursday, 01 October 2026

Delhi Public School, Dwarka observed Happiness and Gratitude Week for the learners of Cambridge Primary Stage 3, 4 and 5 from Monday, 28 September – Thursday, 01 October 2026. The week aimed to encourage learners to recognize the blessings in their lives, appreciate the people around them and develop a positive outlook.

The week commenced on 28 September 2026 with the activity 'Gratitude Jar'. A Gratitude Jar was placed in each classroom, and the learners were encouraged to reflect upon a person, thing or experience for which they felt truly thankful. Each learner expressed this gratitude in a short note, folded it and placed it in the jar. At the end of the activity, the notes were collected and read aloud in class by the learners. The heartfelt messages, which ranged from thanking parents and teachers to appreciating friends and simple everyday joys, created a warm and positive atmosphere. The activity helped the learners understand that gratitude grows when it is shared.

On 29 September 2026, the learners participated in the activity 'Petals of Happiness'. Each learner was provided with a worksheet featuring a flower with four petals. On each petal, the learners wrote the name of a person, place, moment or thing that brought them happiness. The activity encouraged the learners to reflect on the sources of joy in their lives and to recognize that happiness often lies in the people and moments they cherish. The completed flowers, filled with thoughtful and creative responses, beautifully reflected the cheerful spirit of the learners.

The special week proved to be a meaningful and enriching experience for the young learners. It nurtured important values such as thankfulness, kindness and positivity, and reminded everyone that a grateful heart is the key to a happy life.

A hands-on activity “Colour and Water: Little Discoveries” was conducted for the students of class Pre-Primary on Tuesday, 06 October 2026. This activity helped the children to explore the fascinating properties of water through observation and experimentation.

The activity provided an engaging opportunity for the young learners to understand that water is colourless, transparent, odourless, tasteless and has no fixed shape.

The children enthusiastically participated in a colour-mixing experiment, where they witnessed the teacher mix the primary colours in water and observed how new colours were formed. They closely watched the colours spread and blend, making simple predictions and sharing their observations with their peers.

The activity encouraged curiosity, sensory exploration and scientific thinking, while helping children understand the properties of water in a fun and meaningful way. The joyful participation of the children made the experience an enriching and memorable learning opportunity.

As part of the Inclusive Education Club initiative, students of Classes II to V observed World Cerebral Palsy Day on Tuesday, 06 October 2026, through an age-appropriate classroom awareness activity.

The students were introduced to Cerebral Palsy (CP) and learnt that it is a condition that may affect a person’s movement, balance, posture and coordination. Through a guided discussion, they explored how children with CP may move, communicate or perform certain tasks differently, while having their own unique abilities, interests and aspirations.

Class Teachers shared simple facts about Cerebral Palsy and helped students understand that it is not contagious and does not prevent a child from learning, playing, participating or achieving their goals. The discussion also highlighted the importance of patience and providing support in ways that promote independence and participation.

Students reflected on how they can be supportive friends by including everyone in activities, asking before offering help, giving others enough time, listening patiently and being respectful towards different ways of moving and communicating. They were encouraged to appreciate a person’s strengths rather than focusing on their difficulties.

The activity provided an opportunity for students to develop greater awareness, empathy and acceptance towards children with diverse needs. It reinforced the message that differences are a natural part of life and that everyone deserves to feel respected, included and valued.

The session concluded with an Inclusion Pledge ,through which students committed themselves to being kind and respectful, embracing differences, appreciating individual strengths and helping create an inclusive school environment.

REPORT ON SWACHHATA HI SEVA 2026 DRIVE

In accordance with the recent CBSE circular regarding the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Drive, Delhi Public School, Dwarka organized a series of engaging activities for students of Classes VI to VIII to foster cleanliness, sustainability, and creative expression. The primary objective of this initiative was to encourage young learners to adopt eco-friendly habits and actively contribute toward building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Assigned tasks were designed to be age-appropriate and aligned with key environmental themes, with a final submission deadline set for Monday, 05 October 2026.

Students across the middle school grades participated in targeted activities tailored to their level. Class VI students focused on the theme of "Promotion of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" by crafting catchy slogans on A3 or A4 sheets to highlight the importance of the 3 R's. Class VII students engaged in a poster-making activity on A3 or A4 sheets, selecting from key themes such as 4-Way Source Segregation, Say No to Single-Use Plastics & Protect Water Bodies, or Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat – My Clean Vision. Meanwhile, Class VIII students demonstrated their resourcefulness through the Kabaad se Kala upcycling project, creating useful household items and decorative art pieces out of discarded and recyclable materials. As a part of the initiative, a ‘Swachhata Pledge’ was also conducted for students of classes VI-XII. The pledge encouraged students to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, reducing waste, protecting the environment and adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Together, these activities successfully raised environmental awareness while giving students a platform for creative civic action. The initiative reinforced the message that cleanliness is not merely a campaign but a collective responsibility and a way of life.

CLASSES : PRE-SCHOOL1, CAMBRIDGE EY1 & PRE-PRIMARY GANDHI JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS
Day/Date: Thursday, 01 October 2026

Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence by the Pre-School1, Cambridge EY1 and Pre-Primary children to familiarise them with the life, contributions and values of Mahatma Gandhi, fondly remembered as the Father of the Nation.

Pre-School1 and Cambridge EY 1

• The children participated in an age-appropriate discussion and listened to a simple story about Gandhi Ji’s role in India’s freedom struggle and his principles of truth, non-violence, peace and kindness. The significance of the Three Wise Monkeys and the message, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” was also explained.
• As part of the celebration, the children completed, an activity page of colouring in Gandhiji and Three Wise Monkeys in their activity booklets. They were also introduced to vocabulary such as Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and non-violence. The activities enhanced their listening, comprehension, vocabulary, concentration, fine-motor and creative skills.

Pre-Primary

• The Pre-Primary children learnt about Gandhi Ji’s life, contribution to India’s freedom struggle and his core values of truth, non-violence, simplicity, peace and cleanliness. They watched “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” on the digital board and participated enthusiastically.
• As part of the Clean and Green Mission, the children participated in a cleanliness drive, cleaning their classrooms and surrounding areas. They learnt that cleanliness is a shared responsibility and an important step towards a healthy environment. They also completed a Gandhi Ji colouring activity in their EVS booklets, reinforcing their learning while developing fine-motor skills and creativity. Adding a special touch, a child dressed as Mahatma Gandhi visited the classrooms. The children enthusiastically interacted with him and they were photographed together, making the celebration memorable and meaningful.

The celebrations provided the children with meaningful opportunities to learn and practise values of cleanliness, kindness, honesty, peaceful behaviour and respect for others in their everyday lives.

CLASSES : I & II GANDHI JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS
Day/Date: Thursday, 01 October 2026

To remember and honour key role of Mahatma Gandhi in winning India‘s independence from the British rule, classes I and II celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on Thursday, 01 October 2026 with great enthusiasm and respect. The day highlighted his lifelong focus on truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa).

Class I :

• The day began with a small discussion on the life of Mahatma Gandhiji followed by a wall hanging. Children learnt about his important role in our freedom struggle and how his principles of truth and non-violence helped our country get its independence.

Class II –

• To remember Bapu, the children prepared beautiful Gandhi Jayanti badges. They were told to always value and follow his teachings of honesty, kindness and cleanliness in their daily lives. The teacher explained why Gandhiji is lovingly called the 'Father of the Nation'.

All the children participated with great joy and enthusiasm and truly enjoyed the enriching day. It was a meaningful and learning experience for them.