Page 24 - DAIS Insignia 2023-2024

CIS NEASC The culmination of the CIS LEARNING CENTRE The DAIS Learning Centre is a welcoming space for all students. Our library is a
RE-ACCREDITATION NEASC Re-Accreditation process hub of inclusivity and creativity offering diverse collections, cultural events, and
in 2023 was a pivotal moment multilingual materials, as well as a showcase for student work. We embrace
for DAIS, as its entire process global citizenship through dynamic displays that highlight our school values and
o f f e r e d t h e s c h o o l a n global perspectives. Special events like Indian Mother Tongue Day, along with
opportunity to study its school captivating global and local stories, enrich our community's cultural fabric. We
philosophy, systems and cultivate diverse interests, achievements, and talents to ensure students succeed
practices and introspect at in a world full of evolving challenges and opportunities.
various levels on how well they
translate these into daily Building strong community partnerships is at the heart of our mission. Our DRAP
practice. Beginning this journey read-aloud program fosters robust collaborations with parents, and we are
in 2021 with the writing of the thrilled to host visiting authors who ignite our love for reading. Our book
Preparatory Evaluation report exhibitions bring the joy of literature to our school families, creating
followed by a virtual Preparatory unforgettable experiences for all. Our dedicated librarians work hand-in-hand
Evaluation Visit in October 2021, with teachers and students, offering sessions on research skills, book advisory,
Ms. Swarnalatha Potukuchi Ms. Kavita Dyas DAIS community had gone Ms. Lorna Mac Iver and more. With lessons conducted both in the Learning Centre and classrooms,
Accreditation Coordinator and Self-Study Steering through the Self-Study process, we constantly expand our knowledge to better support our school community.
Self- Study Steering Committee Chair Committee Co- Chair an intense self-reflection Head of Library Reading and research are woven into the curriculum through guided activities,
between January 2022 and
August 23. direct instruction, and personalized assistance. Our open access collection
empowers students to browse and discover books that captivate their interests.
The year 2022 was also the year DAIS embarked on the review of the Strategic Plan 2016-2021 and the creation of the new Students are taught how to effectively use our catalog and locate the resources they need, fostering essential information
Strategic Plan 2023-2028. This plan forms the basis of strategic planning and decision making across the school and is a critical
literacy skills that will serve them for a lifetime. We celebrate student ownership by encouraging book recommendations and
foundation of operations at DAIS. Through a series of discussions with the Senior Leadership team and Chairs and co- chairs of the building a community of enthusiastic readers who share a love for literature.
accreditation committees, and teachers five new strategic directions were finalized – Culture, Teaching and Learning, Wellbeing,
Environment and Partnerships. The strategic plan was also presented to the wider school community – staff, parents and students As we prepare to move to a new space, we are excited by the prospect of extending our library services through the creation of
and their inputs were invited to ensure that the plan effectively acknowledged and addressed the needs of all stakeholders satellite libraries. These curated libraries will bring our extensive collection and resources closer to every corner of our school,
Members of the school community were invited to volunteer to be part of the various self-study committees. Over the course of ensuring that the joy of reading and learning is accessible to all. Join us in celebrating a year of discovery, learning, and global
the first quarter of 2023, the committees met regularly, planned the narratives, and gathered evidence to support their findings. connection at the Learning Centre, and look forward to our exciting new chapter ahead!
The draft reports were completed by May 2023 and reviewed together with the steering committee. By mid-August domain
committees meticulously crafted and submitted final reports showcasing the school's commitment to excellence in all areas of
school's development and improvement.
The Team Evaluation Visit took place in October 2023, with a team of 8 evaluators from across the world. They spent an intense week OUR PYP JOURNEY
at DAIS, visiting classes, meeting with representative groups and committees, and observing systems and processes in action. In I am delighted to be a member of an institution that is unwavering in its
December 2023 CIS NEASC communicated that we have been awarded the prestigious Re-Accreditation Certification. The process commitment towards fulfilling our chairperson's vision, Smt. Nita M. Ambani –
evaluated 45 standards, resulting in 41 commendations and 30 recommendations. Notably, ratings were upgraded to Exceeds in 5 "Where teaching is a pleasure and learning a joy! A school that nurtures
standards, underscoring DAIS's strengths in various domains. Commendations in the report praised DAIS's dedicated senior a life-long curiosity for learning".
leadership, robust curriculum innovations, and comprehensive
student support systems, affirming its pursuit of excellence. The Our decision to adopt the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) stemmed from a
synergy of shared beliefs and values. The six transdisciplinary themes in the PYP
commendations also highlighted the school's staffing, curriculum
development, and student well-being. provide a framework for building a holistic and interconnected understanding of
the world. This approach, which emphasizes fostering intercultural understanding
Moving forward, DAIS aims to leverage recommendations to
enhance its offerings, focusing on embedding global citizenship, and respect, aligns seamlessly with the core values of DAIS, essential for nurturing
monitoring curriculum impact, and fostering high-quality teaching today's global citizens. We encourage our students to ask questions, think
critically, and engage in meaningful inquiry, preparing them to be lifelong learners
practices. Overall, the CIS NEASC Re-Accreditation Report has
provided recognition and validation of the efforts of the entire adept at navigating complex global issues.
school community toward creating and implementing an effective Our efforts extend beyond the classroom, encompassing a wide range of
learning environment for each student at DAIS and has indicated a activities that promote global citizenship and community engagement. From
way forward for the school to continue to build on its strengths and Ms. Pritha Banerjee field trips and guest speaker sessions to cultural celebrations like the Annual
further develop our goal of continued excellence in every PYP Coordinator day, Mother Language Day, Earth Day we provide our students with
endeavour.
opportunities to broaden their horizons and appreciate the richness of diverse
cultures. These experiences not only enhance their academic learning, but also
foster a spirit of unity and mutual respect.

We recognise the crucial role that parents play in this wonderful journey. Our initiatives to engage parents with various
sessions, such as on 'PYP reading strategies' and the 'inquiry-based approach to mathematics', have strengthened the
partnership between home and school. Additionally, projects like the 'read-aloud initiative' have reinforced values of
friendship and kindness, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our students. In this journey of learning, we have
kept you, dear parents, involved throughout, be it through the '3-way conference', 'Parent Teacher Meetings', or the 'Student
Led Conference'.
As we move forward, together as a community, we will continue to inspire and empower our students to be compassionate,
knowledgeable, and responsible global citizens. By embracing diversity and fostering unity, we will continue to lay the
foundation for a brighter and a more peaceful future.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the ideals of the IB PYP framework.

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