Shirva: Silver jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco English medium Hr. Primary school

Report by Eugene Moodubelle
Pictures by Anil Alva

Shirva, 08 January 2010: The grand valedictory function of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Don Bosco English Medium Higher Primary School, Shirva was held in the open ground on Thursday, 7th January 2010 at 5.30 PM. The Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, who is also the President of the Catholic Board of Education, presided over the function. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included Mr. Lalaji R. Mendon, MLA of the Kaup Constituency, Rev. Fr. Wilson V. D’Souza, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education, Mrs. Gadys D’Almeida, President of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat and Mr. D. Manjunathaiah, Block Educational Officer.

Prior to the function, the dignitaries were ushered into the function venue by the Scouts and Guides and NCC Cadets marching to the tune of the school band in a graceful procession. The school flag that was hoisted in the morning by Mrs. Gladys D’Almeida, President of Udupi Zilla Panchayat was ceremonially lowered by Fr. Richard Coelho, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church and Correspondent of the parish educational Institutions.

The tone to the valedictory evening function was set by the School Choir by singing melodiously the prayer song in English. Thereafter, Fr. Richard Coelho welcomed the dignitaries on the dais, guests, parents and the students for the finale of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Don Bosco English Medium School. Mrs. Irene Rodrigues, Head Mistress of the school presented the Silver Jubilee report narrating the foundation, growth and achievements of the school during the past 25 years in general and during the last year in particular.

Prizes were distributed by Mr. D. Manjunathiaiah and Rev. Fr. Wilson D’Souza to the students for their proficiency in studies and achievements and Mr. Lalaji R. Mendon gave away sports prizes. President of the Alumni, Mr. Rajdeep Gomes honoured the teachers of the school by presenting a gift box to the Head Mistress.

Mr. Lalaji R. Mendon in his address recalled his presence along with the Bishop at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of St. Lawrence High School, Moodubelle during the last week and expressed his happiness at sharing the dais with His Excellency once again at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Don Bosco School of Shirva. He said that the Catholic Board of Education runs nearly 200 educational institutions in both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts which have become a role model to all other institutions.

After releasing the Silver Jubilee Souvenir titled ‘Silver Rays’, Rev. Fr. Wilson D’Souza speaking on the occasion said that the Jubilee celebration is a happy occasion as there is jubilation at the completion of the milestone of 25 years. He also reminded the gathering that it is the occasion to remember with respect, the founders, Correspondents and all those people and teachers who have worked hard and made sacrifices for the development of the school.

Tribute was paid to the founder of the Don Bosco English Medium School, late Fr. Aloysius Rosario who initiated the process of starting the school in 1984 and the first standard classes were conducted from 1985 after acquiring the necessary permission from the government. He also laid the foundation of the school building that was completed later. Late Fr. Sylvester D’Souza who assumed the responsibility as the Correspondent of the school in 1987 was also remembered on this occasion for his contribution for developing the institution further. The Bishop garlanded the portraits of both late Fr. Aloysius Rosario and Fr. Sylvester D’Souza as mark of respect for their vision and contribution to the growth of the school.

The past and present Correspondents of the school were next honoured by Bishop Dr. Aloysius D’Souza. However, the previous Correspondents-Fr. Lawrence Gomes and Fr. Valerian Pinto could not attend the function due to their illness. The present Correspondent, Fr. Richard Coelho was honoured formally by the Bishop by presenting the traditional shawl, garland, fruit tray and memento.

Mrs. Irene Rodrigues, the Head Mistress of the Don Bosco English Medium Higher Primary School, who was with the institution right from its inception, was felicitated by the Bishop. Mr. Alban Rodrigues-former Principal of St. Mary’s College, Shirva and Mr. Gilbert Barboza were also honoured in similar fashion for their contribution in founding of the Don Bosco School. The Bishop handed over mementos to the Vice-President of the Parish Pastoral Council-Mr. Norbert Machado, President and Vice-President of the Old Students Association-Mr. Rajdeep Gomes and Ms. Delita Mendonca, Vice-President of the Parents and Teachers Association-Mr. Irwin D’Souza and all the members of the Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee.

In his message, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius D’Souza expressed great joy to be present at the Silver Jubilee function of the institution and extended felicitations and good wishes to the Correspondent, Head Mistress, entire teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and students. Further he said that honouring the founders of the Don Bosco School, late Fr. Aloysius Rosario and Fr. Sylvester D’Souza was a befitting tribute to them during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of this great institution. As the President of the Catholic Board of education, the Bishop said that he was proud of the students of the school who have brought credit and honour to the institution in academics and sports.

At the end of the programme, Fr. Richard Coelho presented Silver Jubilee Mementos to the dignitaries on the dais. Mrs. Philomena Barboza, teacher of the Don Bosco School proposed the formal vote of thanks. The past students of the school, Mr. Grynal D’Mello and Ms. Francin Menezes excellently anchored the programme.

Following the stage programme, the large number of enthusiastic audience was treated to variety entertainment programme presented by the school children right from the UKG tiny tots to the seventh standard students beginning with the ‘Poorna Kumbha’ welcome dance. The students enacted a dance play depicting in brief the life of the patron saint of the school, St. Don Bosco showing how he collected orphan and destitute children and how by providing education and other facilities inspired them to lead good and meaningful lives. The Alumni of the school also presented fun-filled variety programmes keeping the audience in high spirit till the end of the function.