“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver
Living this question with purpose and poise, Ms. Monica Chawla, Principal of St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, Sector 44-D, Chandigarh, was recently invited as a distinguished speaker at the State Level Conference on Innovative Pedagogies as per NEP 2020, hosted by SCERT, Maharashtra. Held at the Mahatma Phule Sabhagrah, Pune, on March 22–23, 2025, the event brought together educational leaders from across the state—DIET Principals, District Education Officers, and academic visionaries—united by the common goal of transforming education through innovation and intent.
Ms. Chawla’s session was met with admiration and appreciation for its lucid delivery, real-world applicability, and effortless blend of insight and experience. What set her contribution apart was not merely the articulation of policy but the myriad of innovative initiatives already breathing life within the corridors of her school. She presented a spectrum of best practices—each one a reflection of an institution that doesn’t just ideate but implements.
Her address detailed the Personal Care & Attention Programme, which acknowledges individual student needs through remedial teaching, counselling, and doubt-clearing sessions. She spoke of the Goodness Bank, a moral vault where good deeds are deposited to nurture a culture of kindness and responsibility.
She also shared the school’s unique Samarpan Ceremony, where class teachers ceremoniously hand over detailed student records—academic, emotional, and social—to the new teacher, ensuring seamless continuity and deeper connection. Another gem was Light Channeling technique that builds emotional intelligence and allows them to be one with their spiritual self-attaining peace within all the chaos - a way to pause, take a breath and move towards their goals with patience and purpose. From Peer Mentoring that encourages collaborative learning, to Educonclave, a student-led sustainability forum, and Educational Games that marry fun with learning—the pedagogies shared were a vibrant blend of heart, innovation, and impact. Her talk culminated in the powerful philosophy of HEAR that serves as a compass for all stakeholders in the school community.
Ms. Monica Chawla extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Members of Management, whose constant motivation and belief in her abilities have continued to open new doors of growth. The school community beams with pride at her resounding success and visionary leadership, and collectively wishes her continued recognition on such distinguished platforms, where the story of St. Joseph’s continues to inspire.
