The Health Camp organized to mark the World Health Day

Apr12

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BARASAT- KSSDS: On 6th April 2014, a free health camp was organized at Mazzarello Home Monsada by the KSSDS (Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society) under the leadership of Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, the coordinator of Social Ministry in the Province. The close collaborators were Sr. Sherley Kalapurayil, Mrs. Rita Das, Dr. Prodip Chakroborty, Dr. Uday and sisters from the community of Monsada.

The patients eagerly waited for this day so that the doctors could relieve them from their physical ailments. The Medical Camp started at 11.00 am and ended at 3.00 pm successfully.

It was a day of knowing, understanding and realizing   the pathetic medical conditions of the rural areas of West Bengal and our little effort to solve their problems.

HCA KICKS OFF ECUMENICAL JOURNEY

Apr11

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Holy Child Auxilium School – Vasant Vihar, initiated a new project; an Ecumenical journey with the students of various Christian denominations. The growing number of pupils belonging to various Christian denominations prompted the management to take this imperative step of cultivating awareness among the young people about the exigency of bringing about unity among various denominations of the Christian brethren.  Hence, it is the need of the hour to sensitize the younger generation about the prayer and wish of Jesus. “That all may be one”.

On 4th April 2014, Dr. Teresa Joseph fma, secretary CBCI Office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism encountered a lively and enthusiastic crowd of youngsters of class VIII who are open, eager and all set to explore into the prayer of Jesus: “That they all may be one.”

The vibrant youngsters in one chorous affirmed that each of them and the various Christian denominations are living and working for Jesus and Jesus alone. They did not know how to answer the question of Sr. Teresa Joseph: “If all of us are working for Jesus, then why are we so divided?”  There was an outburst of joy when the youngsters heard that the Ecumenical journey is meant exactly to find links that unite us. The students were happy to get to know the precious document on Christian witness in multi-religious world: recommendations for conduct which will be taken up for study and implementation in the forthcoming meetings during the scholastic year 2014-2015. It was indeed an enriching hour of lively discussion, gaining of awareness, determination and commitment towards true unity. Yes, Jesus needs you and me to make his prayer for unity a lived reality in our homes, in our neighbourhood  in our country and the world. Mrs. Sussan Jose, the teacher who assisted the youngsters did express her eagerness and desire to make unity a possible reality.

 

 

 

MEETING ON ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

Mar31

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An enriching one day workshop was organized at the Province level at Auxilium Dum Dum on 30th March 2014. The resource person for the day was Rev. Fr. Gerald D’Souza SJ from Dhanbad. 43 sisters participated in the meeting.

Through a captivating power point presentation Fr. Gerry touched on three important issues of the day namely: Minority Educational Institutions, Right to Education Act 2002 and Right to Information Act 2005. He brought to the awareness of the participants the essential elements of these three themes. He urged all the participants to have an updated knowledge of these documents to implement the clauses and to safe guard the right of the minority Institutions as per Article 29 and 30 of our Indian Constitutions.

Fr. Gerry briefed the sisters about the registered society – its powers, duties, meetings, objectives and the memorandum of the society. This input session was extremely informative and enabled all the participants to have a thorough knowledge of the norms and bye laws of the registered society. The participants expressed their gratitude to Fr. Gerry and the province.

Sr. Elizabeth Makil

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Mazzarello Home MONSADA

Mar31

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On 19th February 2014, the boarders had a wonderful picnic in the playground of Mazzarello Home Monsada. It was a day of games, competitions, singing and dancing. The delicious lunch was served in a ‘Five star hotel terrace’ which the boarders visited for the first time after the recent renovation. Sisters welcomed them to the beautifully decorated and attractive hall with a warm smile. The dress code of the chefs and waitress were gorgeous and stunning. It was an unexpected and memorable day for the boarders.

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On 23rd March 2014, the NCP youth of Mazzarello Home had an unforgettable day. They took lot of interest to organize the day well with due groundwork in advance under the leadership of sisters.  The cooking and the game committees were enthusiastic to display their best of abilities. The winners of the games were awarded prizes. A good number of children accompanied by their mothers flocked to the venue at 1.00 p.m. Within the twinkle of an eye the closing time 6.00 p.m. arrived to close down the show. One could sense the satisfaction on the faces of children and the beautiful day came to an end. They are waiting for another such occasion to have fun and laughter which will give them happiness and joy.        

Sr. Rose Simon

 

International Women’s Day Celebration

Mar26

 

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The International Women’s Day was celebrated by the Past pupils along with the SHG women of   Barasat, Dum Dum, Monsada and Kalyani.  Ms. Chumki presented a dance with a poem named “Ami sei meye”   based on the different roles of women in our society.Ms.Rita coordinated the programme in collaboration with the Social Ministry Co-ordinator Sr.Leelamma Palliparambil.Ms.Samita conducted an interesting interactive session for the women.   This interactive sessions provided mutual enrichment and empowerment thereby bringing out the fact that the FMA past pupils are really effective in today’s society.

Sr. Elizabeth Joseph

Proud to be part of the FMA Family

Mar24

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JUMAIKELA: On 23rd March 2014, at 10.30 am, 11 students of the Janta Higher Secondary School, Jumaikela enrolled themselves as the Past Pupils of the school during the short prayer service animated by Sr. Cordula Kullu, the principal of the school.  Sr. Rose Kureekattu, the animator of the community, in her message told the newly enrolled Past Pupils to be happy always and to put into practice all the values that they have learnt and acquired from the school and share it with others.  She wished them good luck as she handed over the FMA Past Pupil’s name tag.  Students felt great to be part of the FMA family. 

Sr. Shanti Tirkey

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YOUNG AT RISK (YAR) NATIONAL WORKSHOP

Mar21

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Sr. Gracy Parekattil participated in the Don Bosco Young at Risk (YaR) National Workshop on “Care of Children with Behavioural Difficulties” a Silver Jubilee event of Navajeevan Balabhavan, Vijayawada, from 1-2 March 2014.  There were 153 participants from 19 states of India who are working for the Young at Risk.

There were a number of resource persons who enlightened the participants with various topics such as: “Behavioural Difficulties and Psychological Needs of the young at Risk” by Prof. Phani Bhushan, Psychiatrist, from Guntur; Psycho-Social Actiology of Behavioural Difficulties of Children and Adolescents, and the challenge of identifying them and addressing them by Dr. Diana Monterio, Hyderabad Academy of Psychology, Hyderabad; Understanding Behavioural Difficulties of Children, Exploring their Biological and Psycho- Social Aetiology and ways of dealing with them, including treatment by Dr. George Reddy, Psychiatrist, Hyderabad; Principles of Participatory Action Research and its Application in Addressing Behavioural Difficulties of Children with Case Studies by Prof. Dr. Dev Manti and the PAR Team. Principles of Participatory Action Research and its Application in Addressing behavioural Difficulties of Children with Case Studies by Dr. Dev Manti and the PAR Team; Care of Girl Children with Behavioural Difficulties by Dr. Sr. K. Teresa JMJ, Vijayawada. Towards a healthier and Growthful Childhood:  Addressing Behavioural Difficulties of Children in Families and Derived from Difficult Family Experiences by Dr. Fr. Kuriakose Pallikunnel, Kochi; Preventive System of Don Bosco in the Care of children with behavioural Difficulties; The Challenge of Inclusion, with Focus on Behavioural Difficulties of Children and Training Needs of Personnel/ Care – Givers and a Suggested Training Module, Including Training in Preventive System by Prof. Dr. Dev. Manti and Fr. TD John.

The workshop was enriching and helpful to deal with the problems of children and adolescents.

Sr. Gracy Parekattil fma

 

 

 

 

NEWS from St. Mary’s Geyzing

Mar19

                                                               TEACHERS’ SEMINAR- St. Mary’s Geyzing                                 

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Teaching is a skill and knowledge is power. For the betterment of teaching skills and to bring about an effective and meaningful change and to enhance the quality in teaching the children St. Mary’s Convent School started the Scholastic Year 2014 with two days teachers’ seminar which was held on 14 – 15 February 2014 which was beautifully and enthusiastically conducted by Rev. Fr. Augusty SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Kalimpong.

The seminar started at 8.30 am. On the first day the rules and regulations was read by the teachers and explained by the Principal, keeping in mind the legacy of our Founder Don Bosco and to make known to the children the rules first, before punishing them.

On the second day Rev. Fr. Augusty, SDB, gave all the important key factors to become a highly effective and best teacher. He had various exercises which were thoroughly entertaining and knowledgeable as well. The seminar ended with lots of appreciation and all the teachers enjoyed and looked forward to another seminar of this type next year.

Ms Anjina Lhamu Tamang            

                                                                         NEW SCHOLASTIC YEAR 2014-15

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On 25th February 2014, the prayer service for the opening of the New Scholastic Year 2014-15 was observed. The event started with the lighting of the lamp by Rev. Fr. Walter Crasta, the Parish Priest and Sr. Nirmala Tigga, the superior, a teacher representative and the School Captains. This was followed by a beautiful and meaningful prayer dance and Scripture Reading from the Bible.

The different symbols of the lives of the students were offered such as uniform, ball, book, incense sticks, fruits and bread, school photo etc.  asking God’s blessing.  The time table of ICSE examinations too was offered asking God’s blessing upon the 22 students of our school, who would appear for the Board Examinations this year.

Rev. Fr. Walter, encouraged the students to do always best in their studies and to be good students of the school. He said that they must be grateful to their parents who put them in this good school. He advised them to obey their teachers, respect them and to be good always.

The prayer service concluded with the song  “On this School your blessings Lord”.

Mr. G.K Kaphlay

 

INVESTITURE CEREMONY

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“Uneasy is the head that wears the crown”; “With power comes great responsibility”.

St Mary’s Convent School, Geyzing organized   the   investiture ceremony for  the  year  2014-15.     The morning assembly on 1st March 2014 was indeed special as it witnessed the oath-taking ceremony by school’s senior and junior prefectrial board. The function started with a prayer song and lighting of the lamp by Sr. Superior Sr. Nirmala Tigga, followed by Scripture reading from the Holy Bible. The occasion was graced by our Sr. Superior, who congratulated the badge holders and encouraged them to shoulder their duties with ‘loyalty, truth and honour’. The Principal, Sr. Lily D’Suoza inspired the students and encouraged them to excel in their future endeavors. It was a defining moment for newly elected Head boy Aayush Chettri and the Head girl Sumnima Rai to receive the School Flag and Badge from Superior. Other posts such as Sports Captain, Cultural Captain, Language Captain, Discipline Captain, House Captains  and  Class  Captains  were also  announced  by  Mrs  Bhawana  Tamang,  the    Co-ordinator of the school.

The Students Council took the pledge to hold school’s motto of “Virtue and Knowledge” in high esteem and to fulfill their duties impartially with the best of their competence, character and enthusiasm. “Students of today are the visionaries and torch bearers of tomorrow, when we develop personality, skill, mind, we develop responsible human beings with leadership qualities”

 Ms.Anjina L. Tamang                                            

 

A WORKSHOP for classes VIII- X

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The Workshop was based on how to develop ourselves and encourage ourselves organized by Mrs. Soma Banerjee and Mr. Ajay from Pearson Longman. In the beginning Mrs. Soma told us to smile and enjoy every moment and we realized how precious our smile is. She helped us to build up our self confidence and to be open. She not only motivated us but advised us to think positive and to aim higher. She taught us that strong will power will enable us to reach our goal. Strong will power, determination, hard work, discipline and concentration are the key to achieve success in our life. She instilled in us to say no to bad habits. She also instructed that no career is inferior.

The things that really touched every one’s heart were that to achieve our goal we should have initiative, optimism, commitment, seriousness, smartness and drive. She told us to think big and never give up. She made us aware that attitude and ability leads to success. Our talents are the gifts of God and we should make good use of them. She informed us to recognize people from inside and always read good, inspiring and motivating books. We should recognize knowledge as a key to living and to develop learning skills. She advised us that confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong. She gave us tips to manage time. Lastly she taught us to be positive by following the given quotations:

  • If you fail, never give up because FAIL means First ATTEMPT IN Learning.
  • End is not the end, in fact END means Effort Never Dies.
  • If you get NO as an answer, remember NO means Next Opportunity.

Throughout this session we learnt a lot of things and got inspired. We all enjoyed each moment by smiling and being confident.

 By Sumnima Rai

                                

 

ASHALOY S.H.G. TRAINING PROGRAMME ON CUSHION MAKING

Feb14

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A thirteen day training programme was organized by the KSSDS for the 30 SHG women of Barasat. The ladies were extra enthusiastic and energetic to begin their training on cushion making, which will bring in a very good source of income and to impart value based knowledge for their better health and happy living.

The training began with a symbolic prayer moments with prayer and bhajans, followed by offering all their instruments and the accessories required for the training to get the Divine blessings. Sr.Superior Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel, Sr.Leelamma the KSSDS Coordinator, Ms.Milli  Chatterjee and Mrs.Sarathy Mittro, the trainers and  Mrs.Regina representing the participants were called on to light  the Lamp after which Ms.Alphonsa KSSDS Staff read a passage from the Bible. The prayer moment was concluded by the valuable words of Sr.Leelamma.

The trainers, Ms.Milli and Ms.Sarathi took over the session immediately after the prayer moment and started to impart the knowledge of making a cushion. The women parted with the desire of coming back the next day to learn the next step of “cushion making”.

We thank NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) for supporting our training programme.

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NCP Mela

Feb14

 Image      KSSDS: NCP Mela was held on 9th February, in Barasat from 2.00 pm, where about 200 children along with their parents had participated. Since this day was also celebrated as “Holy Child hood day”, the NCP Mela arranged for the children was more meaningful. The NCP Mela started with a prayer moment by Sr.Leelamma after which, the whole ground, which was decorated for the mela was made open to all the children, their parents and to all the other participants. The stalls, the games and the gifts were prepared by the staff, aspirants and the sisters.

The children purchased the coupons and participated in all the games arranged in the different stalls. They were happy to receive the prizes and the gifts from the different counters. The children enjoyed the games and were highly enthusiastic about the snacks, sweets, toys and the dolls available in the stalls.   The mela went on till 5 pm in the evening and all parted with joy filled hearts and a fresh mind as they were highly satisfied with the programe.

Sr.Lily Perumpettikunnel thanked all the participants for their active participation thereby making the day a success.

Ms. Rita Das

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