SCHOOL PROGRAM REPORT

Investiture Ceremony

Our Rector and Correspondent Rev. Fr. Stanislaus presided as the school welcomed a new Principal, Rev. Fr. Dominic Matthews, along with Fr. Vincent, Fr. Tharsius and Fr. K.J. Louis. The DB Band and DB Choir opened the morning before Fr. Stanislaus hoisted the flag and addressed the gathering.

Std-IV presented a colourful welcome for the new Principal. Badges of office were pinned on the School Pupil Leader, house captains, class captains, house teachers and volunteers by the Correspondent, Principal and staff in turn, closing with messages from the Principal and former Principal and the National Anthem.

Kalvi Valarchi Naal Program

A portrait of Kamaraj, framed by flowers and two lamps, anchored this tribute to the architect of free noon meals and universal schooling in Tamil Nadu. Former Principal Rev. Fr. Tharsius attended as chief guest and was felicitated with a shawl by Fr. Dominic Matthews.

Students staged a skit and dance on Kamaraj's life, and the teachers performed an acronym on the word 'Thank You' in gratitude to Fr. Tharsius, closing with remarks from the Principal and Headmistress, a vote of thanks, and the National Anthem.

Parents Meeting

Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Tharsius and Administrator Rev. Fr. Arokiya Vincent joined the Principal for a session on parenting. Fr. Vincent left parents with five points: appreciate your children, don't force them, spend time with them, watch your words and actions in front of them, and teach respect for all living things.

He also spoke about the toll of excessive screen time on children's minds and bodies. The Principal followed with practical school matters — uniform and grooming, leave and punctuality, PTA formation, project deadlines, club participation, and on-time pickup.

Commemoration of Don Bosco

Teachers led this tribute to the school's patron saint, opening with a prayer to St. John Bosco and a hymn, 'Raise Your Voices'. Captains from Kindergarten through Std-V, together with the teachers, placed rose petals at the saint's feet.

Mrs. Ansilam Roslin, Mrs. Anita Lewcock and Mrs. Chrysanthi Miranda shared a short reflection titled 'A Dream That Makes You Dream', and the gathering closed with the school's DB claps.

Independence Day & Feast of the Assumption

Std-I opened the morning's tribute with a prayer song and choreography joined by Std II–V. The National Flag was hoisted by Rector Rev. Fr. Stanislaus; the School Pupil Leader led the pledge and the choir sang the National Anthem.

The girls of Std-I danced in tribute to Mother Mary, and the boys presented 'Unity in Diversity', speaking on India's four directions before the Principal quizzed the audience, awarding stars for correct answers. A closing dance, 'Rang Rang Rangeela', preceded the vote of thanks, the School Anthem and sweets for the children — and a birthday wish for the Principal from the Rector.

Principal's Birthday Celebration

Fr. Stanislaus, Fr. Tharsius and Fr. Cyril joined the celebration, opened with Bible reading, prayer, and a poem for the Principal from the Headmistress. Fr. Stanislaus donned the shawl, and gifts followed from Fr. Tharsius, Mrs. Ansilam and Fr. Cyril.

Std-IV and V staged 'Don Bosco: The Hero'; Std-III danced and Std-V offered birthday wishes. Children across every class came forward to name the Principal's qualities for the Correspondent, and five pupils per class joined him on stage for the cake-cutting and birthday song.

A closing quiz on Don Bosco's life — his birthplace, birth year, and mother's name — earned stars for correct answers, before the school anthem, a class photograph, and chocolates for every child.

PTA Election

Nominees introduced themselves before Rector Rev. Fr. Stanislaus, Principal Rev. Fr. Dominic Matthews and Deacon Dn. Raymond, with many parents in attendance. The Election Committee — the Principal, Headmistress, Mrs. Ezhilarasi and Mrs. Kanaga — oversaw the poll, with Dn. Raymond as Election Officer.

Counting began at 5.30 p.m. and results were announced by the Principal at 8.00 p.m., electing Mr. Bernard as PTA President, Mr. Dion as Vice President, Mrs. Amanda as Secretary and Mrs. Shailaja as Treasurer.

55th Annual Sports Meet

Chief guest Rev. Fr. Thomas Maria Raj SDB and guest of honour Mr. Purushothaman, Asst. Commissioner of Police, joined a Sports Day built on the Salesian Strenna for the year — 'The dream that makes you dream'. The programme opened with 'Il Sogno di Don Bosco alle Nova', re-enacting the saint's dream at age nine, followed by the March Past and torch lighting.

Team games ran for LKG through Std-I, alongside 50m and 100m track events and baton relays for sub-juniors and juniors. The mass drill 'Dream 200' was performed by Std II–V, and a Parents' Game was conducted by Administrator Fr. Arokia Vincent, who also marked Fr. V.V. Abraham's birthday on stage before prizes were distributed and the flag lowered to the National Anthem.

Provincial Visitation

Provincial Rev. Fr. Don Bosco, accompanied by Fr. Arokia Vincent and his secretary Fr. Jerry, was welcomed by the PTA office-bearers, teachers and students with a dance performance and felicitation — the Principal donning his shawl, the Administrator presenting a bouquet.

In his message, the Provincial left the children three points to remember: God loves you, God sees you, and 'she did it all' — repeated back to him by the assembly. A teachers' meeting and group photographs followed in the Pre-KG classroom.

Deacon Michael's Visit

Deacon Michael Manuel, visiting from Australia and accompanied by the Principal, spent time with the school's teachers and students. He left impressed by both, wishing the staff, Principal and children 'the very best'.

Thanking the PTA

The Principal presented gifts to PTA volunteers for their support through Sports Day practice and the event itself, with a welcome address from the Headmistress.

Teacher's Day Celebration

Organised by the PTA with guests of honour Fr. Tharsius and Fr. Arokiya Vincent, the day opened with Bible reading, prayer and a dance by Std-I. Std-III parents and students ran a game, 'Find My Cinderella', and Std-II staged a welcome dance.

Fr. Arokiya Vincent reminded teachers that they set the example for their students, while Fr. Tharsius marked the Feast of Mother Teresa, recalling her care for the poor. Std-IV followed with another game, 'You Are My Lapidarists', before cake-cutting and gifts from Fr. Tharsius.

A special evening Mass for all teachers was held at Our Lourdes Shrine, with Fr. Arokiya Vincent's sermon on 'Jesus, the Greatest Teacher'.

Open Day & Parents Meeting — Term II

Rector Fr. Stanislaus opened by naming a hard truth about the present day: the average Indian family now has just 1.6 children, and — here as in the West — parents often have little time left for them.

Resource person Rev. Fr. Jerome Cyril spoke on 'Reap What You Sow: The Power of Parental Influence', drawing on Proverbs 22:6 and the school's own 'Arumbu' magazine. He recalled how Don Bosco, on learning a boy's one gift was whistling, simply asked him to whistle — a reminder to parents to notice what their own children are good at.

Administrator's Birthday Celebration

Rev. Fr. Arokia Vincent's birthday opened with a prayer from Shyam Joshua and a wish from Fabian, both of Std-V. The Principal donned the shawl, the Headmistress presented a bouquet, and Shyam Joshua brought a gift on behalf of the students before the choir sang and the cake was cut.

Excursion to Sagayathottam

Std I–V set off for a day's outing to Sagayathottam, accompanied by the Principal, twelve teachers and four non-teaching staff. Rev. Fr. Alphonce welcomed the group on arrival around 10 a.m.

After a group photograph and an afternoon of play, the children left by 5.15 p.m., reaching school again at 8.15 p.m. — tired, and by all accounts happy.

Diwali Special Assembly

LKG students staged the morning's programme, opening with prayer and Bible reading before an action song. The Rector, Principal, Headmistress and LKG class teachers lit the Kuthuvilakku together.

LKG-A and B presented an acronym for 'DIWALI' and a dance performance; the A section spoke about the festival's meaning while the B section shared safety tips for the season, closing with wishes for a 'Happy and Safe Diwali' and the School Anthem.

Thirukkural Competition

Mrs. Isabella William opened proceedings before the Principal and staff lit the Kuthuvilakku to inaugurate the contest. Students from LKG to Std-V recited kurals before judge Mrs. Sujatha, with Mrs. Ezhilarasi Suresh proposing the vote of thanks.

Children's Day Celebration

Rector Fr. Stanislaus and Principal Fr. Dominic Matthews presided as the Headmistress opened with prayer and Bible reading. Fr. Stanislaus wished the children a happy Children's Day and ran a question round for every class, reminding them that they are precious in God's sight.

The Principal then quizzed the teachers in turn, presenting each with a gift for their year's work. Prizes went to the winners of the speech competition, and 'On Time All The Time' badges were awarded for Term-I punctuality across LKG to Std-V.

Singing Competition

Mrs. Helen opened the morning with the Prayer Song and welcome address, and Mrs. Asalita briefed the children on the rules. Judges Mrs. Helen and Mrs. Sabrina scored the contest, with Mrs. Chrysanthi proposing the vote of thanks.

Morning Talk & Flag Hoisting

Rev. Fr. Tharsius hoisted the flag and told the story of a king and a hunter to illustrate that God gives every person both talent and freedom. He went on to present punctuality awards to three classes.

Further prizes followed for the English Elocution competition, the Thirukkural contest, Children's Day quiz rounds for Std III–V, drawing for Std I–V, class games, and consolation prizes.

Special Mass for the Departed Souls

With November set aside for the faithful departed, Principal Fr. Dominic Matthews celebrated a Mass for the whole school community. Mrs. Anita introduced the liturgy, Mrs. Sabrina read the names of departed family members of staff, and Mrs. Rani read the First Reading.

In his homily, Fr. Dominic asked every child to close their eyes, join hands, and say, 'Thank you, God, for the gift of life' — a line he asked them to repeat morning and night. The Prayer of the Faithful was led by Mrs. Chrysanthi, Mrs. Suji, Mrs. Sabrina and Mrs. Shanthi, and Fr. Dominic closed by blessing the gathering with holy water.

Christmas Celebration

Chief guest Rev. Fr. Edward Michael SDB, Principal of St. Bede's Academy, joined a morning that opened with Bible reading and the Prayer Song. The Rector delivered his Christmas message, and guests were felicitated with a photo of Jesus or a plant.

Std-III girls performed the welcome dance and staged the Nativity story, the boys dressed as Christmas trees and the girls as angels. Fr. Edward's Christmas message followed, after which students placed provisions before the crib as gifts for those in need.

Craft competition prizes were presented to winners from LKG to Std-V, the vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Anita, and the school choir closed the celebration with the School Anthem.

Animation Programme for Teachers

Held at Vazhikaati and led by Rev. Fr. Gabriel, Director there, the session opened with a prayer song and a reading from Daniel 4:34. Its central theme distinguished 'career' from 'vocation' — the idea of being called to live with purpose.

A short film on happiness followed, and teachers worked through a self-assessment sheet reflecting on their own feelings and behaviour.

Animation Programme for Parents

The Principal built his address to parents around the word FAULT: Foundation — primary school as the base of a child's life; Action — children learn by watching, not hearing; Understanding between parent and child; Listen — put the phone down; and Time — some children barely see their parents at all.

Rector Fr. Stanislaus followed with guidance on emotional health (ensure a child feels valued and heard), personal development (posture, eye contact, and the example parents themselves set), and physical safety (good nutrition over junk food, and safety both online and off) — closing with Pongal wishes and an open Q&A with the Principal.

55th Annual Day & Parents' Day

Chief guest Rev. Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga SDB and guest of honour Mr. A. Antony Rathinam joined an evening built on the theme 'To Hope for a Better Tomorrow'. The Principal and Headmistress presented the Annual Report, and every class staged a segment of the programme.

Prizes for the 2024–25 general proficiency and DB Star awards for 2023–24 were distributed, and the chief guest closed by reminding the children that they are, in his words, the pillars of hope.

Don Bosco Feast Programme

Chief guest Rev. Fr. Joe Anand, Director of Vazhikaati, joined a feast-day programme of prayer, dance, and a teachers' hymn to the school's patron saint — and celebrated his own birthday with the school on the same day.

Rector Fr. Stanislaus wished the children a happy Feast of St. John Bosco, and Fr. Joe Anand taught them a congratulation clap before the vote of thanks and school anthem closed the day.

Fr. K.J. Louis — Birthday & Jubilee

Std-III opened with an acronym for Fr. Louis's name, and Std-V traced his 'Legacy Lane' before Std-I's dance performance. Vice Rector Fr. Tharsius thanked the Principal for organising the celebration.

The choir sang the jubilee song as Fr. Louis cut the cake, receiving gifts from the Headmistress and Principal and the shawl from Fr. Tharsius. In reply, he left the students three words to live by: be happy, be healthy, be holy.

Fancy Dress Competition

Every class dressed to a theme: LKG-A as people who help us, LKG-B as sea animals, UKG as fairy-tale characters, Std-I as cartoon characters, Std-II as national leaders, Std-III as nature, Std-IV as great achievers, and Std-V as characters from books.

Judges Mr. Edwin, Mrs. Christine and Miss Annette assessed a strong turnout across LKG to Std-V.

Prize Distribution — Attendance & Punctuality

Vice Rector Fr. Tharsius presented Term-II awards for regular attendance and 'On Time All The Time' punctuality to students from LKG to Std-V, alongside matching recognitions for the teaching staff.

Don Bosco Quiz — Finals

The Principal served as quizmaster across two sessions — Std I–II, then Std III–V — each run over three rounds, with the Headmistress keeping time and Mrs. Juliet tallying scores. The Principal congratulated the winning teams at the close.

Club Day & Graduation Ceremony

Chief guest Rev. Fr. Joseph Leo, Director of SURABI, graduated the UKG classes to Grade 1 before a showcase of the school's clubs: a Yoga display, an Art & Craft exhibition ('Creative Canvas'), a Children's Parliament sketch on stepping back from mobile phones, an ECO Club dance on cleanliness, a Silambam display, and a DB Band performance.

Fr. Leo taught the children a new celebratory clap before the Tamil Literary Club proposed the vote of thanks and the singing club closed with the school anthem.

Vice Rector Fr. Tharsius — Birthday

Std-II opened with an acronym for the celebrant's name, and Std-IV staged a dance for the birthday song. Fr. Louis donned the shawl while Fr. Vincent and Fr. Cyril presented gifts, and students from LKG to Std-V brought snacks and fruit as tokens of affection.

Fr. Tharsius thanked the Principal, Headmistress, teachers and students in his address, and the day closed with prizes for the earlier dance and Don Bosco Quiz competitions.

Fr. Jerome Cyril — Birthday

The Principal donned the shawl for the celebrant and shared an acronym for his name — Calm, Young, Religious, Intelligent, Loving. Fr. Cyril, in reply, urged the students to work hard and study well.

'On Time All The Time' badges were presented to punctual students of Std I–V for Terms II and III.

Teachers' Lenten Retreat

Held at Pope's Garden and opened in prayer by Fr. Tharsius, the morning session with Rev. Fr. Dominic Sagayaraj centred on Zechariah 1:3 — 'Return to me.' Adoration followed in the chapel, with four priests hearing confessions.

Brother Kulandhai led the afternoon on 'Jesus as Our Teacher' and 'I Am Thankful', and Rev. Fr. Lieo Charles celebrated the closing Mass at 3 p.m.

Teachers' Picnic — Oceana Beach Resort

The day began with Mass at St. Antony's Church, Palavakkam, celebrated by Administrator Fr. Arokia Vincent. At the resort, the group paused before lunch to celebrate the birthdays of Mrs. Sagayamary Sujatha and Mrs. Ezhilarasi, with the Administrator blessing the cake.

The teachers returned to school by 7.30 p.m. after what the school itself called a day of fun, laughter and enjoyment.

Farewell & Thank-You Celebration

Std-V bid farewell to Mrs. Freany Shafton and Mrs. Anita Lewcock, welcomed by the DB Band alongside the Rector and retiring staff. LKG opened with a prayer dance and Std-II followed with Bible reading and their own performance, before the choir's farewell song and Std-V's 'Golden Memories'.

Both retiring teachers were felicitated with the shawl and gifts, and Std-IV danced to 'Carry Your Candle' in tribute. The Headmistress spoke on Mrs. Freany's 'life of purpose, a legacy of impact', and Mrs. Sabrina spoke for Mrs. Anita.

The day doubled as the Rector's birthday: Std-III staged a dance, the choir sang, and he was gifted an acronym for GOAT — Gratitude, Optimistic, Appreciation, Trailblazer — alongside Term-3 attendance and punctuality awards for the staff.