Daring to lead like St.
Dominic Savio
- Ms. Sunita D’Souza, Ms.
Lidwina Mascarenhas
St. Joseph’s High School,
Wadala
14th July 2014
At
the first sign of dawn, on 4th June, 2014, excitement and exuberance filled the air as the
family of St.Joseph's, Wadala, was eager to celebrate the feast of St. Dominic
Savio. Leading by example, St.Dominic Savio paved the way for
young leaders to follow in his footsteps by the virtuous life he led, with the
guidance and support of his teacher, St. John Bosco.
The
day began with a special morning prayer led by Ms. Nicole highlighting the
virtues of St. Dominic Savio, who was an extraordinary student of St. John
Bosco. Simultaneously, there was a special mass for the Catholic students from
Stds. III - X in the parish church. Rev. Fr. Vivian D'Souza celebrated
the thanksgiving mass unfurling the day on a spiritual note. The school choir
comprising our students and budding guitarist. Master Cleo Braganza, and guided
by Bro. Kiran Salve, added a bright spark and melody to the proceedings.
On
this day, the students of Sr. Kg. of St. Dominic Savio Kindergarten had an
enjoyable time in their classes, celebrating their feast with a short film on
St. Dominic Savio and some interesting games organized by their teachers.
The
words on the backdrop in the school hall were indeed inspiring and inviting - '
A Leader Knows The Way, Goes The Way and Shows The Way.' At 10 a.m., the
Primary Section assembled in the school hall as the leaders sprung into action
taking their positions like little soldiers ready to welcome our Chief Guest
for the Investiture Ceremony, Rev. Fr. Salvador D'Souza. The newly
appointed leaders forming the guard of honour briskly ushered in the Chief
Guest who was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Vivian D'Souza, the Vice-Rector, Ms.
Nicole Britto, the Vice-Principal, and Mrs. Matilda Fernandes, the Primary Head
Teacher. The two comperes, dressed in traditional attire, warmly welcomed the
dignitaries. Rev. Fr. Vivian then introduced the Chief Guest to the gathering
who was then presented with a bouquet of flowers. A group of students then
reverently invoked the blessings of St. Dominic Savio through prayers.
Fr.
Salvador began the Investiture Ceremony by investing the Head Boy of the
Primary Section, Master Umang Achalia and the Asst. Head Boy, Master Shaurya
Shetty. The House Captains and Vice-Captains of the four houses received their
flags and ties from Fr. Salvador. The class house captains were then invested
in turn by Fr. Vivian, Ms. Nicole and Mrs. Matilda. The little leaders were wreathed
in smiles as they received their ties, symbolising leadership, co-operation and
teamwork. The class teachers of Stds. I to IV invested the Class Monitors and
the Asst. Class Monitors of their respective classes. All the leaders in turn
pledged to carry out their duties to the best of their ability. Fr. Salvador
then addressed the leaders congratulating them for assuming their newly
appointed roles of leadership. He encouraged them to work together as they
fulfill their duties, take care of the students and perform their duty with
love. He urged them to become better leaders as they progressed in life and
become responsible citizens of the community. Ms. Nicole then proposed the vote
of thanks and the programme drew to a close at 10.40 a.m. with the
singing of the school anthem.
During
the short break, the staff members partook of some tasty refreshments wonderfullspecially
organized by the teachers of St. Dominic Savio kindergarten. Chocolates were
distributed to all the students to celebrate the feast of St. Dominic
Savio!
After
the break, the Secondary Section assembled in the hall for its Investiture
Ceremony. Once again, Fr. Salvador D’Souza did the honours as the Chief Guest.
The hall resounded with a thunderous applause as Master Atharva Chaturvedi was
installed as the Head Boy and Master Varun Tirthani as the Asst. Head Boy. The
rest of the school leaders and class leaders were invested in turn by Fr.
Vivian, Ms. Nicole, Mrs. Sangita ending with the class teachers investing their
Monitors and Assistant Monitors. The NCC and RSP captains were also installed
as leaders at this solemn ceremony. The ceremony ended with the students
singing the school anthem with gusto.
The
leaders drawing inspiration from St. Dominic Savio, honorably received their
ties and are now all set, in body, mind and spirit to do his bidding! They now
set forth to accomplish the greater glory of God, following in the footsteps of
St. Dominic Savio, propelled by the school motto 'I am born for greater things!'
Some students then came forward
holding placards speaking about the qualities Don Bosco practised like hard
work, perseverance, ambition, enthusiasm, faithfulness and honesty. The dance
that followed was gracefully performed to the lyrics of the song 'Let's
Celebrate Don Bosco'. The video-clip showcasing the works of Don Bosco and his
interaction with the youth was then screened as the words of the hymn to Don
Bosco was played seeking his blessings to guide us in all that we do. Fr.
Godfrey addressed the students. He congratulated the students and the class
teacher of Std. IV A for the marvelous assembly. He reiterated the values of
Don Bosco and the way in which he practised what he preached. Certificates were
distributed to the winners from Stds. I-IV for the Clay Moulding Competition
which was the Friday weekly activity. The assembly concluded with the singing
of the school anthem with due reverence. 
