Fr. Rector's inaugural conference

Straight From The Heart!

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

25^th June 2014

On 16th June, 2014 the day sprung into action just like the football World Cup stars in Brazil, with the teachers doing the quick step, dribbling their roles on duty, passionately envisioning the goal in sight - the heart and mind of the child!   The students were given a warm welcome by the teachers and guided through the day with instructions as to how both the teacher and the students need to work as a team to achieve the common goal. 

The school closed early at 10 a.m. Refreshments sponsored by the staff celebrating their birthdays were served to the teachers... a great way to begin the new year indeed with a symbolic celebration of the gift of new life.  At 11.45 a.m., the teachers assembled in the A.V.Room for the staff meeting. Rev. Fr. Godfrey D'Sa (Rector and Principal) warmly welcomed all the staff members. Rev. Fr. Vivian D'Souza (Vice- Rector and Parish Priest) and Rev. Fr. Allwyn Misquitta (Administrator) were present for the meeting to welcome all the staff members and usher in the new academic year with God's blessings. Ms. Nicole Britto (Vice-Principal) was thanked for her commitment and wholehearted service to the school.

Fr. Godfrey began with a prayer. This was done in a unique way through a special Power-Point presentation - 'A Reflection on Children - by Kahlil Gibran'. He then introduced the other newcomers in the parish and school - the 87-year old Fr. Salu, Bro Kiran, Mrs. Melissa Azaredo and Mrs. Florence Bina Lobo. Fr. Godfrey then conducted an introspective session with the teachers based on the needs of the child and EQ. He reiterated the Multiple Intelligence theory which states that each child is blessed with intelligences such as - Verbal, Mathematical (Logical), Visual and Spatial, Kinesthetic (body), Musical (rhythmic), Intra-personal (self) and Inter-personal (relationships). He stressed how we ought to take note of the responses of children, especially their aggressive behaviour and understand the underlying reasons behind it.  He stated the 4 reasons for aggressive behaviour

1. Environment (subtle over-involvement of adults),

2. Brain Disorder,

3. Therapy for the children who are disruptive (Environment and Brain Disorder)

 4. Habitual

Fr. Godfrey drew our attention to the pyramid of human emotions, especially the emotions of a child. The base of this pyramid was 'Modelling'(which is seen); on it is built 'Mentoring' (which is felt); and the top of the pyramid being 'Teaching' (which is heard). He focused on 8 ways of decreasing violence especially among the boys. The teachers were urged to keep in mind factors like enough sleep, playing outdoors, avoiding fantastic statements (negative remarks or comments), teaching concepts (avoiding rote learning), diagnosing (finding out what is wrong), being human (showing emotions - the teacher must express her emotions about the child's behaviour), working as a team, and touching which brings down aggression (an encouraging gesture)! These pointers were given to the teachers to analyse and work on positive ways to deal with aggressive behaviour when encountered in school!

The video clip 'BELIEVE' about a killer whale 'SHAMU' provided the teachers with deep insights, Fr. Godfrey then took the points on the agenda to guide and enable the teachers to ensure the smooth functioning of the school and he encouraged the teachers to go all out to create, discover and enhance the overall development of every child entrusted to them. The session came to a close at 1.20 p.m. on a cordial note with Fr. Godfrey wishing all the staff members a wonderful and fascinating year ahead!