NCC cadets' certificate examination

Drilled and grilled – NCC cadets’ exam

St. Joseph’s Wadala

8^th January 2013

24 students of our school who form the school NCC cadet troupe were tested for their knowledge, skill and discipline.  These our NCC cadets answered their certificate examination on 7^th Januaray 2013 at the hands of the external examiners, Mr. S. K. Singh, P.O., and Mr. M. S. Dunge, L.R.O.  The initial round of examination consisted of drills and orals conducted by these examiners for our cadets, after which our students answered the written examination.  The examiners found our cadets prepared, skilled and disciplined, and commended the hard work and efforts put in by the NCC chief in the school, Mr. Raj.  A great future lies ahead for our promising NCC cadets, and we wish them success and a great year ahead. 

Silver in inter school gymnastics

Yash strikes silver in gymnastics

Our budding gymnast Yash Pardeshi from Std. V is in the news yet again. In the recently concluded 15^th edition of the MSSA organized inter-school gymnastic competition, Master Yash struck silver with his agile performance in the u-12 FX category.  Yash has already won accolades for the school at different levels of the competition in gymnastics at the state and National tournaments.  This year too he has been selected to represent the state of Maharashtra in the Nationals.  We wish him a rolling success in this event and the events to follow. 

Six of our young students excel at Homi Bhaba Science exam

Six bright sparks at the Homi Bhaba Science Examination

Six of our young bright students made it to the Practical level of the prestigious Homi Bhaba Science Examination conducted by the State to identify talent and promote scientific temper.   Of the twenty eight students from our school who appeared, six were from Std. IX and the remaining twenty-two from Std. VI.  Seventeen ( of these, two were from Std. IX) of these were selected for the certificate, while five of them (all from Std. VI) excelled to make it to the Practical examination level. The five students appearing for the practical exam are:

1.  Anirudh Bhattacharya

2.  Darshit Trevadia

3.  Karan Das

4.  Nishant Sarang

5.  Vedang Thakur

6.  Kshitij Kadam

Congratulations to these our students, and we wish them success that will take them to the next stage that involves the Action research project. 

A visit with the GreenLine team to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

'AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE WILD'

- Nodiyal Jaikishan and Arokia Eliyas (Std. IX)

26th November 2012 was an experience-filled day for us. The hustle and bustle of the Diwali vacations did not stop the many nature lovers and enthusiasts from the different schools of Mumbai visiting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park – a trip made possible by the Greenline Team!

Earlier known as the Borivali National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the major national parks existing within the Mumbai metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world! Its rich flora and fauna attract more than two million tourists every year. The 2400 year old KANHERI CAVES sculpted out of the rocky cliffs which lie within the park are a visitor’s delight. It is said that they were sculpted by Buddhist residents starting in the first century! The undulating green lands of the park have a natural environment where people love to retreat to for moments of quiet meditation. The great view of the forest hills, lakes and green areas have a therapeutic effect on the mind, body and soul. The park is nestled in the hill ranges around the suburbs of Borivali, Mumbai. It occupies most of the northern suburbs. To the west lies the township of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Dahisar. To the east lie Bhandup and Mulund. To the south lies the Aarey Milk Colony. To the north reaches of this forest lies the Thane district. The park is naturally blessed with two lakes, the Vihar Lake and the Tulsi Lake which meets parts of the city's water requirements. 

This park houses various species of animals, birds and exotic plants. Some of the birds found here are woodpeckers, kingfishers, sunbirds, etc. The beautiful peacocks can capture anyone’s heart with their lovely bright colours. The park boasts of many varied animals and reptiles. These include spotted deer, wild bear, sambar deer, Hanuman langurs, etc. Snakes like the cobra, monitor lizards, pythons, are also found here. The Tulsi Lake houses a number of crocodiles that makes an interesting site in the park. The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the park houses over 1000 plant species, land and water birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and fish. The Golden Orioles, rocket tailed dronges, robins, sunbirds, peacocks and woodpeckers are the amazing birds that find shelter in the park.

An ambitious nature lover can view the wild animals from a close range through the Lion Safari and the Tiger Safari!  The Lion Safari is a 20 minute ride through a fenced forest in one of the park's green buses. There are a total of about 25 lions and lionesses. We saw two lions up close from inside the caged buses! There are four tigers that are kept semi-confined in fenced areas that are toured by the buses. Besides the safaris, there are several public walking trails in the park. A boating facility with a two person pedal-powered boat on rental provides further recreation for the visitors. There is also the famous Jain temple, Trimurti that provides solace to the searching soul.

 A day at the Sanjay National Gandhi park was indeed an enriching and memorable one for all of us. We learnt that nature, with its flora and fauna, is indeed a blessing for each us, and we need to respect and nurture this gift.

    

A visit to Ruia College

A Visit to Ruia College – Annual Festival ‘KINGDOM PLANTAE’

-Siddharth Mohanty and Parth Tawde (Std. VII B)

On 18th December 2012, the students of Std. VII B were given an opportunity to visit Ruia College for its annual festival ‘KINGDOM PLANTAE’.  Organized by the Department of Botany of this college, the Exhibition and Poster competition at this festival was a tribute to the ‘Oxygen Donors’. 

The students and the two teachers accompanying them were accorded a warm welcome by the college professors.  After the brief preliminaries by the professors, we were introduced to the different exhibits by the students of the college.  The presentations at the exhibits were informative, creative and appealing.  The presentations covered varied topics:

·         Unity in Diversity (Biodiversity)

·         It’s all in the genes (Plant genetics)

·         Playing with the Gene (Genetically modified plants)

·         The Green Cleaners (Phyto remediation, waste management)

·         Green Fuel

·         Environmental Botany ….

Cautioning us about global warming, the students explained that the excessive use of air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.  is harmful since they release harmful ultra violet rays that are harmful to human beings. The gas chloroflurocarbon produced by them spreads diseases of the skin such as skin cancer, rashes on skin, etc. Their slogan was ‘Save Earth by making it green’.  There were various methods to save our earth from becoming a desert. 

We were given a lesson in roots and their types – knee roots, plank root, etc. as well as in ‘bonsai’ plants.  We were quite eager to learn about the natural herbs present in cosmetics, and the difference between natural cosmetics and chemical cosmetics.  On a historical note, they reminded us that mangrove trees were in abundance in Mumbai many years ago. These trees had the power to extract salt from the sea and prevented natural calamities such as Tsunami and floods.  Now-a-days mangroves are becoming scarce due to architectural designs and growing industries.  A demonstration was given to us in the extraction of oil from the plant of Jatropha, and some samples displayed of squashes and pickles of different fruits.  

Young that we were, the explanation of genetic engineering fascinated us. The nucleus contains chromosomes.  Chromosomes bear DNA.  DNA holds the genes.  These genes can be changed according to our characteristics.  Another practical input at this exhibition was that that of ‘Terrerium’ – a desert that could be prepared and kept at home too! It is made up of different layers of soil consisting brick powder, sand, moisture, etc…in that order.  Rangolis prepared with flowers by the students were attractive and added color and variety to the exhibition. 

We returned back to the school having learnt much at the exhibition. We enjoyed the exhibits very much but were sad about the destruction of nature as is happening today.  It’s time for us all to join hands and put together the broken pieces for a better world.

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.