St. Columba's School, New Delhi

Clubs & Societies

Middle school clubs

The Middle school offers its students a wide range of clubs. These clubs, with a plethora of activities, offer students an opportunity to discover their interests and strengths, showcase their talent and hone inherent leadership and social skills. They also provide the much necessary break from the humdrum of academics. Each student belongs to one of the clubs.

Clubs at a glance:

● The Green Goblins (Eco Club): promotes conservation and optimisation of resources and sensitises students towards a variety of related issues. It spreads awareness about sustainable lifestyles and attempts to minimise waste generation. The club will take forward activities like tree plantation, cleanliness drives with the SDG goals in mind, both inside and outside the school.

● Yummy for Tummy (Cooking Club): An innovative club that inculcates the importance of a healthy and balanced diet among students. The club endeavours to generate an interest in our creative and diverse culinary heritage, through various activities which can encourage the club members to actively participate and to explore their craving towards cooking.

● All A-board (Indoor games): It aims to provide entertainment and relaxation for the students. They will, in the process, foster the values of sportsmanship and discipline while playing these games.

● Rangmanch (Dramatics club): AllowS students to explore their acting skills, express emotions, be eloquent in their silence, mould thoughts into words & transform feelings into expressions. A Columban steps into the world of drama and spreads the colours of his talent over stage.

● Trailblazer (Computer Science Club): Aims to provide an environment for students to share and extend their knowledge and hence improve their overall skills both technical and cognitive. It encourages the students to improve academically and participate in internal and external activities.

● Polaroid Masters (Photography club): Develops students’ creativity through the lens! The students will learn to capture stunning images using new techniques and share their passion with like-minded individuals.

● Alpha Music Club: Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. Our music club offers students an opportunity to express their musical abilities.

● Trivia Titans (Quiz Club) : The main objective of the Club is to identify students who have a flair for quizzing. We aim at popularising quizzing activities among students and to encourage them to take part in all competitive platforms at the state and central level.

● Art Squad (Art Club): is a team of students who share a passion for various forms of visual art. It provides a space to students to express their creativity, develop their skills, collaborate with each other and showcase their works of art.

● Literary Rendezvous (Literary Club): is meant for students who love literature and are eager to share their thoughts and experiences with others. The objective is to refine their literary skills and develop in them a sense of curiosity. It aims to develop the analytical and creative thinking skills of the members and enable them to imbibe a sense of confidence through enthusiastic participation in varied literary activities.

Senior school societies

Quiz Society

The Senior School Quiz Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious societies of St. Columba's School. It aims to bring together like-minded individuals who wish to test their knowledge and expand it regularly through the various quizzes that are hosted all year round.

The society has conducted a few rounds of quizzes for all the students of the senior school interested in enhancing their general awareness and intellect.

In the coming months of the academic year 2023-24, a number of training sessions as well as practice quizzes will be scheduled for the members of the society. The sessions will be conducted by the more experienced seniors and alumni of the QuizSoc so that they can pass on the art of solving questions, not only by knowledge, but also by logic! These sessions and quizzes go a long way to help our students to shine in the upcoming quizzes to be held at the school as well as college level.

The members of the quiz society who have passed out from school are entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the esteemed Columban Open Quiz, which typically takes place in the month of July, and is the biggest and most acclaimed school quiz in northern India.

Teacher Incharges -
MRS. R. POPLI & MRS. R. NAGPAL

REBOOT SOCIETY

The reboot society is an assemblage of six of the most well known, popular and skill demanding hobbies in the present day. These include; Coding, Editing, Photography, Cryptography, Music and Gaming. Students from across the senior school have shown off their skills and won many accolades for the school. From securing podiums in gaming to crushing the competition in inter school hackathons, the extremely talented members of the society work as a team under the guidance of the teachers in charge as well as the heads. Furthermore, the reboot society even hosted an intra-school event of its own, “OculuX”, a well planned, on campus cryptic-treasure hunt, pushing its reach even to classes 9 and 10 with responses from over 200 students making the event a huge success. Here at the society, it is also ensured that every member has equal opportunities to represent the school in competitions and the lists of competitions are shared with everyone and decisions are made collectively with active involvement of the heads and members. What started as a simple idea is now the fastest growing society in the school, training and mentoring more students every year and providing them with exposure.

Teacher Incharge -
MR. M. VAZ

Vector Society

The vector Society is a well established extracurricular society which involves various domains of technology like Coding, Photography, design and even gaming and many more.

The members of the vector society participate in various hackathons, design, gaming, Photography competitions, cryptic hunts and many more.

The juniors are mentored and guided by the teachers and seniors in all aspects which helps them grow. This also provides them exposure to completion in the real life professional domain helping them take a practical approach to growth.

Teacher Incharges-
MRS. R. NAGPAL & MR. M. FERNANDES

The Culture and Heritage Society

The club is an initiative of the CBSE

Aims and Objectives:

1. The club reiterates the importance of Holistic education for the all- round development of the student and the support extended by co-scholastic activities such as music,dance and art towards achieving the same.

2. Providing opportunities for students to nurture and develop their innate creative talents.

3. In this fast changing globally connected world, it is crucial to strengthen the cultural roots by preserving, promoting and popularising national heritage,

Events lined up for the academic session 2023-'24

1. Assembly on National Unity Day on 31st . October.
2. Oath on Swachhata Day on September 6th and 7th.
3. Visit to the Partition Museum. ( Whenever it is opened for the public)
4. A visit to the site of Indus Valley remains at Rakhigarhi.
5. A mini Indian Music and Art fest -reviving the art forms of India. Either through an INTAACH lecture talk or a symposium.
6. Video films on Indian Culture and Heritage.

Teacher Incharges-
MS. PRATIMA SAXENA & MR. DENNIS MATTEW

Art Society

The Art Society is a community of students who share a deep passion for the arts. It provides a platform for students to explore their creativity, improve their artistic skills, engage in thoughtful discussions about art and culture, and inspire their peers to appreciate and create art. From sport day to Christmas day, the Art Society takes the lead in creating and executing art and craft activities for major events. The society is responsible for designing and creating various artistic elements that enhance the visual appeal of these events. They play a significant role in creating banners, posters, stage backdrops, and other decorative items. Their contributions are instrumental in creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere that adds to the overall experience of these events. Thanks to the Art Society's efforts, students are exposed to various art forms and are encouraged to pursue their creative passions. In addition to hosting events, the society runs monthly tasks that promote artistic expression and help students expand their skills. These tasks are designed to encourage students to explore different art forms and to develop a deeper understanding of various artistic styles. Through these activities, students are encouraged to explore the nuances of different art forms and the power of visual storytelling. To carry this vision forward, this year our society has set its sights on a number of exciting initiatives for the upcoming year of 2023 - 2024. One of the key events planned is a workshop on Art and Design, providing aspiring artists with the knowledge and skills needed to bring their creative ideas to life. Additionally, the Society plans to organize an Art Quiz competition where students can test their knowledge on art, art history, and other artistic works giving an excellent opportunity to students to showcase their artistic abilities and engage in friendly competition. Another initiative is the Art Contest, which will invite students to submit their original artwork. The competition will also feature professional artists as judges, offering valuable feedback and insights to aspiring artists. Finally, the Society hopes to host an Art Exhibition, if possible, providing students with a platform to showcase their artistic works with an audience. Overall, the Art Society is an excellent community for students who are interested in art and creativity. Through its various events and activities, the society provides an avenue for students to expand their knowledge of art, develop their artistic skills, and form lasting connections with like-minded individuals.

Teacher Incharge-
MRS. V. CHAUHAN

The Literary Society

The Literary Society is a community of students who share a deep love for literature. The society provides a platform for students to explore their creativity, improve their writing skills, engage in thoughtful discussions about books and literature and inculcate the habit of reading amongst their peers. One of the most exciting events hosted by the society is the Reader's Day, where students from our school come together to celebrate the joys of reading. This event has been a huge success in the past, with students participating in a variety of activities such as book readings, poem writing, book exchanges, and writing contests. It has helped to create a wider community of readers and has fostered a love for literature among students. In addition to hosting events, the society runs monthly tasks that promote reading and help students expand their vocabulary. These tasks are designed to encourage students to read books outside their comfort zones and to develop a deeper understanding of different genres and writing styles. Through these activities, students are encouraged to explore the nuances of language and the power of storytelling. To carry this vision forward, this year our society has set its sights on a number of exciting initiatives for the upcoming year of 2023 - 2024. One of the key events planned is organising a workshop on publishing your 1st Book, providing aspiring writers with the knowledge and skills needed to bring their creative ideas to life. Additionally, the Society plans to organize a Literary Quiz competition where students can test their knowledge on literature, poetry, and other literary works giving an excellent opportunity to students to showcase their literary prowess and engage in friendly competition. Another initiative is the Short Story Competition, which will invite students to submit their original short stories. The competition will also feature professional writers as judges, offering valuable feedback and insights to aspiring writers. Finally, the Society hopes to host an Open Mic event, if possible, providing students with a platform to share their literary works with an audience. Overall, the Literary Society is an excellent community for students who are interested in literature and writing. Through its various events and activities, the society provides an avenue for students to expand their knowledge of literature, develop their writing skills, and form lasting connections with like-minded individuals.

Teacher Incharge-
MRS. V. CHAUHAN

ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS & DISASTER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

1. Purpose
- To increase interactivity and openness about environmental issues & hazards and how they can affect each one of us.
- To spread awareness about a student’s responsibility in maintaining the environment.
- To provide a proper platform for the students to explore their natural surroundings and share their ideas, thoughts, and creativity.
- To reach out to as many people as possible and help them in case of any natural unforeseeable disaster.
- To highlight the importance of why we need the Environment Awareness & Disaster Management Society in the school.

Activities Conducted in the Previous Academic Year
- Plantation campaign on July 7th, 2022 - The first sapling "FICUS VIRENS" was planted by the Principal Br. Robert Fernandes followed by Br. Sameer, Mr. Naresh Chopra (Administrator) along with other school staff. Total 11(7 PURGING CASSIA + 4 FICUS VIRENS) saplings were planted.
- Plantation in Bio-diversity Park, Aravali Hills, Gurugram – Students of Class 12 along with the teachers, visited the site and organised a plantation drive in collaboration with the NGO " Iamgurgoan" Iamgurgaon is a citizen’s initiative focused on restoring Gurgaon’s green habitat that has been lost to rampant urbanization. The group, formed by concerned residents, strives to make a difference by creating environments that heal the ecology of the city. (website: iamgurgaon.org). Students interacted with Mr Vijay Dhasmana, who has been actively involved with the NGO for over a decade and has successfully delivered the projects - Direction and Management of Aravali Biodiversity Park, Ecological restoration of Nagar Van, Ecological restoration of Sikanderpur Forest, Creation of Badshahpur Forest Corridor, etc.
- Launched “E-Safai” - An initiative to educate and spread awareness of Environmental hazards of electronic waste, also known as E-waste, was executed and a seminar was organised in the Senior School library. Two E-waste bins were placed in the Middle & Senior wing and a huge quantity of electronic waste was collected by students as well as by Teachers. E- waste was handed over to the NGO and a certificate was presented to the school.
- “NO to single-use Plastic” Campaign - Single use plastics are the strongest threat to the environment, wildlife, water bodies and people. They contribute to rising pollution levels and the toxic chemicals released from the plastic can infect groundwater and may cause deadly disease. The morning assembly was conducted regarding the same. EA & DM society has advised all the stakeholders to avoid usage of single use plastic in School Premises.

To avoid disposable water bottles, we opted for water campers for a major event conducted in school

3. Planned Activities for this Academic Year - Assembly by the Environment Awareness & Disaster Management Society (11th May) – on the Fire Safety Drill and environment awareness - Fire safety mock drill (12th May) – to ensure that everyone is well versed with the procedures to follow during an unprecedented emergency.
- Earthquake Evacuation Drill – to familiarise the students with the safety protocols that need to be followed during an earthquake. - Cleanliness Drive during the Educational Trip in Summer Break (Dalhousie-Khajjiyar) – students will actively participate to clean the surroundings and instil a spirit of teamwork.
- Plantation Drive in the Monsoon Season – to protect and preserve the important biodiversity of the city and ensure that each student plays his part in the same.
- Assembly by the Environment Awareness & Disaster Management Society – on Water Conservation and emphasising on the need and creating an awareness for the same.
- Various other awareness campaigns throughout the year.
- Class-wise interaction session with classes 11th & 12th on the emerging issues of “Climate Change” and its varying effects on life.

4. Outcomes
- Presence of an active and reputable Environment Awareness & Disaster Management Society in the school, which will further highlight its significance.
- Increase of seriousness in the mindsets of students about the part they would play in saving the environment.
- Creating a safe space to talk about the impeding natural/human disasters and come up with subsequent solutions for the same.
- Making sure everyone knows what to do in case of a life-threatening emergency.

Teacher Incharge-
MR. R. K. SHARMA

THE JUSTED SOCIETY

The Just Ed Society was officially instituted in the Senior School on the 5th of May, 2017 on the Feast of our Founder Blessed Edmund Rice by Bro. E.V. Miranda, our Principal. Keeping in mind the Eight Essential Principles of a Christian Brothers’ Institution this new initiative was undertaken to integrate the principle of Education in Justice, Advocacy and Social Concern in our students. The new society has been given the name The Just Ed Society, which stands for Education in Justice. This society invites the students of Senior School to join in the charism of our Founder Blessed Edmund Rice of selfless love and service.

Through the Just Ed Society, the students work as Ambassadors of Edmund by becoming torch-bearers of change first in the school community and then in the larger society around them and in the world at large. They study in-depth the issues of Human Rights, Earth Rights and Social Justice and also disseminate their gained knowledge and awareness to the school community by keeping them informed of the various issues of concern in these areas. They participate in and lead the various Community Outreach and Justice activities of the school and also help in coordination, planning, creation and implementation of the Yearly Justice Plan for the School.

The Membership of the Society has risen over the years as can be seen by the fact that it began with just 9 members in the year 2017 and in the last few years has grown to up to more than 25 members. Members are selected from class 11 and 12. There is a formal process for selection through applications and interviews. The Society is led by the Justice Coordinator of the School and also by one of the Senior School Animators

The Society has Leadership Roles as follows - President (Class 12), Vice President (Class 11), Treasurer (Class 12) and Secretary (Class 11).

Last year the Activities conducted by the Just Ed Society are –

• International Mandela Day Assembly - July
• Edmund Rice Just Together Workshop (Indian Chapter) - September
• Edmund Rice Just Together Workshop (International Chapter) – September
• World Mental Health Week Session & Campaign - October
• Understanding COP 27 (Session) - October
• HeforShe Campaign (UN Women) - October
• Edmund Rice Justice Meet 2022 - November
• Green Ambassadors Programme – E-waste Management – January 2023
• G20 Presidency of India – Online Programmes – January to April 2023
• UN Report - Child Rights and Social Inclusive Protection – February and March 2023
• Earth Hour – April 2023
• The Justice News Desk – May 2022 to March 2023

Upcoming Activities:

• Nelson Mandela Day – July
• Edmund Rice Justice Meet – August (Theme G20)

Teacher Incharge-
MS. GRACE DAVID

COMMERCE SOCIETY

The Commerce Society consists of members who share a deep interest in gaining knowledge about the world of business and economics. The society works together to provide interested students with an opportunity to present their business acumen and gain practical knowledge alongside the theoretical knowledge they gain in the classroom. Members of the Commerce Society are dedicated towards improving their real-life skills and knowledge and preparing themselves for the future of the business world beyond the limits of the school. The main event that the Commerce Society hosts is ‘Conflux ’ during the Columban Fest which is an annual fest that the St. Columba’s School organises. It is an event where all the brightest minds of the Commerce Society, both past and present come together and develop a competition unlike any other where students across prestigious schools in Delhi compete to prove their mettle. The Commerce Society sends its members to competitions in the most renowned schools and colleges like Shri Ram College of Commerce, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies and Shri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce amongst others where students get to participate in various competitions consisting of debates on the economic situation in the country and across the globe. Students get to participate in quizzes that quiz them on their knowledge about the business world. Students get to develop business plans, come up with innovative ideas and get to pitch their ideas in front of prominent people in the business world which helps in developing their public speaking ability while getting valuable feedback on their efforts. Some of the prominent events include names like Prodigy hosted by Shaheed Sukhdev College of Commerce, Shri Ram Economic Summit hosted by Shree Ram College of Commerce, Eco Mania hosted by DPS Mathura Road, and Bizeco hosted by DPS Rohini amongst other competitions. To carry forward the vision of the commerce society, we plan to conduct various enriching activities for the members which include workshops on developing business skills amongst students and preparing them for the outside world. We also plan to have various interactions with our seniors who are currently doing amazing in the world of finance and economics and have discussions with them about how to move forward in our careers, which are relevant skill sets to develop and to prepare and win various competitions related to business and finance. Many members of the commerce society in previous years have gone on to become the heads and the presidents of various finance and investment cells of renowned institutions across the country and the globe. Thus, the Commerce Society is a perfect opportunity for students to present their skills, develop by gaining experience and practical knowledge and prove themselves in the world that comes after school.

Teacher Incharge-
MRS. AASHIMA KHANNA & MRS. REETA SHARMA

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Editorial Board is one of the most prestigious societies in St. Columba’s School. Through ‘The Columban’, the annual school magazine, the Editorial Board aims to highlight the hard work and dedication of students of the school throughout the year, who work tirelessly to showcase the ethos of the school in every aspect of their lives: working in the right direction, sincerely and constantly. ‘The Columban’ is published every year in July, and provides a platform to students to showcase their artistic and literary talents. Through class photographs, the magazine allows students to cherish their good old school days. The members of the Editorial Board gain experience in the fields of editing and designing. The Editorial Board provides opportunity to interview alumni of St. Columba’s School who have succeeded in their fields of work. Working in the Editorial Board inculcates a team spirit in students, setting them up for future success.

Teacher Incharge-
MR. LIBIN JOSEPH

The Debating Society (DebSoc)

The Debating Society of St. Columba’s School is a premier group which consists of 60 debaters from classes 11th and 12th. 5 membered team from each section is selected after a rigorous and rigid selection procedure under the guidance of English faculty. The main aim of the society is for students to generate effective critical thinking into the issues given in the topic. This society provides them a platform to engage actively in the research work and enhance their ability to structure, organise and present their thoughts in a convincing way. Alongside, the society has proven to hone student’s communication skills and helps them to face a wide audience with confidence and assurance.

The society conducted the Inter Class Debate Competition for the sections of class 12 in the month of April. Class 11 Inter Class Debates will be conducted in the month of July. August 21, 2023 will witness the most prestigious Best Speaker’s Debate where the most talented orators of classes 11 and 12 will compete against each other to get the title of the Best Speaker. These speakers will be chosen based on their scores in the preliminary stages. The chosen few battle it out for the top debating honour. The students of the debating society are also sent for different Inter School Debates throughout the day which gives them enough exposure to excel in the field of debating.

Teacher Incharge-

MR. P. EMMANUEL & MRS. A. MANOCHA

MUSIC SOCIETY

The music club of the senior school aims to train and equip its members to increase in their knowledge and ability as individual musicians and also facilitate an environment where the students can form Groups and bands and explore playing music with others.

So far we have had performances at the Earth Day assembly, Labour Day Assembly and the Edmund Rice Day Assembly and plan to have more over the course of this academic year building each member in the confidence and experience which is needed as a musician. The members of the music club also get a chance to get selected for the School Band, which represents the school at various Inter-School music events and competitions.

Teacher Incharge-

VERNAN VERMA