Inter school Lezim competition

Reviving glorious Indian traditions … Lezim groups delight!

-Casiola Fernandes

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

18^th October 2012

Discipline, dance, design – this sums up the F/N interschool lezim competition hosted by St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala on 16^th October, 2012.  Dressed in traditional attractive outfits and armed with creative props, the participants from 19 schools converged on the school grounds for the lezim festival.  A sea of enthusiastic followers, supporters, students and teachers, and an array of vibrant colours greeted the eye.

A grand welcome was accorded to all present by Mrs. Sangita, our secondary supervisor, while young Cleon Braganza emceed the ceremony.  The judges for the competition, Dr. Kailash Kadu Asai and Mr. Roshan Chavan, were greeted with floral bouquets before the commencement of the competition. Then in marched the energetic troupes from the different schools to the beats of drums and the clanging of cymbals. They danced, they marched, they grouped (and regrouped) effortlessly to form intricate breathtaking designs and display amazing stunts. There were disciplined routine drills, thematic exercises, well thought out entries and exits, and energetic dances with the lezims.  It was a moment when the glorious Indian tradition came alive!

Mr. Raj, Mr. Tony and Mr. Avinash worked tirelessly to effect a smooth program. They received great support from the past pupils Malcolm, Mayur and Nitin who braved the hot sun to oversee the discipline and the coordination of the program.  The wonderful spirit of togetherness and healthy competition among the participating school students was acknowledged at the vote of thanks by the headmistress, Ms. Nicole Britto.  Indeed a glorious day for schools and the Indian culture!

U-17 Mumbai city Basketball champs

An amazing run – 5^th DSO title for St. Joseph’s

- Somnath Kamble

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

18^th October, 2012

St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala is sure enjoying a dream run in sports this scholastic year.  In just over a month, the school has pocketed its 5^th DSO title by claiming the DSO Mumbai city basketball championship in the u-17 category for boys.

Coming close on the heels of the DSO handball tournament held earlier in the week, the DSO basketball tournament for the u-17 category held on 15^th and 16^th of October, 2012, proved to be a happy hunting (ground) for the Josephites.  Of course, it was no cake walk for our hoopsters, since they had to dig deep as the tournament progressed.  The team eased through the preliminary rounds of the competition with comfortable victories over Campion School and Our Lady of Good Counsel. 

The semifinal against Shishuvan brought out the best in our boys, and a hard fought victory, 30-24, assured them a place in the finals of this prestigious tournament.  The opponents were our feared archrivals Don Bosco, Matunga, whom we never managed to conquer at the DSO level in the u-17 category.  In a riveting game that saw fortunes swing like a pendulum – it was not for the faint hearted- our boys displayed tremendous skills and mental toughness to eke out a 33-32 victory over our famed opponents.  Just a point separated the two teams in a battle of physical stamina, skills, mental strength and astute planning.  Player management and effective strategies were smartly executed by the coach, Mr. Raju and ably supported by the assistant coach, Mr. Somnath.

Off they go now to the divisional level to take a shot at the title and thus bring glory to the school and sport!  All the best boys.

U-14 ‘tricks at DSO, U-17 triumphs: DSO Mumbai City Handball Champs

U-14 ‘tricks at DSO, U-17 triumphs: DSO Mumbai City Handball Champs

-Avinash Gracious

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala

15^th October, 2012

The u-14 teams have hit a purple patch at the DSO tournament this year.  Having bagged the two Mumbai city titles in basketball and football, this category has scored a hat-trick by claiming the third DSO title – this time in handball.  It sure is raining titles here at St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala.  In the recently concluded inter-school DSO Handball championship held at J.B. Vacha, Dadar, on 12^th Oct. 2012, both our handball teams in the u-17 and the u-14 categories emerged victorious and clinched the Mumbai city DSO titles.

In the u-17 category, where 16 schools participated, our boys had a glorious run leading to the finals defeating I.E.S. Raja Shivaji 10-0, and Gopi Birla School, 8-2.  In the finals, they outplayed G.D. Somani School 8-4 to win the city championship and thus qualify for the Divisional level tournament.  Nayan Matta was the leading goal scorer for the triumphant team.

The u-1 4 team matched their illustrious seniors to remain undefeated in the entire tournament and clinch the trophy. With 24 participating teams, the boys were pitied against Patel Bhoiwada B.M.C. school in the quarter-finals which they won with utmost ease, 6-0.  In the semi-finals they got the better of G.D.Somani school 6-2, while the finals proved to be a tough challenge against Gopi Birla School. The final score line read 8-6 in our favour.  Tej Bohara had an outstanding tournament scoring the highest number of goals for the team.   The team plays the divisional tournament later this week.

A bigger and greater challenge lies ahead of our boys and their coach, Mr. Raj, in the divisional tourney where the best vie for the honours.  Go for it boys!

U-14 sizzle: Champions in Football and basketball!

U-14 SIZZLE: CLINCH UTPAL SANGHVI TROPHY IN SOCCER, DSO TITLE IN BASKETBALL

- Vismit Chavan

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala

6^th October 2012

The under-14 football and basketball teams are enjoying a dream run this scholastic year.  In less than two months, both the teams have two titles under their belt – no mean achievement, since such results are hard to come by these days with the stiff competition from the top-notch schools in sports these days.   With the DSO South Mumbai title already in their bag, our u-14 football team went on to lift the Utpal Sanghvi trophy and thus crowned themselves the Mumbai champs. Displaying amazing skills – acquired through many years of hard work and sacrifice under the watchful eyes of the unassuming, yet demanding coach, Mr. Michael D’Silva, and assistants, Mr. Tony De Sa, and Mr. 

Avinash Gracious – and flummoxing opponents with

deft touches, our boys surprised many pundits of the game, outplaying St. Stanislaus High School, Bandra, in the finals played on 28^th Sept. 2012 .  The score 1-0 at the end of the final whistle (and scored by our ace striker Tej Bohara in the dying minutes of the game) however does not reflect the dominance of the spirited Josephites throughout the match. The victory has earned our boys, forever labeled the underdogs, the much deserved self-belief and acclaim from all quarters – in fact, a special mention was made in the illustrated daily ‘Mid-Day’ of our two budding footballers Tej and Bishnu Bohara, who brought laurels to the school through their gutsy display against St. Theresa’s, Bandra in the semi-finals.  We now continue our journey to Kolhapur to vie for the state championship title.

The u-14 basketball team was not to be left far behind. Taking a cue from their football peers, the team added the second trophy to their kitty this scholastic year by winning the DSO basketball tournament held in Sept-Oct. 2012.  In the replayed finals – the earlier match was washed out in the final session of play due to heavy rains, and thus called off – our boys routed Don Bosco, Matunga, 31-13 in the finals on 5^th Oct. 2012, at Don Bosco, Matunga.  Down 5-11 in the first quarter, our boys came into their own in the third quarter, and twisted the knife with commendable ease to clinch the title.  The taste of victory was sweeter since it was against our arch rivals Don Bosco, Matunga.  In the semi-finals, our team got the better of Cathedral, 31-15. Coupled with sublime basketball skills is the growing self-belief that has helped this team earn laurels.  And yes, there are the two coaches, Mr. Raju and Mr. Somnath, who have worked tirelessly to convert this team into a fighting top-notch unit.  Kudos to them!

Take a bow, champs!

Management day at St. Joseph's, Wadala

PILLARS OF ST. JOSEPH'S

- Casiola Fernandes and Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

5^th October 2012

            ‘Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone’, so goes the beautiful quote.  A resounding ‘Thank you’ was all that we wished to say to the five members of the management team of St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala.  Chiming with the sentiments of the assembly of staff and students, we can describe the team comprising of Fr. Godfrey D’Sa, our Rector, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, our Principal, Fr. Vivian D’Souza, the Counsellor, Fr. Sanjay Lopes, Administrator, and the Vice-Principal/Headmistress, Ms. Nicole Britto, as magical, awesome, noble, appreciative, generous, encouraging, meticulous, enthusiastic, talented and nurturing.  All this and much more, was attributed to the wonderful management team on the occasion of the Management Day celebrated on 26^th September 2012.

At. 9:00 am the Pre-Primary and Primary students assembled in the school hall to warmly welcome our Management Team, our Chief Guests for the day. The backdrop on the stage said it succinctly:  IN COMMUNION WITH THE LORD IN HIS VINEYARD. A prayer dance invoking God's blessings on every member of the Management set the tone for the items to follow.  The students then addressed each member of the Management Team highlighting the unique contribution and role played by them in our lives. Cute handmade cards shaped in the form of flowers – and matched by the attractive and pleasing tiny tots - were presented to our esteemed guests by the students of the Pre-Primary Section. The rainbow dance by the students of Std.I compared the colours of the rainbow to the members of the Management, who add beauty to the school and our lives! The Pre-Primary students charmed us with their melodious song WE LOVE YOU combined with a dance expressive of gratitude and joy. The teachers of the Pre-Primary and the Primary sections arrested our attention as they moved up stage to give a wonderful rendition of their own composition ‘Thank you’. In a grand finale, the students of the Primary section dressed in colourful outfits – girls and boys! – representing dance forms from the different states of India foot tapped and swayed to the rhythm of a remix of Indo-Western songs.

In the latter half of the morning, it was the turn of the secondary section to felicitate our management team.  Having being escorted by the school leaders to the hall, the guests were then treated to some entertaining program.  The students of Std. V amazed us with their cat walk to an Indo-Western fashion theme, while Std. VI danced to a similar theme of fusion music. Appreciative words were addressed to each member of the management team by the students of Std. X, while Std. IX enacted a skit, with a touch of humor, elucidating the importance of a good guide and motivator in our lives. Bollywood songs still rule the stage, and this was evident in the final item by our Std. VII students who danced energetically to some Hindi tunes.

At both the programs – Primary and the Secondary - Fr. Rector enlightened everyone with his words of wisdom and thanked the supervisors of the two sections, Mrs. Matilda and Mrs. Sangita,  together with all the teachers for the efforts taken to make this day happen in a special manner. He thanked Fr. Bernard and Ms. Nicole for their unstinted efforts in running the school efficiently!

           The staff of the school then got together in the hall at 1:00 pm.  Ms. Chitra welcomed the Management team on behalf of everyone, and these were later presented with a token of love and appreciation by the representative members of the staff.  After a short address by Fr. Godrey, and the thanksgiving prayer by Fr. Bernard, a sumptuous meal followed for the gathering.  

JOSEPHITES OUT FOR 'LET'

JOSEPHITES OUT FOR 'LET'

Gurpreet Singh Lamba

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

26^th September, 2012

A very exciting day it was for us students (leaders) of St. Joseph’s on 21^st Sept 2012 as we were setting out for our leadership camp to Don Bosco Lonavala. The journey by bus commenced at 1.30pm with a short prayer by our Principal. We were accompanied by our Principal Fr. Bernard Fernandes, our Headmistress Ms. Nicole Britto, Ms. Cressieda Murzello, Mr. Tony Desa, and Mr. Avinash Gracious. Upon reaching Lonavla, we were welcomed by the Rector, Fr. Cletus D’Souza, and were served some light snacks and a cup of tea. Thereafter we were directed to the dormitory where we kept our luggage, and readied ourselves for a walk around the campus.  We were led by Fr. Bernard, who briefed us about the niceties of life in the boarding – not many of us were familiar with this way of life – and the happenings at the place.  As we walked, we reached Maria Ashiana, an institute for street children, where we saw the boys cleaning the place, helping each other and playing with one another.  We noticed that for these children the others around were their family. We were moved by this sight. Along the way, we saw the vast green grounds – a rare sight in Mumbai – and we could not resist the idea of a football/basketball game.  Fr. Bernard heeded to our request, and got a few aspirants to arrange for some sports equipment.  We had a great basketball match between the naughty ninth’s and the terrific tenth’s, while others enjoyed playing football, table tennis and badminton.

After the game, and then a quick bath, we were rejuvenated and ready for the first session. In the AV room, we were introduced to the team of Fr. Cletus, Sr. Caroline, Bro. Vishal and Sir Ryan who would together conduct the sessions on LET: LEADERESHIP EFFECTIVE TRAINING.

In the first session, Bro. Vishal explained the importance of a good leader through a video clipping on a game of football that showed the coach guide his team through effective communication; and then through an engaging blindfold activity with the message that a good leader has to be a guide and a good animator.

At dinner time, a well thought out arrangement in the dining hall, designed to bring together the Mumbai Josephites and Lonavla Boscoites helped create a bond between the two groups.  A lot of pleasantries were exchanged and personal information gathered over the dining table. This continued for some more time during the night recreation.

Another session in the night was conducted by Mr. Ryan who spoke to us about the five most valuable things that a leader should have: Goal Setting, Commitment, Passion, Visualizing things and Personal Belief.  It is the attitude, he said, that makes the lion the king of the jungle. It was necessary to communicate well, focus on our goals, motivate ourselves, and these would guarantee the making of a good leader. A movie was screened for us based on qualities of a leader.

It was then time to go to bed but the excitement and enthusiasm didn’t allow us to sleep much. We set out for a walk early next morning relishing the cool climate, savouring the sweet sound of the chirping of the birds, and delighting in the freshness of the early morning breeze.

After breakfast, the session was conducted by Sr. Caroline who involved us in some breathing exercises, and welcomed a feedback on the movie screened the previous night.  She left us with a very deep insight:  We carry something very important within ourselves, viz. ENTHUSIASM! Before lunch, we went shopping for chikki, fudge, farsan…these specialities of Lonavala still attract crowds to the sweet shops. After lunch, it was Fr. Cletus all the way. He compared two great personalities, HITLER and CHAPLIN, who differed totally from each other.  Fr. Cletus enlightened us on the topics of leadership and team, and summed up saying that it’s our attitude not aptitude that raises us to great altitude!

It was time to head back to the shores of Mumbai. With our bags on our shoulders, and armed with additional skills and attitudes on leadership, we bid good bye to the beautiful people (and the place) of Lonavala.  

Josephites aboard Science Express- Biodiversity Special

Josephites aboard Science Express- Biodiversity Special

- Tr. Cleo & Nimit Kamdar

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

24^th September, 2012

A 16 coach Ac train, designed for a mobile exhibition, named as science Express travels around India creating awareness about BIODIVERSITY. This train has been on the move since 5^th June 2012 and will continue its journey till 22^nd December 2012. The Express made its stop at Mumbai CST station on platform 13 on Friday 14^th September 2012 during the latter part of the night.

30 students of our school, divided into two groups, along with two teachers, Mrs. Cleo and Mr. Sunny, headed for the mobile exhibition with great enthusiasm. The students volunteered willingly to give a helping hand towards the good cause of creating awareness among the citizens of Mumbai, especially school children, through this biodiversity program.

The students and the teachers, after having attended an orientation session a day prior to the exhibition, were as keen as mustard to take up the responsibilities assigned to them. The boys were briefed about the rules of the exhibition and the tasks at hand.  While some were trusted with the duty of guiding the people to the exhibition, the others were authorized to register the schools and the students that came from near and far to attend the biodiversity program. Still others were depended upon to direct and instruct the people to vote for the National Microbe. The following eight microbes had enrolled for the National Microbe contest:

1.       Captain Phogo

2.       Wily Wild Yeast

3.       King Cole

4.       Longy Lacto

5.       Sunny Spiro

6.       Mighty Mucor

7.       Ready Rhizo

8.       Bold Blue Mold

We had the fortune to take a tour of the Science Express train. Inside the train there were animals and flowers found all over the globe, and fossils of ancient times. There were experiments and displays on the study of the universe, our ecosystem, de-polluting the environment, etc. Hands on experiments in Mathematics and Science were conducted on the lab aboard the Science Express. Sixteen of our students managed to complete all the experiments successfully and were awarded the JOY OF SCIENCE certificates.

PARYAVARAN MITRA was a program conducted for teachers. Its aim was to guide and build positive environmental actions at individual, community, national and global level. The growing concerns of the environment and the related topics such as Water, Waste Management, Energy, Biodiversity, Culture and Heritage formed the pivotal themes of the Paryavaran Mitra. The former erudite President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam is the brand ambassador for this project.

The BNHS India (Bombay National History Society) conducted a slide show on the flora and fauna in Mumbai with an emphasis on the need to protect these important and rare species, which if not nurtured could be extinct in the years to come.

Our group of Josephites rounded up their volunteering-cum-learning experience at the Science Express train with a wealth of knowledge and a desire to contribute more to society, in particular, our environment. The group did get a special mention from the organizers, especially the BNHS for their selfless work and enthusiastic response.  It feels good to be part of a worthy cause.