BIS Correspondent
WADALA, DECEMBER 02, 2011: November 30 – the last day of the month, and a memorable one for us at that! Farewell to our teacher, Mrs. Padmini, conference by the Rector for the staff, F/North Zonal dance competition for senior school students and the Open Day – we saw it all happen!
The day began with an insightful conference by our Rector, Fr. Godfrey D'Sa, to the staff members. Focusing on the theme 'Leading by Example' Fr. D'Sa cited the example of Anne Sullivan, who through her tremendous courage, zeal and determination, shaped and nurtured the potential of one of the truly great talents of our time – Helen Keller. Anne Sullivan was instrumental in leaving behind a legacy in the person of Helen Keller, and also in the foundation of the Leadership Pyramid. The three important elements of this Pyramid namely Modeling, Mentoring and Teaching, speak about the teacher's work that primarily consist of positively influencing others in the pursuit of worthwhile purposes through his/her example, commitment and counseling. A discussion that followed in small groups among the staff members helped reinforce some of these basic principles to help be effective mentors.
Thereafter the school campus was abuzz with a flurry of activities – the Open Day, Book exhibition and inter-school folk dance competition. Our school was host to the F/North zonal folk dance competition for the senior school students. There were a total of thirty schools (and Jr. Colleges) participating in this event. The folk dance competition besides bringing together the cultures of the different Indian states manifested an array of colorful attire that painted the campus strikingly bright. It was indeed a lesson in Indian dance and culture for those present. Lavani, Lezim, Thakar, Adivasi and special dances on Ganapati showed the varied culture of the Marathi folklore. The dances now synonymous with Gujarat namely Garba and Dandiya were indeed a treat to watch. Dances from Rajasthan, Assam, Mizoram, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bengal added color and zest to the folk dance program.
The Open Day – yet another major school activity – and St. Paul book exhibition were the other important highlights of the eventful day. The Open Day provided the important and necessary opportunity for an interaction of parents, students and the staff. It was an ideal circumstance to monitor and evaluate the progress of the child. The book exhibition proved to be a fodder for the inquisitive and the searching mind – and yes, there were many! May such activities serve as model platforms for an effective and creative well-being.