Big Hearts

It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.
A Josephite teacher is one who not only teaches in class but is a friend, philosopher and guide to the students. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan believed that "teachers should be the best minds in the country". Since 1962, his birthday has been celebrated in India as ‘Teachers’ Day’ on 5th September every year. At SJBHS, the celebrations this year began with a special assembly with supplications for the good health of the staff as well as prayers thanking God for the gift of teachers.

Our Principal, Fr. Sunil Fernandes stressed on the ancient concept of the ‘Guru’. Today, a teacher’s life is governed by rules and policies. Information is available at one’s fingertips. A teacher’s job goes way beyond teaching. At SJBHS, they keep a watchful eye and a healing touch. They act as glue to hold every aspect of student life together. Fr. Principal cautioned the students that they have four debts to repay through their life time – the debt to their Mother, the debt to their father, the debt to their teachers and their debt to nature – these debts cannot be repaid in one lifetime!

The students took over the entertainment programme and through song and dance, skits and speeches, thrilled their teachers and made the day enjoyable, stress-free and memorable.
The second half of the day called for the festivities organized by the PTA of the school at the KSCA Club. After saluting the teachers for taking up the noble profession of teaching, the PTA felicitated the present/retired staff and serenaded them with heart touching songs. Fr. Principal thanked the teachers for upholding the concept of Cura Personalis or the molding of the individual in his entirety.

A special felicitation was included in the schedule due to its importance. Mr. George Ollapally, President Emeritus and Mr. Brian D’ Lima, Secretary Emeritus of the OBA were given a warm farewell as their terms in office had concluded. Mr. Robin Colaco and Mr. Shivaprakash (staff members) had much to say about the duo and sincerely remembered the yeoman selfless service of the office bearers.

The Teachers’ Day Celebrations ended on a high note with a fellowship meal, plenty of memories and a renewal of the fact that however much artificial intelligence forays into the field of education, it cannot replace the warmth, gentleness and sincerity of a Josephite teacher!