Principal’s Enhancement and Enrichment Programme for Jesuits of South Zone Provinces May 1-4, 2024

The South Zone Jesuit Provinces arranged a four-day Principal's Enhancement and Enrichment Programme for Jesuits of South Zone Provinces from May 1-4 at Maitreya Spirituality Training Centre, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru. For the Jesuit principals and heads of their respective institutions. 

Fr John Ravi SJ, Fr John Kennedy SJ, Fr VM Thomas SDB and Fr Rohan D’Almeida SJ the Province coordinator for secondary Education were present for the inauguration. The keynote speaker Fr John Ravi SJ highlighted the holistic development of a principal and the traits of an enhanced leader.

The Program's resource person, Fr. VM Thomas SDB, emphasized the need for transformative leadership and the Jesuit tradition of taking calculated risks. The paradigm change received more attention. Activities were provided in conjunction with the sessions to keep us engaged. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including networking, Bloom's Taxonomy, and the digital world. 

Our visit to Delhi Public School East on Sarjapura Road took place on the third day, where Principal MS Carvalo gave us an overview of some of the school's best animation practices.  

Transformation cannot happen without Reflection hence on the last day to gather the fruits of the programme there was a recollection guided by Fr Olvin Veigas SJ followed by the spiritual conversation. At the end of the talk, there was an individual strategic planning for the school and a road map for the future which was moderated by Fr John Kennedy SJ.

In the concluding remark Fr Rohan SJ, the coordinator of Secondary Education of Karnataka Jesuit province addressed the gathering and shed light on the current challenges faced by students and principals. The formal event concluded with handing over mementos to the attendees. The entire programme was applauded by everyone present and always remains a beautiful memory in the hearts of one and all present.

SRUJANA 2023 - Inter School Debate and Elocution Competition organized at Loyola School CBSE Sindagi

Loyola School CBSE Sindagi organized an Inter-school Debate and Elocution competition on August 26, 2023. Seven schools from Vijayapura district participated.

Elocution dealt with the topic – “Impact of mobile phones on present generation,” while the debate competition revolved around the Benefits of the Uniform Civil Code is beneficial for India. 

The aim of organizing the debate and elocution competition was to hone the public speaking skills of students, increase critical thinking, and sharpen the art of articulation of their thoughts and opinions. 

Debate was organized by the High School level while elocution was organized for higher primary. 

The Debate consisted of three rounds – the first being a presentation for 2 minutes, the second round of rebuttal for 1 minute and the third round to provide evidence for the arguments for and against. 

On the other hand, Elocution witnessed views from the younger generation of kids on the on the impact of mobiles. The competition witnessed diverse views from the perspective of students. 

The event was judged by Mrs. Shahimol T Robin Educationalist and Academic co-ordinator of Vivek International School, Mrs Jenifer, and Rev Fr. Jeevan D'Souza SJ. 

The valedictory programme witnessed great enthusiasm as winners were declared. Fr Lancy Fernandes SJ, Principal thanked the schools for coming for the event. Sr Sophia Pereira, Vice Principal, graced the occasion. Ms Swity and Mrs Anita the co-ordinators steered the event with the help of student volunteers. 

Results: 

Elocution 

1st place- Puneet (Mathalaxmi School, Sindagi)

2nd place- Nuzhat Fatima (Mathalaxmi School, Sindagi)

3rd place- M D Farhan (Loyola School CBSE, Sindagi)

Debate

Best Debator ‘FOR’ -  Vijayalaxmi (Loyola School CBSE, Sindagi)

          Runner up -  Tanuja (Nirmalaya School, Almel)

Best Debator ‘AGAINST’ -  Arshiya (Loyola English Medium School,  Vjayapur)

         Runner up -  Ishaan (Loyola School CBSE, Sindagi)

St Joseph's CBSE - A Sweet Ending to a New Beginning - Class 10th Graduation Day

At St. Joseph's School, graduation day was a time for celebration, memories, and reflections as the proud valedictorians of 2022–2023 marched forth with hopes and a plethora of opportunities the world has to offer, keeping with the day's theme "Row into the deep."

The Graduation programme commenced with a procession led by the dignitaries, followed by the valedictorians. The school song was sung and God’s Blessings were invoked through a beautiful prayer service and a prayer dance.

The dignitaries lit the lamp to start the celebration, which was then followed by a special prayer session and prayer dance.

The Principal Rev Fr Rohan D Almeida welcomed the gathering and also addressed the Valedictorians with a lovely message. 

Thereafter, the time came for the student leader Joseph Charanghat to lay down the office and transfer it to the student leader of this academic year Joseph Clifford.

An international athlete Mr. Arjun Devaiah Theethamada, and CEO of Abhimanyu Academy, was the chief guest An international athlete was the chief guest of the day who encouraged and motivated our young graduates to leave a lasting impression on the world in a way that causes people to Google them.

In addition, he asserted that in life, character counts more than appearance or status.

The event's honorary guests were Mr. Arunachalam Karthik the head of I- Move Representation for India and Mr Jens Kayser Project Director Germany.

The rector Rev Fr Joseph Dsouza presided over the function.

A special number, ‘Follow the stars’ was rendered by the outgoing students of class X  in their melodious voices which pierced through the night air.

All of the young valedictorians received mementos, and the outstanding graduating students received awards of excellence.

The traditional and solemn ceremony of passing the light signalled the end of this momentous evening.

The hats whirled skyward carried by bright new hopes and propelled by big daring dreams. 

LEAP: Training for Jesuit School Principals in Bengaluru

January 22, 2023: Prerana, Bengaluru 

LEAP: Leadership Enhancement and Animation Programme was held at Prerana, Ignatian Spirituality centre Bengaluru for the Jesuit School Principals and Managers of Southern Jesuit Provinces (Kerala, Karnataka, Madurai, Chennai and Andhra) from 19th January to 22nd of January 2023.

Fr Jossie D'Mello, SJ, the Vice-Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province in his inaugural address highlighted the role of Jesuit Institutions in the VUCA world (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity). He also highlighted the aspect of IPP (Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm) in today's context as part of the Jesuit identity.

Fr John Ravi, SJ, Secretary, South Asian Jesuit Conference Secretariat for School Education along with Fr John Kennedy, Fr Henry Saldanha, Fr Jossie Lobo, Dr Vincent, Mr Mark D'Souza, Mr Britto and Fr Rohan D'Almeida (co-ordinator) conducted this four-day Programme.  

Day One was focused at Ignatian leadership; Day Two was on Transformational Leadership; Day Three was on Pedagogical leadership; Day Four was on organizational leadership. There were 31 participants from the five Southern Jesuit Provinces. As part of the programme, the participants also visited SJU (St Joseph's University Campus), St Joseph's Boys School, Jesuit Nivas, and St Joseph's Indian Institutions, Bengaluru.

The participants felt that the whole programme was well organized, very informative, transforming and rejuvenating. It was a blend of both theory and practicals.  Participants enjoyed the stay and the great hospitality at Prerana which was arranged by Fr Anthony Joseph, Rector, Mount St Joseph and Fr Prashanth D'Souza, Director of Prerana, Bengaluru.

St. Joseph’s Indian Primary School Annual Day

“Spheres of Life with NAVARASA”

16 January 2023, St Joseph's Indian Institutions Campus, Bengaluru

St. Joseph’s Indian Primary School celebrated its annual day on 12 January 2023 at the school grounds. “Spheres of Life with NAVARASA,’ was the theme of the annual day celebration.  Mr. N.A. Haris, MLA of Shanthinagar Constituency was the chief guest of the programme. Mr. R. Sampath Kumar, CEO- Pool Masters and Waterscapes Pvt. Ltd. and alumnus of St. Joseph’s Indian Institutions, was the guest of honour. Fr. Joseph D’Souza SJ, the Rector of St. Joseph’s Indian Institutions presided over the function. 

The programme began with a prayer dance, which highlighted unity among all religions. The chief guest along with other dignitaries lit the lamp. The chief guest and the guest of honour were felicitated for their service towards humankind. 

The chief guest, Mr. N.A. Haris, in his address, appreciated the services of Jesuit fathers and the sisters in the field of education. He appreciated the teachers for their sacrifice in shaping the minds of the students. He also spoke of the importance of education in independent India. He said, “India is not really free until every Indian is educated and our education should make us good human beings, where humanity prevails over all the other divisions.”

The achievers of the academic year were rewarded. It was followed by the annual report by the headmistress Sr Jane Benita. Ms. Mary Usha, the staff co-ordinator proposed the vote of thanks. This was followed by a mind-blowing performances by the little children. 

 

The performances were confluence of the nine rasas like Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (sorrow), Raudra (anger), Veera (heroism), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbutha (wonder), Shantha (peace). 

There were different forms of dances and dramas, which showcased the diverse talents of our students. The programme ended with a grand finale, where the students and staff of the entire school performed on the stage. All who attended well organized maticulous programme enjoyed it to the brim. In fact, it was indeed, a memorable day!