CARDINAL GRACIAS HIGH SCHOOL - BANDRA: TEACHERS' VALUE EDUCATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM:
July 28, 2012: Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes, from AVEC conducted a day's Value Orientation Program for the Teachers of Cardinal Gracias High School, Bandra. Seventy Seven Teachers from the Secondary and Primary section attended. The guest speakers were welcomed by Ms. Kusum Pramod on behalf of the Management and the Teachers.
Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes, Coordinator of AVEC, thanked the Management for the warm welcome. A Sanskrit Prayer Song set the prayerful mood. He then invited the Teachers to take a relaxed posture that would enable them to mediate and reflect on a fantasy meditation. The awareness of one's breathing and inner connection with self aided the moments for personal relaxation.
Fr. Glenford Lowe, Director of AVEC began the three part Orientation Program based on the theme "Managing By Values" (MBV). The first part of the program focused on the need for a new perspective and clarifications of some Teacher Assumptions. The second part of the program, after the short break, enabled the participants to align their Personal Values with the Values that the Institution stood for. The alignment of Personal with Institutional Values helped the teachers to see where they stand in relation to the four acts of life: Survival, Stability, Success or Significance,
In the final part of the Value session, Fr. Glenn, using the Brian Hall - Benjamin Tonna Value Map, enabled the Teachers to once again discover where they stand in relation to their Values and the World View of one's life. The entire exercise was an eye opener to one and all to look at their lives a lot more honestly through the 'Value lens' and to respond with greater significance and meaning to their role as educators of the young.
The day's Orientation program ended with a brief about the 'Values for the Yatra' and their 'Education to Becoming' Competitions for this year. A number of teachers signed up for the 'Values for the Yatra'.
On behalf of the teachers and the Management, Ms. Rubina Franklin, proposed the Vote of Thanks.
The following comments were made in the AVEC Log Book:
"The session given by Fr, Glenford Lowe was very helpful for us as teachers. It was very inspiring and it made us truly believe that teaching is a Vocation and not a Profession. We are now much more aware of our personal and institutional Values" - Veronica P. Fernandes & Sharon Sharma"Well, the session was truly informative and heart stirring. Father spoke about a teacher and her heart to feel and and think positive and see good in every student. Thank you Father" - Francisca Barrow
"The session was very informative and this session brought us the true meaning of teaching. It also helped us to deal with the young kids. Thank you Fr. Glenford for your kind visit" - Kusum Pramod