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Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta : A March Towards a Greener Future

AUXILIUM NEW CHUMTA: In a vibrant celebration of Paper Bag Day, Auxilium Convent School New Chumta took a significant step towards environmental sustainability by organizing a rally on 12th July 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives, specifically paper bags. Principal Sr. Kanchan Bara addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic usage. “We must act now to protect our environment. By choosing paper over plastic, we are making a conscious decision to safeguard our planet for future generations,” she said.

The rally commenced from the school premises, with enthusiastic students marching towards Kharpail Bazar and TCP Road. The participants carried colourful banners and placards adorned with slogans like “Say No to Plastic,” “Paper Bags: A Greener Choice,” and “Protect Our Planet.” The energy and enthusiasm of the students were palpable as they chanted slogans, drawing the attention of the local community.

The rally was led by Sr. Clara Rai and Sr. Kishori, accompanied by a dedicated team of teachers. Their leadership and commitment to the cause were evident as they marched alongside the students, encouraging them every step of the way.

Paper Bag Creation and Eco-Friendly Income generating program held at Auxilium New Chumta School

In addition to raising awareness, the students of Auxilium Convent School took practical steps to promote eco-friendly practices by making their paper bags. These handmade bags were then sold to local medicine shops in Kharpail Bazar, demonstrating a successful model of eco-friendly income generation. This initiative not only highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the students but also provided a tangible solution to reduce plastic usage in the community.

The rally concluded with a heartfelt assembly where Principal Sr. Kanchan praised the students’ efforts and urged them to continue advocating for environmental sustainability. “This rally is just the beginning. Let us continue to champion the cause of a plastic-free world and inspire others to join us in this mission,” she said.

The Paper Bag Day rally by Auxilium Convent School New Chumta was a remarkable success, demonstrating the power of education and community action in addressing environmental challenges. The event not only educated students about the importance of sustainable practices but also inspired the local community to take meaningful steps towards reducing plastic waste. The students’ initiative to create and sell paper bags to local shops added a practical dimension to their advocacy, showcasing how eco-friendly practices can also generate income. As the rally ended, the message was clear: together, we can make a significant impact and create a greener, healthier future for all.

Regional Environment Vigilant Committee Formation Training

KOLKATA SALESIAN SISTERS DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY (KSSDS): On 22nd June 2024, the Regional Environment Vigilant Committee Formation training for the Northern Region of Kolkata Province was held at Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta. The training was conducted by Sr. Alma Bilung, the Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society coordinator, along with staff member Miss Suzzane Shaw. Participants included five representatives from St. Anthony’s School, Jaigaon; Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta; Auxilium Convent School, Mirik; and St. Mary’s Convent School, Geyzing, Sikkim.

The session began with an overview of global warming and its effects. Participants were introduced to Global Level Action Plans adopted by the United Nations and the Seven Goals of Laudato Si’, proposed by Holy Father Pope Francis which aimed at fostering care for our Common Home which is the only abode where life exists. The Action Plans drawn by the FMA PCI were also presented to the participants which are to be adopted by all institutions, both formal and non-formal, to create a sense of “Ecological Consciousness for Ecological Justice”.

During the training, participants learned about the different action plans, their implementation processes, and methods for monitoring and recording the progress. The responsibilities of vigilant committee members in overseeing these plans were emphasized, ensuring that everyone understood their roles and duties.

By the end of the training, participants felt confident in their ability to carry out their responsibilities. They pledged to implement the action plans diligently, aiming to bring about positive changes in their local environment and promote ecological justice.

Environment Day Celebration 2024

AUXILIUM MIRIK: Environment Day was celebrated at Auxilium Convent School, Mirik with great enthusiasm. There was a short prayer service conducted during the school assembly.  After this Sr. Anjana Rai explained the meaning of the Environment Day celebration.  It was then followed by the various activities.  All the classes Nursery – UKG had brought the Saplings to plant. Three main activities organized were cleaning of the school campus, planting of the saplings and drawing competition on nature. The children were very excited and participated dynamically in all the activities and sisters and teachers helped and guided the tiny tots to accomplish it. Through this event, children got the opportunity to take care of and protect Mother Earth, the only place where life flourishes. 

Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta Celebrates Environmental Week with Engaging Activities

AUXILIUM, NEW CHUMTA: Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta recently celebrated Environmental Week 2024, marking the occasion with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable development. The week was filled with various activities involving students and teachers, all centred around the theme of saving the Earth.

The festivities began with an impressive PowerPoint presentation by Class XII C. The presentation highlighted practical ways to protect the environment, offering insightful tips and strategies to the students. To engage the attendees further, the students concluded their presentation by posing a few thought-provoking questions, sparking a lively discussion on environmental issues.

Despite the rain on the second day, the commitment to the environment remained strong. Students took the opportunity to clean their classrooms, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment. This activity underscored the message that every small effort counts towards making a significant impact.

Throughout the week, a notice board display on the theme of the environment showcased various informative and inspiring materials. This visual display served as a constant reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and featured student artwork, facts, and tips on how to contribute to saving the planet.

Adding to the week’s events, Sr. Alma Bilung, the KSSDS co-ordinator of the province delivered an enlightening awareness program for both teachers and students. Her talk focused on sustainable development and practical measures to save the Earth. Sr. Alma Bilung’s presentation provided valuable insights and inspired the audience to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

The celebration continued with a compelling speech by Class IX students during the school assembly. Using props to illustrate their points, the students explained the “bone and bane” of the environment in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Their creative approach made complex environmental issues accessible to everyone.

The week concluded on a high note with a tree-planting activity. Each class planted two saplings, resulting in around thirty new trees being added to the school grounds. This symbolic act of planting trees not only contributed to the environment but also served as a lasting reminder of the student’s commitment to protecting the planet.

Environmental Week at ACS New Chumta was a resounding success, fostering a sense of responsibility and action towards environmental conservation among students and staff alike. The activities not only educated but also inspired the entire school community to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.

AUXI – ENVIRONMENTAL DAY: Tree Plantation Drive

AUXILIUM BANDEL: Auxilium Convent School, Bandel organized a “Tree Plantation Drive” with the Past Pupils Association (Bandel Unit) and the Salesian Cooperators of Bandel. It is an initiative to plant around 3000 trees within 4 months. The inaugural ceremony of this noble task was held on 27 June 2024 in the School Hall of Auxilium Convent School, Bandel.

A cultural programme highlighted the menace of global warming and climate change. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Anindita Mondal Rajbanshi the Ward Councillor for Ward 3, Hooghly Chinsurah Municipality, Principal Sr. Clara Saminathan, Salesian Cooperator representative Mr. Francis Mondal.

After the inauguration, all the eminent personalities of the day along with Office Bearers of the Past Pupil Association (Bandel Unit), 20 students, 30 Past Pupils and the Salesian Cooperators headed for Keota Sarat Park for the Plantation drive. The site was in a densely populated locality. Sr. Clara Saminathan along with student representative and Ms  Anindita planted the first sapling. It was followed by all the others. A total of 6 saplings were planted and watered. The local people were very appreciative of this initiative taken. A gardener was also appointed to tend to the saplings in the days to come.

The day’s programme ended with a pledge to continue this noble task for the betterment of Mother Earth. The entire programme as well as this noble initiative has been covered by a local media house “Hooghly News” and telecast to raise social awareness among the people.

‘Laudato Si’ in Action: Birthday celebration

AUXILIUM, DUM DUM-KOLKATA: ‘Save a life, save nature our common home’. The parents of Kaira, a student of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, took a great initiative to celebrate her birthday on 14 June 2024, in a unique and meaningful way. She had a ‘Laudato Si’ birthday celebration. The student offered a plant to all the sisters, the class teacher and her classmates.  Seeing someone spreading such a positive message about nature and the importance of plants was heartwarming. Kaira’s understanding that plants give us oxygen shows a great level of awareness for someone her age. Kaira’s gesture of giving plants educated her peers about the vital role of plants in producing oxygen. This thoughtful act reflects a sense of responsibility towards nature and inspires others to consider similar eco-friendly practices. It is important to encourage such eco-friendly gestures and promote environmental consciousness from a young age.

Reported by: Sr. Sandhya Minj

‘Laudato Si’ in action: Listening to the cry of the poor

Dum Dum – FMA Kolkata: ‘Let us become part of the solution, not the pollution.’ A venture was carried out for the sweepers and cleaners of wards 7,8,9,10,15,16 of Dum Dum Municipality area. It was held on 10 June 2024 at Auxilium Convent school hall heeding the invitation of Pope Francis in the encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ to heed the cry of the poor. The province of FMA Kolkata organised it under the leadership of Sr. Alma Bilung and Sr. Minimol Chettayil in collaboration with the Dum Dum Municipality authorities. The 40 invited sweepers and cleaners were appreciated and thanked for the noble work they render to society. Miss. Elizabeth Blake gave an enlightening talk to highlight the honourable works they carry out. Rev. Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, the Provincial, acknowledged them for their hard work and selfless dedication to keeping the surroundings clean. She also emphasized that as they are serving society, they also must take care of themselves and their health, therefore, all the participants were given gumboots and gloves. Mr. Manish Kumar, the supervisor of Dum Dum Municipality expressed his gratitude to Sr. Provincial, Sr. Superior, and all the sisters on behalf of other staff, and the invited workers for organizing a memorable day for them. They were very grateful for being appreciated by the sisters. The event came to its conclusion with an offering of snacks.