Annual Report

Dear Parents, Students and Well-wishers,

It is with great joy that I present the annual report of the school and would like to take you along on a quick journey into the life and activities of Don Bosco English Medium School.

MANAGEMENT

Established in 1983 under the management of Catholic Education Society of Udupi (CESU), Don Bosco English Medium School has completed 40 years of imparting quality education. The school is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) with affiliation number 830838 and school code 45731.

Founded by Late Very Rev Fr Aloysius Rosario and Very Rev Fr Sylvester D’Souza, the school continues to uphold their ideals and principles. The School functions under the guiding light of the office bearers of CESU;

President: Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese

Vice President: Msgr. Ferdinand Roque Gonsalves, Vicar General of the Diocese of Udupi

Secretary: Rev Fr Vincent Crasta

Joint Secretary & Correspondent: Very Rev Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza

STUDENTS AND STAFF

Our school comprises 26 sections with a total of 946 students from Nursery to Grade 12. The administration is decentralized among various coordinators:

Vice Principal & Coordinator (Sec & Sr. Secondary): Mrs. Irene Cardoza

Coordinator (Middle Section): Mrs. Philomina Barboza

Coordinator (Higher Primary): Mrs. Cynthia Pereira

Coordinator (Primary): Mrs. Irine Quadras

Coordinator (Kindergarten): Mrs. Shyona D’Almeida

We have a dedicated team of 45 teaching staff, 3 office staff, and 9 non-teaching staff members who work tirelessly for the holistic growth of our students.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES

This academic year has been marked by several notable achievements:

100% Pass Rate: We secured a 100% result in the Grade 10 Final AISSCE Examinations.

Diocesan Catechism and Value Education: Our students achieved a 100% result in the Grade 7 and 10 Diocesan Catechism and Value Education Assessment.

Holistic Learning: We focus on providing physical, emotional, social, art-integrated, skill-based, technology-driven, and AI-integrated educational experiences.

SPIRITUAL AND MORAL FORMATION

We emphasize nurturing spiritual and moral values through daily meditation, assemblies, school prayers, catechism classes, and participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Beyond academic excellence:

Clubs: Eco Club, History Club, Health Club, Interact Club, English Club, Hindi Club, Cyber Club, Art Club among others.

Sports & Games: Emphasis on physical endurance through sports like Volley Ball, Foot Ball etc.

Cultural Competitions: Annual literary and cultural competitions are held to unearth latent talents.

Extra-curricular activities conducted on Saturdays include Keyboard lessons, Guitar classes, Bharatanatyam training, Western Dance, Art & Craft, Stitching, Home Science, Skating, Karate, Taekwondo etc.

SCHOOL CABINET

The school cabinet operates democratically with elected members participating in a model government system to enhance the educational environment.

CPL (Sen. Secondary): Ms Sharon Corda

SPL (Grade 10): Varsha R

ASPL (Grade 9): Samar Fathima

VARIOUS EVENTS IN THE SCHOOL

Key Events:

Inauguration of the Academic Year

Environmental Day – Vanamahotsava

World Food Safety Day

World Day against Child Labour

International Day of Yoga

International Drug Abuse Day and Illicit Trafficking Day

International Youth Day

National Sports Day

Swachatha Pakwada

National Day of Democracy

International Day of Peace

Science Exhibition

Olympiad Exams

Veda Handwriting Course

Skill Education

Thematic Weeks – Special weeks celebrated include  – English Week, Health Week, Library Week , Science Week, Hindi Week, Social Science Week among others.These weeks were designed to exhibit and learn various aspects of each subject, making them successful study tools.

COMPETITIONS AND SPORTS

Internal and External Competitions

We organize numerous competitions within the school and participate in cluster and regional competitions to test knowledge and expertise. These include:

Educational Competitions

Literary Competitions

Cultural Competitions

ECA (Extra Curricular Activities)

Club Activities

Sports and Games

The annual sports day is a highlight of our calendar, aimed at developing physical and sportive skills among students. This year’s champions include:

Achievers:

Under 12 Boys:Glavin Saldanha (Green House)

Under 12 Girls:Carol Alphonso (Blue House)

Under 14 Boys:Joshua Castelino (Green House)

Under 14 Girls:Adline Dsouza (Blue House), Usha R Kotian (Yellow House)

Under 17 Boys:Shuraim Sayyed (Yellow House), Swasthik Kunder (Green House), Aaron Aranha (Green House)

Under 17 Girls:Rhovina Preethi Pinto (Yellow House), Priya Fernandes (Blue House), Lorina Pinto (Green House)

Under 19 Boys:Johan Nazareth

Under 19 Girls:Sharon Corda

HIGHLIGHTS AND SPECIAL INTRODUCTIONS

Adventure Skills Trainings

This year, we introduced adventure skill training sessions for students from Grade 1 to 9 conducted by PODAC Bootcamp Private Limited. These sessions include professional training in Archery, obstacle courses, bootcamps, and rope activities like commando walks and climbs.

Educational 5D-Show

An immersive ‘Educational 5D-show’ was organized to provide an engaging learning experience.

Science Exhibition – Spectrum

The science exhibition allowed students to explore scientific models and understand basic science principles.

Book Exhibition Cum Sale

To instill a love for reading, a book exhibition cum sale was organized where many students purchased books.

Parent’s Sports Meet – Synergy

A parent’s sports meet was held successfully, providing a platform for parents to interact and engage in sports activities.

School Brass Band

Our School Brass Band, comprising 50 students, plays a vital role in enhancing social skills through music. The band performs during major school events, fostering teamwork and musical talent.

Art and Drawing

The Drawing and Craft class is designed to enhance psycho-motor skills, concentration, and creativity. This year, 18 students and two teachers participated in the Drawing Grade Exam organized by the Karnataka Education Board. Many students regularly engage in art and craft innovations, showcasing their creative talents.

Counselling

Our counselling program provides comprehensive development and has a positive impact on students. It helps students face challenges, build self-confidence, and develop integrity. We are grateful to Ms. Sandhya and Mrs. Elizabeth Joyce for their dedicated work in the counselling section.

School Nurse

The school has a qualified and experienced nurse who attends to the health needs of our students. The school Nurse ensures a healthy atmosphere by managing the physical, emotional, mental, and social health of our students. We thank Mrs. Renita Alva for her service at the medical room.

Library

Our well-equipped library serves as the brain and heart of the school, catering to the needs of students and staff with a capacity for 150 students. The library houses over 8,000 books, 18 journals and magazines, and 4 different newspapers in Kannada and English. We appreciate Ms. Akshitha for her systematic arrangement of the library. Students also donate books annually to enrich the library collection.

Laboratories

To enhance practical knowledge in General Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science, we have fully equipped laboratories with all necessary instruments. Currently, we have Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Computer Labs. We are thankful to ICT Instructors Mrs. Neetha Castelino and Mrs. Ashwitha Carol Saldanha for their support. We have introduced the Xperimentor mobile lab for classes 6 to 10 to promote experiential learning.

Mid-Day Meal

We provide healthy, fresh, hot meals to our students and staff at a subsidized rate. Our mid-day meal area is spacious and well-arranged, with a clean kitchen equipped with modern cooking facilities. We thank Mr. Krishna Raj Rao and all co-workers, as well as Mrs. Irine Quadros, Mrs. Irine Cardoza, Mrs. Reshma Dsouza, and Mrs. Anitha Maria Dsouza for maintaining the smooth functioning of the mid-day meal setup.

School Transport

Our school transportation facility ensures safe and secure transport for our students. Each bus has responsible drivers and conductors dedicated to student safety.

School Magazine & Website

The creativity of our students is showcased in our Annual School Magazine, “Bosco Rays.” Our website (www.donboscoschoolshirva.com) keeps alumni and stakeholders informed about school events and celebrations. We are also active on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Scouts and Guides

Under the National Service Wings, our school has Bunny, Cub, Bull, Scouts, and Guides branches for students from UKG to Grade X. These groups conduct leadership training and life skill sessions throughout the year. This year included a one-day hiking trip to Kalathuru Guttu House as part of Scouting activities. Three Scouts and seven Guides appeared for the Rajya Puraskara Examination held at DTC Pragathi Nagara Manipal on October 27, 2024.

NCC Naval Wing

This year saw 18 cadets in the second-year batch who successfully completed their residential camp. Although NCC is beneficial for developing patriotism and leadership skills, due to lack of government aid and financial constraints faced by students, we are closing down this unit.

Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA plays a crucial role in fostering a strong partnership between parents and teachers to enhance student success. Mrs. Soumya R is the elected president of the PTA this academic year. The PTA committee meets regularly to support various school initiatives and events that benefit students.

Scholarship Schemes

To support economically backward deserving students, we have initiated a ‘Student Welfare Fund.’ Mrs. Jacintha Barboza and her family have been instrumental in developing this fund. Our teaching faculty also contributes significantly to this fund. We appreciate all well-wishers who help make a difference in the lives of deserving students.

Faculty Development Programs

The academic year began with various training sessions for faculty members as per CBSE guidelines requiring at least 50 hours of training per year. Our teachers regularly update their skills through in-house and online trainings.

Key Implementations This Year

This academic year has seen several significant implementations to enhance the learning experience and infrastructure of our school:

Smart Classrooms: Classrooms are being upgraded to smart panels in a phased manner, ensuring a more interactive and engaging learning environment.

Digitalized Academic Content: The academic content has been digitalized using Embibe and Ebix technology, providing an immersive learning experience.

AI and Robotics Classes: AI and Robotics classes are now offered from Class V to X through Tinker-Space, introducing students to cutting-edge technologies.

Smart Evaluation: The evaluation process has been made smarter with the use of Class Saathi.

Hands-On Learning: Students from Classes VI to X are given hands-on experiences through the Xperimentor Mobile Laboratory, promoting experiential learning.

Medical Aid and Health Check-up Camps: Various medical aid and health check-up camps were organized to educate, screen, and diagnose early symptoms, helping children maintain good health.

Physical Fitness and Mental Health: Emphasis on physical fitness and mental health involves body-mind coordination. Students are given ample opportunities for sports and games, along with Adventure Skill training sessions that provide real-life learning experiences.

Updated School Mobile Application: The school mobile application has been updated to include all types of payment modes. Soon, bus routes will be integrated with GPS and location coverage, allowing parents to track the school buses. Most buses are now equipped with CC cameras for enhanced safety.

With a Thankful Heart

A school like Don Bosco thrives on the dedication and selfless service of all its stakeholders. We are deeply grateful to:The Director, Secretary, and Joint Secretary of the Catholic Educational Society Udupi, The Management Committee, The PTA Executive Committee members, Donors and well-wishers, Parents of our students, Teaching and non-teaching staff, Heads of sister institutions, Everyone involved in co-curricular activities.

May the providence of Almighty God continue to guide us and shower his blessings upon us now and in the years to come. May St. Don Bosco intercede for us, and may Our Lady of Health, the Patroness of our school, bless us all.

Rev. Fr Rolwyn Joy Aranha

Principal

Don Bosco English Medium School, Shirva