ST. CHARLES GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL - VAKOLA: CATHOLIC STUDENTS' RETREAT

ST. CHARLES GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL - VAKOLA: CATHOLIC STUDENTS' RETREAT

July 17, 2014

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, today conducted a day's retreat for nearly 100 students of STDs IX & X from St. Charles Girls' High School - Vakola. Sr. Jacinta, Principal of the school welcomed Fr. Glenn and introduced him to the students. The retreat for a novel experience for many first timers. The theme, 'My Life: Christ-full or Christ-less' was reflected upon through many exercises, personal reflections and group sharing. Sr. Shija too was present always to assist and help the students.

The session began with a prayer song, and then a PowerPoint presentation on 'Retreat: A Vacation with God, Others and Self'. The students were invited to understand the very concept of 'Retreat' and to have the courage to stop, retrace one's past journey and make commitments for change in the future. The initial exercise on 'River me' helped the students to focus on their 'point of departure' and to look at their 'point of arrival'. Spending time on each stage of the river and comparing it to one's personal journey, the students were able to connect with their past in a very reflective manner. At each stage, the students were asked to make a prayer of thanksgiving or a prayer of forgiveness. The students were then divided into a number of smaller groups. Time was given to share their personal stories. The students were then asked to identify 'where in their life's flow did they meet Christ?' The most important question, "Is you life more Christfull or Christless?" was then reflected and a few students came forward to share their personal testimonies. A short break followed with snacks being served to all of them.

After the break, the theme "Christ-full of Christ-less" was reflected on. Important points on 'Who am I?' and 'Whose am I?' was also touched upon, The importance of 'Faith' and 'Being a Prayerful Person' was also touched upon. Fr. Glenn also shared a lot of his own personal stories. The testimony of Immaculee Ilibigiza, survivor of the Rwandan Genocide, as depicted in her 91 day hide in a small 3X4 feet toilet, along with 7 others and her discovering God with faith was very touching. 

The 'Our father' was then made very practical to the students. "The Our Father is more than just a 16 second prayer, it is a daily life style", he added. The final part of the session ended on focusing on Vocation and 'What is God asking of me today?' God has a plan for each one and it is our mission to find out and respond to the plan by saying, "Here I am Lord".

The day's retreat ended with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration. The students were invited to start being 'Eucharistic people' rather than mere 'Novena Christians'. Fr. Glenn took the time to explain the various parts of the mass. One could see the reverence and active participation in the whole Eucharistic moment. At the end of the session, the school Captain and Vice Captain came forward to propose the Vote of Thanks.

 The following comments were made in the AVEC log book:

"It was a great retreat experience. We go for many sessions, but this one was a unique one. We are privileged that we got this great opportunity to participate in this session. Thank you Fr. Glenn" -  Amanda Andrade X,C

 "It was a real spiritual session. We learnt alot; 'the Meaning of the Our father' in our daily life. We will surely implement this teaching in our life. thank you Fr. Glenn" -  Sharon Luckose X, B

 "The experience of this session was very inspirational. it touched our hearts. Fr, you have enlightened our minds with your inspiring words. Thank you for spending your precious time with us. We will cherish these moments for the rest of our life" -  Chrysan Fernandes, X - B

"Thank you Fr. for spending your unique time with your inspiring words. we are very grateful to you for sharing your wonderful experience with us. We have learnt a lot from you and you are like a source of inspiration in our life" -  Monthi Mary D'Souza X-B

 "Thanks a lot Fr. Glenn for spending your precious time with us. this indeed brought us closed to God and opened our eyes. We learnt the importance and true meaning of the Eucharist and we also got to discover ourselves deep within us" -  Romana Silveira, X A

Congratulations to all the students of STDs IX & X for your very active listening and participation all through this retreat. thanks to Sr. Jacinta and Sr. Shija for making all the arrangements and enabling the students to have this spiritual retreat at the beginning of the scholastic year.
God bless you all and may your lives be a lot more 'Christful'!

ST. BLAISE HIGH SCHOOL - AMBOLI: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION PROGRAM

ST. BLAISE HIGH SCHOOL - AMBOLI: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION PROGRAM

July 16, 2014

After a very long wait and many personal visits to the school, finally, AVEC was invited to organize a full day's Teachers' Orientation program for 48 teachers on the theme, "Management By Values". Sr. Mary, Principal of the school welcomed all the teachers and guest speakers too. Ms. Priyanka Pereira, from the primary section officially welcomed the two speakers. Floral bouquets were also presented to Fr. Glenn and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes.

After the initial prayer song, the participants went through a few moments of Spiritual refreshment and relaxation. The rhythmic breathing exercise, coupled with body awareness, set a calming atmosphere over all the participants. The words from the meditation, "Remember that the world can be different because of you", inspired and challenged all. The AVEC activities were also presented to the teachers. Fr. Glenn Lowe was then introduced by Mr. Fernandes. 

The theme 'Management By Values' (MBV) was divided into several small sections. The first part focused on the importance of having a new perspective. "perspective changes lead to procedural changes", he stressed. "You school or class can be better because of you, or it can be worse because of you", he added. He challenged the participants to make necessary shifts in the beliefs, assumptions and mindsets. Management By Values (MBV) makes our lives 'happier, healthier and holier'. The teachers were given ample examples of people who were ready to make the shift and embrace 'qualitative changes' rather than merely following 'quantitative changes'.

The power of WORD was another inspiring Value to be embraced. Change your word and change your world is more than just a mere slogan. It is a lifestyle. Teachers were asked to 'identify' their most common words, because of which they were often given names and disliked by their students. Teachers are 'Value Gurus' and not mere 'disciplinarians and referees' in the classroom and beyond.

Through a number of clear cut examples, deep insights coupled with a sense of humor and a well presented PowerPoint, the teachers were able to introspect on their presence and contribution to the school and the lives of the numerous students they touch! Misery likes company, and those who are on the level of 'survival' and 'stability' often bring down other people to their low levels of value consciousness. Management By Values was an occasion to make shifts towards living a life of significance and contribution. 

                                     

Through the Hall-Tonna Value Map and the personal alignment of core values with that of the institution, every participant was able to plot their own level or phase of value consciousness. The practical implications of making correct value shifts was made clear through a lot of examples from everyday school life. At the end of the session, Ms. Correine Miranda proposed the vote of thanks.

The following teachers made their comments in the AVEC log book:
"A very concrete step by step program to take me towards higher ideals with extreme clarity. It was very clear that a LOT of EFFORTS have gone in this venture" IMr. Vijay Pai

 "A thought provoking and soul searching session" -  Mrs. Maria D'Costa
"A program which makes one to start self assessing. Only, there could have been more interaction between us" - Reena Misra

"Hats off to you dear Fr. Glenn. It was a very awesome orientation which really made a difference. The Hall-Tonna Value Map was very novel and very introspective" - Mrs. Audrey D'Mello

"This session made me think as to what person I want to be. I have decided to take control of my words and make a difference in the lives of my students and my institution. thank you Fr. Glenn" - Mrs. Margaret Cardoz 

 "Dear Fr. Glenn your talk has definitely influenced me as a teacher. It has helped me to teach values more than the regular teaching. It has helped me answer questions asked by most youth of today. the presentation was well planned and interesting" -  Ms. Corrine Miranda

Thanks to Sr. Mary, principal and the management and staff of St. Blaise High school for this very unique opportunity to animate your teachers through the Management By values (MBV) program.
Be blessed and thanks once again.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL & Jr. COLLEGE - THANE: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL & Jr. COLLEGE - THANE: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION

July 15, 2014

What a lovely experience! Over 150 Teachers from the Primary, Secondary and Junior College sections took part in a day's Value Education Orientation program animated by AVEC. Fr. Michael Pinto, Principal welcomed both Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes to the school. The session began with a prayer song, Sarvesham Swastir Bhavatu. Unfortunately, the sound system wasn't too good for the sound track. The words of the song, however, put everyone on the right spiritual track. Mr. Fernandes introduced the teachers to a few moments of personal relaxation through a rhythmic breathing exercise. The also briefed the teachers on the various programs being offered by AVEC to the schools affiliated to the ABE. He then introduced Fr. Glenn to them.   

Fr. Glenford started off with these words, "I have come to disturb you and to challenge you to see differently. Perspective changes lead to procedural changes". Citing a number of examples, he enabled the participants to see the value in making 'Qualitative changes' and making important value based shifts, however small, that would eventually have it's ripple effect into quantitative changes. The 'happier, healthier, holier' fruits of teachers responding to a Vocation, was a powerful insight for all. 

The participants were then guided on the importance of knowing their present 'lifestyle'; survival, stability, success, or significance. The power of Word was also touched upon. "Change your words, and change your world" was frequently quoted. The poem, 'Youth: Lost Generation' made greater sense once Jonathan Reed  had the courage to make the necessary value based shifts. Fr. Glenn also enlightened the teachers on the attitudes of the young and the world they live in. We need to respond to them effectively by being 'Value Gurus' in their personal lives. There is no clear cut answer! Value Education is a life long Education to Becoming.

After the break, the participants were taken through two important exercises. The first included a reflection on one's personal values and the institutional core values. We cannot separate the two. One has to align with the core values of the institution. There is no other alternative. "You cannot be in this institution and not imbibe its core values", he affirmed. Management By Values (MBV) stressed on the importance of Values in one's personal life and in one's work place as well.

 Using the Hall-Tonna Value Map, the participants were able to find their place on the Value map. With the help of a brief explanation, Fr. Glenn was able to assist the teachers to make the necessary Value Shifts and to move on the a higher plane of Value consciousness. At the end of the four hour session, the teachers were happy that they had this opportunity to introspect and make commitments to live a life of meaningful contribution. He ended with this question, "When the students hear the word TEACHER, does your picture download in front of their minds? When they hear the word SCHOOL, does a picture of your school download in front of their minds?" To fight for that mind space, both teachers and school have to make important shifts in values!

Mr. Edward Mascarenhas, proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the teachers. Fr. Michael then invited a number of teachers to come forward and to share what impressed them the most. A good number of them expressed deep satisfaction and fulfillment after this four hour session.

 The following comments were made in the AVEC log book:

"He said he would turn our world upside down and he did so. The session was an eyeopener - it helped us to introspect and try to change our perspective " - Shabina Ahmed, Secondary

"It touched our hearts and really helped us to see the change" -  Monalisa Fredricks, secondary  

 "Never experienced such a wonderful and inspiring session before. It was really an experience and we got to learn a lot" - Dolleres D'Souza, Primary
"A really grace filled session Fr. Glenn. It not only touched our hearts but it also changed our mindset" -  Angela D'Souza, Secondary

 "Hearty congratulations to the AVEC Team for such a wonderful program they set up; with topics that were truly thought provoking and encouraging" - Shanice Castelino, Primary

 "Don't live to die, but die to live. The session has given us great inspiration to keep taking values and shifting them with time. Be flexible and walk with all" - Beryl D

 "Thank you for the inspiring session. i really loved it and will surely put it in practice" -  Sunita Alphonsa

 "The session was excellent and I will go our to be a coach and not a referee" -  Lucia Alphonso

 "Very effective, inspiring, motivational session. requesting Fr. Glenn to please conduct a session for teenagers and confirmation students" - Cynthia Sequeira

On behalf of AVEC, thank you to the Management and staff  of St. John the Baptist High school and Junior college for inviting us to your school. Your participation and attentive listening too was excellent. I pray God's blessings on your all and may your educative journey with the young enable each one to be a Value Guru in the lives of your students. 

ST. MARY'S CONVENT - UDAIPUR: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION

 ST. MARY'S CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL - UDAIPUR: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION PROGRAM

July 12, 2014

For the third consecutive day, AVEC organized the orientation program for St. Mary's Convent - Udaipur. This time, 79 Teachers from all the sections of the school took part in a four hour 'Management By Values' Orientation program. Sr. Anusha Mathew, Principal of the School welcomed Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes to the school and introduced them through a Powerpoint presentation. Floral bouquets were also presented to both the guest speakers.

 The first part of the session began on a spiritual note. Sarwesham, Swastir Bhavatu,  an interfaith prayer song set the tone at the start. Mr. Fernandes took the teachers through some moments of personal mediation and awareness of themselves with the help of a rhythmic breathing exercise. The teachers were soon put to calm and were ready for the intense program ahead. He then introduced Fr. Glenford Lowe and briefed the participants about the various animations and programs by AVEC.

 Fr. Glenford Lowe, began the session keeping in mind the feast Guru Purnima,  and challenged the teachers to become Gurus  in the lives of the one they educate. Through a lot of simple everyday examples and a clear PowerPoint presentation, he invited the teachers to make certain 'qualitative changes', however small, that would eventually have a ripple effect into 'quantitative changes' too. He cited the examples of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Kia Scherr, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, St. Paul as model of people who had the courage to make 'qualitative changes' in their lives. 

 Fr. Glenn, then took the teachers through a journey of understanding and responding to the attitudes and needs of today's youngsters. "You have three choices in responding; either do nothing, or respond by giving 'grandmother's solutions, or transcend higher and respond by changing one's self first before trying to change the student's lives", he said. He insisted, on several occasions, on the importance of having 'perspective changes' that would necessarily lead to 'procedural changes'. "This session is not about giving you more of the same, it is about making and managing small value shifts in one self", he added.

The importance of the WORD and the educator as an instrument in the hands of God were also touched upon. What you see is what you get! The educators were invited to shift form a perspective of career to a perspective of Vocation! The poem, 'Youth: Lost Generation' by Jonathan Reed at U@50 Competition, was self explanatory; change your words and change your world!

After the break, the teachers were invited to look at their own personal core values and the Core values of their institution. The four levels of intersection were also explained to the teachers: Survival, Stability, Success and Significance. The teachers found this a very practical way to identify where they stood in relation to personal meaning and attainment in life and their job satisfaction. The last part of the exercise focused on the Brian Hall-Benjamin Tonna Value Map. The teachers were asked to plot their Values and with the help of a brief explanation, he was able to guide the teachers to make the necessary Value Shifts necessary to make the move to phase IV of significant contribution.

At the end of the four hour session, time was give for discussion and personal clarification. Ms. Pranchi proposed the Vote of thanks.

The following teachers wrote their comments in the AVEC Log book:

"Extremely insightful and helpful. Thank you" -  Madhumita Majumdar 

 "It was an amazing and innovative session and we are surely going to Make A Difference. Thank you Father Glenn" -  Anita Mathai

"Thank you Fr. Glenn for the knowledgeable session. It has enlightened our mind and heart" -  Rachna Kolhari

 "It was a nice session about the Value System which we are lacking now a days. Thank You Fr. Glenn for enlightening us" -  

Congratulations to the Management and Staff for making this three day Value Orientation program for the students, leaders and teachers a very successful and enriching experience through your active participation and cooperation.

We pray God's blessings on each one and may the scholastic year ahead be truly an 'Educative journey to Becoming'!