Assembly IV B: Don Bosco, the avid student

Don Bosco - The Avid Student

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

15^th July 2014

At the start of the morning assembly, the compere from Std. IV B accorded a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Desa (Principal) and Mrs. Matilda Fernandes (Head teacher of the Primary Section) and everyone present in the school hall. The words on the backdrop displayed the qualities- respectful, hardworking,sincere and obedience - Don Bosco practised as a student,  and who thus turned out to be a role model for all students all over the world.  The messages on either side of the panel read - 'Have Fun, But Don't Neglect Study Or Prayer' and 'Purity Is The Greatest Virtue That Comes From Obedience'.

The choir and troupe of dancers dressed as angels in white kurtas, began the class assembly invoking the blessings of St. John Bosco through the words of the song 'Raise Your Voices' a hymn specially dedicated to Don Bosco.  Next, the skit that was enacted by a group of students highlighted 7 scenes from the life of St. Don Bosco as a student which shaped his personality and moulded him to become the founder saint of the organisation named the 'Salesians of Don Bosco'! His learning was not restricted to the classroom or to books; he was enthusiastic and ‘avid’ about learning. He did his best to master his skill at learning to study, acquire magic tricks, be a good stable boy, be honest with his mother and patient with his brothers, practising loving kindness at all times, as he was guided by the hand of God. He learnt to master the work of a blacksmith, a carpenter and play the church organ.  Most of all he reached out to help the poor students and shared with them, the gift of education.

Little Johnny Bosco was given a praiseworthy salute at the end of the skit as he stepped forward as a priest who made his dream come true - his dream to become a priest to love and serve God! The group of students holding little hearts with the letters of his name then spoke what each letter of his name stood for as some other student standing beside them held up the banners displaying the values and virtues he believed in and practised all his life. 

The power-point presentation led by Master Chaitanya with instrumental music playing in the background, showcased how Don Bosco grew up to become a role model for all students teaching them to become avid learners, with a firm belief in themselves through the words, 'I am just a pupil determined to study and learn' when he was asked if he was a genius!

Fr. Godfrey then addressed the students. He expressed his happiness with the presentation and thanked Std. IV B for the same. He reiterated the qualities of Don Bosco and drew the attention of everyone present to the various skills St. John Bosco took interest in and tried his best to master, which truly made him stand out as an extraordinary avid student. Fr. Godfrey then congratulated the winners of the Friday activity - Stds. I & II - Picture Colouring Competition and Stds. III & IV - Frog Race. The assembly concluded with the singing of the school anthem.

St. John Bosco, we follow in your footsteps, filled with the enthusiasm to learn to master our abilities and make the most of our potential, shining like bright stars just like you, which is our promise to you!