45. Aug 13 2024 Developing basic English language skills using Phonics - Aug 13 2024
SIPSARU had observed that the English reading ability of the children is very low; despite having a considerable number of English books in the school library, children do not borrow any and the main reason is the inability to read and comprehend the English language.
The Education Department commences teaching language from year 1 through songs etc and English letters are introduced only after year 3.
SIPSARU desires to commence teaching English language to children when they are still in year 1 & 2 using phonics in addition to the Education Department curriculum. Ms Hazeera Zavahir, former principal of the English teacher training College Peradeniya conducted a brief orientation programme for English teachers of Dehigastenna Vidyalaya, Kalaweldeniya Vidyalaya and Kelanigama Vidyalaya.
Ms Zavahir estimated the knowledge of the English teachers to be of high standard. The orientation was well received by the English teachers of all three schools.
It was decided to establish a WhatsApp group including all who participated for easy communication and to commence the new programme once schools reopen on 26 August 2024. Phonic lessons will be additional to the Education Department curriculum.
44. Experience sharing workshop with two other schools in the same Education Division - 27 Jul 2024
On 27 of July 2024, a workshop was held to share the Health Promotion programme experiences of Dehigastenna Vidyalaya with two other schools in the same Division. The teaching staff of all three schools; Dehigastenna Vidyalaya, Kalaweldeniya Vidyalaya and Kelanigama Vidyalaya participated in the programme.
Technical expert in Health Promotion, Dr Manoj Fernando of Rajarata University conducted the workshop and the Consultant Community Physician of the Office of Provincial Director of Health Services, Central Province, Dr Gamini Jayakody represented the Health Department. Two staff members from Dehigastenna Vidyalaya presented their experiences of the School Health Promotion programme and how the partnership with SIPSARU evolved over the years to yield satisfactory outcomes: 1)Improved motivation and team spirit amongst teachers, 2) improved educational performance; 3) enhanced value systems; 4) improved discipline; 5) Improved reading habits; 6) Increased opportunities for children to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and dancing; 7) Improved sanitary facilities of the school with enhanced personal hygiene; 8) positive impact the programme had on the parents and families and how the community participation improved over the years.
Dr Manoj Fernando conducted a discussion with the participants on principles and important steps in implementation of a school health promotion programme.
Dr Gamini Jayakody explained the partnership between the Health and Education Departments in implementation of the School Health Promotion programme.
The three schools discussed amongst their teams and came up with an immediate action plan; all three schools will set goals for next five years.
SIPSARU team agreed to visit all three schools on 30 th August to discuss the way forward.
43. English Books Donation by Dr. Nimmi De Silva - Mar 23 2024
42. Scholarships - Mar 23 2024
In the month of March, SIPSARU awarded scholarships to 15 selected students for the year 2024. These children were selected by the school using the agreed criteria. These students received the needy items to further improve their education performances.
41. Improving Sinhala Reading Ability of Year 1 & 2 Children - Mar 10 2024
At the request of the school SIPSARU in March 2024 purchased the small booklets to facilitate teaching- learning of Sinhala letters for year 1 & 2 children. It was quite gratifying to note that the teachers are using those educational aids and the tremendous improvement of abilities of year 2 children within 6 months.
40. Primary Section Exhibition - Mar 1 2024
39. Support from Doctors Welfare Association (DOWELS) for school Primary band and donation of a laptop - Jan 1 2024
In the year 2023, DOWELS (Doctors Welfare Association) supported the school with new melodicas to revive the Primary Band of the School. In the year 2024, again DOWELS very kindly facilitated to stitch a new band costume. The children from year 3 to Year 8 are participating as members of the Primary
Band. DOWELS also donated a laptop to the school in March 2024 and the school is very appreciative of this invaluable support.
