Danila Kumar International School

On Friday 4 October, the 2M students had a cultural day dedicated to social skills, communication and building a positive class climate. Here are some phots of the day.

The students first had a chance to get up close and touch a snake, a rabbit, and a stick insect in the Tropical House. They reviewed the concepts of who's the prey and who's the predator, the typical features of these animals, and the connections between the animals and plants. Later, they viewed chinchillas, tortoises, spiders, frogs, monkeys, snakes, and other exotic animals. They also entered the room with lemurs and observed the environment where they lived. We had a great day enjoying the company of tropical animals and their living environments.

On 2 October, the MYP Cultural Day enabled students to try out different art forms. They printed napkins, painted aprons, tried food pop art painting and worked with clay. They also researched world and Slovenian cuisine, created posters, and illustrated their favourite recipes.

A rainy day played host to our annual Language Acquisition day on 26th September, when we celebrate the European Day of Languages. Nevertheless, we refused to let the weather rain on our parade and embarked on a scavenger hunt enthusiastically, . Multilingual clues sent each group on a hunt for famous Ljubljana monuments and gave them interesting tasks to perform. The day ended at Ljubljana Castle, where inhabitants of varying historical periods from Ljubljana's history, took us on a journey through time with an interactive tour of the castle. Wir somos veldig zadovoljni with comment der dia turned out å være! Language Acquisition Team

On your marks! Get set! Go! The 60 metre sprint tests your speed and acceleration. The high jump allows you to assess your leg strength and technique, raising the bar yet again! While the long jump also requires leg power as well as speed. The vortex measures the upper body's vigour and skill, and to conclude, the 600 metres shows you how much endurance you have. How much has the MYP got?

The 1M students were invited to a big celebration of travelling safely, as part of European Mobility Week, at the main Police Depot of the Slovene Police Force. The police band, the fire brigade, Ribič Pepe, who sang, danced and drew, keeping everyone entertained, and the Mayor of Ljubljana were also there to welcome the little troopers, from many of Ljubljana's schools. The students felt what it would be like on the frontline when sitting on police bikes, in the driver's seat of a police van, and wearing protective shields, while also saying hello to some very friendly police horses, finding out about putting out fires, and, most important of all, learning how to get safely to and from school.

Library under the Treetops is a Slovenian project which has already been a fixture in the school calendar for 20 years. You may find reading islands all over Slovenia, which encourage everyone to grab a book and dive in. Our school also participates in the project as it combines reading, which is fun and educational, and time outside, which can be relaxing and good for our health; the PYP and MYP students, therefore, spent some of their language lessons reading outside this month. In their reflections, the students noted that the activity was beneficial for the aforementioned reasons, , it’s a different and unusual kind of lesson, and they like the environment and the fresh air. We encourage the entire school community to participate in the project as well and spend some time reading outside, while the sun is still shining.

On 17 September, the 3M students went to visit different public services in Ljubljana: the fire department, police, ambulance and traffic security services, which keep the city safe, healthy and organized. We also watched a small concert by the Jože Potrebuješ (Čuki band) and Ribič Pepe. It was interesting, educational and it promoted the ideas behind the week of (sustainable) mobility.  Sustainable mobility is one of the key factors in preserving our planet. Ms Živa and Ms Katarina

On 12 September some of the classes from the MYP and PYP joined the dance workshops, organized by the KAZINA dance school and the Ljubljana Municipality. These workshops are organized to support the European Week of Mobility and the initiative to be active and live sustainably. The students (and teachers) had lots of fun. Ms Jasna and Ms Katarina

Already on the second Monday of the new school year, the classes from 1M up to 7M and 7I attended a ballet performance at the Slovenian National Musical Theatre and Ballet Ljubljana. First, they learned about the story of The Little Prince during the first two lessons at school. Some students explored the ballet performance production, some designed a promotional poster for the performance, and some taught others about concert etiquette. Finally, they took the bus to the Ljubljana Opera House and experienced the story told through choreography and special effects. The performance allowed us to witness how storytelling and art can blend together to create a powerful experience. The ballet transformed a familiar tale into a visual and emotional journey, reminding us of the universal themes of love, friendship and innocence. The ballet was very expressive and memorable and could attracted every pupils' attention. The ballet version of The Little Prince was not only a display of skill and talent but also a reflection of life’s deeper meanings. It reinforced how important it is to stay connected with the inner child in all of us, to be curious, and to value the small, essential things in life. It was definitely an inspiring start to the new school year.

The 6M, 7M and 7I students spent the past two days learning about their Service as Action project. 6M will be visiting the Retirement home in Bežigrad and, throughout the year, 7M and 7I will be visiting our international kindergarten. During their collapsed days, they received some general information about the project, brainstormed ideas, posed questions to Ms Maja and Ms Sonja to learn more about the places they are visiting and researched their two topics. After the busy days, their projects are successfully under way.

The MYP 3 students embarked on their Community Project journey at the collapsed day. In groups, pairs or individually, they brainstormed and investigated options for helping various communities and identified the possible problems or challenges ahead of us. Each pupil formed a research question that will guide them through the project. Soon they will be assigned mentors and start planning further steps in their endeavour. The Community Project is an obligatory part of service learning in MYP 3 and culminates in a TEDx style event, open to the public in January. 

The importance of following rules
was the order of the day
A they put on their shoes
And went out to play
But they actually went to hear
Using the power of their ear
What rules they must obey Or the monster will have his way And gobble up the naughty one While all the good kids stay Sheltering from the sun Under the tall treetops like on a sunny day in May

Good morning, everyone—students, parents, teachers, and members of the DKIS community! It brings me great joy to welcome all of you for the start of a brand-new academic year. Today marks a special day, not just because we are kicking off another year of learning and growth, but because it gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far our community has come and to look forward to the exciting journey ahead. As many of you know, DKIS began its journey approximately 30 years ago, with a small, yet passionate group of students and educators. From those humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving community of more than 200 students and their families. This is a remarkable achievement, and it is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and shared vision of everyone involved. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible teachers. The growth and success of DKIS would not have been possible without your commitment to providing a modern, challenging and engaging curriculum. You inspire our students to reach new heights, to think critically, and to embrace the joy of learning. Your efforts have created an environment where students are not just educated but are empowered to become the best versions of themselves. To the parents who are here with us today—thank you. Your trust, support, and partnership are the pillars that uphold our community. You play an essential role in your children's education, and your involvement is crucial in fostering their success. We are privileged to have such a dedicated group of parents who are invested in the growth and well-being of our students. And now, to our dear students—welcome or welcome back! You are the heart and soul of DKIS. Each of you brings unique talents, ideas, and energy that make our school vibrant and dynamic. This year is another opportunity for you to learn, explore, and challenge yourselves. Embrace it with enthusiasm, curiosity, and an open mind. Remember, you are part of a community that believes in you, supports you, and is eager to see you succeed. As we begin this new school year, let us continue to build on the foundation of excellence that has brought us to where we are today. Let us work together to create a year filled with learning, growth, and positive experiences. With the continued dedication of our teachers, the support of our parents, and the enthusiasm of our students, I am confident that this year will be one of the best yet. Thank you all for being here this morning, and let's make this school year one to remember! Have a wonderful day, and welcome back to DKIS!

Dear DKIS Community,

At DKIS, we are committed to continuous learning and growth, not just for our students, but for our staff as well. At the end of August, our team took part in two IB professional development workshops that focused on enhancing our educational practices.

Dear DKIS Community,

We hope you had a wonderful summer break and are excited to welcome you to the start of a new school year on Monday, 2 September. The opening ceremony for KG and PYP parents will begin at 9:15, while MYP students are expected to arrive at 9:45. The gathering point will be the large greenery within the school grounds, weather permitting. In case of bad weather we will meet inside the school building. Rest assured, the DKIS staff will be on hand to guide everyone to the designated areas.

The 5M students recently had a cultural day at the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre. During our visit, we learned interesting facts about the building, saw the workshop where puppets are created, and discovered the various types of puppets. A highlight of our trip was witnessing the famous puppet theatre clock from the inside.; every hour, figures emerge at the top of the theatre in Krekov Square to ceremoniously announce the arrival of the new hour, a significant Ljubljana attraction. Janja Videc

On Thursday 20 June, the PYP pupils were treated to a sports day at the wild and wonderful water world of Atlantis. They revelled in various instructor-led activities, and fully embraced the chance to unwind in the aquatic environment.

On Wednesday, June 20, we had a sports day with the 5M class focusing on athletics. We held the event at the Žak Stadium (Šiška) in collaboration with the MASS athletic club. Although there were only 12 of us, we had a great time. The students competed in 5 athletic disciplines: 60m run, 600m run, high jump, long jump, and vortex throw. We discovered a lot of talent, and everyone gave their and achieved their personal bests. Congratulations! More in the photos. Well done, 5M. Ms Jasna

In the last month or so, the 1M pupils have been discovering various text formats, and two of them were postcards and letters. During the break, they sent postcards back from their holidays, and, when back in school, they also sent one to a school in England, Great Britain, talking about themselves and asking questions about school in England. The English pupils replied likewise and inquired about the languages 1M speak. 1M were delighted with their letter, and think that Great Barford, the village where the school is, is very pretty. The 1M Pupils and Ms Klavdija would like to thank the Owls class and Ms Lauren for their lovely letter and correspondence, and we wish them fantastic summer holidays! The 1M Pupils

This year, 1M and 5M paired up as reading buddies, enhancing their communication skills and building the community. To thank the fifth graders, the first graders invited them for a special day, featuring a hands-on activity: making fruit salad. This project applied their knowledge of plants and teamwork.  The day ended with everyone enjoying the fruit salad and celebrating their successful collaboration and the strong bonds formed. Thank you, 5M, for your leadership and kindness! 1M Pupils

The MYP students spent one of their last English lessons this year reading under the treetops. Though some of the books might have been engaging, most of the students preferred to spend the time relaxing outside, chatting with their classmates while catching a page or two from their books. Either way, it was a pleasant experience for all Tina Frelih

The MYP pupils spent their last library lesson of the year participating in a literary treasure hunt. They were familiarising themselves with the book Fairy Trails of Slovenia written by Irena Cerar. It is an excellent guide for exploring Slovenia and includes tales connected to the places mentioned. The students were navigating the school grounds searching for clues, reading the tales and completing the tasks. After successfully completing the tasks, they received the promised treasure. Tina Frelih

On 17 June, grade 5 students spent an entire day in the MYP, getting to know some of their future teachers and experiencing new subjects such as science, humanities, design, and theatre. The pupils were very enthusiastic, asking numerous questions, sharing concerns, and offering suggestions about the next year. We hope they had a wonderful time and look forward to getting to know them even better in the next school year! The MYP Team

Dear DKIS community,

We celebrated a major milestone as our 8M & 8I students concluded their elementary education. The event was filled with joy and pride, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Our pupils have grown tremendously, both academically and personally, and are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Congratulations to all our students on this special day—we are looking forward to seeing what you achieve next! Best wishes,

On 14 June, the pupils who completed the Active Days project were rewarded with an extra sports day at the GIB center, in which they took part in a variety of different sporting activities, as can be seen in the gallery. Denis Divjak

In accordance with Article 14 of the Rules on the School Calendar for Primary Schools (UL RS, No. 50/12), we inform you that a report card, which could not be awarded to a student at the end of classes, can only be personally collected by the student or their parents. This can be done from the end of classes until June 30 and from August 22 to August 31, 2024, during the official hours of the main school office in Building 2, between 8:00 - 10:30 and 12:00 - 13:00.

On 12 June, the kindergarten went to the Natural History Museum. The visit began with a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who introduced us to the fascinating world of ocean animals. We marvelled at the massive whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. We were also given the opportunity to touch and feel some of the exhibits. After the guided tour, we were given the freedom to explore the museum on our own. We were particularly captivated by the birds, a bear and a wolf. The trip was an interesting experience that sparked our curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Sonja Može

On Tuesday, 11th June, the PYP 5 pupils concluded their, at times, intense and gruelling exhibition process, displaying their outstanding projects to parents and peers. Under the guidance of mentors M Tina and Mr Andy, the students showcased their hard work and dedication. The exhibition truly demonstrated the pupils' ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively, along with evidencing their sustained strength and resolve. A huge congratulations and round of applause to all! Denis Divjak Denis Divjak

On 11 June, the 7M and 7I pupils had a cultural day at the cinema. The day began in school where they participated in two workshops. During the first lesson they were inquiring into various aspects of Irish mythology. The second lesson was dedicated to storytelling through film and the students created their own storyboards for possible films based on Irish mythology. Both workshops prepared them for the film Song of the Sea, a Celtic tail about selkies and other characters borne of Irish mythology. Most of the pupils gave the film a 4/5 rating as they found the story, animation and music captivating. Tina Frelih

On Friday, June 21st, 2024, 6M, 7M & 7I will have a sports day at the Ludus Center, which will feature net games. The pupils will participate in an organized beach volleyball tournament with their peers. The students should arrive at school as usual at 08:20 and collect their snacks. Afterward, we will walk to the Ludus Center, where activities will take place from 09:00 to 12:00. We will return to school around 13:00, and lunch will be organized as usual.

After a good night's sleep, we packed our bags and tidied our rooms. The morning sun shone brightly as we set out on our adventire. Our first activity was a treasure hunt. We searched high and low, our eyes scanning the landscape for any sign of the hidden treasure. Finally, we stumbled upon a chest of bee stamps which we stamped on our hands. Before lunch we played at the playground in front of the house, engaging in a variety of activities. Some of us played football, while others enjoyed a game of ping pong. We also drew pictures with chalk on the ground and skipped over a rope. After lunch, we boarded the bus and were on our way home. We were happy to see our families again, but we knew that we would never forget this trip. Sonja Može

After. A hearty breakfast, we ventured into the forest, where we collected branches for the fire. Once we had our wood, we constructed the fire. Then we placed the bread on the fire. The delicious bread, the warmth of the fire and the joy of being with friends created a very special moment. Later we tried our artistic skills and were given a really unique opportunity to paint on beehive panels. In the afternoon we took a break from our artistic endeavors and we rode scooters through obstacle courses. In the evening we enjoyed a pyjama party with disco lights and dancing. When it was time for bed we all fell asleep quickly, our dreams filled with the visions of the day.

On May 5, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to explore the historic town of Škofja Loka and delve into the wonders of the Slovenian Alpine Museum. Our Science Day excursion was a resounding success, offering students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Slovenia's rich mountaineering history while nurturing their research skills. Throughout the day, the pupils actively engaged with their surroundings, asking insightful questions and keenly observing their surroundings. By delving into the depths of Škofja Loka and the museum, the students gathered valuable information. Our Science Day was a celebration of curiosity, exploration, and learning. We look forward to future adventures that will continue to expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world around us. Klemen Strmljan

On Saturday, June 1, our DKIS community came together to celebrate International Day at Camp Menina, a vibrant and joyous event that highlighted the rich cultural diversity within our school. The day was filled with colorful displays, performances and activities that showcased the unique traditions and heritage of our students and their families. The celebration was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our students, the unwavering support of our parents, and the dedication of our teachers. Together, they created an unforgettable experience that brought our community closer and fostered a deeper appreciation for the diverse backgrounds that make DKIS so special. A special mention goes to our wonderful Parent-Teacher Association, whose hard work and planning were instrumental in organising the event. We are particularly grateful to the PTA Chair, Mrs Lake, whose leadership and commitment were the key in making the day a success. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making International Day a memorable occasion. We look forward to many more events that celebrate the unity and diversity of our DKIS community.

We arrived at CŠOD Čebelica eager to start our adventure. After settling in, we took a break to enjoy a snack and recharge. The playground was next, we had a blast playing together. After lunch we ventured into the forest, where we built houses out of sticks. As we explored the meadow, we observed and discovered all sorts of fascinating things, from tiny insects to colourful flowers. By the end of the day we were all exhausted but exhilareted by the experiences we had shared. Sonja Može

Grade 6 students have been visiting the Retirement Home in Bežigrad this year as part of their Service as Action project. The Students and residents baked cookies and participated in sport activities. They had to think and communicate while playing various mental games board games and participating in a quiz. Before the Christmas holidays, they also made holiday decorations together. Both the pupils and the residents had fun and enjoyed each other's company and the project was a great success for the second year running. Furthermore, pupils from grade 7 participated in a similar intergenerational service project with our international kindergarten that started this year. The students prepared some fun activities for the children such as dancing, board games, decorating cookies, a treasure hunt, puzzles, sport activities, origami, creating autumn booklets and sock puppets and more. The grade 7 students enjoyed teaching the younger pupils and they had fun learning from the older pupils. This project was also a great success and we hope to continue with it next year. Tina Frelih

Last week grades 7I and 7M had their fila Theatre performances. They presented their own storytelling sessions. Each group chose a fable and portrayed it with sounds, animal noises, and an original theme song, which served as an introduction into the story. The audience were active participants through activities following the storytelling, as well as questioning regarding the morals of the story and what they would do in the place of the protagonists.  Well done to all of the groups! Ms Mateja Kores & Ms Kristina Štemberger

Today is the last day of Kavka and the 5M students are leaving. Most of the pupils are really happy because they miss their parents. In the morning, all of the students started packing all their things and made sure not to forget anything. After that, everyone had breakfast, today we had bread with butter and honey and for our drink we had milk. Then, we had 40 minutes of free time, everyone had fun and enjoyed it. Then we had an hour and a half to work on our PYPX, where I am writing this article. Later, we will go to Kobarid to have ice cream and then we will eat our packed lunch in Most na Soči . We will then continue the journey back to Ljubljana. Overall, Kavka was a fun experience for the students and teachers and all of us will miss it. By Timur, 5M

Today we did not go anywhere far away from dom Kavka but some students went on a morning run. After, we went outside to try archery, climbing and while we waited for our turn we played football. Then we were working on our speeches and all of us finished them. It was hard and challenging; however, I finished it. Everyone also presented their speeches and mostly all of us gave them very well. It was a very good lunch today we had good soup and for the main dish we got mashed potato and chicken. For dinner we had vegetable casserole, and for the sweet we got a mini cake and it was very tasty. After dinner, Kavka´s teachers prepared a fun activity for us. We were playing different games, the Slovenian school vs our School. Written by Nikita, 5M

So today, everybody was really tired when they woke up, but after a little morning PE we were all energetic. Afterward we had breakfast, but many people were sad because they replaced the chocolate spread with jam croissants. Then, everyone filled up their backpacks with food and water, because we were going on a 2-hour hike to Italy! When we came back, everybody was tired, and lucky for us we had a break. After that we had lunch, and everyone said it was the best meal yet! After that, we worked on our PYP exhibition for 3 more hours, and when we finished, we had time with our phones. Then, we had dinner, which was also delicious. After that, we were playing board games in the dining room for an hour and a half, and by then, the only thing everybody wanted was to go to sleep. So we prepared for bed and went to sleep. I hope tomorrow will be as exciting as today! By Irena, 5m

Selected students who qualified for the regional finals on Wednesday, May 29th, went to the ŽAK stadium in Ljubljana to compete in various athletic disciplines such as the 60m dash, 1000m run, 600m run, long jump, high jump, vortex throw, amongst others. The competition was intense, and all our school's students did their best, showing perseverance and healthy competitiveness. Aleksandar Jovanović from DKIS even made it to the podium, winning the vortex throw competition for younger boys. Congratulations to all the pupils for demonstrating good sportsmanship and representing DKIS in the best possible way. Mitja Uršič

Today, we woke up with a beautiful sunrise but nobody knew what weather we would have to go through. After we woke up everyone went to the dining room to have a peaceful breakfast. Surprisingly we had a full buffet with various food choices. My personal favourite was the bread with chocolate spread. After the breakfast, we were called into the blue room for Danile Kumar to continue with our PYPX and we thought it would be short and sweet, but we were wrong. We did the PYPX for 6 hours straight. Of course, we had 10-30 min breaks. Lunch was very loud but all the people in our class decided that it was THE BEST. After lunch, we did PYPX for 1 hour and we finally finished. After PYPX, we finally relaxed, freshened up, had dinner, and got ready for bed. I hope that everyone will sleep tight and stay tuned to our website to get updated on tomorrow. Bye-Bye :). Written by Pranav 5m.

On Monday, 27 May, 5M embarked on a journey to the far west of Slovenia, and dom Kavka, amidst the lush green mountains and forests. On arrival, everyone prepared their beds, and were summoned to a meeting about the rules and regulations of the residence. Lunch was taken, then we delved into kavka cave, a slippery underground grotto, with interesting rock formations. After dinner, we hiked around the local area, and discussed biodiversity. Then we returned to our temporary home, showered and went to bed. Samarth, 5M

We spent the last day as a full group of pupils, teachers, and parents at the Cotswolds Waterpark.  The students and those brave of heart suited up in wetsuits and declared war on an inflatable obstacle course. They had a brilliant time splashing around. Chapeau to those who refused to be skittish of the cold waters. After an active morning, Mr Nathan lit up the grill and gave us a barbecue feast. Most host families joined us and our host pupils prepared lovely goodbye gifts for everyone.  Tomorrow is a family day, so make sure you check on your children on the Padlet.  Sunday morning we head to London, where we will see the most notable sights before heading off to the airport and back to Slovenia. Ms Mateja & Ms Tina

On Friday, May 24, selected students from the MYP department went to Velden am Wörthersee to participate in an international Beach Volley Tournament. The students displayed sportsmanship and showcased their volleyball skills on the courts. It was a successful event and we hope the pupils will cherish the experience, make new friendships, and maintain healthy lifestyles. Although the boys' team fell just short of the finals, one of our girls' teams finished second. Congratulations to all the participants! Mitja Uršič