SILVER MEMORIES, GOLDEN DREAMS 2019-2020 YEARBOOK glorious years
The educators of this ins tu on commit themselves to: 1. Being role-models of good character 2. Impar ng sound moral values and deep faith in God 3. Promo ng physical wellness through healthy living habits 4. Crea ng a culture of hard work and self-discipline 5. Enhancing academic performance through effec ve teaching 6. Developing interpersonal skills that help to a ain emo onal balance 7. Inculca ng apprecia on and respect for diverse creeds and cultures 8. Arousing a sense of social awareness and commitment 9. Involving parents as partners in the educa ve process MISSION STATEMENT We strive to promote the holis c educa on of the young, especially the poor in the Don Bosco way, making them agents of transforma on for a be er tomorrow. VISION STATEMENT
CONTENTS Words Of Wisdom Provincial’s Message 5 Rector Speaks 6 From The Principal’s Desk 7 Annual Report 2019 - 2020 Freshers’ Welcome 9 Yoga Day Celebration 10 Leadership Workshop 11 Self-Enrichment Programme 11 Singing Competition 12 Student Council Takes Oath 13 Inter-class Football 14 Debate Finals 15 Gratitude Day 16 Ham Radio Workshop 17 Tectonic Tornado Rocks DBHSS Panjim 18 Jubilee Battle of the Bands 20 XII Arts Lifts Inter-Class Futsal Championship 21 Jubilee Brain Spark 22 Waste Management Lecture 23 NSS & YRC Installation Ceremony 24 Mental Health Session 25 All Goa Teachers’ Seminar on Mental Health Needs 26 Jubilee Cultural Events 27 Faith Week Celebration 28 Don Bosco Panjim Jubilee Tournaments 29 Silver Jubilee Pop-Up-Sale 30 Christmas Celebration 31 Republic Day Celebrations 32 Don Bosco Silver Jubilee Year Closes With Farewell for Std. XII 34 Walking the Silver Pathways 36 Media Grabs 38 Accolades & Triumphs Don Bosco HSS Panjim wins laurels at Shakespeare Festival 39 Arpita Das Awarded National Prize for Stamp Design 40
CONTENTS Don Bosco HSS Panjim bags Second Place at French Celebration 40 DBHSS Panjim Girls Win State Basketball Championship 41 U-19 Chess Championship 42 Shimron Nathan sets new Meet record 42 Shane Marquis sets new Record 42 DBHSS Lifts the Silver Jubilee Inter Staff Football Tournament Trophy 43 Toppers HSSCE 2019 44 ENGLISH ARTICLES Give Me Souls, Take Away The Rest 45 Physics Should Be Caught 46 Down the Memory Lane 47 Give Binge Watching A Break 49 A Ray of Hope 50 25 Years and More 51 Restructuring Libraries 52 Those were the Days... 55 Amazing Facts of the English Language 56 One For Those Little One Struggling in Science 57 Why Does The Reservation Bird Continue to Sing in India 59 Our Home in the Stars : An Opinion 61 Re-visiting Swaraj 62 Memories of the Jubilee Pop-Up Sale 63 The Red Card 64 The Shakespeare Fest : How One Competition Brought Us All Closer Together 65 Path to Success 66 Comparison - The Thief of Joy 66 Lane 1994 67 The Evil House 68 ENGLISH POEMS First Day at School 69 Rain 69 The Season of Joy 70 A Wonderful Summer Day 70 Are Reservations Really Necessity? 71 Little Things 72 The Puncture 73 Thank You Lord 73 Rise India 74
CONTENTS PORTUGUESE SECTION Rua Atmaram Borkar 75 Rua Emidio Gracia 76 Rua Jose Falcao 77 Rua de Swami Vivekananda 78 Rua de Dr Gama Pinto 79 KONKANI SECTION हांव 25 वसा चीं जाल 80 यो याद ं 81 िज वतांत हार मानची हय 82 रवी आपले आवयचो धीर आनी आधार 83 इ टा त यो ू 84 क कणी आमची माय भास 85 अ तर ू 86 समै हो 87 माणकल ु ग य 88 फ़ला ु ं 89 अमचो गांव 90 इ ट बागेचो 91 सं कताय गोयंची ू 92 हांसप 93 हजी आवय 94 पावस 95 Kallzantle Udgar! 95 Don Bosco Tornatteak Uzvado 96 Exvotta Bhogor Yex Na 97 Rupea Utsov 98
CONTENTS HINDI SECTION उ च मा य मक क खबसरत याद ू ू 99 माँ का साया 100 मेर पहचान 100 ग ु 100 नद ष 101 क त ृ 101 फल ू 102 कदरत ह भगवान ु 102 म हला सशि तकरण 103 नाम म या रखा है ? 104 शा ीय न य : दशावतार ृ 105 The Creative Strokes 106 Through the Lens 109 Class Photos XI Arts 110 XI Commerce A 110 XI Commerce B 110 XI Science A 11 1 XI Science B 11 1 XII Arts 111 XII Commerce A 112 XII Commerce B 112 XII Science A 112 XII Science B 113 Our Dedicated Staff 114
PROVINCIAL’S MESSAGE 26 January 2020 Dear Rev. Fr. Principal, Staff and Students, As 31 January comes close, it is with much joy in my heart that I wish you a very happy feast of Don Bosco. May Don Bosco bless and protect everyone that is associated with Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim. It is a matter of pride that the Higher Secondary School is celebrating its Silver Jubilee of existence and service. A Silver Jubilee in the history of any institute is a moment filled with ri g h t f u l p ri d e , c o n s i d e ri n g i t s m a n y achievements in the course of 25 long years. It gives me immense joy to wish Hearty Congratulations to the Management, Principal, Staff and students on having reached this great milestone. It has been a journey of 25 glorious years for this institute of repute: 25 years of sweat and toil, 25 years of dreams and achievements, 25 years of offering knowledge and wisdom to young minds, 25 years of seeing young people make Don Bosco their home for two very significant years of their young lives, 25 years of watching young men and women give wings to their unique vision of life. Today, 25 years later, this institute boasts of having witnessed hundreds of its students make a mark in life and contribute richly to the world in their capacity as magnificent young adults. On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee, our prayer is: “May Silver turn to Gold.” The feast of Don Bosco is a good occasion to reflect on the life of another great saint: St. Francis de Sales (1567 - 1622) whose feast we celebrate on 24 January. Francis was a Bishop of Geneva and was always known for his deep faith and his gentle approach. It is significant that Don Bosco, who was of a choleric temperament, thought it fit to choose Francis de Sales as his model, considering his ways of gentleness and kindness. In fact, Don Bosco called his sons Salesians, after the name of the patron saint. Francis won people over by his gentleness and love. He practiced his own axiom, “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.” His two well-known books are The Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God. Filled with his characteristic gentle spirit, his writings are addressed to lay people. He wants to make them understand that they too are called to be saints. As he wrote in The Introduction to the Devout Life, “It is an error, or rather a heresy, to say devotion is incompatible with the life of a soldier, a tradesman, a prince, or a married woman…. It has happened that many have lost perfection in the desert who had preserved it in the world.” Anyone familiar with the Salesian system of education will note that Don Bosco gives all the credit to his patron and model, St. Francis de Sales. Kindness, gentleness and familiarity breed love, he keeps reminding us. These virtues play a pivotal role in the sacred process of Salesian education. As we celebrate the feast day of Don Bosco, let us pray to the great saint to intercede for us so that we too may imbibe the qualities of kindness, gentleness and love that we were found so richly in St. Francis de Sales. Happy Feast of Don Bosco! Affectionately in Don Bosco, Fr. Felix Fernandes, sdb. Provincial 5
RECTOR SPEAKS A jubilee of an institution is an important mi les tone and an occasion to be celebrated with gratitude. Over the pas t 25 wonderful years, Don Bosco Higher Se c o n d a r y Sc h o o l , Pa n j i m , prompted by its enduring motto “Virtue and knowledge” has laboured tirelessly with pronounced dedication, imparting Holistic education, values, and discipline with immeasurable success, to all the young students, who have walked through its portals. This is indeed an achievement that calls for a celebration. While arriving triumphantly to this significant moment, this institution is simultaneously writing a history that marks it as a school that has always believed in the strength and capability of every student, nurtured every inquisitive mind to the best of its ability and built pioneers who will initiate a culture of love, peace and unity which our society and country needs today. At this juncture, having tangibly grown from strength to strength under the able leadership of former principals and Fr. Savio Gomes the present principal, a thorough team leader, together with a band of highly motivated teachers, and a set diligent students along with the relentless support staff, this institution is now ready to take on new challenges as it envisages a future full of possibilities providing an environment of enduring evolution and learning that makes a difference to all , in keeping with the modern times. I congratulate the Higher Secondary Section and wish them all the best as th they celebrate the 25 Silver Jubilee Year with the theme 'Si l ver Memories Golden Dreams' as they honour the past and energize the future. God bless all your efforts and celebrations. May St. John Bosco ignite you with his zeal to continue to work for the young, especially the marginalized to ensure them a future that is brilliant and bright. With every good wish Fr. Avin Carvalho Rector. “RUN, JUMP, SHOUT BUT DO NOT SIN 6
In the Gujarati translation on the life of Don Bosco, the translator Prof. R. R. Parmar of St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad chose the title of the book as INTALLANO KADDIYO – a mason who builds edifices not with good quality bricks, but with brickbats - broken bricks, stones and rubble. And that is exactly who Don Bosco was – an INTALLA NO KADDIYO – a master builder who took, not the richest and the best of society, but the poor and the destitute, the vagrant and migrant youth of his time, and built magnificent, enduring edifices out of the lives. Every Don Bosco institution can boast of very humble beginnings, and Don Bosco Higher Secondary, Panjim was no exception. Yet, it is the stalwarts of the past – the Salesian Provincials, the Rectors and the Principals of yesteryears, the dedicated senior teachers, the government officials, the extremely supportive PTA, the parents and generous benefactors – who have made the school what it is today, a much sought after institution, not only for its academic excellence but also for the good infrastructure, discipline and personal follow up of the students during their difficult teenage years. The school fosters creativity through co-curricular activities and the ventures of its many dynamic clubs. Faith Education and Sports are accorded high priority, thereby laying equal emphasis on the all-round development of body, mind and soul, in the process helping students of diverse backgrounds build meaningful lifelong relationships and even stronger value systems. We are indeed standing on the shoulders of giants, and the state of Goa will be eternally grateful to them for their valuable contribution to education! This year in a special way, I deem it a proud, yet humble privilege to serve as Principal of this august institution as we celebrate our Silver Jubilee with the theme: 'Silver Memories, Golden Dreams'. A host of exciting events were lined up, beginning with the Battle of the Bands – a musical extravaganza for present and past pupils, Brain Spark – an inter school competition, a Seminar for Teachers on Mental Hygiene, a Cultural Celebration, Inter HSS U-19 Boys Football, U-19 Girls Basketball & Inter Staff Football Tournaments, and a Sports Festival culminating with a Popup Sale. During the Cultural Celebration, we also had the release of a Special Jubilee Philatelic Cover at the hands of Shri Shripad Naik, Hon. Minister for AYUSH. Our dynamic PTA has always been fully supportive and has actively involved itself in all the ventures of our institution. We have also undertaken a special Jubilee Project - the setting up of a new Computer Laboratory for our students. Many generous donors have come forward to fund this venture. We are forever grateful to them, because whenever we needed their help, they have always been there for Don Bosco. As we pledge to continue our mission of delivering holistic education of the highest standards to the young people of Goa, I take this opportunity to thank all our dedicated staff members, our students past and present, and our supportive parents and collaborators, who have walked with us each step of this remarkable journey of 25 years. May Don Bosco smile on us all! Fr. Savio Gomes SDB Principal FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK 7
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 8
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FRESHERS' WELCOME 'We must welcome the future, remembering that it will soon be the past; and we must respect the past, remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible.' The students of Std XI were formally welcomed into the portals of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim with the celebration of the inaugural mass and a cultural programme on June 10, 2019. The Holy Eucharist, celebrated by the Principal, Fr Savio Gomes, was all about experiencing God in our daily lives through acts of love and charity. The staff and students offered up their prayers and intentions for the ongoing Silver Jubilee Year of the institution. The cultural programme began with a solemn prayer service, following which the music lovers were treated to a live performance by our talented school band. Student representatives of each stream from Std XI took the stage to express why they chose Don Bosco Higher Secondary, and to share their goals for these two years. The boys of Std XII put up a humorous yet touching dramatic portrayal on the excessive use of mobile phones among youngsters. It was then the turn of the theatre troupe to bring a smile to everyone's faces with enactments of familiar scenes at school. Tr Reshma Mapari briefed the students on the rules and regulations of the school, while Andrew de Sousa recapitulated the events and activities of the previous academic year. The programme was capped with the teacher-coordinators of the various school clubs briefly introducing the scope and activities of their clubs. In his address, Fr. Savio exhorted the students to maintain discipline as well as to work towards academic and all round excellence. He laid out the road map for the year, with an overview of the special Jubilee events. Jayden Pais and Veda Fonseca were the comperes for the day, while Kimberly Fernandes, the General Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks. ANDREW DE SOUSA XII ARTS 9
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 The Fifth International Yoga Day 2019 was celebrated at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim Goa on 22nd June, 2019 in our Bi-centenary Hall. Deon Rodrigues of Std. XII Arts introduced the resource persons, Ms. Sheela Kankonkar, Principal Patanjali Yoga Teacher, Tiswadi Taluka and Ms. Latika Bhashyam, Assistant Yoga Teacher. Ms. Sheela Kankonkar demonstrated various yoga asanas and briefed the students on the importance of 'pranayam' in their student life. Fr. Savio Gomes, Principal of the higher secondary in his address to the students said that the ancient science of yoga is very important in our day-to-day life as it brings about a harmonious balance in the mind and body and improves concentration. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Nilesh Pai, NSS Programme Officer, while the NSS Leader Ms. Rithma Mukherjee proposed the vote of thanks. MR. NILESH PAI ICT TEACHER YOGA DAY CELEBRATION The six best doctors: sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise and diet. - Wayne Fields 10
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT On 22nd June 2019 a Leadership Workshop for the Student Council of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim was conducted by Fr. Jason Coelho and Fr. Ralin De Souza of Don Bosco Youth Services, Goa. The sessions were conducted in the Bicentenary Hall where the students participated in various team-building activities. Focusing on the themes of Proactivity - Priority – Synergy, Fr. Jason and Fr. Ralin instilled in the budding leaders the qualities of self-awareness, conscientiousness, imagination, and willpower, as well as putting values above instincts - all which play an essential role in being a leader. Through stimulating exercises, they were also made aware of their personal strengths and weaknesses. The students also shared their views on how the knowledge imparted to them during the workshop could be applied in their everyday lives. The session was concluded with Andrew De Souza proposing the vote of thanks, and Teacher Irene D'Mello offering Fr. Jason Coelho and his team a token of appreciation. KIMBERLY FERNANDES XII ARTS LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP A comprehensive, two-week long SelfEnrichment Programme for the students was organised in June at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim. Conducted by Fr. Jason Coelho sdb and Fr. Ralin De Sousa sdb of the Don Bosco Youth Services for Standard XII on the theme: 'Youth: Called To be Salt and Light to Society” and by Fr. Velson Fernandes cssr and Fr. Peter Michael cssr for Standard XI on the theme: 'Refresh Your Life', the highly interactive programme aimed to encourage young minds on knowing themselves better and laid special emphasis on their role in Nation Building. Focussing themselves right from the start of the academic year, students collectively reflected on the role of God in their lives, the significance of goal setting and various other pertinent issues, viz. anger management, peer pressure, etc. Vital problems concerning youth, including violence, substance abuse, poor direction, etc. were highlighted. Through meaningful activities and enjoyable games, the importance of building a strong character in this day and age was stressed upon and valuable inputs to face competitive pressures were provided. Students expressed that they felt greatly enriched by this uplifting experience. MS. ASTRIDE FURTADO BIOLOGY TEACHER SELF-ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME 11
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 On July 5th, 2019, the Music Club of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim, organized a Solo Singing Compe on, its first annual event for this academic year. Prior to the big day, 49 contestants were screened through an audi on, following which 18 were selected for the finals in the English and the Vernacular categories. The jury for the compe on comprised wellknown Goan musicians, Ms. Daniella Rodrigues e Almeida, Ms. Avina Furtado, and Mr. Diego Rodrigues. The finalists enthralled the jury and crowd with their melodious voices by singing hit classics in English, Konkani, Hindi, and even French. In the vernacular category, Stacy Fernandes (XII Arts), Aancia Cardoso (XII Arts) and Mark Co a (XII Science) bagged the first, second and third place respec vely. In the English category, Natsalene Estrocio (XII Arts), Keane Co a (XI Commerce) and Joshua Pereira (XII Commerce) and took home the trophies for the first, second and third place respec vely. To draw the curtains, Music Club Leader, Keane Co a, delivered the vote of thanks, and exci ng performances by the judges marked the end of an even ul day. The event was coordinated by teachers Zenobia Miranda, Mitchel Cota and Rakhee Korgaonkar, and hosted by Desiree Sequeira (XI Commerce) and Eric Cordeiro (XII Commerce). JAYDEN PAIS XII SCIENCE SINGING COMPETITION Singing evokes the temple of the soul. 12
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT STUDENT COUNCIL TAKES OATH An air of enthusiasm and festivity marked the celebration of the feast of St Dominic Savio at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim on 6 July, 2019. The day began on a solemn note with the Holy Eucharist, wherein the Principal, Fr. Savio Gomes, enlightening the gathering on the lives of St. Dominic Savio and St. Maria Goretti, encouraged the students to practise two values from their exemplary lives, viz., trust in God and joyful obedience to duty. The staff and students then assembled in the Bicentenary Hall for the formal Investiture Ceremony of the Student Council for the year 2019-20. As they marched in with earnestness, the Class Representatives and Club Leaders, led by the General Secretaries Nikolai Noronha and Kimberly Fernandes, Sports Secretary Asmita Khaunte and Cultural Secretary Kyra Sequeira were invested with badges and sashes at the hands of the Principal. After administering the Oath, Fr. Gomes exhorted the leaders to be good role models, giving priority to values such as integrity, diligence, teamwork, accountability and friendliness. The members of last year's Student Council were then felicitated with special certificates in appreciation for their outstanding service to the school. The event concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the General Secretary Nikolai Noronha. The function, organised by teachers Reshma Mapari, Irene D'Mello and Newton D'Souza, was indeed a fitting start to the Silver Jubilee year of the institution. ANDREW DE SOUSA XII ARTS 13
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 The Student Council of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim, organized its annual inter-class football tournament on th Sunday, 7 July, 2019. The first game of the football tournament witnessed an epic match between the seniors of XII SCIENCE A and XII COMMERCE B, where the former won and advanced to the next round with a score 1-0. But the juniors showed a matchless performance as well, with XI COMMERCE B defeating the title favourites XII COMMERCE A with a decisive victory of 3-0. Another down-tothe-wire match was played between XII SCIENCE A and XI COMMERCE A where the latter scored 3-0 to advance to the finals. The finals between XII ARTS and XI COMMERCE A, ended with a play time draw of 1-1; but a nail-biting penalty shootout sealed the deal for XI COMMERCE A, as they were crowned football champions of the year. Kudos to GS Nikolai Noronha and Sports Secretary Asmita Kaunte for organizing a successful tournament! JAYDEN PAIS XII SCIENCE INTER-CLASS FOOTBALL 14
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT Aimed at developing public speaking and persuasive skills among students, the Inter Class Debate Finals held on July 20, 2019, witnessed the top two qualifying teams battling it out tooth and nail at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim. The topic chosen for its relevance in present times, 'Reservation quotas are a necessity for our country', had the XII Science Ateam for the motion, while the XII Arts team opposed. The participants of both teams were critically analytical and articulate in expressing their thoughts and opinions. The highlight of the event was the rebuttal round. A volley of questions was answered confidently by both teams, inviting counter questions aptly answered by witty and vivacious speakers. The session, a kaleidoscope of opinions, thoughts, ideas and perspectives definitely enhanced everyone's knowledge of the topic. The Championship Trophy was won by the XII Arts. Mr Andrew Dsouza of XII Arts bagged the Best Speaker Award. The dignitaries for the day included Ms Adriana Fernandes, Ms Shruti Kamat Dalal, Ms Fauzia Razvi, Mr Aaron Paul Fernandes, PTA Vice President Ms Sintia Costa Fernandes, and the Principal Fr Savio Gomes. The competition was organised by Ms Josefa Pinto, Ms Cheryl Martins and Ms Bianca Fernandes. Students Rithika Po and Karl Menezes hosted the event. MS CHERYL MARTINS ENGLISH TEACHER DEBATE FINALS 15
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 GRATITUDE DAY "Teachers are Gardeners in God's Garden", was the theme that threaded through the well-planned and heart-warming Gratitude Day Celebrations held on Sept 10, 2019, at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim. Hallmarking the 'Hard Work' and 'Heart Work' done by the dedicated Staff, Principal, Rev. Fr. Savio Gomes, during the Holy Eucharist, affirmed the transformative role of a teacher in a student's life. Appreciating their teachers, students displayed gratitude through song, dance, and music in the dazzling performances that followed. Sentiments and thanks were expressed through meaningful video presentations. A rousing spectacle was a riveting Teacher's Debate that had the audience thoroughly entertained. The programme was capped by a cordial get-together organised by the parent representatives of the PTA. MS. ASTRIDE FURTADO BIOLOGY TEACHER 16
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT HAM RADIO WORKSHOP The Media Club of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim conducted an informative workshop on 'Ham Radio' for students and staff. The resource person for the workshop was Mr Flavio Raposo, a retired lecturer of our institution, as well as an avid radio enthusiast. Mr. Raposo eludicated on the concept of Ham Radio and explained how the idea originated. He shed light on how it is an integral component of communication during emergencies and natural calamities. People from different walks of life across ages make use of Ham Radio to better society, he said. Mr. Raposo went on to give the students a practical example by attempting to contact a radio station in Europe. He ended the session by advising the students on how to become a licensed radio operator as well as on the required study and examinations. The enlightening session ended with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Walden Fernandes , fol lowed by a group photograph. This workshop was well coordinated by the teacher coordinator of the Media Club, Ms Astride Furtado and the student leader, Andrew de Sousa. ANDREW DE SOUSA XII ARTS What is Ham Radio? Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communica on together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educa onal, and can be a lifeline during mes of need. A ham radio operator can carry on experiments with various communica on equipment and systems going deeper into the science of electronics (Learning by Doing) and at the same me provide great service to the people in general worldwide by way of organizing on-theair emergency medical traffic, establishing emergency communica on network during natural calami es like flood, cyclone, storm, earthquake or any other disaster. 17
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 TECTONIC TORNADO ROCKS DBHSS PANJIM Discovery of newfound talent and unfathomable innova on were at their peak as Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim organised its annual inter – class fes val 'LIVEWIRE' on 29 and 30 August, 2019. The 2019 edi on of Livewire was an ethno-cultural extravaganza tled 'Tectonic Tornado', designed to bring out the best amo n g st u d e nts t h ro u g h a n a rray o f compe ons. The showpiece event of the ins tu on commenced on 29 August in great style, with the Inaugural Ceremony, including the parade of par cipa ng classes, each represen ng a na on or region. The PTA Vice President Ms Sin a Costa Fernandes declared Livewire 2019 open, following which students gave their crea ve best at the offstage events. They demonstrated their innate crea vity and out-of-the-box thinking in compe ons like le art, garland making, sand art, sculptures out of waste as well as culinary showdowns such as chaat making, pizza decora on and salad making. The second day, of onstage events, built on the excitement from the first day, and delivered a breath-taking experience for all in a endance. The Chief Guest was Mr Nicholas Fernandes, an eminent composer and social worker. Students dazzled the crowd with tradi onal songs of their region during 'World Melodies', which was followed by 'Tap Over Regions', the tradi onal dance compe on. The highlight of the event, though, was the 'Parade across Cultures', a fi ng finale wherein each class brought to life the culture of their region with stunning costumes, magical props and foot-tapping music. The judges for the day, Mr. Francisco Mar ns, Ms. Orty Soares and Ms. Charlo e, applauded the students for their brilliance and effec ve use of the short me at their disposal. The Chief Guest, Mr. Fernandes exhorted the students to make full use of such events, which complement the allround development of an individual. Earlier in the day, the school celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with a short yet meaningful programme, comprising of songs, a dance and a skit. Livewire 2019 drew to a close with the students in raptures, as Class XII Arts, led by their class teacher Ms. Reshma Mapari, li ing the championship cup, while Class XII Science B, led by their class teacher Ms. Madhavi Borcar bagged the runners-up trophy. The vote of thanks was proposed by teacher Ms. Selza Lopes. Congratula ons to all the classes for their outstanding efforts as well as the teachers-incharge Ms. Zenobia Miranda, Ms. Selza Lopes and Ms. Ruth Fernandes for their reless efforts in organising such a successful event. ANDREW DE SOUSA XII ARTS 18
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 19
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 JUBILEE BATTLE OF THE BANDS 'Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.' – Plato The students and alumni of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panaji took the sound of music to a whole new level at the Jubilee Battle of the Bands held in the Bicentenary Hall on 14 September, 2019. This was the first of the landmark eight events, which are being held to mark the silver jubilee celebrations of the institution. The judges for the day included four eminent personalities from the Goan music scene- Mr. Constancio Diniz, Mr. Blazio Pinto, Mr. Mukesh Ghatwal and Mr. Anthony Bringel. Dignitaries present on the occasion included Rector Fr. Avin Carvalho, Principal Fr. Savio Gomes, Fr. Chrys D'Cunha and Mr. Christopher Gomes. The nine groups on show comprised of five bands from the school, and four bands of ex-students. The talented bands enthralled the raucous audience with non-stop performances of melodies, old and new. A vacant area at the back of the hall was dedicated for the students to dance their heart out as the bands belted out popular hits. Principal Fr. Savio Gomes, in his address, was effusive in his praise for all the performers and thanked the ex-students in particular for making the event a grand success. The Batch of 2017, led by Rizzio de Noronha were declared champions, while the Batch of 2015 led by Akash Ghadge, together with the present XI Science occupied the runners up positions. The scintillating event drew to a close with the vote of thanks by Tr. Zenobia Miranda. Many congratulations to the management and teachers, Ms.Zenobia Miranda, Ms. Mitchel Cota, Ms. Rakhee Korgaonkar and Ms. Samiksha Gojekar, who organised such a successful competition. ANDREW DE SOUSA XII ARTS 20
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT XII ARTS LIFTS INTER-CLASS FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP Class XII Arts con nued their winning spree as they li ed the coveted Inter-Class Futsal Championship held at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim. The tournament, held over two days, was a well-organised ini a ve of the Student Council, under the leadership of Sports Secretary, Asmita Khaunte. Day One of the event saw teams represen ng all classes lock horns with each other in the group stages in a bid to qualify for the elusive semi-finals. The teams re-gathered at the Oratory on September 15 to complete their group engagements, and contest the knockouts, backed by loud cheers from their teachers and classmates. XI Commerce B defeated XI Arts 3-1 on penal es in the first semi-final to set up a final clash with XII Arts, who overcame XI Commerce A 4-2. The final was a nail-bi ng encounter, a true test of the best, but it was XII Arts who emerged victorious over XI Commerce B with a hard-fought 3-1 victory. To a well-deserved round of applause from the suppor ve audience, the Principal, Fr. Savio Gomes, presented the winners and runners up with their trophies. Johnson Horta (XII Arts) and Saad Naroo (XI Commerce A) were jointly declared the Best Players. Joseph D'Souza (XI Commerce B) finished as the highest scorer, with 13 goals while Nathan D'Lima (XII Commerce A) was adjudged the best goal keeper. ANDREW DE SOUSA XII ARTS A MAN is but the PRODUCT of his THOUGHTS; what he THINKS he becomes. - Mahatma Gandhi 21
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 JUBILEE BRAIN SPARK Sparks flew, foam bubbled and buzzers rang as Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Panjim, held its second Jubilee Event of the year titled “Jubilee Brain Spark”, a fun yet educative All-Goa Inter Higher Secondary competition. The students were tested not only on their textbook knowledge but also in creative thinking in time- tested experiments in the Arts, Commerce and Science fields respectively. A total of 12 institutions consisting of teams of 3 participants each, took part in this one-of-a-kind, novel production by Don Bosco's. The event commenced in the school's Bicentenary Hall with the opening ceremony and welcoming of the special guests - the retired teachers of the higher secondary. The competitions began soon thereafter as the participants proceeded to the venue of their preliminary round. For the Science section preliminary round, the teams were tested on an application-based MCQ test. In the advanced round, an escape room type scenario of tricky experiments in physics, chemistry, computer science, biology and mathematics made the students scratch their heads and think out-of-the-box to arrive at solutions. After deciphering t h e m i n d b o g g l i n g c o d e enc r ypted in the various solutions, Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School emerged victorious and took home the trophy. Following their quick-fire preliminary round, the teams of three under the banner of Arts, gathered in different classes all set to tackle the advanced round. Teachers and students had designed innovative yet pertinent activities and puzzles based on the subjects English, History, Economics and Psychology. The third and final round saw the top four teams locked in a battle of the brains during 'Innoquiz', a quiz contest which was won by St Xavier's Higher Secondary School. The rounds under the Commerce Department saw five teams battle it out in activities including analysis of audio visuals, resource search and calculation puzzles. Two teams managed to crack the code successfully, but it was People's Higher Secondary School who triumphed to win the first prize. Mr Yeshwant Gaunkar conducted the closing ceremony wherein participating students expressed their excitement and enthusiasm at the new concept of 'Brain Spark'. Retired librarian, Ms. Kanaka Swamy addressed the gathering, following which the Chief Guest, Ms. Clare Marchon e Sousa presented the teams with their glittering trophies. The curtains were drawn with the vote of thanks proposed by Ms Josefa Pinto. JAYDEN PAIS XII SCIENCE 22
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT WASTE MANAGEMENT LECTURE Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim, organised a thought-provoking lecture on 'Managing Waste for a Cleaner Goa' by CCP Commissioner, Mr Sanjit Rodrigues on September 25, 2019 where, in an impassioned speech he drove home the urgency of waste segregation in the State. “Goa is in the throes of a trash wave today”, he said. Citing examples and showing visuals of garbage piles and litter strewn about the beaches and at various other sites in Goa, Mr Rodrigues sought to sensitise the audience on the staggering problems of waste that Goa is grappling with. Admonishing the casualness and 'Buy and Throw' culture ingrained in the youth today, he exposed the effect of our growing indifference towards the environment and forecasted its dangerous impact in the years to come. Expressing concern over the health of the underprivileged worker involved in manually segregating waste, he invited students to visit a processing station and witness first-hand the hazards they are exposed to in their line of work owing to utter public negligence and disregard. “Our insensitivity towards those involved in the unpleasant task of dealing with our waste, make us the worst offenders of Human Rights”, he added. Information about various successful campaigns making headway in the arena of garbage management in Panjim, viz. 'Bin-free Campaign' launched in 2003, 'Door-to-door garbage collection' and the current, 'My home My Village Campaign', was also spoken about extensively. The students pledged to adhere to the mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to safeguard the environment and work towards a greener and cleaner Goa. Mr Rodrigues was accompanied by PTA member, Mr Roy Vas. The programme was coordinated by Mr Nilesh Pai. Ms Bianca Fernandes delivered the Vote of Thanks. MS. ASTRIDE FURTADO BIOLOGY TEACHER 23
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 NSS & YRC INSTALLATION CEREMONY The annual NSS and YRC Installation Ceremony of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim was held on September 24, 2019. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest, Mr Sushant Tandel - North Goa District President of Patanjali Yog Samiti, Tr Shanti D'Souza, NSS & YRC Teachers Nilesh Pai and Irene D'Mello along with the student leaders, Rhitma Mukherjee and Aaron Gonsalves. Talented students enhanced the mood of the occasion by their graceful dance performance. A video was screened highlighting the contribution of NSS volunteers in various nationwide projects and activities. A presentation showcasing the activities organised by the NSS unit of the school was also made for the benefit of the newly enrolled NSS volunteers. Another brief video presentation followed, throwing light on the Red Cross Movement in the country. The Chief Guest then administered the Oath of NSS office and Pledge of Swacchta to all NSS volunteers, and students performed the NSS theme song. Tr Shanti D'Souza administered the Oath to the YRC volunteers, following which the YRC anthem was sung with gusto. In his speech, Mr Tandel stressed on the proactive role of the NSS and YRC movements in the country. He highlighted the importance of closing the communication gap between people in society. Effective co-ordination and cooperation make life easier and less complicated, he said. Speaking on the importance of water he advocated the right technique to drink water. The programme was hosted by Tanisha Mendes, while Palasha Kalko delivered the vote of thanks. The ceremony concluded with singing of the National Anthem. ABIGAIL PICARDO XI COMMERCE The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi 24
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT MENTAL HEALTH SESSION Don Bosco Higher Secondary, Panjim, on Friday, 27th September 2019 invited Dr. Peter Castellino and Ms. Donna Noronha from the COOJ Foundation to conduct a session on mental health for the students. The programme commenced with “You Matter” - a thought-provoking message item directed by Ms Selza Lopes and Ms Trisha Almeida. Dr. Castellino then spoke on the psyche of the human mind and its functioning, elucidating on the issue of suicides in Goa and how the Foundation through their various outreach programs have helped save numerous lives, and how we too can do the same! He also screened various short-films on the topic. After the session a prize distribution ceremony was conducted for the class-wise competitions held during the Mental Health Week. In the Slogan Writing Competition which was held on 23rd September on the topics: 'Mental Health and Body Image' and 'Substance Abuse and Youth', XI Commerce A bagged the first place, while in the Poster Making Competition, which was held on 25th September on the topics: 'Lifting the Stigma Off Mental Health' and 'Healing the Inner Child', the first place was taken by XII Science B. The program, which was ably compered by Andrew De Sousa, concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Kimberly Fernandes. JAYDEN PAIS XII SCIENCE 25
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 ALL GOA TEACHERS' SEMINAR ON MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS As part of its ongoing Silver Jubilee Celebrations, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Panaji, on 28th September 2019 organized a one-day teachers' seminar on 'Understanding the Mental Health Needs of Students'. Altogether 105 teachers from all over Goa participated. The dignitaries present on the occasion were Chief Guest Dr. Ashish Shrivastava, a senior psychiatrist of the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Guest of Honour Mr. Raul Prazeres, Principal Fr. Savio Gomes, and Vice President of the P.T.AMrs. Sintia Costa Fernandes. To welcome the guests, students melodiously sang the Silver Jubilee theme song: 'Thank You, Lord' composed by Samuel Fernandes from XII Arts. A thought provoking play titled 'You Matter' was then performed by the students, depicting the social stigma associated with mental health issues, and sending out an impassioned plea to change societal attitudes towards mental health. The play was directed by teachers Selza Lopes and Trisha Almeida. Addressing the teachers the Chief Guest Dr. Ashish Shrivastava congratulated the management and staff for understanding the importance of Mental Health and for attempting to seek and unravel coping strategies though the seminar for the benefit of the student community in Goa. Mrs. Prachi Khandeparkar and Mrs. Percy Cardozo both trained psychologists at Sangath Goa were the resource persons for the seminar, and spoke on the topic “Common Mental Health issues faced by children and the Management strategies involved”. The teachers were later grouped into two sections for very thought provoking and interactive sessions. Certificates were awarded to all the participants and the Principals of their respective Institutes were bestowed with a jubi lee medal as a souvenir. The programme was effectively coordinated by teachers Shanti D'Souza, Rajesh Kalangutkar and Jennifer Godinho. MS. SHANTI D'SOUZA PSYCHOLOGY TEACHER 26
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT JUBILEE CULTURAL EVENT An air of nostalgia and festivity rang around the campus as Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Panjim celebrated 'Silver Memories, Golden Dreams' - its Jubilee Cultural Day on 23 November, 2018 to mark the Silver Jubilee of the institution. Shri Shripad Naik, Honorable Minister of State for AYUSH, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Among the dignitaries present were Guest of Honour Mr. Nicholas Fernandes, Provincial Fr. Felix Fernandes, Rector Fr. Avin Carvalho, Principal Fr. Savio Gomes, Former Principal Fr. Paul D'Souza, Mrs. Sintia Costa Fernandes Vice President of the PTA, retired teachers of the institution, and the executive members of the PTA. The gathering was welcomed with a breathtaking fusion dance showcasing the diverse folk dances of India, followed by the lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries. The Principal, Fr. Savio Gomes, then, welcomed the gathering. The highlight of the evening was the release of the Jubilee Special Philatelic Cover at the hands of the Chief Guest in the presence of Shri A. Koragappa, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Goa Division. Mr. Yeshwant Gaunkar and Mr. Nilesh Pai coordinated the momentous ceremony. Students, alumni and parents put up a variety entertainment performance marvellously portraying the underlying theme of national integration. A musical item 'It Weighs a Ton' touched hearts with its message of unity in diversity, while an original play 'Revisiting Swaraj - A tribute to the Mahatma' exhorted modern society to turn to peace and harmony, thus paying fitting homage to the Father of the Nation on the 150th anniversary of his birth. The presentation of the Jubilee Cultural Report exemplified the multi-faceted progress achieved by the institution in academics, cocurricular activities and sports. Music lovers in the audience were entertained throughout the programme. The student orchestra conducted by young maestro Samuel Fernandes delivered melodious renditions of Habanera, I will Follow Him and Taka Takata. The Past Pupils' Band drew loud cheers from the crowd, while the parents led the audience down memory lane with a nostalgic Goan presentation, encompassing traditional music and dance. Acknowledging the dedicated service rendered by the institution in the field of education, the Chief Guest Shri Shripad Naik congratulated the management on the well-organised silver jubilee programme. The memorable evening concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Josefa Pinto. The programme was anchored by Joana Souza Lobo and Andrew de Sousa. ANDREW DE SOUSA XII ARTS 27
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 FAITH WEEK CELEBRATIONS Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim celebrated its Annual Faith Week th th from 25 to 29 November, 2019. It aimed at creating a sense of spiritual well-being among the students of the s c h o o l . T h e fi v e - d a y celebration included daily inputs on prayer, inner peace, nation building and eco-spirituality presented in very creative ways; and encouraged the students to be more serene in their personal lives and imbibe the values of unity and respect for others. The highlight was the e n a c t m e n t o f f a m o u s personalities like Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg with their message on faith, harmony and true nationalism. Action songs and prayerful dances were performed by students and mind-relaxing videos were played on the screen. The celebration concluded with the Principal's inspiring words that stressed on 'Caring for God's Creation'. This spiritually enriching programme was coordinated by the Faith Education Team comprising teachers Mitchel, Muriel, Aloma and Astride. PALASHA KALKO & DESIREE SEQUEIRA XI COMMERCE SAYINGS FROM THE GREAT MASTER OF YOUTH – ST. JOHN BOSCO 1. “If one is to do good, he must have a little courage, be ready for sacrifice, deal affably with all and never slight anybody. By following this method I have always had significant success, in fact, marvelous success.” 2. “Act today in such a way that you need not blush tomorrow.” 3. “Do not put off till tomorrow the good you can do today. You may not have a tomorrow.” 4. “Do you want your companions to respect you? Always think well of everyone, and be ready to help others. Do this and you will be happy.” 5. “Run, jump, have all the fun you want at the right time, but do not commit sin!” 28
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT As part of their Silver Jubilee Celebrations, Don Bosco Higher Secondary, Panjim organized state level under-19 inter higher secondary boys football, under-19 inter higher secondary girls basketball and inter staff football tournaments. The inaugural function was held on 27th November 2019 at the school grounds, with Mr. Bruno Coutinho as the Chief Guest, and Fr. Chrysologus D'Cunha SDB as the Guest of Honour. Fr. Savio Gomes, Principal of the higher s e c o n d a r y w e l c o m e d t h e gathering. The students of the institution put up colourful drill displays as they performed to the tunes of world-famous sporting music. While declaring the event open, the Chief Guest encouraged the students and exhorted them to be passionately committed to sports training. Silver and golden balloons were released to mark the occasion. The tournaments are being coordinated by Mr. Jerson Colaco, PE Teacher of Don Bosco. The Chief Guest for the finals, held on 5th December 2019, was Shri Churchill Alemao - President of the Goa Football Association, and the Guests of Honour were Rev. Fr. Chrysologus D'cunha, Mrs. Sintia Costa Fernandes – PTA Vice President, as well as the President and Committee members of the Rotary Club of Panjim Riviera. Also present were the Principals of Rosary HSS, Navelim and St. Michael's HSS, Taleigao. The Under-19 Girls Basketball finals were played between Our Lady of Rosary HSS, Dona Paula and Don Bosco HSS Panjim on 2nd December, with the latter emerging victorious. In the U n d e r - 1 9 B o y s Football finals, St. M i c h a e l ' s H S S , Taleigao defeated St. Alex HSS, Curtorim with a score of 2-1; while Don Bosco Staff Panjim beat Rosary, Navelim through a solitary goal to lift the Inter Staff Football Trophy. Fr. Savio Gomes, Principal of Don Bosco HSS Panjim welcomed the gathering and, after a glittering prize distribution ceremony, Mr. Newton D'souza proposed the vote of thanks. The tournaments were efficiently organized by Mr. Jerson Colaco and his sports team. MR. JERSON COLACO PE TEACHER DON BOSCO PANJIM JUBILEE TOURNAMENTS 29
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 D o n B o s c o H i g h e r Secondary School Panjim, organised a Pop-Up-Sale on the 7th - 8th December 2019, as part of the ongoing series o f p r o g r a m m e s commemorating its Silver Jubilee Year. The Chief Guest Mr. Michael Lobo inaugurated the PopUp Sale and declared the event open for the public on the 7th December. The Principal Rev. Fr. Savio Gomes then welcomed the gathering and highlighted the contribution of Mr. Michael Lobo towards various Don Bosco institutions in the state of Goa. Guest of Honour, Laxman Sangodkar, General Manager, Centaur Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Limited and PTA Vice - President Ms. Sintia Costa Fernandes were the other dignitaries present on the occasion. The Chief Guest congratulated the management and the teachers of the school for providing students as well as Goan entrepreneurs with an opportunity to market their skills and products. He lauded the school for providing the young budding entrepreneurs a platform to gain confidence and become self–sufficient using their talents to earn a livelihood. The dignitaries were thereafter led to the Student stalls which comprised of variety of homemade savouries, mocktails, Christmas decorations, handmade items etc. The student class stalls were managed exclusively by the pupils with the assistance of their respective class teachers. A variety of stalls from entrepreneurs across the state of Goa showcased indigenous art, homemade soaps, crochet, exotic plants, home décor, Goan masala, jewellery and clothing. A stall managed by the Ex-P.T.A member Ms. Leona Marshall and her team contained exquisite pieces of home décor and clothing which drew a large crowd at the Sale. The two-day shopping extravaganza was enlivened by our student music band along with energetic dance performances by our students. The compere Andrew De Sousa raised the spirit of the Jubilee Pop-Up Sale high with attractive games and spot prizes. The gaming zone provided novel and unique game stalls which kept the gaming enthusiasts abuzz with activity. The First Prize for the 'Best Entrepreneur Award for M a x i m u m Sa l e ' w a s awarded to standard XI Arts .The students of XI Arts achieved this feat under the able guidance of Sir Nilesh and Tr. Selza. The second Prize was bagged by XI Commerce - A guided by Tr. Rakhee. The Programme was co-ordinated by Ms. Ruth, Ms. Maria, Tr. Madhavi, Tr. Bianca, Tr. Selza and Tr. Cheryl along with a team of highly dedicated staff and students. Principal Rev. Fr. Savio Gomes envisioned the Pop-Up Sale as the crowning finale in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the higher secondary. Silver Memories were revived with the nostalgic meeting of ex-students, parents and retired teachers. We now strive to create brand new memories to be forever treasured and cherished as we sail towards Golden Dreams ! MS. BIANCA FERNANDES ENGLISH TEACHER SILVER JUBILEE POP-UP-SALE 30
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT Christmas Celebration was held at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim on the 22nd December 2019 in the school campus. The programme commenced with a solemn prayer service dedicated to praying for the poor, marginalised and for world peace. The prayer service was organised by Tr. Jennifer and well executed by the students. The students of XI Science A & B led by Tr. Archana presented a medley of carols and dance which ushered in the spirit of Christmas in the school. Thereafter the students of XI Commerce A & B performed a dance and sang carols guided by Tr. Madhavi. The futility of materialistic living was depicted through the play 'Do it for Christ's sake' by the students of XI Commerce. The students of XI Arts, Science and Commerce enacted a nativity play written by Tr. Bianca titled 'Chasing the Star' which traced the journey of the Three kings, who share the message of living a simple life as they behold the birth of Christ in a humble stable. The Principal Rev. Fr. Savio Gomes in his Christmas message urged the students to share the spirit of Christmas to the less fortunate in society. He urged the youth to be the voice of the nation and work towards upholding the ideals of truth and honesty. The arrival of Santa to the tune of the Christmas classic 'Jingle Bells' along with a group of enthusiastic dancers mesmerised the gathering. Santa asked the students to spread the love of Christ to all humanity in his Christmas message for the year 2019. The comperes for the day were Evanthika Pereira and Ayman Sayed from XI Science B. After the students’ programme, the staff of the High School, the Higher Secondary and the College met for a joint Christmas celebration organised by the management. The faculty of the college presented a Nativity scene and sang carols heralding the birth of Christ. The teachers of the high school presented carols with well blended, melodious voices. The teachers of Don Bosco Higher Secondary school presented a commendable Christmas dance. The Rector Rev. Fr. Avin Carvalho delivered the Christmas address and asked teachers to be role models to the students through their actions depicting the values proclaimed by Christ. He asked the Don Bosco Staff Fraternity to make a resolution to build personal and lasting bonds of friendship at the workplace in the true spirit of Christmas. The programme was compered by Tr. Bianca Fernandes. MS. BIANCA FERNANDES ENGLISH TEACHER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS 31
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 71 years since the Constitution came into force, 71 years since India became a free Independent Republic! Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim celebrated the day with pride, honor, and inspiration. The day began with the u n f u r l i n g o f t h e national tricolor at the hands of the Chief Guest, Mr. Alexandre Moniz Barbosa, Editor of the English daily Herald, followed by the sonorous melody of the National Anthem. Fr Av in Car valho, Rector of Don Bosco Pa n j i m , F r Sa v i o Gomes, Principal of the Higher Secondary, Fr. Joaquim Lobo, Manager of the College and Mr. Cedric Silveira, Principal of the College were also in attendance. A cultural extravaganza of song, dance and theatre, with the underlying theme: “YouthOne Voice, One Dream, One Nation,” evoked sentiments of nationalism inspiring the youth to form a part of the nation's resolve. A patriotic song zealously presented resonated within the soul awakening the true Indian within. The captivating dance performance paying homage to our brave soldiers, brought forth the stories of these valiant sons and daughters of Mother India. Addressing the hot-button issue of the out migration o f h o r d e s o f Go a n s leading to loss of precious human capital within the s t a t e , a s a t i r i c a l l y portrayed English skit sought to rekindle a love f o r t h e h o m e l a n d especially amongst the youth. The Chief Guest highly a p p r e c i a t i v e o f t h e programme, emphasized the need to foster a sense of pride and belonging to the Nation. The event culminated with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Siddharth Prabhudessai. It was wellcoordinated by teachers Astride Furtado, Archana Shetye and Bianca Fernandes. MS. ASTRIDE FURTADO BIOLOGY TEACHER REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS 32
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On 1st February 2020, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Panjim came together for three important occasions: to celebrate the feast of Don Bosco, to bid farewell to the outgoing Std. XII batch, as well as to mark the closing of its Silver Jubilee Year. All the staff members who had completed 25 years in the service of the institution, the first batch of students of the higher secondary, along with the PTA Committee and benefactors were invited for the celebration. It was a beautiful morning with the sun shining bright as the outgoing batch showed up dressed in all their finery, the young ladies glowing in fuschia-coloured sarees and lehengas, and the gentlemen dressed elegantly in sherwanis and suits. The theme chosen for the Eucharistic Celebration was "Celebrate Silver Memories, Pursue Golden Dreams." The main celebrant for this Eucharistic Celebration was Fr. Paul D'souza, ex Principal of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, along with the Rector, Fr. Avin Carvalho and the Principal, Fr. Savio Gomes. As the beginning, the outgoing members of the Student Council entered with a silver boat each, and placed it behind a Golden Ship, a symbol of God as their guide leading them forward on their new voyage sailing new seas with courage and fortitude. After holy communion, the Silver Jubilee Anthem composed by Samuel Fernandes of XII Arts was sung by the choir as a v ideo played simultaneously depicting photographic silver memories of the yesteryears. In a touching speech, Mrs. Columba Sardinha ex teacher and supervisor then described the journey of the institution, highlighting the various challenges and hurdles that were bravely overcome by management, principals and teachers with immense faith in God and through the intercession of St. John Bosco. Thereafter Mr. Galileo Fernandes, first Student General Secretary, reminiscing on the time spent in the portals of this institution, fondly shared his experiences with the assembly. The Annual School Magazine was then released by Fr. Paul D'souza, following which Fr. Avin Carvalho presented the Fr. Romulo Memorial Award for the Student of the Year to Andrew D'souza of XII Arts. The special invitees then had a short get together in the Principal's chamber, which echoed with nostalgic exchanges, laughter, and memories to be cherished for a lifetime. Now it was time to bid farewell to the outgoing Std. XII batch. The Std. XI students organized an amazing red carpet event wherein each senior was welcomed like a celebrity in the bicentenary hall, walking and dancing their way through the aisle. A series of dances and live band performances followed, backed by a hilarious Konkani drama. Student of the Year, Andrew D'souza and the General Secretary Nikolai Noronha spoke a few words expressing gratitude to all and sharing their memories of the past two years spent in this school. The programme ended with Fr. Savio wishing the students a bright future and inviting them to live by the values imbibed at Don Bosco. The comperes for the day were Keanne Cotta and Leanne Colaco. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dimple Shah of XI Commerce A. Ms. Trisha Almeida Counsellor ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 DON BOSCO SILVER JUBILEE YEAR CLOSES WITH FAREWELL FOR STD. XII 34
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT The prestigious Fr. Romulo Memorial Award for the Student of the Year awarded to Andrew D'souza of XII Arts. 35
WALKING THE SILVER PATHWAYS The Theatre Club of our Higher Secondary organised a sketching competition. ‘They walked the Silver Pathways’ remembering the retired staff members and those who guided our HSS under their able leadership. The sketching competition was held on 17th August 2019. 17 students participated and the results were as follows: 1st place - Nida Shaikh (XII Arts) 2nd Place - Savio Almeida (XII Science A) 3rd Place - Mark Cotta ( XII Science A) Khushi Dhuri (XII Science B) Rhitma Mukherjee (XI Arts) ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020 36
2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 37
media grabs 2019 - 2020 38
Accolades & triumphs 2019 - 2020 Twenty-three students of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim participated in the Tenth Shakespeare Festival held on 13th September 2019 at Chowgule College, Margao. They won the first place in the event 'Diorama Drama', where the students depicted a supernatural scene from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Intricately crafted miniature characters, exquisite flooring and interior design with smokescreen were used to create an eerie effect. The winning team comprised Asher Fernandes, Cressida Lobo, Savio Almeida, Danika D'Sa and Aaron Gonsalves. Andrew De Souza and Walden Fernandes excelled at the Shakespearean Spelling Bee Competition by traversing a life-sized 'Snakes and Ladders' and winning the first prize. Aldrich Amaral spoke eloquently in the 'Shakespearean Soliloquy', while Brett Sequeira, Candice Sequeira, Jayden Pais, Shane Marquis, Aryan Mayekar and Andre Noronha evocatively depicted the betrayal of Brutus from the play, Julius Caesar. Kyra Sequeira and Alyque Andrade participated in the event titled, 'The Bard', and enthralled the audience by setting to tune Robert Frost's poem, 'The Road Not Taken'. The students were guided by Tr. Bianca Fernandes. MS. BIANCA FERNANDES ENGLISH TEACHER DON BOSCO HSS PANJIM WINS LAURELS AT SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 39
2019 - 2020 Accolades & triumphs ARPITA DAS AWARDED NATIONAL PRIZE FOR STAMP DESIGN On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Postal Department had organised a National Level Stamp Design Competition on the theme of Communal Harmony. Arpita Gopal Das, student of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panaji won the national consolation prize under the category of children studying in classes VII to XII, making her the only student to win the prize at the Goa Level, and catapulting the Goa Division of Posts in the top ranks of the country. Bestowing her due recognition and with the objective of motivating other students, the Department of Posts along with the School accorded her a warm felicitation on July 31, 2019. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Rita Pinto, ASP Panaji, Panaji Sub Division, exhorted the students to take part in the various Competitions and Exhibitions organised by the Postal Department at the National, Regional and the Circle Level. Divwyank Phatarpekar enlightened the audience on Postage Stamps. Also present were Principal, Fr Savio Gomes, PTA Vice President, Sintia Costa Fernandes and Shri Prasad Barde, Marketing Executive, Department of Posts. In conclusion, the audience collectively renewed their pledge to 'Swachch Bharat'. MS. ASTRIDE FURTADO BIOLOGY TEACHER Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim secured the prestigious second place at the recently held video creation competition titled "La Francophonie en vidéo'', on July 15, 2019. The prize winning team “L'Équipe Québécoise" comprised Andrew De Souza, John Gomes, Nadine Sequeira and Tanisha Mendes, assisted by Teacher Josefa Pinto. An initiative of the Department of French, Goa University, this creative event, commemorating 14th July - The French National Day, sought to spread awareness and evoke interest in the French language. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Irene Silveira, HOD Dept. of French and Francophone Studies, Goa University, gave an overview of the courses and facilities available. An animated presentation elucidating Québec's History and Culture among other aspects delivered by Prof Carlos Bergeron from the University of Québec was the highlight of the day. Prof. Anuradha Wagle, Controller of Examinations, Goa University, appreciated the well organised and executed event. DON BOSCO HSS PANJIM BAGS SECOND PLACE AT FRENCH CELEBRATION 40
Accolades & triumphs 2019 - 2020 DBHSS PANJIM GIRLS WIN STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP The Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Panjim Under-19 girls basketball team bagged the championship trophy with a resounding 16-Nil victory over their rivals Fr. Agnel HSS, Verna. The State Level Bas ketbal l Tournament was organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Goa, at the Youth Hostel, Miramar on December 20, 2019. The victory was attributed to excellent team work by the girls and the support of Sir Jerson Colaco, PE Teacher. The Principal Fr. Savio Gomes congratulated the team for their excellent performance. 41
2019 - 2020 Accolades & triumphs Don Bosco Higher Secondary School girls won the 3rd Place in the State Level Girls U-19 Chess Championship Shimron Nathan of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School has set a new Meet record in the 100metres hurdles with the timing of 15.7 secs breaking her own earlier record of 16.6 secs. At the State Athletics Meet 2019-2020, Shane Marquis of Don Bosco Higher Secondary Panjim set a new record of 31.36 metres for the Hammer Throw, breaking the previous record of 29.72 metres held by Lindolf Colaco, another student of Don Bosco HSS, Panjim. 42
Don Bosco Staff Panjim beat Rosary, Navelim through a solitary goal to lift the Silver Jubilee Inter Staff Football Tournament Trophy . 43
TOPPERS - HSSCE 2019 ARTS HARRISON CATHERINE JOANNA ZANJAL MYTHILY RAJESH PAI RAIKAR SAILEE SHARAD KUMAR MANDAVA NISHITHA WAGLE DURGA MOHAN SHARMA ADITHI B. N. ALLAPARTI SAUMYA DURGA BHAT VANI VEKATESH DE SOUZA DEIRDRE NICOLE BRAGANZA ANA MARIE FONSECA VERA GRETA SHAIKH RUMANA ZAKIR COMMERCE SCIENCE (94%) (94%) (89.16%) (88.83%) (91.5%) (91.5%) (91.33%) (90.16%) (90%) (94.83%) (91.33%) (88%) 44
Imagine someone approaching you and saying to you, I want to save your soul. How would you react? But that is exactly what St John Bosco did when he met the young in the streets of Turin. He would make his point very clear to the youth he would encounter. His direct, stern and yet loving approach was sufficient to attract young boys to his oratory. He desired to “save their souls.” Had Don Bosco lived today, most of the youth today would have been taken aback at this approach. At another time he would tell his boys "There are two things I fear: mortal sin, which kills the soul, and dying in mortal sin. I fear that some of you may fall victims of your own negligence of your spiritual welfare. Death skips no one........Be vigilant! Mors non tardat! [Death tarries not!] What follows but eternity?" St John Bosco would speak about the four last things - Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. He would admonish his boys about the horror of sin and also extol the greatness of virtue. Sometimes he would address his boys: "My dear boys, you may suddenly leave this world through accident or sudden illness and it may be impossible for you to have a priest at your side. For these reasons, I exhort you to make frequent, even daily acts of perfect contrition and of perfect love of God also outside of confession. One such act, accompanied by the intention of confession would be sufficient at any time, and especially in your last moments, to wash away your sins and lead you to salvation." Don Bosco had an exceptional ability to read the consciences of those who approached him in the confessional. Boys would kneel around the confessional waiting for their turn to confess. In the confessional, he could reveal the faults committed by a mere look at the face of the penitent. Not only did the Saint know the good deeds of the boys in his school, but also their misdeeds, an ability he demonstrated time and time again. At other times Don Bosco saw from a distance his students at mischief or deserting prayer time for activities they found more satisfying or leaving services prematurely. The Saint once sighed: “Poor children! How little do they think of their souls?” Don Bosco would sit in the confessional for two, three hours and on the eve of feast days even for the whole afternoon. His widespread reputation for "reading sins" encouraged total trust. There were other priests hearing confessions at the Oratory, but almost all the boys went to Don Bosco. He would say to his boys “Do not hesitate to change your confessor should he be transferred or should it cause you serious inconvenience in approaching him or that he is ill or you are on the eve of a solemn feast and there is a long queue for the same priest. Equally, if there is anything on your conscience that you would not dare manifest to your regular confessor, then, rather than make a sacrilegious Confession, change your confessor not once but even a thousand times.” John Bosco had a love for souls even while he was still in school in Cheri. At one time his intimate friend and classmate Jonas once got entangled in a school scrape and anxious about the consequences, came to consult him. “If you were a Christian,” said John, “I should take you straight off to Confession, but that cannot be done.” “Why not? We can go to Confession if we like.” “Perhaps, but you have no Sacrament of Penance, no power to forgive sins, no guarantee of secrecy.” “I will go to a Catholic priest if you like.” “You cannot unless you are baptized and believe in Jesus Christ.” “What would they say at home?” “If God call you to this, He will protect you.” “What would you do if you were in my place?” asked the young Jew. “I would begin to study the catechism,” said John. GIVE ME SOULS, TAKE AWAY THE REST 45
PHYSICS SHOULD BE CAUGHT Physics has always remained as one of the difficult subjects among the students of science. If you ask any aspirants of the JEE or NEET exams, ninety per cent of the students will say that the physics numerical are a hard nut to crack. The situa on is no different at the graduate level. Students taking three subjects at the first year level prefer to join chemistry in the final year, in spite of ini ally having had an inclina on towards physics. There are many reasons why physics has been difficult or made difficult in the ini al schooling days. Our state sta s cs reveal that most of the teachers teaching science at the school level have a degree in biological sciences. These teachers cannot do the jus ce to the physics part dealt at school level. There must be many other reasons besides these, so instead of finding reasons to jus fy why physics is difficult, let's see how one can understand physics more effec vely. Our memory stores many things around us which we perceive as useful informa on, which is always at our finger ps - our personal data, the places we visit, our current loca ons, names of our good friends and their addresses, direc ons to go from one place to another, etc. We can recall this informa on at any given point of me. Likewise, if we look at certain physics topics as “useful informa on” to be stored, then we will be able to recall that informa on at any required point of me. For example, in the topic of refrac on of light, light travelling from a rarer medium to a denser medium bends towards the normal, whereas when it travels from denser to rarer it bends away from the normal. If you store this as “useful informa on”, you will not forget this underlying principle of refrac on. The solving of deriva ons and numerical situa ons applying principles of physics is not such an easy task. But some mes we teachers make deriva ons boring by incorpora ng pure mathema cs only without explaining the charm of physics involved in the deriva on. One must understand that mathema cs is only a tool to understand physics in detail. If we furnish interes ng details of physics while teaching deriva ons or numericals, then students will surely take keen interest in studying them. If we awaken interest in the students by giving appropriate and crea ve illustra ons, we teachers could surely jus fy that like values, 'Physics should be caught, not taught'. MR. YESHWANT GAUNKAR PHYSICS TEACHER The advice was taken; John prayed. Light and conviction came to Jonas but the catechism was discovered. Irate parents took it to the Rabbi and accused John of betraying the friendship and ruining the soul of their son. Both friends had a good deal to suffer; there were even threats of violence. Jonas had to leave home, but he stood firm in his determination to become a Catholic. In the end, friends came to his assistance, the young Jew was baptized and the tumult died down. Several others followed him into the church. Such zeal for souls would be condemned in most places today. But St. John Bosco knew even as a teenager that he had an obligation to seek the conversion of souls to the true faith no matter what it might cost them in their own families and amongst their own friends. St John Bosco, father and teacher of the young, was zealous for souls until the very end of his life on January 31, 1888. He spared himself no labour and no expense to build recreational centres for the young, orphanages, schools for working children, and homes for the training of the young. This holy man of God was not disturbed by threats, nor tired by work nor overwhelmed by care, nor upset by adversity. Souls were all that mattered him. He chose the motto Da Mihi Animas, Caetera Tolle, a Latin phrase which when translated means Give me souls, take away the rest. We live today in apocalyptic times. Not many realize how close we are to the second coming of Jesus. In the Great Deluge in the days of Noah, nearly all mankind perished, eight persons alone being saved in the Ark. In our days a deluge, not of water but of sins, continually inundates the earth, and out of this deluge very few escape. Scarcely anyone is saved. St. John Bosco recommended to his boys frequent confession, reception of Holy Eucharist and cultivating tender devotion to Mary, Help of Christians to save them from damnation. Let us encourage our youth to go for frequent confes s ion, Hol y Communion and to have a tender devotion to Mary Help of Christians. MR. FLAVIO RAPOSO EX-TEACHER VIEWPOINT 46
I stand here to apprise you of my journey in Don Bosco, Panjim especially in the Higher Secondary School. Well, I took my first footsteps in Don Bosco, Panjim in June 1980. It was our dear departed Fr. Benedict Furtado, the then Rector and Principal of the school who invited me to come and teach in his school. He was my mentor and my guide. He was also my co-teacher in Chemistry. The first thing he did was to give a book on the life of Don Bosco, which I cherish to this day, and told me that I must follow it to the letter. I was very young then, in fact, the youngest member of the staff and tried my level best to follow the 'Preventive System' based entirely on Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness. So in 1994 when our Higher Secondary started, some of us teachers were not new to the principles and objectives of Don Bosco's system of education. This was because those of us who were qualified were promoted to teach in the higher secondary school. Others were new and they soon learnt and observed the rules! Our Higher Secondary started due to the initiative, foresight and endless hard work of the then Rector, Fr. Tony D'Souza and the Principal, Fr. Lucas Mendonca. As you are aware, any new venture involves a lot of hurdles, tough times and paucity of funds; we too had our share of these. First and foremost the permission from the education department. It took so long that all the higher secondary schools started and we were yet not sure about ours. This meant worry about not getting students, and even losing some staff members who were selected. Anyway Don Bosco worked his way through Jesus and Mary and the permission came, students came and the staff members remained. So that was the end of hurdle no.1. Hurdle no. 2 was the space and premises, and the working hours. We had to do with the school classrooms after the secondary school closed. That meant that the class hours were from 1.15 to 6.15 pm. It was hard on the parents, the students and the staff, but left with no other alternative we worked our way with a smile. What is to be applauded was that we had the full co-operation of the parents and the great enthusiasm of our students. In fact that first batch of students were more like our younger brothers and sisters rather than our pupils. They were ready to do anything to learn and to improve. I vividly remember the long h o u r s i n t h e C h e m i s t r y laboratory. They preferred t o c o m p l e t e t h e practicals with correct results a n d c o m p l e t e calculations than to go home early. Hurdle no. 3. This was both welcomed and u n w e l c o m e d . T h e syllabus had changed that very year and the NCERT syllabus had been introduced. For us it was more than welcomed because this meant that all the other institutions would make a fresh start along with ours. So we would not lag behind. Also the department had many seminars and workshops to explain the new syllabus. Our confidence soared and we the fresh staff members felt good. The bad thing was there were no previous question papers, not much literature available and nobody to consult. By the grace of God and surely the intercession of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians we w a d e d t h r o u g h r o u g h w a t e r s a n d accomplished our tasks to the best of our ability. The greatest and the most wonderful thing was that we were all in unison and determined to make our Higher Secondary as good as any other, if not better. The full credit goes to the then management, staff members both teaching and non-teaching, parents, well-wishers and benefactors and, of course, our dear students. SPEECH BY MRS. COLUMBA SARDINHA AT THE SILVER JUBILEE CLOSING CEREMONY ST ON 1 FEBRUARY 2020 DOWN THE MEMORY LANE 47
Time passed, and by and by we had our own premises, well equipped laboratories, a l i b r a r y , a n d a computer section, and l a t e r e v e n o u r o w n assembly hall. Our students excelled in all games, elocution competitions in all languages, debates, music and singing. We became a force to reckon with. Other higher secondary schools recognised our potential and respected us for our achievements. We, the science teachers, realised this when we were internal or external examiners for the Goa Board Practical Examinations. All the teaching staff also confirmed this when we went for Board corrections and other Board work. Our life changers were: 1. All things are difficult, before they are easy. 2. Believe you can, you are half way there. 3. To achieve success the whole soul should be towards the sole goal. 4. Successful people don't have the best of everything. They make the most of everything. 5. Success is more attitude than aptitude. More importantly, we held the firm conviction that through faith and trust in God and dependence on the intercession of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians we can face any obstacles or challenges. Addressing the outgoing Class XII students of 2020 batch, we assure you of our prayers and best wishes, not only for these forthcoming examinations but for every obstacle and stressful situation in your life. And now it is not only the edifice that makes us proud but the texture and character of the type of management, the staff both teaching and non-teaching, parents and students both ex and present who were witnesses to Don Bosco's Educational system of the well-integrated growth of the young person. Kudos to all Salesian Fathers and Brothers who work tirelessly for the uplift of the poor, needy and talented youth! May God bless their efforts and give them health and peace of mind to carry on their mission. May silver turn to gold. Let me close with words from St. John Bosco: “Let us carry our crosses with love, Let us see that they do not become a burden to others But let us help others carry theirs”, Long live Don Bosco! Long live Don Bosco Higher Secondary School! MRS. COLUMBA SARDINHA EX- SUPERVISOR & CHEMISTRY TEACHER SPEECH BY MRS. COLUMBA SARDINHA AT THE SILVER JUBILEE CLOSING CEREMONY ST ON 1 FEBRUARY 2020 DOWN THE MEMORY LANE CONT. 48 The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance, and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning. - Oprah Winfrey