Field trip - Std. IV

YaY! Awesome trip to 'Our Wonderland' - Mumbai!

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

12^th Feb 2014

The students of Stds. IV A & B embarked on a journey to spend a day out, in order to get acquainted with the important landmarks and places of interest in Mumbai. On 12th February, 2014, the students boarded the bus at 9.15 a.m., to jump out of their classrooms (and books) and discover the places en route the journey to and fro from school. This adventurous field trip was exciting, thrilling, fascinating, enlightening and refreshing.

The students witnessed a range of landmarks associated with spirituality, knowledge, tourist attractions, recreation, travel and health. They came 'face to face' with places like Haji Ali, Mahalaxmi Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, British Council Library, C.S.T., Gateway of India,Marine Drive, Colaba, Fountain, Jehangir Art Gallery,Prince of Wales Museum, Reserve Bank of India, Lion Gate, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Taraporewala Aquarium, General Post Office, K.E.M., Wadia, St. George Hospitals, etc. The scenic view of the beautiful beaches and places of knowledge like the Nehru Centre, government buildings like Mantralaya, Naval Headquarters, hotels and gardens offered a good blend of all aspects related to the life of the Mumbaikars!

The final destination was our friendly neighbourhood - Five Gardens. Here the students got a chance to be one with nature and play in the company of trees and plants. They were fascinated to see bats hanging from the tall trees and the beautifully trimmed and well-maintained gardens.

The field trip to the various places of interest in Mumbai was an enriching experience which made learning outdoors fun-filled and enjoyable. This awesome field trip drew to a close at 12.15 p.m., and brought the students back to their books, not before experiencing how the wonderful information in their books can come alive! An enthusiastic batch of students then followed the field trip with interesting feed-back and joyful inputs in their classrooms.  

Scientific fun

Scientific-Fun

- Master Parth Mehta

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

14^th Feb 2014

On 14^th  February 2014, the staff and students of Stds. V and IX were on their way to a field trip at  the Nehru Science Centre. The day started with the customary prayer service over the intercom after which the boys were ready to jump on to their buses for a trip to the science centre. Besides entertaining themselves with some singing (and eating), we got down to some serious stuff during the journey - jotting down some important landmarks and the many beautiful sights along the way.  We arrived at the ‘Nehru Science Centre’ where we trooped to spot and identify the different flowers and trees. Then we were directed to the hall that housed a number of scientific models and experiments.  They were educational as well as fun ‘hands-on’ activities. Later we were shown a 3-D film on the ‘Monsters of the Deep’. We then visited the various sections of the centre. Some of the models and experiments were explained to us by our teachers. An hour later after having visited the length and breadth of the centre, we entered The Science Odyssey , the large dome-like theatre, where we were shown an amazing 45-minute documentary based on ‘The Wild Of California’.  We engaged ourselves later in getting the answers to a list of questions handed over to us, while the students of Std. V had some light recreation in the park. At the end, we partook of some snacks and refreshed ourselves on our way back to school.

      Tired yet delighted to have made the trip, we returned back to school at 2:00 pm after which we assembled in our classes where the teachers appointed some students to prepare charts, reports, etc. based on the field trip. At 2:30 pm, we returned home having experienced a day of education with loads of fun!       

Hard Work Is Always Rewarded!

- Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

12^th February 2014

The students of Std. III B beautifully conducted the class assembly based on the theme - 'EMPLOYMENT'. The backdrop held the words - EMPLOYMENT with words FOOD, CLOTHING, SHELTER, EDUCATION and HEALTH associated with it to signify the inter-relation of these important basic needs of man which rely solely on 'employment'.

In the attractively enacted skit, the unemployed father begins to realize the consequences of his unemployment which were affecting his family.  On landing a good job, he noticed the stark changes in the improvement of his family life, which in turn boosted his morale and self-worth. He also learnt about the dignity of work and the joy in receiving the rewards of hard work.  The adage ‘Work is worship’ too was depicted well with an emphasis on the importance of all kinds of work.

Through the poem titled, 'Work' the students brought out the significance of work and the ways in which we must all do our work to the best of our ability. In the prayer song that followed, the students prayed to God to choose to do what is right and asked God for strength to do what is expected from us, optimizing our potential, using our God-given abilities, and thanking Him for all that we are blessed with.

Fr. Bernard (Principal) addressed the students and stressed the importance of employment to realize our needs.  Next, the team members of the winning houses of were congratulated and awarded certificates for the activities held on Friday – Paper Blowing and Kho-Kho (Stds. I & II), Book Balancing and Kho-Kho (Stds. III & IV).  Master Chaitanya of Std. III A was congratulated for his fantastic skills in singing and playing the mridangam like a maestro.  Master Ayush More of Std.IV B was congratulated for securing a gold medal in martial arts, and for his noteworthy performances in karate.

The assembly concluded with the singing the school anthem with due reverence to the patron of our school, St. Joseph!  

A learning experience at Prince of Wales Museum

A learning experience at CSMVS (Prince of Wales) Museum

- Master Varun Tirthani

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala

14^th February 2014

They say that nothing is more exciting than a field trip. That is exactly what the students of Std VI, VII and VIII experienced on the day of the trip. I.e. the 14^th of February. We visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Vastu Sanghralaya (CSMVS), formerly known as the Prince Of Wales Museum as part of our educational trip. We were well equipped with pens, pencils and a notebook to note down important points and draw some sketches of our observations.

In the museum we were delighted to see the birds and the animals - here we were guided by an officer. In other sections, we were introduced to many glorious moments of the past through sculptures, paintings and artefacts. We also got the opportunity to see the personal collections of some great personalities as well as weapons used by great emperors. We did manage to get a glimpse of nearly everything in the museum in the allotted time. On our way back, in the bus, time was spent in discussion and exchange of notes during the visit.

This educational trip gave us an immense knowledge. We learnt new things and understood the deeper relevance of such enriching educational field trips. 

Staff picnic

NASHIK CALLING!

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

6^th Jan 2014

On 6th evening, at 3.15 p.m., a group of 36 enthusiastic, fun-loving and excited staff members set out for Nashik, the land where the Shrine of Infant Jesus stands tall, and the Kumbh Mela beckons. The staff picnic commenced with a thrilling journey peppered with sing-song sessions in the bus en route to Nashik that kept everyone happy and cheerful. Upon reaching 'Divyadaan' and the Don Bosco parish, the Salesians showered us with their amazing hospitality making us feel welcome and comfortable. After dinner, the action-packed singsong session set the tone for an eventful outing

Up early the next morning, and braving the cold weather, the staff members proceeded to the Shrine of Infant Jesus to seek His blessings as members of one family. After breakfast, we were off to yet another holy place – this time a place of great religious and historical significance to the Hindus, Panchvati. It is a sacred place where many temples are situated, and many devotees throng to bathe in the sacred waters for personal sanctification.

The Sula vineyard and winery was our next destination. The vision of one man, enterprising Stanford-trained engineer, Rajeev Samant, the vineyard also houses a resort to live amid the winery that is open to visitors, who can enjoy a tour, tastings, courses, and fun events. We did get a wonderful tour of the winery under a bright, knowledgeable guide; and a peep into the taste room!  We got a chance to buy some wine from our own 'homegrown grapes'.  

After a sumptuous lunch, the staff thanked all the Salesians for making their stay cozy and awesome. We then assembled for a special thanksgiving mass in the majestic Divyadaan chapel and offered gratitude to God for all the blessings received during the picnic. It was soon time to depart and everyone was indeed grateful to experience such a wonderful and spiritually enlightening picnic. The journey back to school was refreshing as there were some exciting quizzes that witnessed an eager participation from the two teams in the bus - the Dazzling Josephites and the Sparkling Josepites!  Once home at Wadala, our profuse thanks and appreciation were expressed to Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) and Ms. Nicole Britto (Vice-Principal) who made sure that every moment spent was truly magical!  "Thank you for the gharam chai and for giving us a new high! Thank you for listening to our needs, we appreciate your kindness, in words and deeds!"    

Republic Day celebrations - the Primary section

LITTLE JOSEPHITES CELEBRATE REPUBLIC DAY WITH JOY, GRATITUDE AND PRIDE!

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

24^th Jan 2014

On 24th Jan., at 9 a.m., the students from the Pre-Primary and the Primary Sections assembled in the school hall to celebrate the 64th Republic Day of India! The backdrop held the words 64th Republic Day with beautiful cut-outs of butterflies depicting the colours of the Indian flag - saffron, white and green. The two comperes warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) and Mrs. Matilda Fernandes (Headteacher of the Primary Section) in the school hall. They wished everyone a "Happy Republic Day" at the very outset and highlighted the importance of Republic Day singling out the sacrifice of our brave leaders.  The word 'Republic' was elucidated - a government for the people, of the people and by the people, rejoicing in the birth of India as a sovereign, secular, democratic republic.

The students of Std. I dressed in colourful clothes, representing the different states of India, showcased the vast diversity and the unique beauty of the diverse culture of India. The poem 'Happy Republic Day' was then recited by Std. II students conveying their happiness and appreciation at the birth of our Republic on 26th January, 1950. Dressed in kurtas with the colours of the Indian flag, the students of Std. III melodiously sang the song, 'Ayo Bachho Tumhe Dikhaye' reiterating their patriotic fervour with the words 'Vande Mataram'. There was a slide presentation depicting different places in India and the struggle leading to the birth of our Republic Day. 

The power-point presentation conducted by the students of Std. IV highlighted the different aspects associated with the Republic Day - the architect of our Constitution, the first President, Prime Minister, Home Minister, the history of Republic Day, celebration of Republic Day at the Red Fort in New Delhi, awards given to children for bravery, parades by the army, navy and the air force, the Indian flag coloured petals reverently released from the helicopters with displays of the air force, etc…

Fr. Principal congratulated the students and the teachers for the fantastic presentation, commending them for the dissemination of a lot of relevant information about Republic Day.  He stated that the message 'Unity In Diversity' expressed the sentiments of every Indian. There was a pleasant surprise for the birthday girl, Mrs. Sharmila, when the entire assembly joined in singing the Happy Birthday song for her.  The programme drew to a close rekindling the spirit of patriotism in everyone; their hearts filled with joy, gratitude and pride for the gift of democracy. Proud to be an Indian! Jai Hind!  

97th Annual Thanksgiving Day

DON BOSCO - LEAD THE WAY!

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

31^st January 2014

It was indeed a day to remember! The Josephites paid tribute to Don Bosco in a special way on their 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day on 31^st of January 2014 – the feast day of Don Bosco.

We were honored with the presence of Rt. Rev. Dominic Savio Fernandes, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, who was the Chief Guest, and Mr. Ramesh Dound, our retired teacher, the Guest of Honour. At the fabulous guard of honour by our NCC troupe and leaders, the guests were accompanied by the members of the Management, the Supervisors and the P.T.A. Vice-Presidents of the Primary and the Secondary sections. The comperes dressed as 'Yin' and "Yang' representing the evil and goodness of human nature warmly welcomed everyone and pepped up the evening through their amazing dialogue on negativity and positivity. Don Bosco, they emphasized, was a man who transformed the world with his positive thinking and we in turn have the power to bring about a positive change in the world. In the presentation ceremony, the dignitaries were gifted bonsai and tulsi plants which exude positivity.

The welcome song by the teenie minnie music lovers from the K.G. section kept all enthralled and brought a smile on everyone's face. The song 'Aye Khudavand Bata' based on Psalm 15 provided the profound melody and beats for a graceful prayer dance by the parents and Kg students. Fr. Vivian D'Souza then addressed the gathering and extended a warm welcome to everyone. The musical 'The Wide-Mouthed Frog' by the Primary students was a lesson on ‘Mummy care’ providing insights into a mother’s love for her young ones with much focus and self-belief. Following this mini-musical was the annual school report presented by Ms. Nicole Britto, Headmistress and Vice-Principal. The slides in the power-point presentation zoomed in on all the fantastic activities conducted in the school and on the many students who brought laurels to our school over the past year.  The Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour were then felicitated through specially prepared addresses and treasurable mementos. They in turn addressed the gathering and gave us an insight into their world.  The Prize Distribution Ceremony that followed brought the chartbusters into the limelight. These were presented with certificates and scholarships, and the special achievers were awarded shields to mark their victory.

After a short interval, the musical 'Don Bosco - A cantata' was then staged by the young Josephites together with their supportive teachers. It provided a glimpse into the life of Don Bosco, and the influence of people -especially Mamma Margaret -and Mary, Help of Christians, on his life journey. The musical, originally in Italian, was translated into English by Fr. Ian Doulton, sdb.  The invigorating music, and the fantastic sequence of dance and songs, interspersed with snapshots of Don Bosco’s life and the Salesian works projected on the big screen, kept the appreciative crowd spellbound and engrossed.

In his vote of thanks, the Principal, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, thanked the staff and the numerous volunteers (students, past pupils and parishioners) who stepped forward generously in staging the day’s razzmatazz. He attributed the day’s success to the blessings of the Almighty and Don Bosco, and the hard work of committed individuals. It was indeed a fitting tribute to the man behind all the action - Don Bosco! May the dream of Don Bosco live on and may we cherish always the three Rs he stood for - reason, religion and righteousness with loving kindness!  Viva Don Bosco! Long Live Don Bosco!