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!