Dr. Graham's Homes: Difference between revisions
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* [http://www.facebook.com/groups/drgrahamshomes/ 'Raising Dr. Graham's Homes'] |
* [http://www.facebook.com/groups/drgrahamshomes/ 'Raising Dr. Graham's Homes'] |
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* [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110921/jsp/frontpage/story_14533855.jsp/ Natures Push on Telegraph] ~ (18th September 2011) |
* [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110921/jsp/frontpage/story_14533855.jsp/ Natures Push on Telegraph] ~ (18th September 2011) |
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* [http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/sikkim-quake-schools-jolted-classrooms-become-bedrooms/211369/ Natures Push on NDTV] ~ (18th September 2011) |
* [http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/sikkim-quake-schools-jolted-classrooms-become-bedrooms/211369/ Natures Push on NDTV] ~ (18th September 2011) |
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Revision as of 02:27, 25 September 2011
 Seal of the Dr. Graham's Homes | |
| Motto | Thorough |
|---|---|
| Type | Institute |
| Established | 1900 |
| Chairman | Lt. General J R Mukherjee |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colours | Rainbow |
| Nickname | Homes & D.G.H. |
| Website | www.drgrahamshomes |
Dr Graham's Homes is a famous and well-respected Heritage School in the Hill station town of Kalimpong in West Bengal, India. The school is situated on Deolo Hill overlooking the town. The school was founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham,a Church of Scotland Missionary, who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the early part of the 20th century. His original concept was to establish a refuge for poor and needy Anglo-Indian children, who had no other means of support. When he established the Homes, it is doubtful that he could have ever imagined what the institution would be like in the 21st century.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a small hill station situated in the foothills of the mighty Kanchenjunga, some 700 km north of Kolkata. It has a population of around 45,000 mainly Nepali speaking people. Dr. Graham’s Homes School is situated on Deolo Hill overlooking the town and at an altitude of 4,600 feet. The establishment of the school was greatly responsible for Kalimpong gaining Economic prosperity owing to the migration of many families in search of quality education and a temperate climate.
History
Dr. John Anderson Graham
Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham, also known as 'Daddy Graham' & 'The Father of Homes'to thousands of children who passed through the portals of Dr. Graham’s Homes since its inception, passed away on 15th May 1942.Reverend Graham believed that the Homes was to be a place that not only represented a solution to the problems of a particular community, but that through its work and influence, the children might take with them a way of life that would extend far beyond Kalimpong.
His death signaled the end of an Era. 'An Era of Love', compassion and service during which thousands of children received love and affection, and grew up with dignity and self-respect. Indeed, Reverend Graham provided the inspiration for those who came after him to continue his work. His spirit lives on and is the motive force of all those engaged in supporting and running the Homes.
A Telegram sent to the children by Reverend Graham read, “The world is in difficulty and this is the call to us all to do all we can to help. You dear children have your part to play and it may be a big part. The way for you as for all of us, is to live just as Jesus lived, to follow him in His loving, unselfish, generous life of service to all, to bear witness to Him and His way, in everything we do. So shall we best help the world out of its difficulties by helping to bring God’s Kingdom to come… from your loving friend, J. A. Graham.”
John Anderson Graham originally came to Kalimpong as a missionary. He soon began to focus his attention on teaching the underprivileged children and thus set up an Orphanage-cum-School for destitute Anglo Indian children in Kalimpong. At that time the school was known as St Andrew's Colonial Homes but was later renamed to Dr. Graham's Homes. In the beginning only Anglo Indian children were permitted to school there, but subsequently children from all communities were allowed in.
John Anderson Graham, who survived his devoted companion by almost a quarter of a century (1919-1942), lived to receive many honours, both from the Church to which he belonged (the Presbyterian Church of Scotland) as well as from the State. At a somewhat early stage (1921) in his distinguished missionary career, the Presbyterian Church in India made him a moderator - the Presbyterian equivalent of a Bishop and in 1931 he was appointed the Moderator of the entire Presbyterian communion which has its ecumenical seat in Edinburgh. Dr. J.A. Graham was the only missionary in India ever to have been elected to the highest Ecclesiastical Office in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The premier universities of Scotland, namely Edinburgh and Aberdeen, bestowed on him their doctorates of divinity, the former in 1903 and the latter in 1931. Amazingly he had found time to write some very learned and informative volumes on Anthropological and Philosophical subjects. The recognition of his services by the Government of India took the form of a bestowal of:
- The Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal in 1903
- The Companion of the Indian Empire in 1911
- In 1935, a Bar to the Original Gold Medal of 1903.
A Special Dedication to Daddy Graham from the Organisation Friends & Family ~ Spirit. Thank you for investing the Power in us.
Katherine Graham
Katherine Graham, who was no less a leader than her husband.She was called 'The Mother of Homes' For two whole decades, till her almost premature death in 1919 at the age of 58, Mrs. Graham acted as Chief Liaison Officer between the several scores of workers, both welfare and academic, who were drawn from almost every corner of the Commonwealth of Nations, including India. Another aspect of the Integrated Cosmopolitanism that flourished under the leadership of John and Katherine Graham was the truly ecumenical nature of the staff, whose denomination affiliations, in their variety, were almost legion.
Mr. James Purdie
No account of the work of Dr. Graham would be complete without due mention of the contribution to the sustained success of the St. Andrew's Homes which was made by Mr. James Purdie. During one of his brief Furloughs in Scotland in 1908, Dr. Graham met Mr. Purdie on the suggestion of one of Calcutta's merchant Princes. An ardent Social Welfare Worker and Bible scholar, Purdie was a man after Graham's own heart. No burra sahib's salary led Mr. Purdie to accept, in 1908, the founder's offer of the secretaryship of the Homes. When Dr. Graham passed away in 1942, Mr. Purdie succeeded him as Superintendent of St. Andrew's Homes, shortly to be renamed after Dr. Graham. His span of devoted service to the institution was a worthy 45 1/2 years! He along with two of Dr. Graham's daughters, Mrs. Odling Graham and Mrs. Sherriff Graham, were the leading authorities on the life and work of John and Katherine Graham. If not one of the Founding Fathers of Kalimpong. James Purdie was certainly one of the chief factors in the sound and successful management of the Institution that owes its origin to the intellectual and spiritual genius of John Anderson Graham.
Museum
It had been Michael Robertson’s dream for many years to capture the ethos and history of the Homes and he mooted the idea of setting up a Museum at the Homes to commemorate its Centenary Year. Housing memorabilia of this unique institution from the time of its inception in 1900, the Museum was formally inaugurated by the British High Commissioner to India, Sir Robert Young on 24th September 2000 during the centenary celebrations of the Homes. It is a place that inspires visitors and, in a sense, embodies the values that Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham stood for.
The Homes
The family of Homes raises children from adolescence through their teenage years, into their adulthood by the process of taking them along the channel of a nursery, kindergarten, Junior Section, Senior Section and, if required, employment. The Homes helps to achieve their aim of providing young people with the opportunity to become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and ultimately responsible citizens. O.G.B.s (an acronym popularly used for alumni of Dr Graham’s Homes), Who continue or come back to serve the Homes are given the privilege of being called Grahamites and the rest as O.G.B.s. The school encompasses an area of 400 acres (1.61 km²). The campus is a miniature town and is self-sufficient. It holds together the establishment of a:
- Offices
Main Office Senior School Office Junior School Office
- Bank
- Museum
- Church
Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel
- Jarvie Hall
- Farm
- Green House
- Workshop
- Clothing Department
- Stationary Department
- Hospital
The Steele Memorial Central Brenchley Memorial Dispensary
- Central Kitchen
- Bakery
- Canteen
- Store's
- Playground
Ronaldshay Park,
- School Garden
- Hang Out Zones
Honeymoon Hill
- Football Field
- Swimming Pool
- Basket Ball Courts
Betty Sherrif Memorial Court
- Library
- Computer Centre
- Technical Room
- Biology Laboratory
- Physics Laboratory
- Chemistry Laboratory
- Art Gallery
- Music Room
- Gym
- Holiday Home Guest House
- Ahava Guest House
- Administration Cottages
Principal - Jublee House, Head Master - Graham House, Bursar - Yule House
- Staff Quarters
New Flats, Isolation Flats
- Student's Cottages
Toddlers
Lucia King Cottage, Wales Lodge
Boy's Cottages
| COTTAGES | MOTTO | COLOUR & TIES | ANIMAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assam | Example | Yellow | Example |
| Calcutta | Example | Example | Rooster |
| Hart | Example | Light Blue | Deer |
| Heathland | Example | Royal Blue | Horse |
| Laidlaw | Example | Brown | Lion |
| Murray | Example | Example | Example |
| Scottish Canadian | Fearless | Maroon | Polar Bear |
| Grant | Enduring | Mauve | Eagle |
| Wiston | Daring | Green | Boar/Pig |
Girl's Cottages
| COTTAGES | MOTTO | COLOUR & TIES | ANIMAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bene | Example | Light Blue | Example |
| Brissa | Example | Example | Example |
| Elliot | Example | Example | Example |
| Macgregor | Peace Loving | Royal Blue | Dove |
| Mansfield | Grace | Yellow | Swan |
| Thoburn | Example | Green | Example |
| Woodburn | Perseverance | Turquoise | Woodpecker |
- Hostels
Frazer Hostel, Willingdon Hostel, Centenary Hostel
- Cemetery
- Vehicle
School Bus ~ Presented by the O.G.B.s of Bhutan.
On the other side, the school overlooks the Teesta River and its carved valleys. The establishment of the school was greatly responsible for Kalimpong gaining economic prosperity owing to the migration of many families in search of quality education and a salubrious climate.
Uniform
GIRLS
- Ties (stripped, Centenary, senior school)
- School Batch
- Grey Tunic and Blouse
- Pleated Skirt and Blouse
- Church Uniform
- Navy Blue Blazers with school Monogram
- Red School Cardigans
- Navy Blue Cardigan
- Physical Training Uniform
- Black lace-up shoes
- White Canvas shoes
- Light Blue Ribbion
BOYS
- Ties (stripped, Centenary, senior school)
- School Batch
- Grey Trousers and Shirt
- Grey Shorts and Shirt
- Navy Blue School Pullovers
- Navy Blue Blazers with school Monogram
- Physical Training Uniform Large
- Black lace-up shoes
- White Canvas shoes
Special Uniform ~ School Captain & Prefects
- Black Tie with school Monogram
- Navy Blue Coat with School Monogram
- Navy Blue Skirts & Trousers
- Grey Cardigans
- White Shirts
- Black Shoes
- Black Ribbon
- School Batch
- Captain / Prefects Batch
Academic year
The school conducts classes in English medium and follow the ICSE, which is equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom & ISC, which is equivalent to the A Levels in the United Kingdom syllabus.
Subjects Taught
- English Language, Second Language, Third Language
- English Literature, History, Geography
- Mathematics, Accountancy, Commerce
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Science, Political Science
- Physical Education, Value Education
- Computer, Technical Drawing, Art
The academic year begins around late February and ends in early December, thus having a long holiday of almost three months, owing to the cold weather in the winter. The school attracts students from not only Kalimpong, but also from places as far as Sikkim, Bhutan,Nepal, Bangladesh, Siliguri, Bihar, Calcutta, Assam and the North East States. Internationally from Korea.
The school offers eight Second Languages: Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, Dzongkha, Tibetan, Khasi, Lushai and Thai.
Common Languages used in school by students understood only by one another: P Language, Homes Slang
Also, offering membership of National Cadet Corps, Socially Useful Productive Work, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Scouts and Guides, Interact Club in association with the Rotary Club of Kalimpong.
Homes encourages students to feel the spirit of sportsmanship, providing training and competition with basketball, volleyball, athletics, swimming, football, throw ball, badminton, table tennis, and cricket.
Further motivating and encouraging students to participate in extra curricular activities like Gardening, Elocution, Quizzing, Dramatics, Choir, Music, Photography, Wild Life Preservation,
Common innocent games played by the children among themselves: Hopscotch, Change pole's, 5 stones,
World renown Nursery Rhymes that are taught to impeccable children who learn the rhymes and later in life carry it on to their children and that is how the the World keeps turning 'Round & Round'. A few Our school keeps them updated on ~ Orange and Lemons ends with the line Remember me till I'am dead, dead, dead. hickory dickory, The mulberry bush, Jingle Bell
Events
May Fair
- Homes is proud of its long and distinguished heritage. We celebrate two very important dates in the calendar every year. The May Fair is a traditional carnival day in the month of May during the spring. Interesting stalls are put up where students can display their skills in arts and crafts, cookery, candle-making, stitching, technical drawing, dancing, dramatics, choir and school band performances. It also includes events like Maypole dance, Snow Lion dance in association with the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist cultural Institute of Kalimpong. The Fair also sees the Crowning of the traditional May Queen by the Chief Guest who is always an important dignitary. Invitations go out to all parents and children to attend. It is during this time of the year that we also have the annual Inter-Cottage Garden Competition, an event which is closely contested as boys and girls, and staff, vie with one another to create the brightest and most striking floral garden displays.
Birthday celebrations
- An annual birthday celebration marks the founding of the school in 1900. Held in September, the celebration is spread over a couple of days and includes the annual Flower Service at the Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel and the Graham Re-dedication Service. The event also includes the much awaited Birthday Ball, a dinner party, Picnic by the river side,the school play, the Swimming Gala, the Singing Competition, the Drill Display, and the traditional buns and jalabies with smoked tea. Apart from current students, parents and local supporters, the Birthday Celebration draws former students, friends and well-wishers from across the world every year.It is also celebrated worldwide by the O.G.B.s (Old Girls & Boys) in many parts of the world, who have finished schooling and have been raised by this Institution.
Carol service
- The carol service is an event that takes place in November just before the end of the academic year.
Fundraising events
- These Events include Walkathon,Seminars, Webinars, Bike Bengal, Jars for Change, sponsorship, annual subscriptions, trust funds, raffles, and dinner dances.
Sporting events
- In addition, throughout the year, Dr Graham's Homes takes part in an extensive calendar of sporting events jointly organised by local schools.
Achievements
- The Telegraph Schools Award for Outstanding Extra Curricular Achievement by a School.
- The choir also had a very successful tour of the United Kingdom in 2007, where they sang before and appreciative audiences at St Paul's Cathedral, in London. Their first concert on foreign soil, they performed at a total of 13 venues both in England and Scotland.
- The Choir sang live over BBC in 2007, which was a unique opportunity and platform to showcase their outstanding talent.
- The Choir also performed at the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, and amongst the audience were the likes of Justin Timberlake and Sir Elton John.
- The students have also participated in the Cadbury Bournvita Quiz Contest on Zee TV Internationally. They were quizzed by the quiz master Derek O’Brien
Collections
Books
- 'Daddy Graham’s Homes'
This book is a tribute to Dr. Graham’s Homes School, for hundred years of compassion, dedication and service to those who were unfortunate and in great need of assistance in the field of education, health and well being. Beautifually compiled, over 150 wonderful photos of the school, events dating as far back as the 1900’s. The book “Daddy Graham’s Homes” potrays the history of the school from 24th September 1900 when it was established till 24th September 2000 when it celebrated its centenary. Great effort has been taken to maintain the quality of the book. Compiled, composed and sponsored by the ex-students of Dr. Graham’s Homes. One might say a tribute to its OGB’s (Old Girls and Boys) as well.
- 'Dr. Graham of Kalimpong'
This book is a fascinating story of the life and achievements of one of the missionary giants. In Kalimpong – a beautiful part of northern India – the name of Dr. Graham lives on through the work of the homes he founded.
- 'A Century of Children'
The story of the first hundred years of Dr. Graham's Homes tells of the enfolding of a vision for children as it has passed on from the founder, Dr John Anderson Graham, to the present day. It is hoped that the record of dedicated work for the welfare and education of children laid out here will not only kept for posterity, but will also serve as an inspiration for the future years and work of the Homes' mission for children.
Documentaries
- A School Called Home
Documentary on the centennial year of Dr Graham's Homes.
- We Homes Chaps
Everybody who went to the Homes has a profound, if baffling love for the school. Film maker and alumni Kesang Tseten set out to explore this difficult love when former Anglo-Indian and Tibetan school friends return for the school centennial celebration. Gradually the pabulum of reunion sentiment gives way to an unfolding of a real childhoods of separation and abandonment and of alienation and cultural displacement.
Subscriptions
- Yearly School Diary
- Thorough Magazines
Distuingshed O.G.B.s
Looking To Horizons Far
Internal Links
- Official Sites
- Dr. Graham's Homes Official
- Dr. Graham's Home Alumni
- Dr. Graham's Homes Facebook
- 'Raising Dr. Graham's Homes'
- News
- Media's Push on Telegraph ~ (22th September 2011)
- Natures Push on Telegraph ~ (18th September 2011)
- Natures Push on NDTV ~ (18th September 2011)
- Books
- Daddy Graham's Homes
- Dr. Graham of Kalimpong
- A Century of Children - Simon Mainwaring
- The Road Ahead - Dawa T. Norbu
- Video
External Links
References
- Books
- Yearly School Diary
- Thorough Magazines (1901 - 2010)
- Translations
- Security
- Browsers
- Internet Dongle provider
- Devices
- Networking Via
- Links
- Google- Thorough
- Wikipedia- Environmental Friendly
- Merriam- Webster - The Holy Bible
- Homes Website- An Era Of Love
- CPS School - Innocence
- Urban Dictionary - Warning !
- Friends & Family - Organisation
- You Tube - Inspiration
- 24 / 7
- On Line Support
- Mithilesh Baraily