ST. ANNE'S GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL - BORIVILI: STUDENTS' ORIENTATION PROGRAM

ST. ANNE'S GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL - BORIVILI: STUDENTS' VALUE EDUCATION ORIENTATION:

July 23, 2013: The students of St. Anne's Girl;s High School - Borivili, grabbed an opportunity that came their way. In spite of a declared holiday, over four hundred and fifty students of standards nine and ten, took part in a Value Education Orientation Program, that was conducted by Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes. Sr. Graclin Rose Mary, principal of the school welcome the guest speakers to the school. On behalf of the school management, Mrs. Malvina Verdes, introduced the speakers to the students. The incessant rains all through the day, didn't prevent the students from attending the session.

The two sessions, consisting of two and a half hours each, were spent well. The theme for the day's Value orientation was ' Living your Life by a Value Compass'. Right from the word go, the students were fully active and attentive to every moment of the program. A prayer song, 'Sarweshaam, Swastir Bhavatu' brought a spiritual tone to the program. The students were then invited by Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes to participate in a 'fantasy meditation' and to relax and slow down with the help of some rhythmic breathing. He introduced Fr. Glenford Lowe and made a reference to his noble gesture of 'donating his kidney' to a fellow salesian priest.

Fr. Glenn then took over... the session was very down-to-earth and full of daily life experiences in a students' life. Focusing on the need to reset one's Value compass and to take charge of one's direction in life, the entire session was a call to return back to celebrate life abundantly. The call was to get M.A.D... make a difference. Citing popular examples like Ms. Kia Scherr, Ryan Hjerlac and Malala Yousafzai, he challenged the students to make a worthy contribution to humanity. "At the end of your life, what is it that you would like to be remembered for?" , he asked.

The young minds were invited to start asking more 'meaning questions' rather than just living a life of survival. Basing the talk on Twelve Diamond values that are important to reset one's personal value compass, the students took the opportunity to reevaluate their personal life so far. Important values based on one's 'attitude', team work, communication, confidence, creativity, criticism, were also discussed about. Other points for consideration were on 'Multi tasking and time management', accountability and living a balanced life and also a life of abundance.

With the help of a PowerPoint presentation and use of powerful media clips and everyday life situations, the students fully participated in all the activities and were able to challenge themselves to start making a Difference in their own lives. At the end of the session, a number of students came forward to write their comments in the AVEC appreciation log book.

"It was really inspiring to learn so much in such a little time. It will be helpful in future to face the challenges that we as girls face. Very big ‘THANK YOU’ to Fr. Glenn." - Edlyn D’Mello (X-A)

"It was truly a very motivating speech and I enjoyed a lot. Fr. Glenn really inspired me to think and plan a future ahead" - Kruti Sakpal (X- A)

"I am really inspired and motivated by the talks of Fr. Glenn. He spoke the words and message of our girls’ heart, the problems what we face. I will try to improve the things what eve he has spoken. A big Thanks!" -  Destiny Gomes (X- B)

"Thank you for your precious time for motivating and inspiring us towards our future. Thank you for making us understand the reason why we should not be idle but Make A Difference not only for us but for the world too." -  Mitali Patel (X- B)

"The experience of listening to Fr. Glenn was truly a wonderful experience for me. I am really inspired by his talks and would really ‘Make A Difference’ in my life. Thanks a lot!!"-  Vaishnavi Rahate (X- B)

"Thank you Fr. Glenn. Many of your words did relate to my life. There were many things to learn. I believe it will always be there with me till the end. Thank you!"- Rhea Nathan (X- B)

"A motivating session, I’m sure that my life will change its course after this. I have faith that I will get M. A. D and change my life and respect my values" - Aishwarya Jagtap (X- B)

"Thank you for your precious time given to us. It motivates and encourages me for my future. I have become M. A. D and it will help me in my future. Thank You" -   Mahima Acharya (X- B)

"Before coming to this session I thought it would be quite boring, but actually it was very interesting. I’ve failed in my life at times, but never tried to come up. Through this session, I’ve learned a lot and  I will try my best to bring myself up and running in the race again. You gave me oil in my lamp and I will make sure it keeps burning. I will Make A Difference in my life"-  Sakshi Jaiswal (X- B)

"90 out of my 100 questions have been answered and this session and helped me with the rest. With lots of love and gratefulness" - Gauri Bidwe (X- B)

"Thanks for spending precious time with us to include good values, which I will definitely make me M.A.D. And thank you also to be our motivator, point of inspiration and a guide"-  Harshada. N. Rana (X- C)

"It was a truly motivating and inspiring session. Thanks for spending your precious time with us. It will surely help us to take the right decision about our future and our life"-  Pooja. M. Rane (X- C)

"These were truly wonderful 2.5 hours I’ve spent in a long time. Thank you and I would love to have this session once again"-   Rashmi Manuja (X- A)

"These 2.5 hours have been the most inspiring hours of my life. I’ve been to various such programmes but none have given me a clearer view of life. Fr. Glenn, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and please don’t stop"- Prachi Jethwa (X- A)

 "Very inspiring session. Thank you very much for all your motivating values"-  Dhanya Bappanad (IX- A)

"We appreciate the 12 points given by Fr. Glenford and we’ll surely include them in our life and thank you for the motivation and for your valuable time" - Pearl Pasanna & Alisha Raut (IX- B)

 "It was a wonderful session, very meaningful and motivating, inspiring, full of innumerable examples of day to day life. It surely is going to have an impact on all of us" -   Allena Martis (IX- C)

"It was a very wonderful and inspiring orientation. We appreciate the way Fr. Glenford gave us examples of our day to day falls of life"- Student (IX- A)

"It was a very motivating and useful session. And these 12 points were the most valuable points of my life. And I wish Fr. Glenford thanks for giving us such a valuable session"- Neha Brahmane (IX- C)

Congratulations to all the students of St. Anne's Girls High school - Borivili and I pray God's blessings on you all through the coming years ahead of you in your educative journey to live your lives more significantly guided by a Value Compass! - Fr. Glenford Lowe

St. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, MAROL: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION PROGRAM

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST HIGH SCHOOL - MAROL: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION PROGRAM

July 22, 2013: The AVEC resource team ventured early morning to animate sixty eight teachers of St. John the Evangelist High School - Marol, Andheri. The school Principal, Sr. Tara welcomed Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes to the school. She introduced both the guests and invited the teachers to avail themselves of the opportunity set before them to 'Embrace Values and Enrich Lives'. The theme for the day's Value Orientation program was 'Management By Values' (MBV).

The session began with a Prayer Song 'Sarveshaam Swastir Bhavatu' -  an audiovisual presentation that included visuals from all-faiths and religious practices. Everyone could easily connect with the prayer that implored God's blessing of auspiciousness, health, peace, abundance and love for all.  An awareness breathing exercise followed, this helped the teachers to relax and slow down and to be open to the session that was to follow. Mr. Fernandes then briefed the teachers about the AVEC activities over the last year. He invited the teachers to go through the AVEC 'Values for the Yatra' and to sign up for the e-letter too. Fr. Glenford was also introduced a second time.

Fr. Glenford Lowe, then took the session in three parts. He invited the teachers to look at a new perspective in life. "What you see, is what you get!" The teachers were challenged more than ever to put their 'heart' back into their noble vocation as educators of the young. He defined Value Education as an 'education to becoming', and we 'BECOME' only to the extent that we embrace values. Education to becoming is a life-long process and cannot be achieved over night. Part of teh 'becoming process' is the ability to manage one's life by Values and to make the necessary Value Shifts needed to move from living a life of survival to one of deep meaning, significance and contribution.

Part two of the program revolved around 'aligning' one's personal values with that of the institution. Plotting one's level of personal attainment with that of the institutional's job satisfaction, the teachers were able to gauge themselves once again on the Value scale. Focusing on the WORD and the need to change one's word in order to change one's world was an insight given through 'Johnathan Reed's U@50' poem.

In the final part of the exercise, using the Brian Hall- Benjamin Tonna Value map, the teachers were able to honestly find themselves with reference to the 'four phases' of Value Consciousness. The need to make the necessary Value Shifts in order to move to a higher plane of Value consciousness was also explained. the teachers were very attentive all through the exercises and found an opportunity to really understand the dynamics of Value Shifts. Using everyday examples and enlightening the teachers on the world of the present day young people, the teachers were invited to make the change in themselves first, in order to find solutions with the young to make their world a better place to live and grow as 'Valued human beings'.

 On behalf of the school, Mrs. Lucy Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks. A number of teachers wrote their comments in the AVEC appreciation logbook:
"An excellent session, we enjoyed every bit f it. We will surely use the inputs in our daily teaching and lives. I hope to shift my values and hope to attain Phase IV. Thank you and God bless you with good health to carry on this noble work" - Mrs. Recca A. Pinto

 "I am a Marathi/ Hindi teacher, but I understood your session well and hope that we will be able to make a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you" - Shalini Buthello

 "Extremely well conducted session. Very valuable inputs given. Keep up the good work" -  Violet Menezes

 "You are a very loving messenger of God, you are inculcating good values in us to make the world a beautiful place" - Rakesh Dwivedi

 "The session was thought provoking. it made me think of my mission here on earth and what I could do as a teacher/educator.Thank you for this valuable insight. God bless you" -  Andrea Fernandes

Thanks to one and all for your attentiveness and active participation. God bless you all.

PARENTS' DAY JULY 2013: PRAYER SERVICE

ARCHDIOCESAN VALUE EDUCATION CENTRE (AVEC - MUMBAI)

 PRAYER SERVICE RESOURCES: PARENTS DAY JULY 2013

To view or download the PARENTS' DAY PRAYER SERVICE,

Please click on the link given below:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/154431070/Family-Prayer-Service-for-Parents-Day-July-2013?post_id=100004217130307_213682145449022#_=_

St. ANNE'S HIGH SCHOOL - BORIVILI: TEACHERS' VALUE EDUCATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM

ST.  ANNE'S HIGH SCHOOL - BORIVILI: TEACHERS' VALUE ORIENTATION 

July 17, 2013: Back after three years, the AVEC team once again were invited to St. Anne's High School for an Orientation program in Value Education for Seventy Seven teachers. Sr. Gracelin Rose Mary, Principal of the school, welcomed all the teachers of the secondary and primary to the Orientation program and thanked the AVEC resource personnel - Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes, for having accepted the invitation to animate the school teachers on "Management By Values" (MBV).  On behalf of the school Management and Staff, Mrs. Malvina Vertes, officially gave the words of welcome.

The first part of the session, Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes thanked the management for the warm welcome. A prayer song, 'Sarweshaam, Swastir Bhavatu' was a prayer of blessing for one and all. He then took the teachers through a fantasy meditation and invited the teachers to slow down, through a rhythmic breathing process,  and to focus on their life's journey so far. They were invited to inhale all that was good and positive and exhale everything that was toxic and negative. A brief report of AVEC activities and achievements were presented to the participants. He also introduced Fr. Glenford Lowe to them.

 Fr. Glenford Lowe, at the start of the session, invited the teachers to be ready for a new perspective change. Citing examples from 26/11 and differentiating between a 'career' and ' vocation', he started the ball rolling towards making a VALUE SHIFT. The world of the young, with its new problems and situations, were something of an eye opener and the teachers were invited to recognize what was happening in their world. "Once you become a 'Value guru', then your students too will make the necessary 'Value Shift' in their lives", he said. 

Using a PowerPoint Presentation, coupled with examples from everyday situations and challenges, the teachers were able to check on their own lifestyles and to identify the power of their words. The importance of alignment of Personal and Institutional values were also explained to them. "No one is called to live merely on the level of survival. We are all invited to move higher up the scale, make the necessary shifts in our Values and live a better lifestyle", he added. Plotting one's Values on the Brian Hall - Benjamin Tonna Value map, the teachers were able to gauge their value consciousness. He then took some time to give some insights on the Value map. 

It was a four hour session, time well spent. At the end of the session, Mrs. Josephine La Rive proposed the vote of thanks and invited the teachers to do their 'home work' too! 

A few teachers wrote their comments in the AVEC appreciation log book:

"A very good session. Made me change from my comfort zone and to be more willing to be more better" - Cynthia

 "A wonderful session which will surely help me to push ahead; to comfortably carry myself forward to attain the goal of 'Word' for me and my children and the world around me... Thank you very much" - Mrs. Bhavana

"The talk by Fr. Glenn on the topic 'Management By Values' was very informative and educative. It really helped me to see where I am. I not only enjoyed the session, but I will make a SHIFT which will help my students too" - Sr. Beena

ST. ANNE'S HIGH SCHOOL - ORLEM: STUDENTS' VALUE ORIENTATION PROGRAM

ST. ANNE'S HIGH SCHOOL - ORLEM: STUDENTS' VALUE ORIENTATION PROGRAM

July 16, 2013: For the second consecutive day, the AVEC resource team visited St. Anne's High School - Orlem, Malad to conduct a Value Orientation program for the students of Standard IX & X. Over six hundred and fifty students too part in the two sessions of "Living your Life, Guided by a Value Compass". The school principal, Ms. Annie Braganza, welcomed the guest speakers, Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes to the school. 

The sessions began with a short prayer Song, 'Sarveshaam, Swastir Bhavatu', that set a spiritual tone to the whole program. The prayer song invoked God's choicest blessings on one and all - blessings of Peace, love, health, prosperity and auspiciousness. Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes then introduced the AVEC activities and Fr. Glenford to them. He also spoke to them of his very noble act in donating his kidney to another fellow Salesian priest.

Fr. Glenn began the session inviting the students, right from the start, to be open to the challenges being put by him in order to start living their lives 'Guided by a Value compass'. The students were really attentive all through, in spite of the fact, that each sessions was about two hours. With the help of a lot of daily life situations, and models like Ms. Kia Scherr, Ryan Hreljac, Ms. Malala Yousafzai, he challenged the students to start making a difference. "Get M.A.D" was his constant invitation... Make A Difference and leave this world a better place. 

Presenting Twelve Golden Value Points for daily Living, he stressed on three important factors: Having the courage to share your story - even your sad ones - to some significant other, Remembering that exams are only a small comma in the sentence of life and finally, Solving material problems with spiritual solutions! He made the students aware of the importance of moving from asking mere survival questions to more meaningful questions. He also asked the students to remember that 'excuse is not a value'.

The students were then asked to focus on the Twelve Diamond Values that are necessary for a reconstruction of their Value Compass. "Velocity in life is not important, it's direction in life that really matters ", he said. He also stressed on the need to focus on: building a 'Winner Attitude' in life; Growing into Teams that Synergize their efforts; Being more Communicative, Confident and Creative; Understanding the need for Motivation, Multi Tasking and being Accountable and open to Corrections; and finally Living a Balanced Life and a Life of Abundance.

The time really past quickly.. the students were looking forward to more.... the vote of thanks was given by Ms. Jean Fernandes for standard nine, while the school head-boy Alex spoke on behalf of standard ten. school captain

At the end of the session, a number of students came forward to write their comments in the AVEC log book: but sorry, many of them have not written their names!

"I was inspired by him so much hat I've decided to change myself and be M.A.D" - 

"I have learnt how to control my Value Compass" 

"Had a great session with Fr. Glenn and I will surely become M.A.D"

 "I have been encouraged and my friends too, with this Value session conducted by Fr. Glenn and Mr. Fernandes. I have decided to change my words and change my world"
"The session was very good. Fr. Glenn inspired us very much. he changed my opinion towards life and the way to live it"
"Fr. Glenn you have changed my mind..I should not smoke"

 "Fr. Glenn, I am very encouraged by your lovely presentation and I will never forget you for the rest of my life"
"Father, looking at this session, I have understood to give a helping hand. I understood the meaning of M.A.D, and I am gonna change. Thank you" Std X
"An awesome experience. Thank you Fr. Glenn for spending your precious time with us"

 "Fr. Glenn, your session was very good and we got to learn the meaning of M.A.D. Thank you very much" - Suvin - X
"Fr. Glenn, the session was very interesting. I have learnt many good values form you. It was awesome" - Agnel - X

 "I actually learnt something today that I will use for all my life. Thank you and Keep up the good work"
"Thanks Fr, for showing me the path to work"

 "The session was really very interesting and effective for us as a student. Father was really very good and made the session really very lively" -  Firoz Maniar - X
"It was very good" - Sheldon,  X

 "I have never enjoyed any session as much as I enjoyed today. Thank you Fr. Glenn and Mr. Fernandes" - Ms. Adele Arianne Alburquerque, X

 "A fulfilling session, helped understand life better" - Bosco, X

Congratulations to all the students and I pray God's blessings on each one of you, as you prepare yourselves to live life by a Value Compass.