‘Eudaimonia’ event at Ownex 2024 built bonds and fostered wellness

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Our Own English High School, Sharjah Girls, opened doors to a spectacular fusion of talent, culture and innovation at Ownex 2024 with the theme ‘Eudaimonia: Building Bonds and Fostering Wellness’ (Nov. 7). It celebrated the holistic growth and well-being of students, promoting their creativity and personal development. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer, GEMS Education; Nauman Ali Khan, Chief Risk and Assurance Officer, GEMS Education; and Michael Guzder, Senior Vice President of Indian Schools, GEMS Education.

Ownex had the ambition of not only being an exhibition: it aimed to be a shared experience that brought ‘Parteneriat’ - the school’s word for parent-school partnership — to life, to nurture strong connections with the wider community. Parents participated in a series of creative and interactive sessions, providing an engaging dimension to the day’s festivities. One of the highlights was Zenful Mind, a Sip and Paint session, where parents unwound and channelled their inner artists over a cup of beverage, expressing their creativity on canvas. The activity not only allowed artistic exploration, but also gave an opportunity for them to bond over shared experiences, being both therapy and entertainment.

Another captivating event was Saptarangi, the Rangoli competition, where parents showcased their creativity by designing colourful and intricate designs with coloured powder. The session bestowed a splash of colour and a dash of culture to the event, adding to the festive spirit. The Rhythm Retreat, a karaoke session, injected a dose of fun and energy, as parents took the stage to sing their favourite songs. Cheerfully and with much enthusiasm, they celebrated the joy of music and the power of self-expression, creating a lively atmosphere — a happening whose vibrancy was enhanced as they also encouraged everyone to join in the musical celebration.

Students with their work at Ownex 2024.

To cap the creative sessions was the Sauvé Soiree Fashion Show, a glamorous and fashionable spectacle where parents showcased their unique styles with elegance and flair. Their outfits ranging from chic to dramatic, parents took to the catwalk, radiating confidence and creativity, as the audience urged them on. The session not only celebrated fashion, but also allowed parents to express their individuality and style. The English department delighted the audience with a captivating presentation of dance forms, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of centuries past that has lived to the present. Interactive activities such as the Author’s Quiz, the enchanting Living Bookstand, on-the-spot poetry writing, and student-made films from the LEAP programme and Innotech, further energised the literary world.

In the Science department, visitors experienced cutting-edge innovation with a 3D virtual reality setup, immersing them in simulated environments designed to enhance emotional and intellectual well-being. The IT department’s coding and robotic exhibits showcased the next generation of problem solvers, who demonstrated their impressive abilities in technological design and automation. A highlight was the FoodSecQuest: Feeding the Future challenge, where students used robotics to conserve resources, produce food, and collaborated in a Global Alliance to secure and balance resources. Meanwhile, the Mathematics department amazed guests with a visually intriguing presentation of geometric wonders, highlighting the Einstein hat and Tesseract shapes, simplifying complex mathematical ideas for everyone to understand and enjoy. The French department charmed all with a delightful dance and musical performance, a whimsical puppet show, and mouthwatering tastes of authentic French cuisine.

Craftwork on show at Ownex 2024.

The Home Science department entranced visitors with an Alice in Wonderland-themed escape, complete with oversized props, playing cards, teacups, and the iconic Mad Hatter’s table. Every detail was crafted to bring Lewis Carroll’s imaginative world to life. Students also ran live culinary counters, offering authentic French flavours, from freshly made crepes to expertly mixed mocktails. It invited guests to explore storytelling through food, design and decoration, underlining the creative fusion of culinary arts and thematic expression. It showcased students’ creativity and emphasised the importance of aesthetics and presentation in food and hospitality.

Not to be outdone, the Malayalam department rendered traditional cultural dances such as Kaikottikali and Oppana, while the Urdu department hosted a captivating Mushaira, featuring poetry from literary giants like Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, among others. The students, speaking and reciting chaste Urdu, wore period costumes to bring out the feel of the context. Ownex 2024 was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the school community that allowed students to unlock new experiences in creativity and growth. Parents commended the hard work and dedication of both the students and the faculty, appreciating the efforts put into making the event a huge success.

Besides helping them observe the non-academic talents of their children, the activities also offered parents a chance to step away from their daily routines and engage in activities that were both interactive and meaningful. Asma Gilani, school principal, said that “Ownex 2024 beautifully reflects our students’ endless potential, blending creativity, cultural appreciation and learning, to nurture their holistic development.” Students exuded immense pride and confidence while representing their school. The seriousness with which they guided guests around the venue not only illustrated their deep connection to the institution, but also their professionalism and ability to take on responsibility.

With students, parents and teachers at the core, Ownex 2024 celebrated learning beyond textbooks. Part of an inspiring journey, students and parents alike bonded to create lasting memories. It was a day of outstanding performances, inspiring exhibits and hands-on activities that encouraged students to explore creativity and wellness, setting the mood for a lifetime of growth and fulfillment.