AVEC Mumbai

MT MARY'S CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL - BANDRA: STD X -VALUE ORIENTATION 

June 27, 2012: Ninety eight students of Standard X from Mount Mary's High School, Bandra took part today in a five-hour Value Education Orientation Program that was conducted by Fr. Glenn Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes. Sr. Stella John, Principal of the school, welcomed the speakers and invited the students to make the best use of the privilege given to them through this Value Orientation Day.

 Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes started the program with a prayer song 'Dil Ke Mandir Mei'. Through a Value based story, he invited the students to seek happiness from 'within oneself' rather than from external riches and pleasures. The students were then taken through a prayerful silence and a fantasy meditation that helped them to focus and relax.The introduced Fr. Glenn to the students.

The next four and a half hours were moments for deep personal reflection and introspection. The video clip on the life of Jackie Subarido was truly inspiring and challenging. They took the time to reflect on their 'NOW' Moment, their 'PAST' Memories and their 'FUTURE' Dreams. Through a paper exercise, the students were able to look at life as an adventure in which 'Direction' was more important that 'Velocity'. "In an instant, life changes everything, and we have to be responsible for the choices we make", Fr. Glenn quoted. "Let your past remain your past and let your future continue to inspire you", he continued.

The students then took a reflective moment, while going though the 'RIVER ME' meditation and taking the time to raise a prayer of thanksgiving or to make a prayer of forgiveness. It was really nice to see these young students take this session very seriously, making personal notes and reflecting on their journey of life.

 After the break, Fr. Lowe took the time to explain to the students 12 important Value based Life skills that would enable them to live life 'Queensize'. Through a PowerPoint presentation blended with a lot of   video clips and thought provoking exercises, the students were challenged to add greater meaning and significance to their daily lives. The session ended with the students watching the interview of Fr, Glenn that was given a few days after his kidney donation.  

 At the end of the sessions, the vote of thanks was made by Ms. Nikita.

The following were comments made by students in the AVEC log book:

"On behalf of all the students, I would like to thank you for this beautiful session you had for us. We learnt a lot, though fun too,about how we can use our lives in a useful way. No words would say it all how grateful we are!" - Divya Chawda X

 "Thank you Father for joining us and giving your precious time for us and off course for the good and precious values you taught us. We will never forget this throughout our life." -  Naseha Farooqui & Mariya Shaikh (std X)

 "Thank you father for coming and giving us more knowledge for our life" - Alicia & Nikita Francis

 "From the students of STD X-A of Mt. Mary;s Convent High School, Bandra, we would always like to thank Fr. Glenford and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes for joining us on June 27, 2012 for this Value Orientation Program. We learnt a lot though fun and personal reflections... Hope you too enjoyed being here with us. We learnt many good values, thoughts and stories. We will always remember to have 'fun' and avoid 'fooling' around. Thank you once again." - Drishti Chawda

                                 

 "Thank you Father Glenn for spending your precious time with us and teaching us valuable things hat will help us in our future" - Namrah K, Alvina Khan, Shweta Singh

AVEC wishes to place on record the active involvement and participation of the entire class all through the five hour program. They were highly disciplined,and focus all though the session. CONGRATULATIONS and we assure you of our prayers and best wishes for your final year in school.