Christmas is here

Christmas is here

It is said, Christmas time is the best time of the year.  Indeed it is.  Decorations, parties, carols, programs, cribs… they all add to the festive and joyous spirit of the Christmas season.  At St. Joseph’s, Wadala, things were no different.  The entire week leading to the Christmas symposium was lit up with festivities and preparations:  inter-class star (making) competition, adorning of the class crib with decorations and statues, Christmas card making contest, singing of Christmas carols and planning a Christmas program that would include reaching out to the less fortunate.

Come the Christmas symposium and party day in school, and the festivities reached a crescendo. Brightly dressed (no school uniform!) students trooped to their classrooms for the morning prayer and assembly at the start of the day, and blessed God for the year gone by.  The programs for the Secondary and Primary section followed in succession in the school hall. The Kg. students had a taste of the Christmas jolly spirit at the specially arranged parties in their classrooms, with special gifts and sweets from Santa Claus.

The Christmas program had a touch of tradition, creativity, inspiration and melody. The small skit by the secondary section giving us the true meaning of Christmas was heartening.  The primary section regaled us with Christmas carols that narrated the Christmas story.  Truly, the stage was a picture of the Christmas scene twenty centuries ago.  After the program, it was time for some merriment. The students together with their class teachers and other staff members, gathered in their respective classrooms for a Christmas party comprising games, sing-song and snacks.  Thereafter, the school staff had their share of Christmas fun and camaraderie at a special gathering in the school hall.  Singing of carols, Christmas messages, a delicious meal and mouth watering desserts featured in this homely celebration.

As always, a bright spark of the Christmas festivity, is the spirit of giving. That's what Christmas really is - the love of Jesus that fills us with Hope, Joy, Peace and Love, prompts us to share our sentiments with others, especially the less fortunate. This year the classes grouped together to add to the joy of disadvantaged children in our city in a spirit of sharing.  The students of Std. I and II have decided to reach out to Asha Daan in Byculla; Std. III and IV will be helping St. Catherine of Siena Orphanage, Bandra; Std. V and VI are contributing to a Balwadi in the vicinity which is run by a retired teacher of our school, Mrs. Aranha; Std. VII and VIII will be contributing to Municipal Schools in Ghatkopar/Chembur, and Std. IX and X have taken up Shelter - Don Bosco.

We truly feel blessed at Christmas – because we are loved, and love in return, unconditionally!

Staff picnic in Goa

QUALITY TIME IN GOA - THE LAND OF SUN, SAND AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

After the class picnics, it was time for the school staff members to group together for a well deserved break from the hectic schedule of the school time table. And the place handpicked for this purpose was the land of sun, sand and beautiful beaches – Goa. The excitement among the staff kept building up as the day for the picnic drew near, and the enthusiasm was palpable in their confabulations and sprightly demeanor. On 11th December, fifty seven staff members -some with their young children –accompanied by Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) and Ms. Nicole Britto (Vice-Principal) proceeded to CST station to board the train at 11.05 p.m. to Goa.

The train journey was filled with moments of fun, laughter, singing and the usual banter associated with group outings. The 'picnic group' alighted at Karmali railway station in the morning at 10.15 a.m. on 12th Dec. and got into the two awaiting mini-buses that were to take us to our picnic destination at LAR DE ESTUDANTES in Altinho, Panaji. The serene and peaceful atmosphere encompassing this place engulfed us, and the huge dormitories made the picnickers feel at home! This would go on to provide an ideal setting for prayer, informal meets, interactions, sing-song and camaraderie.

The entire duration of the picnic was very well organized, meticulously planned and expertly executed in a heart-warming style! Every moment spent together was truly enjoyable that helped build a rapport and bond among the staff members. The picnic program – handed over to every picnicker a day prior to our journey – chalked out the 'plan of action' that the group would follow to discover and explore GOA and its hidden beauty!

The tour of North Goa took us to Don Bosco, Panjim, Don Bosco, Odxel, and the scenic Dona Paula beach on the day we reached Goa. The next day we regaled in the blithe atmosphere of the famed beaches at Vagator, Anjuna, Baga and Calangute, while also spending time in glowing admiration of the picturesque and imposing structure of the Aguada Fort.  By the time, the party toured South Goa, the usually taciturn staff members had turned garrulous – what with bus rides packed with ditties, jokes, and games! While the visit to the churches in Old Goa – Bom Jesu Cathedral and the Se Cathedral – and the temple at Mangueshi, served as a fillip to our faith, the tour of the Savoi Spice Farm, Ponda (with the exotic Goan cuisine) and the Big Foot at Loutolim provided us insights into the Goan tastes, culture and history. There was time to soak in the majestic and the breathtaking view of the sunset at the pristine Colva beach as well as spend some exhilarating moments out there.

On all the days of the picnic, special arrangements were made for visits – and tea – at the homes of Fr. Bernard, Mr. Tony, Mrs.Cleo and Mrs. Madhavi. These added a personal touch to the entire picnic as a warm welcome was accorded to the picnickers by the family members of these our staff members. Touring Panjim city made us shop till we dropped! Our bags heavy, and our hearts light, we set out for our return trip on 15^th Dec. night.  The train reached Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Kurla) on 16^th early morning carrying a group of picnickers wearing bright smiles and loads of precious memories of the kaleidoscopic events in Goa.

  

Visit of Stds. III and IV at Nehru Science Centre

Ignited Minds at Nehru Science Centre

- Mrs. Shalini Crasta & Ms. Queenie Aranjo

The students of class III and class IV of St. Joseph’s High School were presented a learning opportunity to witness the Western India Science Fair 2012-13 at Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai from 12^th-15^th Dec 2012.  This is one of the popular educational programs organized by the Centre every year.  While 73 students of Std. III made it to the exhibition on 13^th December, another 71 students from Std. IV availed of this chance on 14^th December 2012.  They were accompanied by our teachers, Mrs. Shalini, Mrs. Laila, Ms. Queenie, Ms. Chitra, Mrs. Doris, and Mrs. Sharmila.

Prior to the visit, the students were well instructed about the exhibition, and were asked to note down important points from keen observation.  Armed with their entry tickets, the students and the accompanying staff entered the exhibition centre, and grouped themselves into five units for a better and systematic visit to each counter at the venue.  A beeline was made to the following exhibits:

1)      Carpool- a student from Delhi school explained to us the possibility of using the car without causing harm to the atmosphere. He has been spreading this awareness and enlightening people with the various techniques of reducing carbon in different areas in Delhi, and with a good response at that.

2)  Rain Water Conservation- a Gujarat school student expounded the systematic approach to the conservation of rain water, and its fruitful use.

3)    Mechanical Energy- Here a student demonstrated how the wheels of a toy car and a remote control could be used to run the home appliances like T.V, fans, etc.

4)   Quick growth of Banana Fruit- A bright student from Don Bosco, Goa illustrated the use of a particular type of bag to hasten the growth of the banana fruit.

5)      Fruits we eat- The importance of the time, place and type of fruits to be eaten was elucidated at this counter. Intake of fruits is ideal early in the morning, and not immediately after a meal that slows down of the process of digestion.

  6)   Wind energy - Here we were presented with some innovative ideas to harness wind energy to drive a vehicle such as a rickshaw!

  7)   Alarm - the students from Chhattisgarh provided us with a fascinating theory that could help us prevent accidents through the use of machines such as the sugarcane machine that spins in reverse direction if one’s hand ever gets caught in the machine. The ringing of an alarm would save people from accidents.

    8)   Air- Mrs. Varsha gave a simple demonstration to show how water from a damaged water bottle    

      could be saved by the closing of the lid.

Coupled with the learning experience were the elements of fun and enjoyment for our students at the place of the exhibition.  We returned back happy for this event abundant with creative talent and having grown in knowledge borne through interaction and exchange of ideas.

Class picnics - Secondary section

From Shangrila, Thane to Silent Resort, Manor

-Ms. Casiola Fernandes and Master Nimit Kamdar

The assembly of secondary students on the school campus on 7^th December was abuzz with excitement anticipating a day of thrill and merriment.  After all, it was a day set aside for the class picnics. Shangrila Resort, Thane, it was for the students of Stds. V to VIII.  The students warmed up with songs and dance in the bus as they made it to their destination.  We arrived at the picnic spot at 10 am, and wasted no time, after some hot breakfast, to jump into the pool.  The tempting slides, the majestic rain dance, and the pool were star attractions.  After lunch, there were some among us who couldn’t resist the water and the pool – so off we went to the pool! Others recreated with some indoor games such as badminton, hide and seek, cricket …. We were served ice-cream and hot tea just before our departure from the resort.  Together with the class teachers and assistant staff members, we returned back after spending a wonderful, refreshing day at the site.

The destination for the picnic for the students of Std. IX was ‘The Silent Resort’ at Manor.  A pleasant and fun filled two hours bus ride took us to Manor, where we made it right to the site, thanks to the prior arrangement done by our teachers.  The lush green sprawling gardens and water park were mesmerizing.  How we wished to run and jump into the water rides!  However there was a delicious breakfast prepared for us, and it was time to satiate our hunger.  Thereafter, the ‘silent’ resort turned happily into a ‘noisy’ one with students jumping in the pool, and screaming their lungs out on the joy rides and roller coaster slides.  Tasty lunch with mouth watering pav bhaji and Chinese dishes was served at 1 pm.  We were back in the pool for another round of water games and swim.  Before long, it was time for refreshments –packet of pop corn and ice cream- and departure. We are grateful to our class teachers, accompanying staff members and the school management for this opportunity to come together and be rejuvenated. 

The Primary Class Picnic

Welcome to the Fun Junction

- Sunita D’Souza

The students of the Primary section – as the students of the secondary - waited with bated breath for the 7^th of December to arrive.  The reason:  It was the day of their class picnics, the most awaited event in their calendar, and rightly so. That’s an occasion for them to just break free to enjoy, scream, shout, dance, swim and sing to their heart’s content!

This year around our class picnic was organized by Team Adventure – a break with the past - who left no stone unturned to make this outing the most memorable one.  Being a new organization, a ripple of excitement and curiosity was evident to explore new territory. The students assembled in their respective classrooms as early as 7:45 am.  After the attendance and some important instructions by the teachers, the students lined up to board the buses that would take them to the picnic spot - SAINA RESORT, Malad. The teachers and the non-teaching staff accompanied and escorted the students on their way to the picnic spot, and they sure did bond well with their charges - singing, dancing and chatting with them. The team Adventure members surprised the students and staff with a generous serving of snacks during the journey.  Arriving at the resort at 10:15 am, the usually long distance appeared relatively short since every minute of the travel was filled with ‘masti’ and cheer.

The students placed their bags and picnic gear in the space apportioned to them, and they were then served piping hot breakfast which they relished happily after the journey. The swimming pool was irresistible, and the invitation alluring. The students were quick to get into the swimming outfits and jumped merrily into the pool. There were water slides, an umbrella shower and an area for rain dance. The music added to the lively spirit at the pool. Close by, the garden area had swings and a variety of playing props for the children to unwind and recreate.

Lunchtime, and the students were treated to a Indo-Chinese meal that was delicious. A magic show followed the luncheon that was enjoyed thoroughly by the students.  The magician left everyone spellbound with his magic tricks.        The students then lined up for the spinning rides that tossed them high up in the air – these rides could not be more thrilling!  

It was soon time to leave. The ice-cream served to the staff and the students provided the perfect icing on the ‘picnic’ cake. There was a parade back to the buses – but only after the students bid farewell to SAINA RESORT with fond memories in their hearts.  Team Adventure was not done yet. In the bus, they offered the picnickers popcorn and Parle –G biscuits to replenish all their spent energy. The journey back was equally awesome with games and banter.  Once at school, the students were lost in the welcoming arms (and hugs) of their parents; and they departed for their homes, but not before thanking their teachers and organizers for a ‘fun’tastic day! 

Birthday celebrations of our Vice-Principal Ms. Nicole Britto

Birthday greetings to a shining beacon!

Birthdays present us an opportunity to say THANK YOU.  And so it was for us on 5^th of December - the birthday of our dear Vice-Principal and Headmistress, Ms. Nicole Britto.  She was wreathed in smiles…and bouquets, wishes, cards and greetings.  Many accolades and praises came her way – and she did deserve every one of them!

The morning began with a prayer by the Principal, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, for Ms. Nicole on the occasion of her birthday.  He thanked God for the beautiful gift to us in the person of Ms. Nicole who dedicated herself selflessly to the cause of the students (especially the weak and the poor) entrusted to her care.  Master Neel read an address on behalf of the students singing paeans extolling the virtues and the commendable qualities of Ms. Nicole.  The birthday song sung by the entire assembly resounded through the classrooms and the corridors of the school.  The class representatives surprised the birthday girl with some exotic bonsai plants that accompanied their attractive and sentiment filled greeting cards. The young children of the Kg section – and Ms. Nicole does not hide her special love and preference for them – felicitated the Vice-Principal in their classrooms with cards, bouquets, songs and huge smiles.

At a special birthday session hosted by the school staff, Ms. Nicole was overwhelmed by the many greetings and heartfelt sentiments that poured in.  Fr. Godfrey, the Rector of the institution, doffed his hat to the headmistress for her magnanimity in offering her services to the school and the parish.  Later in the afternoon, Ms. Nicole was present with the study class children at a special sponsored lunch for them.  An unfeigned gratitude for someone who cares much for them was evident in their expressions of love and appreciation.

We are indeed privileged to have a great and dedicated Vice-Principal and Headmistress in Ms. Nicole Britto.  May God bless her hundredfold to carry forward the task of educating and guiding young students, and continue to be a committed shining beacon. 

Kg class picnic at Patwardhan Park

Children’s day out- Kg class picnic

The Benjamins of the Kg section of the school were the first to be out of the blocks for the school class picnics.  In a calendar packed with events leading up to the Christmas vacation, class picnics and the staff picnic are the major attractions.  It was the turn of the Kg students along with their staff today, 4^th December 2012, to go for their outing. Picnic bags on their shoulders, a water bottle round their neck, and with loads of excitement (of a little child), off they went to Patwardhan Park, Bandra!

Patwardhan Park is one of the few widespread gardens in Bandra, located amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers everything that a searching, tired and restless soul seeks for - peace of mind amidst the lush green greenery, the sweet music and sounds of chirping birds,  a walking track for the early morning/late evening joggers and strollers, and an attractive play area for children.

Once there at the spot, our children had their plates full (for fun and enjoyment) – swings, roller coasters, slides, and a vast garden…all for themselves.  They jumped, they ran, they played, they showered (the sprinklers were God sent!) and they made merry.  After all that’s what a picnic is all about?! 

RIP Mrs. Theresa D’Souza

RIP Mrs. Theresa D’Souza

Mrs. Theresa D’Souza, an ex-teacher of St. Dominic Savio Kindergarten (St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala) passed away on 8^th November, 2012 after a brief illness.  Born on January 09, 1940, Mrs. Theresa joined our kindergarten on 01 June, 1990, and served the institution for eight years before retiring on 01 May, 1998.  Before joining our institution, Mrs. Theresa had a short stint in Apostolic Convent, Mount Carmel, Pune, after which she served for twenty five long years at Gloria Convent, Byculla, Mumbai.  Known for her affable approach, Mrs. Theresa gelled well with her Pre-Primary colleagues, as well as the staff members of the Primary and the Secondary sections.  Her gentle and loving approach won her many hearts especially among the tiny-tots whom she nurtured and taught. Our deep felt sympathies to the bereaved members of the grieving family of Mrs. Teresa, and our sincere prayers for the repose of the departed soul. May she rest in peace. 

Our unforgettable Sports Festival

A RIVETING SPORTS FESTIVAL

 While the Annual day program can rightly be called the flagship event of the school during the scholastic year, the Sports Festival comes a close second by way of impact, participation and preparation.  The Sports Festival at St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala, this year, had all the ingredients of an invigorating, exhilarating and engaging activity. Months of planned activity, weeks of strategizing and days of absorbing practices contributed much to the organized build-up to the Sports Festival on Thursday, 1^st November, 2012.

An enthusiastic gathering of parents, well wishers, past pupils and students waited with anticipation for the grand opening of the festival. The school leaders, who formed the troupe for the guard of honour, escorted the guests and the dignitaries to the dais for the solemn inaugural ceremony.  The chief guest, Fr. Roger Jones, Rector of Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala, together with the management team and the head teachers, were accorded a grand welcome to the function. After the prayer, led by our Principal, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, and the singing of the national anthem, the school flag was hoisted by the chief guest Fr. Roger Jones to a round of smart salutes. 

In marched the dapperly students of the four houses, to the beats of drums and the clanging of cymbals.  They arrested our attention with a near flawless display of disciplined marching and flowing rhythm. The school captain, Master Neel Mehta, pledged a solemn oath on behalf of the participants, and the school vice-captain, Master Sandesh Ramraje recited the sportsperson’s prayer.  The chosen athletes from the Primary and the Secondary sections – there was one also from the Kg. – looked majestic as they carried the torch round the stadium, and in unison lit the sports flame to the thunderous applause of the gathering.  The chief guest, Fr. Roger Jones, addressing the students, asked them to be passionate in their goals and dreams in building a safe, secure and clean environment. 

It was now time for the razzmatazz – the class floats, the drills, lezim and yoga. The Benjamins of the Kg. section ushered in the theme of Biodiversity (the Fauna) through their attractive float, and this was carried forward by the students of Std. I through their presentation, ‘Biodiversity: the Flora’. The eye-catching floats of Stds. II, III and IV brought out effectively the concerns of pedestrian and road safety.  Pivotal to the presentation of floats by the students of Stds. V to IX was the theme on Energy. Healing, Modern health care, easing women’s burden, farmers’ productivity, conventional and non-conventional resources, were the topics that were touched upon at the colourful, creative and well-orchestrated exhibits. Std. X trooped in last – and there were huge representations from both the divisions – to present their float on the theme of Co-operatives.  Interspersed between the Primary and the Secondary floats were the mass drill, the yoga display and the lezim performance by our students.

A string of track events for the Kg. and Primary, inter-house matches in basketball, handball and football, the amazing tug-of-war, and a match between the staff and the students in football (easily won by the staff) followed the short break after the opening ceremony. A spirit of healthy competition prevailed at the different events, and it was a pleasing sight to have the students (and the parents) engaged in the cheering, the fun and the excitement at the games. The proud winners of the different events and games stood atop the victory stand and received their awards at the hands of the guests at the glittering Prize distribution ceremony.  The Principal proposed the vote of thanks, and the day and the festival drew to a close with the extinguishing of the flame and the lowering of the school flag.  Truly, a glory day for Sports!

Inter school Lezim competition

Reviving glorious Indian traditions … Lezim groups delight!

-Casiola Fernandes

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

18^th October 2012

Discipline, dance, design – this sums up the F/N interschool lezim competition hosted by St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala on 16^th October, 2012.  Dressed in traditional attractive outfits and armed with creative props, the participants from 19 schools converged on the school grounds for the lezim festival.  A sea of enthusiastic followers, supporters, students and teachers, and an array of vibrant colours greeted the eye.

A grand welcome was accorded to all present by Mrs. Sangita, our secondary supervisor, while young Cleon Braganza emceed the ceremony.  The judges for the competition, Dr. Kailash Kadu Asai and Mr. Roshan Chavan, were greeted with floral bouquets before the commencement of the competition. Then in marched the energetic troupes from the different schools to the beats of drums and the clanging of cymbals. They danced, they marched, they grouped (and regrouped) effortlessly to form intricate breathtaking designs and display amazing stunts. There were disciplined routine drills, thematic exercises, well thought out entries and exits, and energetic dances with the lezims.  It was a moment when the glorious Indian tradition came alive!

Mr. Raj, Mr. Tony and Mr. Avinash worked tirelessly to effect a smooth program. They received great support from the past pupils Malcolm, Mayur and Nitin who braved the hot sun to oversee the discipline and the coordination of the program.  The wonderful spirit of togetherness and healthy competition among the participating school students was acknowledged at the vote of thanks by the headmistress, Ms. Nicole Britto.  Indeed a glorious day for schools and the Indian culture!

U-17 Mumbai city Basketball champs

An amazing run – 5^th DSO title for St. Joseph’s

- Somnath Kamble

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

18^th October, 2012

St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala is sure enjoying a dream run in sports this scholastic year.  In just over a month, the school has pocketed its 5^th DSO title by claiming the DSO Mumbai city basketball championship in the u-17 category for boys.

Coming close on the heels of the DSO handball tournament held earlier in the week, the DSO basketball tournament for the u-17 category held on 15^th and 16^th of October, 2012, proved to be a happy hunting (ground) for the Josephites.  Of course, it was no cake walk for our hoopsters, since they had to dig deep as the tournament progressed.  The team eased through the preliminary rounds of the competition with comfortable victories over Campion School and Our Lady of Good Counsel. 

The semifinal against Shishuvan brought out the best in our boys, and a hard fought victory, 30-24, assured them a place in the finals of this prestigious tournament.  The opponents were our feared archrivals Don Bosco, Matunga, whom we never managed to conquer at the DSO level in the u-17 category.  In a riveting game that saw fortunes swing like a pendulum – it was not for the faint hearted- our boys displayed tremendous skills and mental toughness to eke out a 33-32 victory over our famed opponents.  Just a point separated the two teams in a battle of physical stamina, skills, mental strength and astute planning.  Player management and effective strategies were smartly executed by the coach, Mr. Raju and ably supported by the assistant coach, Mr. Somnath.

Off they go now to the divisional level to take a shot at the title and thus bring glory to the school and sport!  All the best boys.

U-14 ‘tricks at DSO, U-17 triumphs: DSO Mumbai City Handball Champs

U-14 ‘tricks at DSO, U-17 triumphs: DSO Mumbai City Handball Champs

-Avinash Gracious

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala

15^th October, 2012

The u-14 teams have hit a purple patch at the DSO tournament this year.  Having bagged the two Mumbai city titles in basketball and football, this category has scored a hat-trick by claiming the third DSO title – this time in handball.  It sure is raining titles here at St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala.  In the recently concluded inter-school DSO Handball championship held at J.B. Vacha, Dadar, on 12^th Oct. 2012, both our handball teams in the u-17 and the u-14 categories emerged victorious and clinched the Mumbai city DSO titles.

In the u-17 category, where 16 schools participated, our boys had a glorious run leading to the finals defeating I.E.S. Raja Shivaji 10-0, and Gopi Birla School, 8-2.  In the finals, they outplayed G.D. Somani School 8-4 to win the city championship and thus qualify for the Divisional level tournament.  Nayan Matta was the leading goal scorer for the triumphant team.

The u-1 4 team matched their illustrious seniors to remain undefeated in the entire tournament and clinch the trophy. With 24 participating teams, the boys were pitied against Patel Bhoiwada B.M.C. school in the quarter-finals which they won with utmost ease, 6-0.  In the semi-finals they got the better of G.D.Somani school 6-2, while the finals proved to be a tough challenge against Gopi Birla School. The final score line read 8-6 in our favour.  Tej Bohara had an outstanding tournament scoring the highest number of goals for the team.   The team plays the divisional tournament later this week.

A bigger and greater challenge lies ahead of our boys and their coach, Mr. Raj, in the divisional tourney where the best vie for the honours.  Go for it boys!

U-14 sizzle: Champions in Football and basketball!

U-14 SIZZLE: CLINCH UTPAL SANGHVI TROPHY IN SOCCER, DSO TITLE IN BASKETBALL

- Vismit Chavan

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala

6^th October 2012

The under-14 football and basketball teams are enjoying a dream run this scholastic year.  In less than two months, both the teams have two titles under their belt – no mean achievement, since such results are hard to come by these days with the stiff competition from the top-notch schools in sports these days.   With the DSO South Mumbai title already in their bag, our u-14 football team went on to lift the Utpal Sanghvi trophy and thus crowned themselves the Mumbai champs. Displaying amazing skills – acquired through many years of hard work and sacrifice under the watchful eyes of the unassuming, yet demanding coach, Mr. Michael D’Silva, and assistants, Mr. Tony De Sa, and Mr. 

Avinash Gracious – and flummoxing opponents with

deft touches, our boys surprised many pundits of the game, outplaying St. Stanislaus High School, Bandra, in the finals played on 28^th Sept. 2012 .  The score 1-0 at the end of the final whistle (and scored by our ace striker Tej Bohara in the dying minutes of the game) however does not reflect the dominance of the spirited Josephites throughout the match. The victory has earned our boys, forever labeled the underdogs, the much deserved self-belief and acclaim from all quarters – in fact, a special mention was made in the illustrated daily ‘Mid-Day’ of our two budding footballers Tej and Bishnu Bohara, who brought laurels to the school through their gutsy display against St. Theresa’s, Bandra in the semi-finals.  We now continue our journey to Kolhapur to vie for the state championship title.

The u-14 basketball team was not to be left far behind. Taking a cue from their football peers, the team added the second trophy to their kitty this scholastic year by winning the DSO basketball tournament held in Sept-Oct. 2012.  In the replayed finals – the earlier match was washed out in the final session of play due to heavy rains, and thus called off – our boys routed Don Bosco, Matunga, 31-13 in the finals on 5^th Oct. 2012, at Don Bosco, Matunga.  Down 5-11 in the first quarter, our boys came into their own in the third quarter, and twisted the knife with commendable ease to clinch the title.  The taste of victory was sweeter since it was against our arch rivals Don Bosco, Matunga.  In the semi-finals, our team got the better of Cathedral, 31-15. Coupled with sublime basketball skills is the growing self-belief that has helped this team earn laurels.  And yes, there are the two coaches, Mr. Raju and Mr. Somnath, who have worked tirelessly to convert this team into a fighting top-notch unit.  Kudos to them!

Take a bow, champs!

Management day at St. Joseph's, Wadala

PILLARS OF ST. JOSEPH'S

- Casiola Fernandes and Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

5^th October 2012

            ‘Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone’, so goes the beautiful quote.  A resounding ‘Thank you’ was all that we wished to say to the five members of the management team of St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala.  Chiming with the sentiments of the assembly of staff and students, we can describe the team comprising of Fr. Godfrey D’Sa, our Rector, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, our Principal, Fr. Vivian D’Souza, the Counsellor, Fr. Sanjay Lopes, Administrator, and the Vice-Principal/Headmistress, Ms. Nicole Britto, as magical, awesome, noble, appreciative, generous, encouraging, meticulous, enthusiastic, talented and nurturing.  All this and much more, was attributed to the wonderful management team on the occasion of the Management Day celebrated on 26^th September 2012.

At. 9:00 am the Pre-Primary and Primary students assembled in the school hall to warmly welcome our Management Team, our Chief Guests for the day. The backdrop on the stage said it succinctly:  IN COMMUNION WITH THE LORD IN HIS VINEYARD. A prayer dance invoking God's blessings on every member of the Management set the tone for the items to follow.  The students then addressed each member of the Management Team highlighting the unique contribution and role played by them in our lives. Cute handmade cards shaped in the form of flowers – and matched by the attractive and pleasing tiny tots - were presented to our esteemed guests by the students of the Pre-Primary Section. The rainbow dance by the students of Std.I compared the colours of the rainbow to the members of the Management, who add beauty to the school and our lives! The Pre-Primary students charmed us with their melodious song WE LOVE YOU combined with a dance expressive of gratitude and joy. The teachers of the Pre-Primary and the Primary sections arrested our attention as they moved up stage to give a wonderful rendition of their own composition ‘Thank you’. In a grand finale, the students of the Primary section dressed in colourful outfits – girls and boys! – representing dance forms from the different states of India foot tapped and swayed to the rhythm of a remix of Indo-Western songs.

In the latter half of the morning, it was the turn of the secondary section to felicitate our management team.  Having being escorted by the school leaders to the hall, the guests were then treated to some entertaining program.  The students of Std. V amazed us with their cat walk to an Indo-Western fashion theme, while Std. VI danced to a similar theme of fusion music. Appreciative words were addressed to each member of the management team by the students of Std. X, while Std. IX enacted a skit, with a touch of humor, elucidating the importance of a good guide and motivator in our lives. Bollywood songs still rule the stage, and this was evident in the final item by our Std. VII students who danced energetically to some Hindi tunes.

At both the programs – Primary and the Secondary - Fr. Rector enlightened everyone with his words of wisdom and thanked the supervisors of the two sections, Mrs. Matilda and Mrs. Sangita,  together with all the teachers for the efforts taken to make this day happen in a special manner. He thanked Fr. Bernard and Ms. Nicole for their unstinted efforts in running the school efficiently!

           The staff of the school then got together in the hall at 1:00 pm.  Ms. Chitra welcomed the Management team on behalf of everyone, and these were later presented with a token of love and appreciation by the representative members of the staff.  After a short address by Fr. Godrey, and the thanksgiving prayer by Fr. Bernard, a sumptuous meal followed for the gathering.