YEAR THREE: THE BLESSINGS GO ON

JAN 2015

An amazing event, ‘Kirtan at Karura’ was organised by our Chairman and his team for Gurmat School as a New Year treat on 25th January 2015.  The kirtan department once again rose to the challenge and pupils were well trained to sing shabads at the karura forest auditorium by Mrs Gharial and her members.  We had tried to visualize in a very small way Baba Nanak’s love for nature by singing the Almighty’s praises in the open grounds of Karura Forest.  There was also a walk and delicious picnic fare. The teachers took good care of their respective classes and the children showed exceptional discipline as they rushed to pick up all the litter after lunch!  We had about 300 elders, parents and children participate in the fun outing. The future objective of the kirtan department according to Mrs Gharial/Bindi is ‘to expose all the children across the age and gender bands to as much kirtan and related talent as we possibly can.’ Babaji heard the ardas of the youngsters and a brand new school bus was handed over to Gurmat School on 28/01/2015 by SGRR trustee Mr Kirpal Singh Chana and his family. We greatly appreciate this generous and big-hearted gesture as the bus has eased the pressure due to the increasing number of students.

FEB/MARCH 2015

Three football teams represented Gurmat School at the RYA six-aside tournament at Sikh Union on 8/02/2015. All the teams played well, the girls under-16 team stood second and the boys’ under-16 came third overall. The boys’ over-16 will need to train harder as their competition was quite stiff! Deserving teachers/students/parents were recognised on 21/02/2015 for their seva over the past two years at the opening of the new Sach Khand Room.  SGRR Gurmat School observed its second year of existence on 16/03/2015. Report Cards were drafted and printed by Mr Hardip Singh Chana.  The results of the 2014 Annual Examinations were prepared and issued to the parents by teachers at the end of March 2015.

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2015

Monthly kirtan darbars were held; discussion and preparation for the sports day was ongoing with various youth organisations such as isikh and Sikh Youth of Makindu.

JULY/AUGUST 2015

The Annual Sports Day was done differently with our convener, Mr Tejinder Singh Ghataure coming up with his “Team Challenge” concept which included water sports, jumping castles, slide, maze and the climber amongst others.  Food was delicious with hot roasted maize and cassava, sugarcane juice, freshly prepared jalebis, popcorn ice cream and a spread of sumptuous lunch!

SEPTEMBER 2015

The ideals of our founding father Siri Guru Nanak Devji were once again practiced by the students when they embarked on a charity drive at the Ananda Marga Mission at Mountain View Estate in Kangemi on 27/09/2015. Gurmat School parents, Istri Sabha ladies and Gurdwara officials supported the venture.

OCTOBER /NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2015

October was utilized for preparation for the forthcoming Annual Examinations 2015 in November.  Path tests were conducted by the Gianijis/teachers and the written examinations were held on 28/11/2015. Observers from the Gurdwara committee were in attendance to ensure a smooth run!   The next morning, on 29/11/2015, Gurmat School held an amazing Asa di Var after weeks of expert training by Mrs Davinder Kaur Gharial and prizes were given to deserving top achievers of 2014.  After a talk and slideshow by Kalasingha Wildlife conservation group representatives and their chairlady Miss Daljeet Kaur Bhambra, the children were treated to pizza and chips as well as goody bags from the vice chairperson of Istri Sabha Mrs Kulwinder Kaur Bhambra on 5/12/2015.  A religious movie about Baba Deep Singhji was also shown in the Mata Gujjar Hall. A joint Akhand Path was done with Istri Sabha at the Landhies Gurdwara to commemorate the matrydom of Siri Guru Tegh Bahadurji, our ninth Master. The school closed for its annual holiday but Gurmat School pupils sang melodious kirtan to usher in the New Year on 31/12/2015 under the guidance of Mrs Davinder Kaur Gharial.

YEAR FOUR: SCALING GREATER HEIGHTS

JAN/FEB 2016

The school reopened on 9/01/2016 and held another Asa di Var on 17/01/2016. Gifts were once again given to the children by the Gahigu family.  The Kalasingha Wildlife conservation group took the pupils for a new experience in the form of a trip to the Nairobi National Park as part of an ongoing initiative to create awareness of wildlife conservation efforts and to promote the same amongst the youth.  Over 60 Gurmat School students and teachers were in attendance and even took their own school bus!

A well prepared kirtan darbar was organized by teachers whereby the pupils recited poems, read out speeches and sang shabads on 27/02/2016.  Turban tying classes have commenced with Mr Gurpreet singh Kalsi and Mr Sukhwinder Singh Sagoo in charge.

Future events in the pipeline include regular monthly kirtan darbars, an oratorical contest, Drama/skits on social issues, Art competitions, Quiz competitions, Poetry recitals and workshops, Day camps, more contributions to charitable organisations, educational trips and Annual Sports Days.