+01 23 456 7890

February 2026 – Week 1

Subject: CBSE Health Update: Promoting Wellness & Healthy Habits in School

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia.

CBSE has issued new guidelines focusing on student health, nutrition, and well-being — a timely reminder of how schools play a vital role in nurturing healthy lifestyles alongside academic growth.

✅ Key Highlights for Your School

  • “Sugar Boards” to Raise Awareness on Healthy Eating: CBSE now encourages schools to set up visible displays (digital or poster-based) in common areas that inform and remind students about healthy oils, dietary choices, and the dangers of excessive sugar and fat intake.

  • Structured Physical & Health Education: Under CBSE’s Health & Physical Education (HPE) framework, daily physical education and health-education periods are mandated — helping address rising concerns like childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and related health risks.

  • Holistic School Health Programme: CBSE’s School Health and Wellness Programme calls for designated ‘Health and Wellness Ambassadors’ in each school, responsible for age-appropriate activities around nutrition, hygiene, emotional wellbeing, life-skills, safety, and mental health awareness.

🛠 Practical Steps for Implementation

  • Review and update your school canteen or food-service offerings: include more wholesome, low-fat, low-sugar options; limit sugary drinks and snacks.

  • Install visible nutrition/health-awareness boards (“Sugar Boards” / “Oil Boards”) in cafeterias, lobbies, or public spaces.

  • Ensure daily HPE/physical-fitness periods are part of the school timetable for all eligible classes.

  • Appoint or designate staff as “Health & Wellness Coordinators” to lead the wellness programme — overseeing nutrition, hygiene, mental health and safety initiatives.

  • Organize periodic health-awareness sessions, hygiene and sanitation drives, physical activity clubs, and workshops on healthy living habits.

We hope this update encourages you to strengthen health, wellness, and life-skills emphasis in your school community for a holistic, balanced education environment.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

January 2026 – Week 1

Subject: CBSE Update: Strengthening Assessment Integrity & Compliance for 2025–26

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

We wish to draw your attention to CBSE’s continued emphasis on assessment integrity, transparency, and procedural compliance for the 2025–26 academic session.

CBSE has reiterated expectations for schools to strictly adhere to prescribed norms related to internal assessments, practical examinations, and documentation processes. This includes accurate record-keeping, timely submissions, and compliance with all examination-related circulars and Standard Operating Procedures issued from time to time.

Schools are advised to regularly refer to official CBSE examination updates and circulars published on the CBSE website:
🔗 https://www.cbse.gov.in

👉 What schools can do now:

  • Review internal assessment documentation and verification processes
  • Ensure examination committees are familiar with CBSE circulars and SOPs
  • Strengthen internal checks for accuracy and timely submissions

We trust this update will support you in maintaining high standards of accountability and integrity in assessment practices.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

January 2026 – Week 2

Subject: CBSE Update: Continued Focus on Competency-Based Learning (2025–26)

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

As part of its ongoing academic reforms aligned with the National Education Policy, CBSE continues to emphasise a shift towards competency-based and application-oriented learning for the 2025–26 academic session.

CBSE encourages schools to move beyond rote memorisation and focus on:

  • Conceptual understanding
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Real-world application of knowledge
  • Skill development across subjects

Official curriculum frameworks, academic guidelines, and circulars supporting this approach are available on the CBSE academic portal:
🔗 https://www.cbse.gov.in

👉 What schools can do now:

  • Review lesson plans and assessments to include higher-order thinking skills
  • Use formative assessments to support deeper learning
  • Encourage experiential and inquiry-based classroom practices

We hope this reminder supports your ongoing efforts to deliver meaningful, future-ready learning experiences for students.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

January 2026 – Week 3

Subject: CBSE Update: Emphasis on Student Well-being & Balanced Academic Practices

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

CBSE continues to underscore the importance of student well-being and balanced academic practices as schools plan for the 2025–26 academic session.

The Board encourages institutions to adopt approaches that:

  • Reduce undue academic stress
  • Promote holistic development
  • Balance academic rigor with emotional and social well-being

CBSE Launches Psychosocial Counselling Support for Students (Effective 6 January 2026):
🔗 https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/documents/Press_Release_Psycho_Social_Counseling_06012026.pdf

👉 What schools can do now:

  • Review assessment schedules to avoid excessive exam pressure
  • Promote supportive feedback and mentoring systems
  • Integrate life skills and social-emotional learning into school programs

We trust this update will assist schools in nurturing healthy, supportive learning environments while maintaining academic excellence.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

January 2026 – Week 4

Subject: CBSE Update: Mandatory Professional Development Hours (CPD) – 2025–26

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

We wish to highlight an important update from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for the 2025–26 academic session.

Mandatory 50 Hours of CPD Annually

CBSE now requires all teachers and school leaders in affiliated schools to complete 50 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) every year, in line with NEP 2020 and NPST.

Structure of CPD:

  • 25 hours through CBSE / Government-recognised training programmes

     

  • 25 hours through school-based or in-house professional learning activities

     

  • Training to cover pedagogy, professional values, and continuous growth

     

  • A mix of online and offline modes is permitted

     

  • Schools must track and document CPD hours as part of affiliation compliance

     

What you can do now:

and in-house learning opportunities

 

  • Orient staff on CPD requirements and documentation

     

We hope this update supports effective professional planning and continuous teacher development.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

December 2025 – Week 1

Subject: CBSE Update: New SOPs for Practical Exams & Key Changes for 2025–26

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

We wish to draw your attention to recent important updates from CBSE for the 2025–26 academic session that may affect your planning and academic operations:

Revised SOPs for Classes 10 & 12 Practical Exams

CBSE has issued detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for practical examinations, internal assessments, and project work.

 

Key highlights include:

Same-day uploading of marks

Mandatory geo-tagged photographic evidence of practical exam conduct

Fixed batch sizes for practical exams

Strict adherence to prescribed timelines

 

👉 Schools are advised to review laboratory schedules, infrastructure, and internal processes to ensure readiness for compliance.

 

Focus on Balanced, Skill-Oriented Education Reform

As part of broader CBSE reforms for 2025, there is a renewed emphasis on:

Reducing student stress

Moving away from rote memorisation

Strengthening competency-based and application-oriented learning

 

👉 Schools may consider aligning classroom instruction and assessments to promote conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and life skills.

What You Can Do Now:

Review your school’s lab and assessment calendar in line with the new SOPs

Conduct a staff meeting to familiarise teachers with revised evaluation procedures and submission timelines

Explore opportunities to integrate competency-based learning and skill development into daily classroom practice

 

We hope these updates provide helpful guidance as you plan curriculum delivery and examination preparations for the coming academic year.

 

Stronger together,

ACSI South Asia Team

December 2025 – Week 2

Subject: CBSE Update: New SOPs for Practical Exams & Key Changes for 2025–26

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

We wish to draw your attention to recent important updates from CBSE for the 2025–26 academic session that may affect your planning and academic operations:

  • Revised SOPs for Classes 10 & 12 Practical Exams
    CBSE has issued detailed Standard Operating Procedures for practical examinations, internal assessments and project work for the coming session. Key points include: same-day marks upload, geo-tagged photo evidence of practical exam conduct, fixed batch sizes, and strict timelines. India Today+2CBSE+2
    👉 Schools should begin reviewing laboratory schedules, lab resources, and ensure readiness to meet these requirements.

     

  • Focus on Balanced, Skill-Oriented Education Reform
    As part of broader 2025 reforms, CBSE is emphasising reduced stress and increased focus on competency-based learning rather than rote memorization. www.ndtv.com+1
    👉 Consider aligning regular teaching and evaluation practices to emphasize conceptual understanding, application, and life skills.

     

What you can do now:

  • Review your school’s lab and assessment calendar to align with the new SOPs.

     

  • Hold a staff meeting to familiarise teachers with new evaluation procedures and submission timelines.

     

  • Explore opportunities for integrating competency-based learning and skill development in classroom practice.

     

We hope these updates provide helpful guidance as you plan curriculum delivery and exam preparations.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

December 2025 – Week 3

Subject: CBSE’s New Skill-Based Learning Push — What Schools Should Know

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

A key update from CBSE promises meaningful change in middle-school years: starting 2026, CBSE is rolling out a new Skill-Based Learning Framework for Classes 6–8, moving away from rote learning toward practical skills, critical thinking, and real-world application. The Times of India

🌟 Why this matters for your school

  • The shift encourages hands-on learning and life skills, preparing students for a rapidly changing world. The Times of India

     

  • It aligns with modern educational goals: competence, creativity, and holistic development, rather than just exam-based success.

     

  • Schools embracing this framework can lead in implementing innovative pedagogy — from labs and projects to collaborative and skill-rich classroom work.

     

✅ What you can do now

  • Begin discussions among staff: assess readiness, identify possible skill-lab needs, and map tentative timetable changes.

     

  • Explore teacher training and resource development: adapt lessons to focus more on application, problem-solving, and creativity.

     

  • Engage students with small pilot projects: even simple, low-cost activities can spark interest and build momentum.

     

We hope this update gives you fresh ideas as you plan for the next academic year — equipping students not just for exams, but for life.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

November 2025 – Week 1

Subject: Important Reminder: Protecting Student Privacy Online

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia.

A recent report highlights rising concerns about schools and teachers posting student videos online—often without clear parental consent.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2025/Nov/18/schools-teachers-are-posting-videos-of-students-online-here-is-why-parents-should-be-concerned

Why this matters

  • Student identities and locations can be exposed.

     

  • Online content can be downloaded, shared, or misused.

     

  • Parents must give explicit, informed consent.

     

What schools should do

  • Review or introduce a Student Media Policy.

     

  • Ensure consent is written, specific, and renewed annually.

     

  • Train staff on what can/cannot be shared online.

     

  • Avoid posting student media on personal accounts.

     

  • Audit existing content and remove anything without consent.

     

Protecting student dignity and privacy is essential as schools navigate an increasingly digital world.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

November 2025 – Week 2

Subject: Don’t Miss Out! ACSI ADVANCE: Equipping Educators Magazine at 50% Off

Dear Educators,

Thank you for partnering with ACSI South Asia!

We encourage you to continue your journey of growth and inspiration by moving from your free access to a paid subscription to ACSI ADVANCE: Equipping Educators magazine. Each issue is designed to equip and encourage Christian school leaders and educators with insights, stories, and strategies that strengthen both leadership and faith in education.

Member schools with over one year of ACSI membership have already received a complimentary one-year subscription. As part of the ACSI South Asia Network, you are also eligible for a 50% discount on your subscription.

👉 Subscribe here: https://rzp.io/rzp/eLdxR0O

As you lead and nurture the next generation, may these resources continue to inspire you to serve with wisdom, excellence, and a Christ-centered vision for education. We look forward to walking alongside you in this journey of faith and leadership.

Stronger together, 

ACSI South Asia Team

November 2025 – Week 3

Subject: Encouraging STEM in Schools – Start Small, Think Smart

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

CBSE has urged schools to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) learning as part of its 2025–26 academic focus — integrating curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking into classrooms.
https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/documents/STEMEducation_2025_01042025.pdf

Even simple steps can make a big difference. Begin with hands-on projects using everyday materials, promote teacher collaboration, and create student innovation clubs — STEM doesn’t always require big budgets.

An inspiring example: A retired headmaster built working prototypes from waste materials, showing that innovation begins with passion, not funds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWFZc4Ypxjg (You can enable YouTube transcription in your preferred language for improved understanding.)

We hope this encourages your school to spark creativity and innovation in the classroom — one small project at a time.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

November 2025 – Week 4

Subject: A Call to Educators: Let Empathy Lead Our Discipline

Dear Educators,

Greetings from the Association of Christian Schools International.

A deeply distressing incident from Vasai reminds us of the weight of our calling: a Class 6 girl tragically died after being made to do 100 sit-ups with her school bag for arriving two minutes late.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-horror-girl-dies-after-teacher-punishes-her-for-being-late-with-100-squats-vasai-school-under-scrutiny/articleshow/125358487.cms

As educators, we are entrusted with shaping young lives through compassion. Discipline must always honour a child’s dignity and never cause physical or emotional harm.

A Gentle Reminder for Us All

  • Let empathy guide correction—listen, understand, and respond with grace.

     

  • Avoid all forms of physical or harsh punishments.

     

  • Choose restorative and relational approaches that teach while building trust.

     

  • Remember: every child is made in God’s image and deserves patient, loving guidance.

     

May our classrooms reflect the heart of Christ—safe, nurturing, and filled with compassion.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

October 2025 – Week 1

Subject: Teacher Training & Rural School Challenges — Insights for Educators

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

Here are two noteworthy developments in the Indian education landscape:

We hope these stories spark ideas for growth and improvement in your school community.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia

October 2025 – Week 2

Subject: Urgent Safety Update — School Bus Fire Incident in Hyderabad

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

Here’s a significant safety incident to reflect on:
A private school bus caught fire at Mailardevpally in Hyderabad while returning after dropping off students. Thankfully, the driver escaped safely, and no students were onboard when the fire broke out. Authorities suspect a short circuit in the vehicle as the cause of the blaze.
https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabad-private-school-bus-catches-fire-at-mailardevpally

Key Take-aways for School Safety

  • Ensure daily vehicle inspections, tyres, engine compartment, wiring, and exhaust systems.

     

  • Keep fire extinguishers and emergency tools in all school transport vehicles.

     

  • Conduct regular emergency-evacuation drills for drivers and escorts.

     

  • Review transport service provider credentials, including maintenance and driver training records.

     

  • Communicate your bus-safety policy with parents and staff to strengthen community trust.

     

We hope this alert encourages your school to revisit safety systems, transport protocols, and emergency response readiness.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

October 2025 – Week 3

Subject: Building Cyber-Safe Schools — October Highlights

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

October has been declared as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and schools across India are being encouraged to take proactive steps toward creating a safer digital environment for students and staff.

CBSE has released a detailed circular on this initiative, outlining suggested activities and awareness campaigns for schools:
https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Circulars/2025/76_Circular_2025.pdf

While no similar circular has yet been issued by CISCE or most state education boards, some states—such as Odisha and Karnataka—are launching month-long cyber awareness drives to promote safe digital practices in schools.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/state-to-launch-month-long-cyber-security-awareness-drive-from-sat/articleshow/124611918.cms

We hope these initiatives encourage your school community to review digital safety policies, engage students in responsible online behavior, and ensure a secure cyber environment.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

October 2025 – Week 4

Subject: Supreme Court Moves to Re-examine RTE & Minority Schools

 

Dear Educators,

 

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

 

Here’s a high-impact education policy update you should know:

 

Plea to Bring Minority Schools Under RTE Referred to CJI

A Supreme Court bench has directed that a petition challenging Sections 1(4) and 1(5) of the RTE Act — which currently exempt certain minority institutions — be placed before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for further orders.

https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/sc-refers-plea-seeking-to-bring-minority-schools-under-rte-act-to-cji/3010381

 

Legal Analysis: SC Reassesses Exemptions

The petition argues that exemptions granted to minority schools undermine the constitutional guarantee of equal educational opportunity. The Supreme Court has already expressed doubts over its 2014 Pramati judgment and is now considering whether those earlier exemptions should be revisited.

https://legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/litigation/supreme-court-refers-plea-on-minority-schools-under-rte-act-to-cji/124584491

We hope these updates spark reflection and strategic thinking in your school community.

 

Stronger together,

ACSI South Asia Team

October 2025 – Week 5

Subject: Today’s Education Highlights — India’s Schools in Focus

 

Dear Educators,

 

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

 

Here’s what’s making news across Indian education today:

 

Centre urges states to adopt UPI for school payments

The Union government has recommended that all states use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) for school transactions—admissions, exams, fees—to boost transparency and digital ease.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/centre-urges-states-to-adopt-upi-for-school-payments/articleshow/124505199.cms

 

Over 33 lakh students taught in 1 lakh single-teacher schools

In India, more than 33 lakh students are enrolled in over 100,000 single-teacher schools, with Andhra Pradesh having the highest number of such schools and Uttar Pradesh seeing the most student enrolments.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/over-33-lakh-students-taught-in-1-lakh-single-teacher-schools-andhra-pradesh-tops-in-count-up-records-most-enrolments/articleshow/124517000.cms

 

We hope these stories spark ideas for growth and improvement in your own school community.

 

Stronger together,

ACSI South Asia Team

September 2025 – Week 1

Subject: India Education News: Inclusion, Innovation & Growth

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

Here are a couple of recent developments worth noting:

We hope these stories spark ideas for growth and improvement in your own school community.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

September 2025 – Week 2

Subject: ASER 2024 Insights for Private Schools

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

Here are some key takeaways from the ASER 2024 Report that private schools should note:

We hope these insights spark ideas for growth and improvement in your school community.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

September 2025 – Week 3

Subject: SWAYAM Empowers Teachers: Training Opportunities for NEP-2020 Transition

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

As India’s schools transition under NEP-2020, SWAYAM is stepping up with training to help teachers adapt to new pedagogies and assessment practices:

  • NEP-2020 Professional Development Course
    SWAYAM offers a 2-credit course by IGNOU on NEP-2020 that builds awareness of key elements like foundational learning, equity, multiple entry-exit, blended learning, and assessment strategies. This helps teachers and school leaders understand and implement NEP reforms. Swayam

     

     

  • “NEP and Institutional Building” Program
    NITTTR Chennai has a course focused on how institutions can reorganize around NEP’s structural, governance, and pedagogical changes. Topics include curriculum redesign, technology integration, blended learning, and continuous evaluation. Swayam

     

     

  • “AI for Educators” Course via SWAYAM Plus
    IIT Madras (with Pravartak Technologies) is offering a free AI course to school teachers, even those without prior experience in coding or AI. This training supports teachers incorporating AI tools for student engagement, assessment, and classroom innovation. The Times of India

     

     

We hope these opportunities spark innovative ideas and support your school community as you align with NEP-2020 goals.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

September 2025 – Week 4

Subject: PARAKH: Rethinking Student Assessment in India

 

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

Here’s a key update in the Indian education landscape:

PARAKH by NCERT

PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) is NCERT’s new national assessment centre to standardise learning outcomes and promote competency-based education.

Read more: https://parakh.ncert.gov.in/

Survey Highlights

The first PARAKH survey (2024) covered 21 lakh students across 74,000 schools, finding progress in literacy but persistent gaps in numeracy and comprehension.

Read more: https://www.ndtv.com/education/parakh-survey-by-ncert-meaning-objectives-and-key-highlights-8872013

We hope these stories spark ideas for growth and improvement in your school community.

 

Stronger together,

ACSI South Asia Team

August 2025 – Week 1

Subject: OpenAI Launches “India-First” Learning Accelerator with IIT-Madras Boost

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

Here’s a key update on how AI is shaping India’s education future:

We hope these stories spark ideas for growth and innovation in your school community.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

August 2025 – Week 2

Subject: Indian Education Rising Globally | Post 79th Independence Day

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

As India marks its 79th Independence Day, recent developments highlight how Indian education continues to rise on the global stage:

We hope these stories spark ideas for growth and improvement in your own school community.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

August 2025 – Week 3

Subject: Monsoon Focus: Building Cleaner and Greener Schools

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

With the monsoon season upon us, CBSE is placing special emphasis on fostering healthy, clean, and green school communities:

Keep an eye on your inbox for the latest education news and insights.

Even if your school is not affiliated with CBSE, we trust these topics will spark ideas for your school’s growth and improvement.

Stronger together,
ACSI South Asia Team

August 2025 – Week 4

Subject: This Week in Indian Education: Career Guidance, Har Ghar Tiranga, and Safety Concerns

Dear Educators,

Greetings from ACSI South Asia!

Here’s a quick snapshot of the latest happenings in the Indian education landscape:

Keep an eye on your inbox for the latest education news and insights—coming to you three times a week.

Even if your school is not affiliated with CBSE, we trust these topics will spark ideas for your school’s growth and improvement.

Stronger together,

ACSI South Asia Team