Moodubelle, 06 Sept 2012: Teaching and non-teaching staff of St. Lawrence Educational Institutions-Church Aided Higher Primary School, St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School, St. Lawrence PU College, St. Lawrence English Medium High School and newly established St. Lawrence Degree College celebrated Teachers’ Day with a difference in the PU College Hall on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 2pm to 4 pm. It was for the first time in the history of the parish that staff members from all institutions governed by the Moodubelle Parish came together and celebrated the event. The celebration was divided into two parts-formal stage function and informal get-together.
The function began with the prayer song sung by the staff members of St. Lawrence English Medium High School. Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Correspondent of St. Lawrence Educational Institutions presided over the function. Dr. Madhavi Bhandary, Ph.D., the Principal of Poornaprajna Evening College, Udupi was the chief guest. Besides these two dignitaries, Fr. Paul Sequeira-Principal of St. Lawrence PU College, Fr. Lancy Saldanha-Principal of St. Lawrence English medium High School, Mrs. Hilda Aranha-Senior Teacher of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School, Dr. Eugene D’Souza-Principal of St. Lawrence Degree College and Mr. Sylvester Mathias-Headmaster of the Church Aided Higher Elementary School were on the dais.
Following the prayer song, Fr. Paul Sequeira in his welcome address narrated the background and purpose of holding joint celebration of the Teachers Day. Dr. Eugene D’Souza offered flower bouquets to the Correspondent. Fr. Joswey welcomed Dr. Madhavi Bhandary by offering her flowers. Thereafter, the dignitaries on the dais offered floral tribute to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the former President of India on whose birthday the Teachers Day is celebrated.
Commodore Jerome Castelino, the Dean of St. Lawrence Degree College introduced the chief guest giving details of her as a teacher, principal, researcher, poet and writer.
In her keynote address Dr. Madhavi Bhandary at the outset appreciated the gathering of the staff-teaching and non-teaching from all the five institutions and said that such exercise is good to foster unity, cooperation and understanding among the staff from different institutions. Continuing her address, Dr. Madhavi Bhandary narrated the role of teachers in moulding the students giving examples from different ancient Indian episodes. She also narrated her own example as a teacher and her observation about teachers.
Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes in his presidential message expressed gratitude to all the teaching and non-teaching staff for their service to the institutions. The chief guest was honoured by the Correspondent by presenting her with memento.
Mr. Sylvester Mathias proposed the vote of thanks and the entire programme was compeered by Mrs. Sarita D’Souza, Vice Principal of St. Lawrence Degree College.
Following the stage programme, the staff members had informal get-together through lucky games in which all the staff members actively took part. Self-introduction followed later. There were a number of suggestions from the staff members including observance of national days such as Independence Day and Republic Day collectively; common picnic for staff members; conducting annual sports, etc.
Each member of the staff was presented with a souvenir by the Correspondent. The get-together of the staff members ended with refreshments.