Celebrating Earth Hour 60+

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! EARTH HOUR 60+

A (WWF), GREENLINE INITIATIVE!

- Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

 Wadala,

3^rd April, 2013

On 23rd March 2013, the eco-enthusiasts of St. Joseph's High School, Wadala (approximately 20 students from the Primary and the Secondary sections along with Mrs. Sharmila Gomes and Ms. Sunita D'Souza) were drawn towards the premises of Don Bosco High School, Matunga. We had a date with nature! Time: 8.30 - 9.30 p.m. You guessed it right – the Earth hour! Soulful music greeted us upon our arrival, and the songs played by two musicians strumming the guitar provided a melodious symphony to the serene atmosphere surrounding us. The compere warmly welcomed the many volunteers sporting Earth Hour 60+ tee-shirts promoting the eco-conscious spirit.

The Mayor of our city, Mr. Sunil Prabhu arrived soon. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Savio Silveira (the Greenline Guru). Addressing the gathering, he stated that he was gladdened to witness such a good response to the eco-friendly call - the 'Earth Hour', reiterating the need to save electricity!. Personally, he supported this drive by asking his family members to switch off the lights in his house from 8.30 - 9.30 p.m. He congratulated the Greenline Team that collaborated with the WWF for this venture, as also everyone present for coming forward to bring about an awareness to save electricity.  

The entire gathering then marched in a procession with lit candles to realize their goal - Earth Hour 60+.  They began their promenade from Don Bosco High School, Matunga and walked in the direction of Five Gardens in tow. A spontaneous rendition of the song 'Hum Honge Kameyab Ek Din' by some students energised the rally. At King's Circle, we halted for a few minutes to form an eco-friendly circle. We were in for a surprise! The students of Shelter Don Bosco and the Greenline volunteers demonstrated the importance of light in our lives through a street play performed in the form of a lively, energetic and delightful dance. They grooved in sync, their message to ‘save electricity’ loud and clear.  Feeling energised and rejuvenated, we continued our walk down the streets with lit candles. The news reporters and the media personnel present during the rally were seen recording the sequence of events and capturing the special scenes on their cameras of this momentous occasion.

Once at the venue, a pledge was taken by all the eco-crusaders to continue being eco-friendly and do their bit to save electricity. Snacks were served to everyone present. The compere thanked everyone for making this mission possible. Precious memories of this 'special Earth Hour 60+ walk' will live on; time to shine on!     

Farewell for Std. IV

SAYING GOODBYE TO YOU IS NOT EASY DEAREST STUDENTS OF STD.IV!

- Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

2^nd April 2013

It was a day when special seats were reserved in the assembly hall for the students of Std. IV of the school.  The time had come for them to say good-bye to the nostalgic days of the primary section, and move ahead to another phase of their school life.  Hence they were the distinguished guests on 22^nd March where a special farewell programme was organized for them by the students of Stds. I, II & III.  Mrs. Laila Furtado and Ms. Queenie Aranjo co-ordinated the specially planned items together with the staff and the students of these classes. The backdrop held the words 'Fly And Ride Every Way Earnestly, Lovingly, Loyally'!

After our special guests were seated, the compere enthusiastically welcomed the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) and the Guests of Honour, Tr. Nicole Britto (Vice-Principal) and Tr. Matilda Fernandes (Headmistress of the Primary Section). At the introductory prayer, the compere placed the students of Std. IV in God's hands and invoked His blessings on them on behalf of the entire Primary Section. In the entertaining programme that followed, the action song by the students of Std. I to the rhythm of the song 'Hum Rahe Ya Na Rahe' struck a chord with our Std. IV students.  Master Daniel Sequeira of Std. IV A addressed the gathering and expressed his sentiments on the precious moments spent in the Primary Section on behalf of all the students of Std. IV. He thanked the Management, Staff members, the teachers of the Pre-Primary and Primary Sections and students of Stds. I,.II & III. In a touching gesture, beautiful handmade cards were presented by the representatives of Std. IV to the Chief Guest, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, the Guests of Honour, Ms, Nicole Britto and Mrs. Matilda Fernandes, and to all the Pre-Primary and Primary teachers. The words read "You smiled and the world seemed brighter. You held our hands and we felt like kings. Your words to us are a fortune. Your love to us means everything. But we'll never know the reason why you love us as you do. That's the wonder of you!" 

It was now the turn of the students of Std. IV to speak. This was to be their last performance in the Primary Section. They reflected on all that they learnt in the Primary Section and expressed their gratitude to their teachers through the words of the poem, ‘Memories’. The Std. II students then put everyone in an elated mood as they grooved gracefully to the rhythm of the song 'Inni Minni'.  Then there was a wonderful power-point presentation prepared by the students of Std. III who took the students of Std. IV down memory lane featuring all the activities and events, with thought-provoking messages and pictures that were projected straight from the heart!

The Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Bernard Fernandes, then addressed the students of Std. IV. He asked them to share the values they learnt in the Primary Section. The students were quick with their responses – Sharing, Helpfulness, Patience and kindness, Being unselfish, were some that were highly esteemed. Fr. Bernard urged them to continue to practice these values as they set foot in the Secondary Section.  All staff and students who made the day and the farewell program special came in for special mention by the Principal.

May God bless you always dearest students of Std. IV.  We are confident that you will always live up to the motto of our school 'Ad Majora Natus Sum' - 'We Are Born For Greater Things'!