December 2025
After all these celebrations and activities, the exams took place starting at the end of November. In India, children of all grades are tested in all subjects at the end of the school year. Finally, on December 19th, the 16th school year at our St. Anthony’s School came to an end with a festive Christmas celebration, the presentation of report cards, and numerous awards.
Nun stehen die langen Winterferien an und einige unserer „Suitcase-Families“ werden mit ihrem wenigen Hab und Gut zu Verwandten ins Tiefland oder nach Nepal reisen in der Hoffnung, dort eine Arbeit zu finden, um den Lebensunterhalt zu verdienen. Die Wintertage in Darjeeling sind kalt und feucht und für die Tagelöhner ist es schwer, Arbeit zu finden, da Baustellen brach liegen, in den Teegärten wenig Arbeit ist und Lastenträger nur selten gebraucht werden. Hoffen wir, dass alle Kinder dieser Wanderarbeiter Mitte Februar zum Schulbeginn wieder da sind. Außerdem sind wir gespannt, ob die Infokampagnen Wirkung zeigen.
Die Lehrerinnen haben mehrere Male Gebiete besucht, in denen bedürftige Familien leben, die ihre Kinder bisher aus unterschiedlichen Gründen noch nicht zur Schule geschickt haben. Wir hoffen, dass wir auch diese Familien erreichen können, um den Kindern durch Bildung die Chance auf eine bessere Zukunft zu geben.
November 2025
School City Run
On November 9th, a city run took place between the schools. Among the approximately 200 runners were 3 female and 3 male students from St. Antony’s School. All of our runners finished the race. Sange Lamu even achieved 3rd place and Swastika 7th place.
Children’s Day
On November 14th, Children’s Day was celebrated in India. It was also celebrated at St. Anthony’s School. Our students enjoyed the day with many games and good food. On this day, the teachers danced and sang for the students of our school.
Commitment of our teachers
On Sunday, November 30th 2025, our teachers traveled to areas where needy families live to inform them about attending school.
Exams 2025
This year, exams will begin at the end of November for all students, as our headmaster was concerned that the numerous activities would leave too little time to review the curriculum. Therefore, the exams and the summer holidays have been postponed by approximately two weeks 😊. Unlike in Germany, the grades on the report card are based solely on the performance in the written and oral exams at the end of the school year.
We wish everyone the best of luck in passing the exams and advancing to the next grade. The certificates will therefore be awarded in mid-December as part of a graduation ceremony.
October 2025
Stephanie Lücking (Chairwoman) and Guido Uhlenberg (advisory member) spent another two weeks in India to see the progress of our school project firsthand. In addition to many organizational tasks, the focus was, of course, on meeting with the students, staff, and parents. We also had the honor of attending two events as guests of honor.
Farewell Party
For the past four years, a recurring highlight in autumn has been the Autumn Festival, which includes the graduation ceremony for our tenth-grade students. These students take their final exams at our school in early December and then participate in the Central Examination next spring, which, if passed, qualifies them to attend grades 11 and 12. Students from all grades – from kindergarten to grade 9 – had once again prepared a diverse and entertaining program. A special surprise was the visit and dance performances by our alumni, who are now attending other schools in grades 11 and 12, or who graduated from grade 12 this May and are now attending college or applying for other vocational training courses. The dance and song performances, in particular, captivated the audience. The tenth-grade students also delivered their farewell speeches, which clearly demonstrated that St. Anthony’s School is more than just a place of learning. Naturally, there were a few tears shed – and not just by the students.
School Festival
The following day, the school festival took place in glorious weather. A diverse program was offered: visitors could test their skills at numerous game booths or try their luck to win small prizes. Delicious treats, prepared and sold by the teachers, were also available. The proceeds from the school festival will be used to organize a large celebration for World Children’s Day.
Inauguration of the Computer Room
Last year, thanks to a designated donation, two computers, a battery, and a control unit were purchased. The control unit and battery are necessary to protect the equipment during frequent power outages. These computers were previously located in the library and could only be used by a few students. In recent months, 10 computer workstations have been set up in an additional room. Furthermore, thanks to a special offer from a computer retailer in Darjeeling, we were able to acquire five more computers, so that now an entire class (one computer for every two children) can be taught there.
The students celebrated the opening of the new room with great enthusiasm.
We were once again impressed by the dedication of our teaching staff and the many additional activities offered to engage and inspire the students. It never ceases to amaze me to witness the students‘ motivation and thirst for knowledge. This inspires us every year to continue our voluntary work as board members.
September 2025
Early September: Alumni Reunion
At the beginning of September, the graduating classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025, along with their parents, were invited to a meeting to share their experiences and discuss their current (academic) situation. They were happy and grateful for the financial support our principal gave them. This money can be used for necessary items such as school uniforms, textbooks, courses, tuition fees, etc., and must be documented with a receipt.
Inter House Quiz Competition 2025
The much-awaited Inter House Quiz Competition was held on Friday, August 29th. Adding to the excitement, this year’s contest also welcomed participation from the junior category, making the event more inclusive and engaging.
Each House was represented by eight participants—four from the junior group and four from the senior group.
The junior rounds included General Knowledge, Spell It Correctly, Identify the Picture, and Yes or No. Our juniors impressed everyone with their quick thinking and confident answers. The results were:
1st Place: Green House
2nd Place: Blue House
3rd Place: Yellow House
4th Place: Red House
The senior category followed with five rounds that tested their knowledge, reasoning, and presence of mind. After a close contest, the results were:
1st Place: Yellow House
2nd Place: Green House
3rd Place: Blue House
4th Place: Red House
We sincerely thank Miss Srijana for being a wonderful Quiz Master and guiding the competition with great energy. The event turned out to be an enthralling display of our students’ brilliance and teamwork.
August 2025
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated in India on August 15th. St. Anthony’s School also celebrates this festival every year with numerous performances. Here is a text from one of our teachers about the activities in our school:
„Freedom is not given, it is taken.“ – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
It is always a privilege to celebrate the day when our brave forefathers fought for our country’s freedom. This year, St. Anthony’s celebrated the 79th Independence Day with grandeur. Various programs were organized, and the students captivated the audience with their mesmerizing performances, paying tribute to all the freedom fighters. Fortunately, the weather was pleasant, with no rain, which added an extra spark of energy to the celebrations. Independence Day is always a significant occasion as it helps students understand the countless hardships and sacrifices made by our freedom fighters, enabling us to live in a free nation today. Let us pledge to make India a better country, upholding the values of integrity and unity.
July 2025
Elocution Competition
As part of our monthly initiative to encourage and empower students through extracurricular activities, St. Anthony’s School successfully organized an in-house Elocution Competition on July 31, 2025. The competition enjoyed enthusiastic participation from all four houses: the Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow Houses. Students from grades 1 to 10 showcased their public speaking skills, with topics ranging from informative and inspirational to stimulating. Participants were judged on criteria such as content relevance, clarity, confidence, vocal modulation, and overall fluency. The event was divided into five categories based on grade groups to ensure fair and age-appropriate judging.
Category I: Grades 1 and 2
Category II: Grades 3 and 4
Category III: Grades 5 and 6
Category IV: Grades 7 and 8
Category V: Grades 9 and 10
It was a truly remarkable competition, demonstrating the students‘ eloquence, oratorical talent, and self-confidence on stage. The participants‘ articulation and expressiveness impressed both the audience and the judges.
1st Place – Green House
2nd Place – Red House
3rd Place – Yellow House
4th Place – Blue House
The students captivated the audience with their powerful recitations and their selection of poems. Our heartfelt thanks go to all the dedicated mentors (teachers) who guided and trained the participants, ensuring such a well-organized and inspiring event. Such activities continue to be an essential part of our school’s commitment to holistic development and continuous enrichment of our students.
June 2025
World Environment Day
Every year, St. Anthony’s School actively participates in World Environment Day to promote awareness and responsibility towards the environment among students. This year, on 5th June 2025, students from both the junior and senior sections took part in a series of meaningful and impactful activities despite the light drizzle throughout the day.
The junior students, up to Class 4, engaged in cleaning the school premises and its surroundings. Their enthusiasm and teamwork were clearly visible as they also took the initiative to plant saplings within the school campus, contributing directly to a greener future.
Meanwhile, students from Classes 5 to 10 participated in a town awareness march. Starting from Chowrasta and ending at the Darjeeling Railway Station, the seniors walked through the streets holding placards bearing important environmental messages to raise public awareness. Upon reaching the station, they conducted a cleaning drive, collecting waste and garbage that had been carelessly thrown around. Their efforts didn’t stop there – they extended their service by cleaning the nearby St. Columba’s Church, showing care not only for the environment but also for their local heritage.
Although the weather was not favourable due to intermittent drizzles, it did not dampen the spirit and determination of the students and teachers involved.
This initiative not only encouraged cleanliness and responsibility but also instilled a deeper respect for nature in the hearts of everyone involved.
“The Earth is what we all have in common – let’s protect it together.”
May 2025
Singing Competition
As part of our Monthly Talent Series, the competition for the month of May was a Singing Competition, held on 30th May 2025. The event was a celebration of music, expression, and talent.
The competition was divided into four categories:
●Category I: Nursery to UKG
●Category II: Class I to Class IV
●Category III: Class V to Class VII
●Category IV: Class VIII to Class X
Participants from each category showcased their musical abilities with great enthusiasm, and winners were selected from each category based on their performance.
These monthly competitions are not just about winning — they are about building confidence, encouraging creativity, and giving every student a chance to shine in their own unique way.
It was truly a fun-filled event, and through it, we discovered many hidden musical talents among our students. We look forward to more such exciting competitions in the months to come.
Dance Workshop and Sanitary Napkin Distribution by Aapki Nirali Foundation
On Saturday, 24th May, a dance workshop and sanitary napkin distribution program was organized by the Aapki Nirali Foundation, Bangalore. Students from classes 3 to 10 actively participated in the workshop.
The session was led by Ms. Nikita C. Kumar, Chairperson of the foundation, along with other team members. The event began with a warm welcome speech by Ms. Bishika, followed by an inspiring speech by Anushka Biswakarma, who shared the journey of St. Anthony’s.
The dance workshop was enjoyable and full of energy, not just for the students but for the teachers as well. Participation certificates were distributed to all the students. A special mention goes to Anjali Chettri from Class 10, who was selected for a sponsorship that includes six months of free online dance classes.
Following the workshop, sanitary napkins were distributed to all the girl students. It was truly a fun-filled and meaningful day. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Aapki Nirali Foundation team for conducting such a wonderful and impactful workshop. We hope the students took away valuable lessons and memories from the experience.
Prasansa Pradhan has been working at our school since April. She wants to gain experience in everyday school life and is primarily responsible for implementing dance projects.
Mother’s Day
On May 12, the students of St. Anthony’s School celebrated Mother’s Day with many performances.
April 2025
Drawing competition
Every child is an artist, and keeping this in mind, we organize a sit-and-draw competition every year. This time, we added an exciting twist by changing the venue to encourage our young minds to interact more with nature and experience a new environment—one that would inspire their creativity beyond the classroom.
Instead of holding the competition within the school premises, we chose three unique locations across Darjeeling. Our senior students from Classes 9 and 10 showcased their artistic talent at the Darjeeling Railway Station, capturing the essence of the bustling arena. The sub-junior group, Classes 7 and 8, found inspiration at Keventers near Chowrasta, where they painted their imagination while observing the beautiful murals displayed outside the café. Meanwhile, our junior participants from Classes 5 and 6 sketched near the Bhanu Bhakta statue at Chowrasta, expressing their creativity in a serene setting.
Overall, it was a wonderful and enriching day for the entire St. Anthony’s family—students and teachers alike. What made it even more special was that it coincided with our school’s 15th anniversary! Celebrating this milestone with such a meaningful activity made the day even more memorable.
March 2025
Green Friday
The Green Friday Drive at St. Anthony’s School is a commendable initiative that not only promotes environmental cleanliness but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement among students. By engaging students from Classes I to VIII in cleaning the neighborhood every Friday, the school is effectively teaching young minds the value of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. This hands-on approach helps students understand the direct impact of their actions on their surroundings and encourages them to take ownership of their role in preserving the planet.
The initiative, which began in 2012 and continues to this day, highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability and environmental education. By integrating such activities into the school curriculum, St. Anthony’s is ensuring that students grow up with a strong environmental ethic, which is crucial for the future of our planet.
The slogan „Clean Environment, Healthy Environment“ perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Green Friday Drive. A clean environment is indeed a healthy one, as it reduces pollution, prevents the spread of diseases, and enhances the overall quality of life. Through this initiative, students are not only contributing to a cleaner neighborhood but are also learning valuable life lessons about teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of environmental
Let’s build up health and ecofriendly society
February/March 2025
The 2025 school year has begun
After 10 weeks of winter break, the new school year began in mid-February with the registration of new students, the distribution of textbooks, and the fitting of school uniforms. On February 17, the staff welcomed 112 children to the assembly in the schoolyard to sing the school song together, do early morning exercise (Zumba) to loud music, and read news from the local and international press. Weekly yoga will also be practiced this school year.
We are delighted that 112 children are now once again filling our school building with life. Twelve children were newly enrolled, and three students have sadly left our school. During the winter months, many families move to the lowlands because it is very cold in Darjeeling and public life comes to a standstill. Sometimes parents find better jobs and quickly decide to pack their few belongings and move. This is why our headmaster once coined the term „suitcase families.“ It is always a great shame for the children who can no longer attend our school and for the sponsors from Germany who supported the child. However, our headmaster repeatedly assures us that even just one year of attendance at classes helps the children so much and brings them so much joy, so this time and financial support were certainly not in vain. This is precisely our target group, whom we want to support and encourage.
The teaching staff now consists of 17 teachers (some of whom are on reduced-time positions or as teaching assistants) and two assistants who support the teachers, particularly in the kindergarten classes. We are particularly pleased to have been able to hire a new science teacher, as it is very difficult to find qualified staff for these subjects. Furthermore, one teacher has completed his master’s degree in mathematics and now works full-time at our school.
The students in our final year of Grade 10 are currently in the exam phase, preparing to complete the central examinations.
We are also still in contact with some students from our first year who started kindergarten in 2010. We have decided to support our reliable students in Grades 11 and 12 at other schools as well. During the winter break, for example, we funded a special preparation course for the exam, as this central examination after Grade 12 is also currently taking place. The exam results will be announced in May. We are keeping our fingers crossed and are very excited.
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