Dec 17: 8th December2018 was an auspicious day for the Educators of the Western Province as it was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary under whose patronage the Educators’ gathered at Maria Nivas, Bethany Provincial House, Dharwad for a days’ Meeting. Invocating God’s blessings on the day’s deliberation, we began the day. We were fortunate to have Rev Sr. Mariette B.S. Secretary of Bethany Educational Society, as the resource person of the day. With gladdens and anticipation 40 sisters participated in the meeting that commenced at 10 am. Sr Veronita BS had the singular joy of introducing Sr Mariette BS. At the outset Rev Sr Assumpta BS, Provincial Superior accorded her an affectionate floral welcome as it was her maiden visit to the Province.
Without much ado Rev Sr Mariette addressed the gathering in her inimitable style on specific topics, viz “Peace and Harmony”, “Administrative Skills” and dwelt on BES – day today affairs elaborately and succinctly. Citing on the urgency of Education for Peace she said that “Today it is media revolution and the society is facing new challenges. Therefore time has necessitated that we explore new solutions to new challenges”. Presenting the world scenario and quoting world leaders she highlighted the need for Peace in a Culture of Violence.
• She emphasized the need for God Experience to overcome all evil from within. A few ways and means to integrate Peace Education with secular studies are noted here. Create a platform to speak about peace in Moral Science and Catechism Classes.
• Debate on current issues.
• Competitions on the topic ‘building peace’.
• Conduct Peace Rallies with floats.
• Symposium either by guest speakers/students themselves.
She appealed to the members to light a candle for Peace everyday as a reminder to promote Peace in our workplace.
Her next session focused on the skills needed to be an effective Educator/Teacher/Administrator. She emphasiz the need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus the administrator par excellence. The following skills to walk in the footsteps of Jesus were recommended:
*Ability to establish humane relationships
*Ability to communicate
*Ability to be an integrated person
*Ability to manifest courage
*Ability to focus on essentials
*Ability to solve problems
*Ability to give life
She also briefed the members on different rules and regulations with regard to the appointment of the staff, leave and gratuity. All the sessions were educative, informative and very much relevant to the time as these issues emerged during the Annual Educators’ Meet. Expression of gratitude was proposed by Sr Avelin BS and Sr Sally BS ably compeered the day’s program. It was indeed a fruitful day and a rewarding experience for all the participants.
Sr Sylvia Sequeira BS, Principal
Presentation CBSE School, Dharwad
WP
