Inclusion
At JSSIS, we recognize and value the diversity of our community, which is comprised of families from a diverse range of nations with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, abilities, and experiences.
Our school community contains students whose individual learning profiles may need curriculum customization and personalized assistance. This includes students with exceptional potential and those with learning and socio-emotional difficulties and challenges. We believe development is a collaborative endeavor and thus work with the staff-students-parents combination to assist these students in attaining their individual educational objectives at the JSSIS.
We have our own dedicated Inclusion team providing for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Students of Determination). Based on each student's level of development and prior exposure to SEND, we utilize the data gathered through assessment upon arrival and identification processes to establish the type and degree of support that is suitable for them. For pupils recognized as having SEND, we create individualized education plans (IEPs).
We ensure that students recognized with SEND receive active assistance to engage in the learning process as they reach their full potential and form enriching relationships with their classmates, parents and the community via social interactions in contexts that are age-appropriate for shared learning.
As an inclusive school, we are proud to have a diverse student body, as we believe the world requires a diverse range of perspectives to thrive. This diversity contributes to the growth and development of our students and is a key component of our commitment to finding the unique gift in every individual.
NEED OF IDENTIFICATION
The need for further care and assistance may have been identified prior to the enrolment of a child in JSSIS, demonstrated through school-based evaluations, or confirmed by a report from an external specialist. All the staff members are dedicated to early identification to proactively comprehend and address children's requirements, enabling them to be nurtured and encouraged to progress in learning.
CARE AND SUPPORT
At JSSIS, we strive to ensure that all students are confident and independent learners, allowing them to make the best possible progress in both their personal and academic lives. We take a collaborative approach to ensure that every student is able to reach their full potential within the shared classroom, curriculum, and assessment framework. If necessary and appropriate, our department may provide additional support in-class, individualized learning programs, modified or reduced curriculum, alternative assessment frameworks, or an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Our Counselling team provides play-based counselling, one on one counselling support, guidance and support to both parents and teachers.
WELL-BEING
At JSS International School, Well-being of students, parents and teachers communities is of vital importance and the school ensures that everyone at JSSIS thrives to the achieve happiness and a positive mental health. JSSIS ensures that well-being activities are adapted in the curriculum across all the phases. Well-being activities are planned throughout the year to ensure that students, along with the support of their parents and teachers, with the aim of students to develop and realize their potential, learn and unleash creativity. JSSIS ensures that everyone at school feels safe, happy and satisfied with their lives at school.
The IKIGAI Department organizes fun-filled and enriching activities across the school to ensure and enhance the well-being of students, teachers and parent communities. Below mentioned are a few activities:
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
JSSIS celebrates World Mental Health Day, observed globally on 10th October annually. A week-long celebration at JSSIS is marked with zeal and positive energy. The IKIGAI Department along with coordinators of every phase plan multiple activities to spread awareness on mental health, the importance to talk about it and strategies to enhance one’s mental health. Responsible citizens in the making, students of JSSIS echo the growing need to recognize and nurture mental health of themselves and everyone around them.
Activities such as student-led mental health awareness campaigns, meditation, interactive boards and assemblies are organized across all the phases of JSSIS to observe mental health awareness week.
CARE AND SUPPORT
At JSSIS, we strive to ensure that all students are confident and independent learners, allowing them to make the best possible progress in both their personal and academic lives. We take a collaborative approach to ensure that every student is able to reach their full potential within the shared classroom, curriculum, and assessment framework. If necessary and appropriate, our department may provide additional support in-class, individualized learning programs, modified or reduced curriculum, alternative assessment frameworks, or an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Our Counselling team provides play-based counselling, one on one counselling support, guidance and support to both parents and teachers.
CALMNESS CORNER
A well-being session is conducted annually for grade 10 and Grade 12 students as ICSE board examinations and ISC exams commence.
The students of JSSIS are treated with well-being activities such as yoga, meditation and art on the first day of their exam to help the students to unwind and relax. IKIGAI department of Inclusion and Guidance organized fun-filled activities to de-stress students and to reduce exam anxiety.
A Calmness corner was set up for students to indulge in any of their favorite activities. The activities included pebble painting, shell painting, origami art and clay art. The physical education department conducted a meditation session for students. Students headed to their exam hall with happy and relaxed minds.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
A Field trip to Senior Happiness center was organized by the IKIGAI Department of inclusion and guidance on 24th February 2023 to deepen the understanding of Inclusion, reaching out to the community, nurturing empathy, and compassion in students.
The meet and greet session included a fun interaction, a dance and a song performed by students to entertain and to spread joy to the senior citizens. The program was very well appreciated by the audience.
Students took back life lessons, new friendships, memories, and joy!
LET’S UNWIND – A well-being program from teachers!
IKIGAI department organized a well-being program for teachers and administrative staff. The key to a healthy workplace is taking care of your Staff.”
All aspects of well-being, including physical health, mental health, sleep, nutrition, and other factors, impact our capacity to perform at our best. Thus, for our employees to perform at their absolute best, it is crucial to take care of their needs and wants. Good health and Well-being can be a core enabler of employee engagement and organizational performance. On June 15, 2023, a stress-relieving Well-being activity was carried out. In this program, various departments including SPORTS, YOGA, MUSIC, DANCE, and ARTS AND CRAFTS organized therapeutic interventions for the teachers. The teachers could select the department they preferred and take part in the session. Teachers had the most enjoyable, stress-relieving, and therapeutic time and enhanced their well-being.
Following the grand success of Lets’ Unwind Program, the IKIGAI Department plans to continue organizing these events to nurture the well-being of employees of the JSSIS:
ASSEMBLIES
PRIMARY PHASE
A thematic assembly was conducted on 7th June 2023 by the Head of the Inclusion Department. The topic which was addressed in the assembly was “Good Behavior”
A child's mental health is influenced by stress, life events, and past experiences. Anxiety, mood, attention, and behavioral issues are the most common mental health issues among adolescents, and failing to address them could have long-term consequences. An assembly was held to develop good behavior strategy for students, considering their concerns. The topics addressed in the assembly included kind behavior, humanity approach, and good manners to be followed in the school setup. Three videos were shown in the session which focused on the topics mentioned above. The session was concluded with the behavioral policy which explained the consequences of unacceptable behavior.
PRIMARY PHASE- Grade 1 and 2
An assembly was conducted on 8/6/2023 for students of grade 1 and 2 to encourage children to perform little acts of kindness for others on a regular basis. The topic addressed was “Be good Do good.” Kindness and compassion are vital in the development of young children’s social competence and socio emotional skills. We, at JSSIS believe that these powerful habits can help develop thoughtful kids and compassionate people. Children enjoyed the assembly that started with a happy song, videos based on day-to-day situations where they can act kind and concluded with a quiz leaving the students to explore and implement their ways of being kind.
MIDDLE PHASE
A thematic assembly was conducted on 1st June 2023 by the Inclusion Department. The topic which was addressed in the assembly was “Positive Behavior & the importance of Healthy School Environment.”
A child's mental health is influenced by stress, life events, and past experiences. Anxiety, mood, attention, and behavioral issues are the most common mental health issues among adolescents, and failing to address them could have long-term consequences. An assembly was held with the goal of developing a positive behavior strategy for students, considering their concerns and a brief awareness Regarding bullying and its impact on mental health.
SECONDARY PHASE
Mental Health Awareness and Impact of Technology on Mental Health. A thematic assembly was conducted on 29th May 2023 by the students of grade 12 C along with the school counsellor, Ms. Alfia Kauser on Impact of technology on mental health and mental health awareness to observe mental health awareness month. Mental health awareness is an on-going conversation with the intent of creating awareness of the importance of mental health. Ms. Alfia, School Counsellor highlighted on what mental health is, how to nurture positive mental health, identification of warning signs of poor mental health and prevention of mental disorders. The session also focused on the impact technology can have on mental health. It was a very interactive session where students enthusiastically participated and shared their views on how to take care of mental health. The session ended with students being equipped with strategies to take care of their mental health and navigate through the challenges of secondary school. The below attached are pictures from the assembly:
Let’s Celebrate together!
The IKIGAI Department’s initiative to celebrate the support staff of JSSIS is an endeavor from the team to reach out to the ones who are integral part of the JSSIS family, the bus monitors. Students of Kindergarten and Primary school along with the members of IKIGAI team, celebrate the birthdays of bus monitors to display a token of gratitude and appreciation for their tireless contributions. While the bus monitors are elated with the surprise birthday celebrations, children are learn compassion.
Inclusion Drive Campaign: Fostering Inclusive Classrooms
In today's diverse educational landscape, fostering inclusion is of paramount importance. Recognizing this, Grade 11 psychology students at JSS International school embarked on a transformative journey to promote inclusivity within classrooms, spanning grades 3 to 9. This report provides insights into the objectives, strategies, activities, and outcomes of the Inclusion Drive, conducted under the guidance of Ms. Smiji- Psychology teacher and Counselor, and Ms. Madhura- the Middle School Counselor.
This campaign included various activities such as chart paper presentations, role-plays, games, and more. Students created posters and presentations on topics related to inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. These presentations were displayed in school hallways and classrooms to educate others. Role-playing exercises helped students understand different perspectives and experiences. They acted out scenarios that highlight the importance of inclusion and empathy. Games and interactive activities were also used by the students to teach teamwork, communication, and understanding among students. These games focused on diversity and inclusion themes.
Through a multifaceted approach, this initiative has succeeded in raising awareness, promoting empathy, and implementing practical strategies for inclusion. The dedication of the mentors and students involved has laid a strong foundation for creating a more inclusive and accepting educational environment. With ongoing commitment and adaptation, JSS International School can continue to nurture a culture of inclusion and acceptance that benefits all students.
IKIGAI’S Career Caravan
Career Caravan is a dedicated cell of the IKIGAI department which is empowered to create a holistic and accessible career guidance to students of JSSIS. Ms. Aparajita Sahoo, Head of Inclusion along with Ms. Alfia Kauser, Career Counsellor work collaboratively to empower students to begin and navigate through their career journeys and get acceptance into their dream universities. At JSSIS, Early career exploration is encouraged in students from middle school onwards.
Driven by the core belief of guiding students to fulfil their IKIGAI, a Japanese concept emphasizing on “Reason for being” career guidance sessions and initiatives are designed.
Students of JSS International School are guided to begin career exploration journeys from grade 8 onwards by exposure to life skills sessions, career talks, career guidance webinars and alumni meets.
It fills us with great pride that students of JSSIS are placed in some of the most renowned universities globally and continue to make us proud. The following students of outgoing batch 2022-23 have secured in some of the most reputed US universities:
-Karishma Kamalahasan has secured an admission in Georgia Institute of Technology for Computer Science.
-Charvi Khandelwal has secured an admission in Emory University for pursuing Economics
-Ehab Zaidi has secured admission in University of California, Davis for pursuing Computer Science.
-Farhan Shafeek has secured admission in University of California, Los Angeles for pursuing Mathematics.
Looking ahead, Team IKIGAI envisions to guide students to crack top tier global universities such as University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the IVY leagues.
A glimpse into activities of career caravan:
Career Talks
Career Talks are regularly organized at JSSIS to direct the students to gain valuable information regarding various skill sets, educational opportunities, scholarships, career choices and pathways and new age careers available in the ever-changing world. Students learn to navigate through their career paths; by choosing the right subjects depending on the parameters of interests and abilities, holistic orientation of a student, profile building the value and credibility of working on one’s interests and nurturing one’s individual identities.
Career Talk by a renowned career counsellors of UAE, Ms. Shyamala Elango and Ms. Rema Menon at JSSIS.
Alumni Talks
Alumni Talk sessions are organized where alumni of JSSIS ,who are placed globally in renowned universities, provide students of JSS International School with information on university applications, personal experiences of transitioning from schooling to university life and anecdotes of university experiences. This initiative bridges the gap between Alumni of JSSIS and students under the guidance of school counsellor, Ms. Alfia Kauser. These interactive sessions provide the aspiring students with guidance, clarity and motivation to pursue their dream careers.
Vocational Guidance
Students of JSSIS are presented with numerous opportunities to explore their interests and aptitude to gain hands on experience in their interested fields ,which will guide them to strengthen their portfolios as well as to make informed career decisions. Students are guided to attend profile building activities, educational workshops, internships, university open days and summer camps to gain insights into career pathways as well as experience what university life entails.
Students of grade 12 attending an engineering workshop at BITS Pilani ,Dubai
Students of Grade 9 attending a STEM Challenge Workshop at Curtin University, Dubai
Career Fairs at JSSIS
Career Fairs are organized regularly at JSSIS Campus where universities and educational consultancies partake in an interactive session with students and parents of secondary phase. This initiative enlightens students on the various international educational opportunities as well as career pathways and provides a platform to aspiring students to gain insights on the educational programs available in line with their interests and abilities.
Skills For Success Series
Skills for success series, is an on-going webinar series organized by the IKIGAI Department to provide consistent and accessible career guidance sessions to students and parents of secondary phase.
This webinar series, scheduled mostly on the second Saturdays, aims to instil university readiness, guide students on the roadmaps to crack their dream universities and shape skills pre-requisite to ensure a seamless transition from school to university life by bringing career counsellors and industry experts from various dimensions giving an insight to students on the ground realities of each career. Skills for success series continues to provide informative and interactive sessions to students to begin their career journeys with zest.
College Prep 101 series
This series is initiated by students of JSSIS to present a platform to the alumni of JSSIS who are now placed in renowned global universities, they are brought together to bridge the gap between current students and motivate them to pursue their dream careers by sharing their success stories. College prep 101 series is widely appreciated by students and parents of middle and secondary school at JSSIS. This year, the series was designed to cater to students demographically covering major global educational countries such as India, UK, USA, Canda and Europe. Each session focused on ins and outs of college application process, life at university and reflections by Alumni on their transitioning from schooling to university life. This series was very well received and appreciated by the student and parent community. Students were motivated by the personal journeys and anecdotes shared by the alumni. This series was initiated in AY 2021 by grade 11 students to provide a platform for JSSIS students to connect with their alumni. The session recordings can be accessible through a website dedicated to College Prep 101 series which is attached here: https://www.collegeprep101.net/