DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL - MATUNGA: STD X D / E ORIENTATION

DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL - MATUNGA: 

VALUE EDUCATION ORIENTATION for STD X D / E

November 26, 2013: Fr. Glenford Lowe spent two sessions with ninety five STD X  students of Don Bosco High School Matunga. The theme for the day was "Living by a Value Compass'. He enabled to students to focus on the gift of the present NOW by listening attentively to their inner self. In the second session, like Steve Jobs, the students were invited to 'connect the dots' of their past on the Spiral of Life and finally to Reorganize their future by resetting their 'Wheel of Life'.

In a very playful way, yet with a ting of deep insights and moments for personal reflection and group sharing, the young students were invited to focus on life beyond their examinations. One could see the seriousness with which the students ran through their entire life in a span of an hour and a half. Speaking on various issues that defocuses a young mind and heart, Fr. Glenn was able to draw the attention of all the students to life their lives guided by a Value Compass.

After the session, a number of students came forward to express their sentiments of gratitude, while a few wrote their comments int eh AVEC logbook:

"Thank you Fr. Glenn for this enlightening session" 

"Gave a chance to improve our life" -  Masin Patel X-D

 "Thank you Fr. Glenn. You gave us a meaning of life and the why to life" -  Sarvesh X-D

"Thank you for making us aware of our life" -  Akash Balla X-D

"Thank you Fr. Glenn for your motivational words" - Mohit Thapar X-D

"It was a pretty good session with you Fr. Glenn loved it a lot" - Yash Ramani X-E

"Today I understood that life is long and mistakes are a mere part of it. Thank you for lightening up our future" -  Shivansh X-E

"Thanks a lot ....we came to know the real meaning of life" -  Vinyas Shetty X-E

""Thank you for your presence" - Donald Fernandes X-E

"After listening to what Fr. Glenn said, I will change my life by changing my attitude, discipline and love for nature" - Joel D'Souza X-E

"We will always remember you with love" - Alister Rebello X-E

"Thank you Fr. Glenn for changing our attitude towards life and also enlightening our future" - Subhjit X-E 

Congratulations to all the students for participating so very attentively all through the session and making a difference in their attitude to life. May God bless you educative journey with much meaning and hope. - Fr. Glenn Lowe

DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL - MATUNGA: STD X A/B

DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL - MATUNGA: STD X A / B ORIENTATION

November 20, 2013

AVEC took the opportunity to speak to over ninety one students of Don Bosco High School, Matunga STD X A/B over a two session period on the theme "Living by a Value Compass". Fr. Glenford Lowe, Director of AVEC took the students through a personal soul searching journey that focused on four main points: Listening Attentively, Revisiting our Past, Reorganizing our Future, and Writing our Problems on the Sand.

 The entire session was very interactive and the students really participated whole heartedly in the program. With a lot of daily life examples of young people, coupled with a lot of humour and yet challenging questions, the students spent the entire afternoon on the 'NOW' moment of the lives, connecting the Dots on the Spiral of their past life, Reorganizing themselves on their wheel of life and finally jotting down their stressful and problematic moments in life. The students also took time to share a part of their own personal journey: their successes, failures, stresses and fears. It was a good opportunity to realize that we are all on the same road to live lives more meaningfully and purposefully.

 A number of students took the time to write their comments in the AVEC log book:

"Thank you Fr. Glenn for helping us self-inspect ourselves" -  Myron Gomes, X-A

"Thank you for the enlightening session" -  Joshua Nazareth, X-A

"Thanks Fr. Glenn for showing us the right direction and guiding us in life" - Rishit Gala, X-A

"Truly heart toughing session. We wish you best of luck for your upcoming sessions" -  Abhi Korde, X-A

"Thank you Fr. Glenn for your motivating session. I will make a 'Qualitative Change'" -  Manoj Kumar, X-A

"Thank you Fr. Glenn for helping us self-inspect our lives and making us realize our path in life" - Hersh Tardon, X-A

 "Really liked the session. Now I am able to see my life with another view and socialize" - Kunal Koli X-A

"I would like to thank Fr. Glenn for spending his time here and teaching us to follow our dreams" - Leander Pereira, X-A

"Fr. You were very honest in your talk and you challenges us to love our earth and our surrounding" - Vivek Salunkhe, X-A

 "This seminar was really helpful to me. It really helped me to overcome my mistakes" - Vidit Kotharii, X-B

"I would like to thank Fr. Glenn for conducting such a nice session and to make us realize and improve our attitude in life"  -  Akash Agarwal, X-A

It was nice knowing me again. Thanks Fr. Glenn" - Aditya Wagh, X-B

 "Very interesting and learning from the Past and be ready for the future. Thank you" - Elvis Braganza, X-B
"This seminar was really a very interesting one. I really was elated to listen to you and I thank you for making a change in my attitude to life" -  Satyam Mhaskar, X-B

 "This was truly an inspiring and elevating session which made us organize our lives, and keep us on track with our problems and thus making those burdens into enjoyable moments. I'd love to come again. Encore" -  Yash Shivalkar, X-B

 "Thank you Fr. Glenn for making us realize my mistakes and giving me tips to make them right. Thank you father and hats off to you and your team" -  Aditya Shandilya, X-B

Congratulations to all the students of STD X A and B for participating in the whole session very actively and making a commitment to life live by making small 'qualitative changes' each day. May God bless you all in your exams and enable you all to reach your goals in life and make a meaningful contribution to the world. - Fr. Glenn Lowe

DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL - MATUNGA, STD X Orientation

Don Bosco High School - Matunga

STD X : Orientation to Life

November 19, 2013: at the start of the second term, the students of Don Bosco High School- Matunga, were given an opportunity to refocus on their life's journey to wholeness. Ninety seven students of STD X-C/F participated in a very lively, dynamic and open session that challenged the young students to look at their life's journey and to make the necessary 'Qualitative changes needed to make it more meaningful and purposeful. The session was animated by Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes and Fr. Glenford Lowe. Thanks to Fr. Bosco D.Mello, Principal and Mrs. Beatrice, Senior Supervisor for making all the arrangements.

                                   

 The session focused on Four dimensions: Listening Attentively, Revisiting one's Past, Reorganizing one's Future and Writing one's Problems on the Sands. The entire session was an open window experience... the students were able to look into the innermost depths of their life and make the 'qualitative changes'. Though, comparatively a very short session of an hour and a half, it was worth it. One could see a new sense of purpose and direction in the eyes of the students.

 “It was a very helpful session for me because it taught me a lesson of changing my attitude towards life. Thank you very much” – Jude Henriques, X C

“Fr. Glenn’s session opened my eyes towards life” -  Satyajeet Singh, X-C

“This session inspired me to bring about a change in me. Hopefully, will start studying daily” – Harsh Kanani , X-C

“This session was worthwhile and has surely changed my perspective for my life. Thank you Fr. Glenn” -  Phulkit Rode, X-C

 “The session was very helpful session. It put forward my entire life within one and a half hour and will definitely help me to change in my life, sooner the better” -  Deepankar Paryani, X-C

Thank you for such a wonderful session,. You helped me to know my life better and I remember you” – Omkar K, X-C

“Thank you Fr. Glenn for this wonderful session which you have held for us. It will make a huge difference in my life” – Rishi R. Vijan, X-C

“Thank you Father Glenn for improving my future” – Jeetan N Chandiramani X-C

 “I am pleased to hear you father Glenn and this session will really help me to be a great person in life” – Viraj M. Kulkarni,  X-C

“Father you have introduced me to who I am and you spoke in a very simple way” – Gaurav N. Gorde X-C

“Thank you Fr. Glenn for letting me know the person I am as I didn’t know where I was stuck and didn’t have time to think over my life. Thank you for this wonderful session” – Lester Fernandes, X –C

Through this session Fr. Glenn taught us to face the difficulties of life. We may fail but later we may achieve success. He really helped us to learn and see who we are. I also learnt to first listen to my heart and then to my mind” -  Calvin Pereira,  X-F

 “Whatever Fr. Glenn spoke was very effective for me” -  Mihir Sheth, X-F

“The session with Fr. Glenn was very interesting and was on a topic to think upon. The way we see life and deal with it is very important. This session taught me that there is a key for every lock” -  Sinranjeet, X-F

“Father challenged me to improve the wheel of my life. My wheel is not perfect, but I will improve it” – Rahul Kadam, X-F

“I loved to reflect on my life as I discovered many things which remained unnoticed. I want to thank Fr. Glenn once again and I am grateful to him. He is doing a great job” – Neelay Jain, X-F

“I really did like this session. It was dynamic; especially the four points were very inspiring. I really thank Fr. Glenn for it” -  Adith Shetty, X-F

“Thanks to Fr. Glenn as he made me aware of my mistakes. His speech was inspiring and motivating. He gave us a good example of good relationship with family and friends” -  Agnel Fernandes, X-F

“Firstly, I would like to thank Fr. Glenn for giving us such a lovely session. He motivated us and gave us many paths to live our life to the fullest. Thank you father.” -  Harsh Togani X-F

Congratulations to all the young students for having participated in this session with a lot of attentiveness and participation too. May God bless you all as you prepare for your final board examinations and may your future be always a bright one! - Fr. Glenn Lowe

CHILDREN'S DAY PRAYER SERVICE 2013

ARCHDIOCESAN VALUE EDUCATION PRAYER SERVICE (AVEC) MUMBAI

To view or download the prayer service for Children's day,

please click on the link given below:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/177069971/Prayer-Service-for-Universal-Children-s-Day-14-November?post_id=595997470_10151639746472471#_=_

Values for the Yatra Oct-Nov 2013

ARCHDIOCESAN VALUE EDUCATION CENTRE (AVEC - MUMBAI)

Resources for schools and colleges

To view or download the Values for the Yatra,

Please click on the link given below:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/175920476/Values-for-the-Yatra-OCT-NOV-2013

HOLY FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL - PRESTOMSAGAR, CHEMBUR

HOLY FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL - PRESTOMSAGAR, CHEMBUR

October 12, 2013

STD X - STUDENTS' RETREAT

Over hundred and ten students of STD X from Holy Family High School - Prestomsagar, Chembur, had the privilege of attending a day's Retreat that was organized by AVEC. The guest speakers, Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes were warmly welcomed by the school principal, Mrs. Fernandes. Value Education coordinator, Ms. Katherine Joshy expressed words of welcome and introduced the animators to the students.

 Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes, then invited the students to participate in a breathing exercise in order to become more aware of themselves and to relax their minds and body. Through a fantasy meditation, he helped them to focus on all the was good and energetic and to exhale all that was negative and toxic in their lives. The students took this part of the exercise very seriously too. He then gave a small introduction about Fr. Glenn and made mention of his kidney donation to a fellow Salesian priest over two years ago.

Fr. Glenn, then began his session, praising the students at the very start for their active participation in all the AVEC competitions. "When it comes to Value Education, I would even rate you among the top three schools that I have visited in all these five years. Congrats to you and the management and teachers who imbibe these values through education " he added.

Fr. Glenn, then divided the session 'RETREAT: A Vacation with God and Self' into four parts: Listening Attentively, Revisiting your Past, Reorganizing your Future, and finally Writing your Problems on the Sand. Through the use of a well prepared handout, sharing of personal testimonies and then connecting with everyday experiential observances, he was able to assist the young hearts and minds to make a 'qualitative change' in their lives. He focused on the integration of 'Body-Mind-Heart-Soul' in order to live a happier, healthier and holier life too.

 The students took the time to revisit their past through the 'Spiral of Life' exercise and for many it was really a worthwhile moment to 'soul search and connect the dots' of one's past. The students were even given some time to share their own personal history in small groups, an exercise their found a little difficult as expected. "It's easy to share about the weather, politics, a game of cricket or the lifestyle of an actor or actress. But when it comes to sharing our own life story, we often feel shy and back away from it. Be proud of your history and let it propel you to a better future," he inspired them.

 In the last part of the retreat, the students focused on their 'Wheel of Life' and identified personal areas in their lives that needed a lot more of focus and growth, especially on the levels of the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental and moral dimensions of their lives. Finally, it was time to unburden oneself of life's little problems that seemed to stifle the onward journey. The entire exercise was very revealing, refreshing and one could sense a deep sigh of relief and new vigor to pick up their life and march on with meaning and significance too. 

At the end of session, many students came forward to speak and share their reflections, new insights and personal experience of the day.A number of students also took the opportunity to write their comments in the AVEC  appreciation book:

"I would like to thank Fr. Glenn for this amazing session. He was truly inspiring and made me think once again about my life. I realized some mistakes I made in my life and hope to reach my goals successfully" -  Aayush Halde X 

 "I would like to thank you Father Glenn for this wonderful session. it was really very good and inspiring and nice. It motivates us. I came to know all my weak points in life. As we are all in STD X, this session played a great role in our life. It was really nice! Thank you once again and continue to enlighten our minds and help students. There are no words to describe my feeling" - Hanna Rakhangi X

 "The values that you have taught us have been engraved on our souls. The activities, and the entire talk inspired us to the core of our hearts. we felt we are on cloud 9!. I acknowledge the efforts and time taken by Fr. Glenn. we hope that we will enjoy this session again with you in the future" -  Mahesh, Trupti, Divya, Vrushti, Bharti -X

 "Thank you for all the inspiring and motivating talk. The session flared up a hope in us to face the challenges of life" -  Prajakta Jha X

 "Paisa Vasul!"-  Nidhi Jain

 "The session was very enjoyable and we all learnt a lot about our new life" -  Ruchita 

 "The session was undoubtedly and incredibly awesome. I am left with no words to describe my feeling" -  Vatsal Shal X

 "This session made us think once again of our past and look as the mistakes that I have done and through this session, I will, together with all my Std X friends, improve on our mistakes and thank you once again Fr. Glenn" -  Virgil Varghese K

Congratulations to all the students for their very good behavior and active participation all through the session. May God bless you all in your education journey and may all your dreams come true as you live your life making a difference to humanity at large.

ST. MARY'S CONVENT SECONDARY SCHOOL - UJJAIN: STUDENTS' ORIENTATION

ST. MARY'S CONVENT SECONDARY SCHOOL - UJJAIN

Students' Orientation Program - October 5, 2013

At the request of Sr. Roshan, Principal of St. Mary's Convent Secondary School - Ujjain , two sessions were taken for 757 students from Stds VI - XII. Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes conducted the 'Live your Life by a Value Compass' program. At the very outset, AVEC would like to congratulate the students for the very attentive and participatory way in which they responded to the entire session. Mr. K.M. Joseph welcomed the guest speakers to the school and introduced them to the participants. 

In all, three sessions were conducted for the students. The students were divided into smaller batches to facilitate better participation. The session began with a multi faith prayer song that invoked God's abundant blessings of health, peace, joy, love and hope on all. The students joined in the latter half of the prayer song. Mr. Rochwyn invited the students through a fantasy meditation that also included being aware of important highlights of their academic journey. All the three groups really took this exercise very seriously. He then introduced Fr. Glenn and gave a brief of the AVEC activities over the last three years.

Fr. Glenford Lowe challenged the students to look at life and the gift of time through a new perspective. When we Value Life and Time, two important resources and gifts, we are able to make life more meaningful and significant. "Value Education is an Education to becoming', he kept repeating. "A good Value compass enables us to reach there. But sad to say, many have lost their value compass, broken it or even traded it for something less valuable", he reminded them. "Today's session is a home work for all: to reconstruct our broken Value compass and begin the journey again". The students were really glued to every word that Fr. Glenn kept challenging them.

 Through the use of a Powerful PowerPoint presentation, coupled with inspiring songs, True life stories and also from his own personal testimonies, he was able to bring home to the students the TWELVE IMPORTANT VALUES that can make one's life more meaningful. The interaction between the students and the daily true life examples kept the students attention all through. Fr. Glenford Lowe, invited the students to look at Twelve Values that need to be imbibed in order to make a meaningful and fruitful life. He challenged the students to start by having a 'Winner Attitude'. Once we Value a 'win-win' situation in life and see the optimistic side of life, the journey of life becomes more interesting and worthwhile.Other important values were the importance of 'Being a Team Player', Communicating Effectively, Exuding Confidence, Honing Creative Skills, Multi Tasking and Prioritizing One's Time and Schedules, Being Honest and Accountable, Motivating and Leading Others, and the need to Live a 'Balanced and Abundant Life'. Living and directing one's life by a Value compass is indeed important.   

 “Thank you for this wonderful session and for guiding us to make a difference too” - VanshikaAgarwal VIII – A

“Thank you Fr. Glenn for guiding us, for this wonderful session. It was really inspiring!” - KashishVishanwani VIII A

 "We are thankful to Fr for his contributions given today. On behalf of my class, I thank you. We learnt a lot" Parch VI
"I am inspired by your words and I will become M.A.D" - Manan Bhargava VIII A

 "I am very inspired bu your words and I am very enlightened  your words. I promise you that I will become M.A.D too" -  Atharva Vyas VI - A
"Let light shine on all" -  Varun Yadav VI - B

 "I thank you very much and I will be a successful person in life" -  Hemank Rai VI-B
"I am impressed by your seminar and I promise you that I will become a difference to all" - Aditi Chaurasia VI-A

 "I am impressed by your words and I enjoyed the song 'Tell me Why?'. i too promise to make a difference" -  Abishek Singh VI - A
"I was very glad to participate in your seminar. I hope that you will come again next year and I am impressed by your M.A.D invitation" - Chintan Shah VI B

 "Thank you father for this wonderful seminar for guiding us and helping us to become MAD. I promise to start today!" -  Jay Mittal VII B
"This was a very inspiring session and was a marvelous exchange of ideas. I promise to play my part in making a difference. and always follow my value compass and be on the right track" - Devang Singh Tomar VII B

 "It was an excellent session" -  Shobit Bhargana VII - B
"Fr. Glenford led is in the direction which was untrodden for us. A wonderful and worthwhile attending session" -  Gargi Pare (School captain)

 "A mesmerizing session. Wil be sure and good at making a difference and enjoyed it alot" -
"This was the first session which I attended with a lot of attentiveness.  On behalf of class IX, we promise to Make a Difference"

 It has been a great three hours of interaction and on behalf of std XI science, I say thank you" -

The vote of thanks was given by Gargi Pare, School Captain.
Be blessed and thanks to one and all for the nice cooperation and attentiveness received all through these two days at Ujjain.