v a a j i nk I Av wj

Nikki A
Volume 1, Issue 2
June 13th 2010

Discussion Kala, leading a discussion on his unique career path. Me-

To discuss, or not to discuss; that is actually not
the question, rather, how can we create excit-
ing and memorable lessons? This semester
showed just that. We took our kids on a jour-
ney through the ages talking about Guru
Nanak Dev Ji’s travels, followed by an interest-
ing trivia game. It left us all chuckling and gig-
gling with some very interesting answers, but
more importantly, increased
our knowledge on Guru Ji’s
illustrious Udhasis.
To target some of our artisti-
cally inclined students, Navjot
Kaur, author and illustrator of
A Lions Mane, developed creative channels for
our students to express their passion and love
for Sikhi. By initially talking about her own story
and then the book, we were given a glimpse
into her life and where she found motivation.
Some interesting art pieces were then created
further proving that Sikhi can be very personal
and each of us can connect in our own way.
Continuing on with exciting lesson plans and
guest speakers, Karanjeet Singh led a melodious
workshop on Gurmat Sangeet and traditional
instruments used. The Dilruba, Sarodh and Jori
are just a few of the instruments our kids
learned about, as well as further insight into
Raag.
With a shift to modern times, our kids were also
encouraged to think about possible careers and
professions, with Sarabjit Singh, host of Chardi
dia, broadcasting, journalism and acting were a strong Juvraj’s Joke of the Month
focus outlining that any career opportunity, as non- Two peanuts were walk-
traditional as it may seem, can lead to success. Our kids
ing down a spooking
learned that the discipline and passion that our Guru Ji’s
street at night. One of
taught us still have a place in today’s world.
them was assaulted.
(A-salted)
Punjabi
This semester in Punjabi, the focus for Group C was read-
ing/recitation. Together we read an article about the con-
cept of women in the Panj Piare. We utilized this topic to
work with the students on increasing their vocabulary, as
well as verbalizing their thoughts on the subject. We also
had the students write paragraphs about their opinion on
this topic. For Group B, we have been focusing on teach-
ing all the children their lagaa matra or their vowels. With
emphasis on the subtle differences between the vowels,
the students were able to identify the impact that a slight
difference in pronunciation has on the meaning of a
word. With our remaining classes, we assisted our Group
B students, as they worked on their final end of year pro-
Parms Picks:
ject, which can be seen in the Student’s Work Display. On Last Day of Classes :
behalf of all the Punjabi teachers, we would like to say June 13th 2010
thank you to all the time put in by parents to help our
students with their homework. We would also like to Picnic: June 20th 2010
thank the students for their constant
enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Have a fun and happy summer!

Paat
Paath class has seen significant progress and growth across all three classes. We began in-depth translations of individual Jap Ji Sahib
paurees last semester for Groups B and C, and continued throughout this term. Group C students gradually moved faster over the course
of the semester. They have demonstrated an increased Punjabi vocabulary, and an improved ability to understand and identify complex
ideas within paath. It was a steeper learning curve for Group B students, but they made good progress in Jap Ji Sahib as well. They have
begun to understand some of the core themes of the paath, and also began to recognize patterns from pauree to pauree. With Group
A, we’ve continued to balance repetition of path with paath-related games and activities, so as to keep them interested and engaged,
and the class has gradually become more open to participation.
Literacy and comprehension are the two emphases of Paath class. We aim to teach our students how to (1) properly read paath in the
original Gurmukhi, and (2) understand what they are reading. We believe our students have shown much progress in both aspects, par-
ticularly comprehension. However, this year has also highlighted the importance of the ability to read the Punjabi language for both of
those goals. Going forward, we intend to create a stronger connection with the Punjabi class and continue to emphasize practicing Pun-
jabi at home, so as to prevent any students from lagging behind in Paath class.
VAISAKHI (ਿਵਸਾਖੀ). It’s more than just a harvest festival or a day for doing bhangra and sharing sweets. It is one of the most signifi-
cant days for Sikhs all over the world. It’s the day on which Khalsa was born! Just like every year, Nagar Kirtans took place in down-
town and Malton to celebrate 311th years of Khalsa. Another annual tradition that takes place on Vaisakhi is the
Nishaan Sahib Seva in which the old saffron coloured, triangle shaped flag is replaced with a new one. Our stu-
dents took part in this year’s Nishaan Sahib Seva at the Mississauga Shromani Sikh Sangat Gurudwara. We were
so proud to see all of them get involved in such a special seva, with great responsibility and respect.

Congratulations to all!! The 2010 Sikh Youth Symposium was filled with inspiring speeches, spoken by our confi-
dent students. It makes all the teachers so happy to see our students get up at the front of so many people and
enlighten us with their speeches. Firstly, we would like to tell all the students who participated in the competition that you did an
AWSOME job and really made us proud! Congratulations to ALL the winners at the regional level! Secondly, at the zonal level, con-
gratulations to Ebadat Singh for first place and Jasmeet Singh for second place! Lastly, Keep up the great work!

vwihgurU jI kw Kwlsw, vwihgurU jI kI &iqh[

pMjwbI swfI mwq BwSw hY Aqy guru gRMQ swihb jI vI gurmuKI ivc hn[jy AsIN Aswfw qy Awpxy b`cyAW nMU isKI ivrsy nwl joVnw hY qW pM jwbI bolxW, ilKxW Aqy pVnW bohuq jrUrI hY[ AY
soc nMU mn` ivc rK ky ies swl pMjwbI dI jmwq SurU kIqI, with the great help of srbjIq jI Aqy bljIq jI[
Some thoughts from our classmates (jmwqI):
Gurpreet thinks, “when I first came here, I didn’t have the ability to express myself in Punjabi, but now I can speak to anyone with confidence and clar-
ity. The instructors are wonderful, kind and respectful”.
Parminder says, “mYnUM pMjwbI jmwq ivc Aw ik gurmuKI qy pwT isK ik ieh Pwihdw hoieAw ik hux mY Awpxy b`cyAW nUM gurmuKI qy pwT pHVw skdI hW[
Amar states that, “in the month that I have spent here, I have started to build a vocabulary, which has given me the ability to start communication with
others. I highly recommend the class to those who wish to learn in a comfortable environment”.
Parents’ Adult yoga class under the supervision of Ramneek ji was a great success. Parents say they like it as it is their time to relax, focus and pay
attention to their body. Taranjot says, “Anulom Vilom Pranayama has been very effective to relieve her from asthma”. Sukhvinder says, Learning the
right way of yoga with breathing rhythm and coordination has been helpful”. So all thanks to Ramneek ji, Sarbjeet ji and Baljeet ji for their selfless seva.

When God created teachers, This semester, as a final project for Group, we asked our students to write 20
He gave us special friends words that remind them of Gurmat School. We then helped them to trans-
To help us understand His world late these words. After that the children wrote out the words on construc-
And truly realize tion paper and arranged them according to their own artistic vision. All of
The beauty and the wonder our students did a great job and all the projects look great!! Unfortunately
Of everything we see,
we could only display one, so collectively as a team the teachers decided to
And become a better person
choose Ragini’s project. We would like to thank all the kids for the awesome
With each discovery.
effort on this project, keep up the awesome work guys!!!
When God created teachers,
He gave us special guides
To show us ways in which to grow
So we can all decide
How to live and how to do
What's right instead of wrong,
To lead us so that we can lead
And learn how to be strong.
Why God created teachers,
In His wisdom and His grace,
Was to help us learn to make our world
A better, wiser place.

Written by Lokmeet Karda