St. Teresa's School, Bandra : AVEC Students' Orientation Programram

AUGUST 31st, 2010: STUDENTS' ORIENTATION FOR ST. TERESA'S, BANDRA

The Archdiocesan Value Education Centre, today organized a Students' Orientation Program for over 145 students of Standard Eight at St. Teresa's High School, Bandra. Fr. John Mascharenhas, the Principal of the Secondary section welcomed Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes to thanked them for their invaluable service to the students and staff of their school. This was the third program organized by AVEC for the school. The theme chosen for the students was "Lead with a Difference". The students were divided into two batches to facilitate better animation. An hour and a half was allocated for each session.

The session began with a Prayer song followed by a small session on self awareness through a Breathing Meditation. The students appreciated the prayer song and meditation very much. For many it was a different form of being aware of self and a new way of finding peace in the midst of daily stress and activity.

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, then spoke to the students on to need to lead the world and oneself by developing soft skills coupled with a visionary leadership style. Through a number of small interactive moments he was able to draw the attention of the students to twelve necessary ingredients to become a better leader. A number of short audio visuals were played in between the twelve points. One could see the eagerness among the students to think differently and to imbibe leadership styles based on human values.

The students participated in the entire program with eager minds and were confident of making a difference in their own lives, their school community, their family and society. "This was something new for all of us in this class. We are happy that Fr. John , our Principal organized this for us," said a grateful student. "We had fun, but we also learnt a lot," said another student. "Come again, we want to have you with us for a longer time," another said with a smile.

At the end of the session, one could sense an atmosphere that was more vibrant and alive. The students of standard eight were all set to begin a new way of leading themselves and others too. "We can all be leaders in one way or another," said

Values for the yatra SETP 2010

KURLA - NAVI MUMBAI: AVEC Training for Value Ed Coordinators

AUGUST 27, 2010: Value Education Coordinators' Meeting

Don Bosco Youth Services today hosted the final AVEC Training Program for the Value Education Coordinators of the Kurla and Navi Mumbai Deaneries. Twenty Seven teachers from fifteen schools participated in the event. Fr. Wilfred D'Souza sdb, Rector of the Provincial House - Matunga, welcomed all the participants and invited them to join hands on a united front to bring Value Education back into our schools. On behalf of the participants, Ms. Bincy Abraham presented a set of Value Education posters to our guest of honor.

Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes welcomed the participants and enlightened the participants through a PowerPoint presentation on the responsibilities entrusted to AVEC. One could sense the surprise in the faces of the participants as they could see the growth of AVEC in the last few months. Ms. Sany Joseph, a Business strategist from ASIA BOOK HOUSE then spoke to the Value Education Coordinators on the importance of Value Education in all our schools. She too the opportunity to brief the gathering about their best selling series 'Roadmaps for Good Living' and its relevance for students and teachers of Value Education.

Refreshed after a short break, Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, then invited the Value Education Coordinators to make a sincere journey within themselves and to discover once again their 'first love' as educators of the young. Through a series of small activities and moments of personal reflection, every participant felt that this was indeed a refreshing moment in the daily routine of their lives to slow down and look at everything through a different perspective.

Ms. Sany Joseph was then presented with a set of Value Education posters by Fr. Glenford Lowe. AVEC wishes to thank Ms. Sany Joseph for joining hands with us this year in promoting the cause of Value Education in all our schools affiliated to the ABE. Teachers took time to browse through the books, e-letter and to purchase the new Value Education Posters. The session ended with a group photo.

At the end of the session here are some of the comments written by some of the Teachers:

"Very Informative. Truly praiseworthy" - Kathrine Joshy - H.F.H.S, Chembur.

"Good Presentation. Could have been a little more interactive" - St. Anthony's Girls High School.

"It was thought provoking session and a reflection on our hidden values" - Sacred Heart High School, Vashi.

"It was a good presentation and very interactive" - Holy Cross High School, Kurla.

"It was a very enhancing program which really helped us to imbibe the values in our daily teaching routine" - Fatima High School, Vidyavihar.

"Fr. Lowe and Ms. Sany Joseph were excellent. It was really an inspiring and practical session" - Convent of Jesus and Mary, Kharghar.

"The entire seminar was very well planned, good and interesting" - Mrs. Rosy, Mrs. Zene, Our Lady of Health High School, Sahar.

"Very inspiring and educative seminar" - Fr. Agnel Multipurpose School, Vashi.

"I liked the concluding part of the program where we were taught how to help the students to clarify values. Motivating and definitely a change will come. Thank you" - Ms. Monica Chandhani , Our Lady of Perpetual Succor High School, Chembur.

"A welcome step forward by AVEC on the field of Value Education. Fr. Glenn your very inspiring session will help me to look at Value Education teaching with a difference" - Vijaya Ravi, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor High School, Chembur

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South Mumbai Deanery: AVEC Seminar

August 25, 2010: Value Education Coordinators' Meeting - South Mumbai Deanery

St. Anne's High School, Fort, today hosted the seventh Deanery level Value Education Coordinators' Meeting that was organised by AVEC. Forty two teachers from twenty three schools participated in the event. Sad to say, five schools failed to turn up in spite of the constant reminders. At the very outset, after a beautiful prayer song, Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes welcomed the participants and in a special way invited Sr. Prudence to say a few words. On behalf of AVEC, Michelle D'Souza presented a small token of appreciation to Sr. Prudence for permitting us to use the school premises and facilities for the entire program.

Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes then started of the session by enlightening the Value Education Coordinators of the various responsibilities entrusted to AVEC. Over the last year, AVEC had many many inroads into the schools affiliated to the ABE, especially in the area of Value Education. He also informed the participants that three dozen Value Education posters were available on sale.

In a very interactive session, Sany Joseph, a Business Strategist from ASIA BOOK HOUSE then presented a talk on the importance of Value Education in our schools . She spoke on 'Roadmaps for Good Living', their best selling series, as a way in which to promote Value Education in the schools.

During a short break, teachers were able to interact with the facilitators and the other participants. Refreshing snack were also served. After the break, Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, invited the teachers to be a salesperson in their own lives. Fr. Glenn started of by saying, "I am here today to sell you to you." When we value ourselves as persons first, we will value others as persons too. Through various exercises and insights, coupled with humor and reflective moments, all the participants made a deeper journey into their lives and profession.

"It was worth it... it was different from all the previous seminars I ever attended," commented a teacher. "At the end of it, there was a new discovery. I feel so different now. I am truly re-born!", said another. Many schools took to opportunity to buy a set of Value Education Posters. A group snap with beaming faces brought the seminar to a close. All the coordinators were invited to be a ROOT and a ROUTE to make Value Education in our schools a possibility.

St. Teresa's School, Bandra : AVEC Teacher Orientation Program

August 23, 2010 : Teachers' Orientation Program

Forty Teachers from the Secondary section of St. Teresa's, Bandra, participated today in a half-day Teachers' Orientation Program that was organized by the AVEC team. Gathered together in the school Audio Visual Hall, Fr. John Mascharenhas, Principal welcomed the two speakers on behalf of the management and the school.

The first part of the morning's session was conducted by Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes. The session began with a very beautiful prayer song in keeping with the theme for this year 'Care for Creation'. Coming straight from the class rooms after the unit tests, the teachers were taken through a ten minute 'calming down' session that involved a breathing exercise. The main highlights of the AVEC activities for this year were then presented by Mr. Rochwyn. Through a small 'paper' exercise the teachers were invited to take hold of their future and to learn from their past experiences.

Just before the break, Fr. Glenn invited the teachers to 'gift back importance' to themselves. "In placing a 'due importance on self' is the starting point of Valuing our lives better", said Fr. Glenn. Looking at the various attitudes and assumptions of the teachers, one could gauge a better perspective of how one responds to their calling as Educators.

After a hot cup of Tea and a sumptuous plate of snacks, Fr. Glenn and Mr. Rochwyn played a small exercise to bring home the important message that it is important to 'enlarge one's paradigm' to give every one their rightful place within the school community. Fr. Glenn then enlightened the teachers to have a change in perspective... "What you see is what you get", he kept reminding them. He kept challenging them to live their profession with a lot more of 'rhythm' rather than by 'routine'.

At the end of a three hour session, Mrs. Jean D'Cunha proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the school management and Teaching staff. "A very good presentation, thanks for everything", wrote Nora in the AVEC log book. Caroline Rebello, a teacher penned it all in one sentence, "thank you for this enlightening experience".

St. Anthony's, MALVANI - Teachers' Orientation

August 21, 2010: Teachers' Orientation Program

The AVEC team consisting of Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes and Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, today organized a Teachers' Orientation Program for the Secondary and Primary sections of the St. Anthony's School, Malvani. In two separate sessions of three hours each, over sixty teachers experienced a new way of looking at themselves, their school and their students.

Fr. James, the Principal of the school welcomed the participants and the guest speakers and thanked them for their service in promoting Value Education in the Archdiocese. Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes then began his session with a short exercise in self awareness through a breathing process. He then elaborated the works undertaken by AVEC to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to it by the Archdiocese. "Every program organised by AVEC within the Archdiocese must be seen in the broader perspective and not just as some isolated events tthat fill up the scholastic calendar," he said.

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, invited every teacher to value themselves, their calling as educators and also to value the students they educate. Through a number of exercises that triggered personal reflection amidst fun and laughter, he brought the teachers to live a life driven by rhythm rather than routine. Value Education is more than just another subject, it ought to be the very bloodline of every educational activity.

Floral bouquets were presented to the two speakers. By the end of the Teachers' orientation Program one could feel a sense of excitement and freshness within. "This is one of the best programs I have attended', commented a teacher. "I know I will be a different teacher now," said another.

The AVEC team is grateful to the Management of the St. Anthony's School for their eagerness to join hands with the AVEC to be along the Valued Path together. We are also grateful to the Priests of the Parish community for the very warm reception and invitation to join them at lunch together. We look forward to collaborating with you in the future.

THANE DEANERY - AVEC Value Coordinators'

AUGUST 20, 2010

The AVEC Team consisting of Fr. Glenford, Mr. Rochwyn and Ms. Michelle D'Souza organized their sixth Value Education Coordinators' Seminar at St. John the Baptist High School, Thane. Twenty six teachers from thirteen schools from within the Thane Deanery participated in the event.

In spite of being a very rainy day we had a cent per cent representation from all the schools affiliated to the ABE. Mrs. Ida D'Silva, Value Education coordinator of St. John the Baptist did a real good job in ensuring that the school auditorium was well prepared. The meeting began with a Prayer Song in keeping with the theme for this year 'Care for Creation'.

Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes then briefly presented a short report on how AVEC fulfills the responsibilities entrusted to it by way of animation, formation and creation of resources. "Over the past year AVEC has progressed in leaps and bounds", he said. He then introduced Mrs. Sany Joseph to present her session on the importance of Value Education.

Using the latest transitions in a well prepared Power Point, Sany Joseph struck the right chord from the start. Through various stories, personal experiences and getting the participants involved through an interactive way, she was able to instill the real purpose of stressing the importance of Value Education in Schools. The ASIA BOOK HOUSE through their best selling Value Education series, will surely make a marked difference in the whole educative journey.

Sumptuous snacks were then served by the school canteen. The 'Chinese Somosa' was no doubt the best of all. Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, then invited the participants to never forget that the 'Value' we give our selves is directly proportional to the value we will give to others too. As usual, in his creative and eloquent style, the participants were spell bound all through an hour long session. He gave them a lot of tips to move from the 'Valueless' lives we live to adding more Value in ourselves first, and then in others too.

Certificates of Appreciation were then distributed to all the participants. As a sign of appreciation, on behalf of the Principal, Fr. Nicholas Pereira, a set of Value Education Posters was presented to Mrs. Ida D'Silva. It was really a Valued day for all of us