English Fortnight: A Journey of Confidence, Friendship and Self-Discovery

 

      

When I first walked through the gates of The Mānn School, everything felt new - new faces, new corridors and new rules to learn. I never imagined that just a few months later, I would be standing on a stage with confidence. That change began with English Fortnight, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my school life so far. 

One of my proudest moments was taking part in the Declamation Competition, where I spoke and enacted the role of the inspiring cricketer, Harmanpreet Kaur. Standing on stage with everyone watching me made me a little nervous, but I gave it my very best and secured the 3rd position. I felt really proud of myself that day. 

I also got the opportunity to compere the Master 26 (Junior) Orals Competition. It was my first time compering an event, so I was both excited and nervous. I had to speak clearly and confidently while making sure the event went smoothly. Although I was worried in the beginning, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience and helped me become more confident. Watching the participants show their vocabulary, fluency and confidence was also very inspiring for me. 

The Story Writing Competition gave me a chance to use my creativity. Since I have always enjoyed writing stories, I loved using my imagination to create interesting characters and ideas. It was fun putting my thoughts into words and making my own story. I really enjoyed this activity the most. 

Apart from the competitions, the classroom activities during English Fortnight made learning English more interesting and enjoyable. They helped me talk to my classmates, make new friends and feel more comfortable in my new school. Before joining these activities, I was often afraid of speaking in front of an audience. But with the support and encouragement of my teachers, I slowly became more confident. Every activity helped me come out of my comfort zone and believe in myself. 

English Fortnight not only improved my speaking, vocabulary and pronunciation but also helped me make friends and discover my strengths. I joined the school feeling nervous and unsure, but English Fortnight helped me become more confident and courageous. It has been a wonderful journey of learning, friendship and self-discovery, and I will always remember it.

 

 By Arya Mann

 Class VII

The Last Dragon

 

 

Once upon a time, I went on a trip to a mountainous region with my family. I had always wished to experience a real adventure, and little did I know that this trip would become an unforgettable one.

After travelling for two days, the final day of our trip arrived. We decided to explore the mountains and some caves in the area. As we moved forward, we discovered a large cave covered with snow. Suddenly, we heard some frightening sounds coming from inside. “Wait!” I said to my family. “I think someone is trapped inside the cave and needs help. Ignoring my fear, I carefully entered the cave. To my surprise, I saw a huge creature sitting in a corner. It was a dragon!

My family was terrified and asked me to leave immediately. However, I could not stop thinking about the creature. Dragons were believed to be extinct, so perhaps this was the last dragon left on Earth. It looked frightened and lonely, as if it had lost its way. After walking for some time, my family stopped at a steep slope to rest. I told them, “I am feeling thirsty. Let me go and look for some water.” As soon as they were out of my sight, I quietly returned to the cave.

I slowly approached the dragon. It was sitting sadly with its head lowered. I remembered that we had been taught certain signs at school that could be understood by animals. I gathered my courage and tried to communicate with it. After nearly half an hour, I finally understood its story. The dragon was lost and desperately wanted to return to its natural habitat.

Meanwhile, my family realised that I was missing and began searching for me. They soon reached the cave and found me with the dragon. They were shocked and asked me what I was doing there. I told them the whole truth and apologised for hiding it from them. To my surprise, my family understood my feelings. They smiled and said, “Today, we are proud of you for showing courage and compassion.”

Together, we decided to help the dragon return to a safe place where it could live peacefully in its natural habitat. That day, I realised that appearances can be deceiving. What seemed frightening at first was actually a lonely creature in need of help. The experience became one of the most memorable adventures of my life.

 

Moral: Never judge anyone by their appearance. Always be kind and help those in need.

 

By Aadhira

Class VIII

(Best Entry from Inter House Story Writing Competition 2026)

The Ripple Effect of Kindness: A Review of Daniel Yam's Short Film

 

Ripple is a touching short film directed by Daniel Yam that beautifully illustrates the idea that even the smallest act of kindness can create a lasting chain reaction. In just under six minutes, the film delivers a simple yet powerful message: kindness has the ability to transform lives, often in ways we never expect.

The story follows a young child whose family cannot afford a birthday cake until a stranger steps in with an unexpected act of generosity. Years later, that kindness inspires the child, now an adult to help someone else, continuing the ‘ripple effect’ of compassion. The narrative demonstrates that good deeds are not always repaid directly; instead, they inspire others to spread kindness forward.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its emotional storytelling. Without relying on elaborate dialogue or dramatic twists, it connects with viewers through genuine human emotions and relatable situations. The performances feel sincere, the cinematography is warm, and the background music enhances the emotional impact without overwhelming the story.

The central theme is that one act of kindness can influence generations. This theme is presented in a realistic and uplifting way. Rather than treating kindness as a transaction, the film emphasizes paying it forward and making the world a little better through everyday actions.

The only limitation is its short runtime, which leaves little room for character development. However, this brevity also makes its message concise and memorable.

Final Verdict

Ripple is an inspiring short film that reminds us that compassion, generosity, and empathy can create far-reaching positive effects. It is suitable for viewers of all ages and is especially effective for discussions about values, community, and social responsibility. Its emotional simplicity is its greatest strength, making it a memorable and meaningful watch.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 – A heartwarming film that proves even the smallest act of kindness can change someone's life forever.

Vansh Bathwal

Class 11