ST.ANNE'S HIGH SCHOOL - FORT: STD VIII - IX VALUE ORIENTATION

ST.ANNE'S HIGH SCHOOL - FORT: STD VIII - IX Value Orientation

Feb 13, 2014

It was a privilege to conduct a session for 160 students from STD VIII - IX belonging to St. Anne's High School - Fort, Mumbai. Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes and Fr. Glenford Lowe were warmly welcomed by the Principal, Sr. Guilhermina Monteiro and the Value Education teacher Mrs. Tessy. The program was conducted from 1:00 pm - 2:25 pm. The theme for the Value Education Orientation was "Embrace Values: Enrich Lives"

 The program began with a word of welcome by a student. Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes took the first part of the program by inviting the students to a few moments of silence and rhythmic breathing accompanied by a fantasy meditation. the meditation enabled the students to quiet down and relax and also to focus on their life's journey, especially as a student. He then introduced Fr. Glenn to the students.

Fr. Glenn challenged the students to make use of the opportunity to look at their lives a lot more objectively, purposefully and value based. He cited that today ' attitude in life is more important than grades in school'. He used simple everyday examples to draw the attention of the students to focus on making 'qualitative changes' rather than mere 'quantitative changes' in their everyday choices and decisions. "Values empower you to discern and make right choices in life", he added.

 The next part of the session highlighted the importance of 'Actively Listening'to the present NOW moment in their lives, with reference to their Body-mind-heart-Earth-Soul connections. They looked at their successes and failures, fears and anxieties too. The 'Spiral of Life' was an opportune window to revisit their past and to connect the dots of their lives. With the help of a number of useful clip art and daily life's examples, the students were able to gauge their past and weigh it on 'Value Scale'. The last part of the session focused on 'reorganizing their future'. With the help of the 'Wheel of Life', they were able to look at the necessary resolutions and commitments that they  had to make personally in order to live life more 'qualitatively'. 

 The time was fruitfully used and we can honestly say, that the students really participated very actively and attentively all through.
At the end of the session, the head girl Chelsea Mascharenhas proposed the vote of thanks.
A few students came forward to write their comments in the AVEC appreciation log book:

"Fr. Glenn’s session was a thought provoking and very beautiful session. The teachers as well as the students were completely involved, it was an amazing experience. Thank you Fr. Glenn and Mr. Rochwyn for the session. Chelsea Mascarenhas.   I X B 

 "Lovely session which taught us how beautiful life is, and how we can improve in life and manage ourselves".  Moksa Chardan IX A

"The best session that helped us learn the value and importance of life".  Nidhi

"Due to Fr. Glenn’s session we came to realize our moral values and try to change ourselves if we are bad in something". Vanessa D’Souza IX A

"The way you explained to us Fr. Glenn was just marvelous. It was amazing when you told us about the 'Spiral' and the 'Wheel of Life" Manvi VIII B

"Due to this session. I really got to reflect upon my soul and came to know who I really am"
Michelle VIII A

God bless all of you and congratulations for your cooperation, very active participation and active listening all through the session.