An enriching student leadership programme

ADHYAYAAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

-          Ms. Cressieda Murzello

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

29^th June 2013

What started as a rainy day for Mumbaikars on 10^th June 2013 proved to be a day to cherish for the leaders of St. Joseph's High School, Wadala and Don Bosco High School, Matunga. All thanks to the Adhyayan Organization for their interesting, creative and innovative eight-day workshop for the leaders of the four Salesian schools in Mumbai (simultaneously, a similar leadership program was on for the leaders of Don Bosco High School, Borivili and Dominic Savio High School, Andheri). 

On the first day, the leaders were greeted by Mr. Michael and Ms. Sophia from the Central School of Speech and Drama, London . The workshop began with an energetic exercise of rhythmic exercise that was followed by 'The Penguin Song', a weird yet an interesting and innovative concept . Then ensued a host of invigorating activities in groups as ice-breakers and value-discovery exercises. 

On day two, the participants were engaged in a blindfold game advocating ‘trust’, and an absorbing treasure map task that drilled in the impact of leadership qualities in managing one’s team. The end of the day saw all rocking to the song, “I say boom chicka rocka chicka boom”.  The amusing banana song sung by the leaders on a conjectured lonely island following a plane crash was the day’s first activity on the third day of the workshop.  The tough ‘mother hawk’ game and the ‘man monster cum survivors’ team game took us to the end of yet another entertaining day. 

Following a break of four days, the workshop resumed on 17^th June with some enthusiastic tasks for the leaders.  The qualities of teamwork were best put to use during the construction of the longest tower with the help of straws.  Thereafter, a ‘Democratic System of Student Council’ was explained to the students by Ms. Shagun.  The students met in smaller groups to work on the formation of the Students’ council for the school, and discussed the problems and the issues that could be addressed and solved through this forum.  This important activity was continued right through the next day.  On the fifth day, the leaders thoroughly enjoyed the game called ‘THE ULTIMATE NINJA’ – which was soon to become a hit- that taught them a great lesson: to survive and succeed one has to listen to his leaders. The students then worked on charts to present their plan to conduct school council meetings. 

On the second last day of the workshop, after the preliminaries of songs and games, the students got down to their task of defining the goals of the Student Council, and nearly created a 'CONSTITUTION' for our very own country-like school.  Later the student leaders were given a lesson in the conduct of a Student Council through a role play activity – Chair, Vice Chair and the Scribe. On 21^st June, being the last day of the leadership camp, the boys marched in with abundant energy and enthusiasm.  Energetic exercises, the games SPLAT and ‘the cat and the mouse’ were the prelude to the STUDENT COUNCIL MEETING.  The issues of the meeting that featured ‘change in uniform’ and ‘cleanliness around the school’ were selected by the Chair and the Vice Chair appointed by Mr. Michael and Ms. Sophie . 

This was sadly the last session at the camp. The students of St. Joseph’s presented Ms. Sophie and Mr. Michael a ‘thank you’ card and a photograph as their token of appreciation for them. We have just begun a new scholastic year – may these inputs prove to be fruitful and productive for the entire school community.

Teachers' Training Program - The 4 Salesian Schools of Mumbai

BE THAT CHANGE

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

26^th June 2013

The Adhyayan Team, Quality Education Services Pvt. Ltd. was at the forefront yet again of another major educational program involving the four Salesian schools of Mumbai.  This time around it was the Teachers' Training Programme for the Salesian schools (A Beginning of Term Workshop for Teachers of Salesian Schools).  The teachers from Dominic Savio High School (Andheri), Don Bosco High School (Matunga), Don Bosco High School (Borivali) and St. Joseph's High School (Wadala) assembled at St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala for a two-day seminar on 10th and 11th June 2013.  A torrential downpour that stopped Mumbai in its tracks delayed the scheduled inaugural session by over an hour.

Having enrolled themselves at the registration counter and armed with special folders and writing materials – and yes, after relishing a sumptuous breakfast - the participants marched into the auditorium for the inaugural session. After a short prayer-service, Ms. Nicole Britto (Vice-Principal) of St. Joseph’s, Wadala warmly welcomed the gathering, with Fr. Crispino D’Souza (Principal, Dominic Savio, Andheri)  introducing the resource personnel (Adhyayan group of seven members headed by Ms.Kavita) to the assembly.  Mrs. Kavita addressed the teachers and spelt out the Adhyayan mission: 'To Support the Growth and Development of Leading Teachers.' 

In the first session, The RTE (Right To Education) and NCF (National Curriculum Framework) were highlighted by Ms. Kavita.  Working in small groups, the teachers acquainted themselves with one another through a game ‘Human Bingo’, and thereafter got down to serious business dissecting and comprehending the central ideas of the RTE and NCF.  An activity to grasp the finer points of the intriguing and widely embraced Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences was up next.  The teachers were presented with the description of the seven multiple intelligences viz. linguistic, logistic/mathematical, musical, bodily/ kinesthetic, spatial/visual, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences - their typical roles, preferences, potential in society, related tasks, activities or tests in the classroom, and the preferred learning styles in school. There were lively and creative presentations by groups – based entirely on the specific multiple intelligences that further reinforced the theory and its practice.

 

Interspersed were lunch break and tea sessions where the teachers got an opportunity to interact with one another and share notes on their profession, hobbies and families.

On day two, the teachers were served piping hot breakfast upon their arrival.  The session that followed began with a prayer, and a talk by Mrs. Kavita that outlined the goals as leading teachers and how we could work towards achieving them. The two key skills of learning, i.e. planning and problem solving as an opportunity to do things differently were also highlighted.  The teachers were then grouped together to discuss certain key issues pertaining to education.  Before long, it was time for lunch.  After a splendid meal (and ice-cream too!), the group leaders presented – in their unique style - the key issues pertaining to education that came up for discussion in their respective groups. An in-depth analysis made in the groups relating to issues such as absence of punishment and failure, student-teacher ratio, teacher ability, systems and time constraints were a feature of the presentations by the group representatives.  

During the last session of the seminar, which was again a group activity, each teacher made a personal commitment to introduce change in his/her classroom teaching methods. The teachers shared in groups their own personal commitments that they felt would suit and foster learning in class.  At a feedback session that followed, the teachers thanked the Adhyayan team for their guidance and expertise that would assist them make learning a 'quality defined' process.

Fr. Bosco (Principal of Don Bosco High School, Matunga) and the Adhyayan team thanked the management of the host school, Fr. Bernard Fernandes (recuperating from an illness), Fr. Allwyn Misquitta, and Ms. Nicole who ensured a smooth sailing of this programme!  Ms. Meera from the Adhyayan Team was impressed by the spirited participation of the entire group of teachers.  Ms. Kavita wished the teachers a fruitful, fun-filled and quality-based interactive 'teaching and learning' journey ahead! And that’s where we are headed for this year!  

Inaugural prayer service to begin a new scholastic year

Into Your Hands O Lord

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

25^th June 2013

A new beginning replete with possibilities, dreams, projects and challenges, also serves as a reminder that there is a God above, the centre of our lives, who directs, guides and blesses our every step.  No beginning – or end – is complete without God’s grace.

The inaugural prayer service conducted meaningfully by Ms. Joanna on 24^th June 2013 for the secondary school assembly was indeed a significant occasion for the staff and students to surrender the new scholastic year into God’s hands and be guided and protected by the Divine. The lighting of the lamp by Fr. Rector, the scripture reading from the Bible, the symbolic presentations and petitions accounted for a steady diet for spiritual nourishment, as also a serene atmosphere at the assembly. The inspirational video clipping ‘Life Vest’ challenged the gathering to reach out in love and service.

Fr. Godfrey D’Sa, our Rector, in his speech, reminded those present that the key to one’s happiness and joy lies inside of one’s heart – it is the individual who shapes his/her growth and destiny through responses to life situations.  He welcomed the new staff members – Fr. Allwyn Misquitta, Ms. Niveta and Ms. Saghayarani – to the family of St. Joseph’s, Wadala.  With a bouquet in his hand, and in his own inimitable manner, Fr. Allwyn Misquitta, illustrated his message vividly: “If you cannot be a flower, do not be a thorn!”

In conclusion, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, the Principal, once again welcomed the new staff and thanked the Management team for their supportive presence.  He applauded the efforts of Ms. Joanna and the support team of staff and students for a devout and purposeful prayer service that ought to set the tone for an adventurous academic year ahead.

Celebrating Earth Hour 60+

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! EARTH HOUR 60+

A (WWF), GREENLINE INITIATIVE!

- Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

 Wadala,

3^rd April, 2013

On 23rd March 2013, the eco-enthusiasts of St. Joseph's High School, Wadala (approximately 20 students from the Primary and the Secondary sections along with Mrs. Sharmila Gomes and Ms. Sunita D'Souza) were drawn towards the premises of Don Bosco High School, Matunga. We had a date with nature! Time: 8.30 - 9.30 p.m. You guessed it right – the Earth hour! Soulful music greeted us upon our arrival, and the songs played by two musicians strumming the guitar provided a melodious symphony to the serene atmosphere surrounding us. The compere warmly welcomed the many volunteers sporting Earth Hour 60+ tee-shirts promoting the eco-conscious spirit.

The Mayor of our city, Mr. Sunil Prabhu arrived soon. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Savio Silveira (the Greenline Guru). Addressing the gathering, he stated that he was gladdened to witness such a good response to the eco-friendly call - the 'Earth Hour', reiterating the need to save electricity!. Personally, he supported this drive by asking his family members to switch off the lights in his house from 8.30 - 9.30 p.m. He congratulated the Greenline Team that collaborated with the WWF for this venture, as also everyone present for coming forward to bring about an awareness to save electricity.  

The entire gathering then marched in a procession with lit candles to realize their goal - Earth Hour 60+.  They began their promenade from Don Bosco High School, Matunga and walked in the direction of Five Gardens in tow. A spontaneous rendition of the song 'Hum Honge Kameyab Ek Din' by some students energised the rally. At King's Circle, we halted for a few minutes to form an eco-friendly circle. We were in for a surprise! The students of Shelter Don Bosco and the Greenline volunteers demonstrated the importance of light in our lives through a street play performed in the form of a lively, energetic and delightful dance. They grooved in sync, their message to ‘save electricity’ loud and clear.  Feeling energised and rejuvenated, we continued our walk down the streets with lit candles. The news reporters and the media personnel present during the rally were seen recording the sequence of events and capturing the special scenes on their cameras of this momentous occasion.

Once at the venue, a pledge was taken by all the eco-crusaders to continue being eco-friendly and do their bit to save electricity. Snacks were served to everyone present. The compere thanked everyone for making this mission possible. Precious memories of this 'special Earth Hour 60+ walk' will live on; time to shine on!     

Farewell for Std. IV

SAYING GOODBYE TO YOU IS NOT EASY DEAREST STUDENTS OF STD.IV!

- Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

2^nd April 2013

It was a day when special seats were reserved in the assembly hall for the students of Std. IV of the school.  The time had come for them to say good-bye to the nostalgic days of the primary section, and move ahead to another phase of their school life.  Hence they were the distinguished guests on 22^nd March where a special farewell programme was organized for them by the students of Stds. I, II & III.  Mrs. Laila Furtado and Ms. Queenie Aranjo co-ordinated the specially planned items together with the staff and the students of these classes. The backdrop held the words 'Fly And Ride Every Way Earnestly, Lovingly, Loyally'!

After our special guests were seated, the compere enthusiastically welcomed the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) and the Guests of Honour, Tr. Nicole Britto (Vice-Principal) and Tr. Matilda Fernandes (Headmistress of the Primary Section). At the introductory prayer, the compere placed the students of Std. IV in God's hands and invoked His blessings on them on behalf of the entire Primary Section. In the entertaining programme that followed, the action song by the students of Std. I to the rhythm of the song 'Hum Rahe Ya Na Rahe' struck a chord with our Std. IV students.  Master Daniel Sequeira of Std. IV A addressed the gathering and expressed his sentiments on the precious moments spent in the Primary Section on behalf of all the students of Std. IV. He thanked the Management, Staff members, the teachers of the Pre-Primary and Primary Sections and students of Stds. I,.II & III. In a touching gesture, beautiful handmade cards were presented by the representatives of Std. IV to the Chief Guest, Fr. Bernard Fernandes, the Guests of Honour, Ms, Nicole Britto and Mrs. Matilda Fernandes, and to all the Pre-Primary and Primary teachers. The words read "You smiled and the world seemed brighter. You held our hands and we felt like kings. Your words to us are a fortune. Your love to us means everything. But we'll never know the reason why you love us as you do. That's the wonder of you!" 

It was now the turn of the students of Std. IV to speak. This was to be their last performance in the Primary Section. They reflected on all that they learnt in the Primary Section and expressed their gratitude to their teachers through the words of the poem, ‘Memories’. The Std. II students then put everyone in an elated mood as they grooved gracefully to the rhythm of the song 'Inni Minni'.  Then there was a wonderful power-point presentation prepared by the students of Std. III who took the students of Std. IV down memory lane featuring all the activities and events, with thought-provoking messages and pictures that were projected straight from the heart!

The Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Bernard Fernandes, then addressed the students of Std. IV. He asked them to share the values they learnt in the Primary Section. The students were quick with their responses – Sharing, Helpfulness, Patience and kindness, Being unselfish, were some that were highly esteemed. Fr. Bernard urged them to continue to practice these values as they set foot in the Secondary Section.  All staff and students who made the day and the farewell program special came in for special mention by the Principal.

May God bless you always dearest students of Std. IV.  We are confident that you will always live up to the motto of our school 'Ad Majora Natus Sum' - 'We Are Born For Greater Things'! 

Feast of our patron, St. Joseph

Thank you St. Joseph - Our Role Model and Guide!

- Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

29^th March, 2013

The countdown to the feast of St. Joseph began with a special novena that was planned and prepared on the theme of faith. The special novena mass was celebrated in our parish church on all the days of the novena at 7 am, with groups of teachers and students animating the liturgy at mass. It was an opportunity to reflect deeper on the qualities of St. Joseph - patience, faith in Divine Providence, faith in Jesus, deeper faith in God…

The prayer service (Secondary section) on 18^th March, the eve of the Feast Day, was offered in thanksgiving to St. Joseph. The video 'Saint Joseph: A Hidden Life' depicting the role of St. Joseph in the life of Jesus and Mother Mary laid emphasis on his ability to work hard and silently and be their source of inspiration. The three virtues of St. Joseph namely, patience, hard work and honesty were highlighted through this video presentation.

The feast day of St. Joseph witnessed a large congregation - well-wishers, students – past and present, teachers (present and retired), parents and parishioners - gathering in the Church of Our Lady of Dolours for the solemn festive thanksgiving mass at 8 a.m.  Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) was the main celebrant; Rev. Fr. Godfrey Desa (Rector) and Rev. Fr. Vivian D'Souza were the concelebrants. A short skit at the beginning of the Mass, depicting the role St. Joseph in our lives, and offerings for the needy at the offertory procession, were some of the highlights of the celebration. The students with regular attendance at the novena Mass were rewarded with special prizes at the end of the Eucharistic celebration.

After the Thanksgiving Mass, the students and parents were offered refreshments, while a special get-together for the staff members, teachers, retired teachers, past pupils and well-wishers was arranged in the school hall. Fr. Bernard wished the entire family of St. Joseph a joyous feast of our patron, and a few other members present too came forward to reminisce the years gone by and pay growing tributes to their alma mater and cherished home. This spontaneous sharing was indeed a testimony of thanksgiving which struck a chord in the hearts of everyone. Snacks and a hot cup of tea were served to everyone present. The teachers were presented a small token of appreciation as a sign of their love, commitment and dedication to St. Joseph’s. A staff photograph at the end of the celebration captured the moment – the smiles and the joy – that completes a family picture!

The following day - March 19 being a ‘festive’ holiday – all the school students were given a ‘munchy’ chocolate treat  to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph. May St. Joseph continue to bless, assist, direct, protect and guide us in all our future endeavours.

    

Winners of Maschio Foundation Greenest School Award for the second successive year

GREEN FEATHER IN OUR CAP - THE SECOND TIME!

- Mrs. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala

15^th March 2013

After a long wait, the propitious moment arrived on 14^th March 2013. A group of five students, of St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala, Cleon, Unnat, Parth, Yash and Bishabh, accompanied by their teachers Mrs. Pavita and Ms. Sunita promenaded along the avenue leading to Don Bosco High School, Matunga. They were on their way to the GreenLine awards ceremony scheduled for the day.  A palpable ripple of excitement and a sense of bliss – after all they were in the company of nature - were their companions on this journey.

An array of the wonderful GreenLine activities displayed on the screen greeted the eye upon our arrival at the venue. These were the activities taken up by the different schools under the ‘Green Schools Campaign’ banner. We were proud to be a part of these 'Green Crusaders'. Eminent environmentalist, Mr. Sunjoy Monga, was the chief guest for the awards ceremony. Also present, as the guest of honour, was Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of the Shrine of Don Bosco, Matunga.

Rev. Fr. Savio Silveira, Director of the GreenLine team, welcomed the gathering and congratulated all the 51 participating schools for putting in that extra effort to contribute to the success of the Greenline activities. The green crusaders had to go beyond the requirements of the school! And “to walk the extra mile is never easy!’’ said he. However, “working together is a fascinating experience!"  He appreciated the presence of the journalists and reporters from the Hindustan Times and the Week who always gave that extra fillip to the GreenLine ventures through their thought provoking articles and reporting.

An eye-catching and informative power-point presentation on the Green School Campaign 2012 - 2013 was presented by Ms. Devyani Singh and Mr. Aristo of the GreenLine team. They highlighted the major themes of the year - 'Green Cover', 'Our Faunatastic World', 'Threats and Conservation', 'Project Sparrow', 'Project Butterfly' and 'Project Green Zone'. A special mention was made of their e-magazine 'Green Runner' - a green concept of the Greenline Team – that allows students to express their thoughts and feelings on biodiversity through articles, poems, paintings, and the like.

Presentations by three schools based on the theme 'My Green Dream For The City' followed thereafter. Our students, Cleon, Unnat and Parth recited a poem – their own composition for this occasion - alongside a power-point presentation with images and scenes that matched their thoughts.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Sunjoy Monga, enthralled the audience with flashbacks of his schooling days when he enjoyed catching frogs and other insects just to observe them closely because he was immensely fascinated by nature. This passion led him on to create a career for himself in which he devotes his time and energies to the protection of nature. 'Little Actions - Big Difference!’, that was his message to all of us

Outlining the criteria for the awards, Fr. Savio Silveira mentioned that the key areas for the point system were participation and involvement, session outcomes, participation in events, initiatives by the school, creativity of ideas, impact on the neighbourhood, school environment and sustainability of activities. The list of the top ten schools was up on display next. And were we not excited to see our name out there! And yes, our joy knew no bounds when it was announced that our school was awarded the ‘Maschio Foundation award for the Greenest School’ for the second consecutive year. A cheque for Rs. one lakh accompanied the prize for the promotion of programmes and projects related to environmental education and greening activities in the school. The ‘Green Hero’ award for the ‘Greenest student’ of the school was won by Master Cleo Braganza of Std. VII for his outstanding contribution in all the GreenLine activities.

Credit to the Management, staff members and the students for pooling in to work towards a ‘sustained commitment to develop a green culture’ in the school.  We now march in unison, with yet another green feather in our cap, towards a land of biodiversity, and a greener and cleaner world!