Memorable Moments - My Regency Experience

Sch Rajesh D'Souza shares with us his experiences of Regency at MSJ: It is beautifully said, "If you want something which you never had before, do something which you never had done before.....". Without having any first-hand information, I began my regency with love, dedication and selfless desire to serve the poor. In the process, my desire redoubled and God kept on guiding me. I was totally spell bound when I interacted with the children and youth in the School, College and Parish. I realized that they lack 'opportunities' in life but they are very friendly, creative and motivated to come up in life. They have taught me precious lessons in life. I am indebted to God and all these children and people.

How sweet and enchanting these Loyola buds are - though they are materially poor, the children are rich in human qualities and have a deep desire to learn. Our Master Jesus served the least, the last and the lost of our society. I too am inspired to give my best to the mission I am entrusted with. I felt all through the year that it was God's plan and opportunity for me to experience what poverty is. I am ready and willing to walk the extra mile in life ..... hoping for the better.

KALA-KARANJI 2009-2010

“There are two ways of spreading the light of knowledge - to be the candle that spreads the light of knowledge or the mirror that reflects it.” The staff of Loyola Institutions wanted this time to spread the knowledge through a festival. Loyola Composite P.U. College proudly presented ‘Kala-Karanji 2009-10’ on the 21^st and the 22^nd of December 2009. The fest was a blend of events related to all the fields.

The success of the fest mostly depended on unity among the students and the lecturers too. We had bunches of events for the students participating from different houses. The participants emerged from 4 houses: Blue, Red, Yellow and Green. Each and every participant was a live wire. Various events that were held for the competitors were as follows: singing, dancing, mono acting, mimicry, essay writing, drawing, elocution, pick & speak and so many other events. These events attracted more crowds and aroused curiosity in every one. All the events were conducted with flair by all the event mangers. The grand success of the fest is dedicated to our beloved Principal, Fr Henry, and to the teacher Coordinators.

The fest was well planned and well executed. The fest management committee consisted of the staff coordinators from all three corners: Primary, High School & PUC. The committee tried to conduct the festival without flaws and with the intention to set a good example to the students for the next year. All the students took an active part in all the events and came out in flying colors. Fr Dion Vas and Fr Arock inaugurated the fest. Fr Dion addressed the students while Sri Mohan, the famous Kannada film actor, gave away the prizes. Fr William, our Rector, presided over the valedictory function and gave the Christmas message. The overall Championship was bagged by the Red house.

Rural Sports – LOYOLA Shines in Style!

The District level Rural Sports was held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium conducted by the ‘Youth Service Department.’ Our students took an active part and bagged many prizes in the following events: Our Kho-Kho boys’ and Kabbadi girls’ team were the champions. Both boys and girls won the Volleyball trophies & in Basketball, boys were the runners-up. In Athletics, the stars of our school Selva and Meenakshi got first and second in 300 meters respectively

After the District-level meet, 40 of our students got selected for the State-level which was held in 3 different places: Davanagere, Jagaluru and Mangalore. Our Kabbadi team became the runners-up while other teams put up a good fight but could not turn the table of luck.

In December, our students took part in State-level Athletics conducted by ‘Star Track Athletics Club.’ Our school students Selva secured first in 1500 meters while Karthick stood second in 200 meters and Johnson bagged the third prize in Junior shot-put. Our dear Principal, Fr Henry, congratulated all the winners and encouraged them to venture into many more competitions.

Oral Health Education & Motivation Camp

An Oral Health Education and Motivation Camp was conducted in December 2009 by the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, A.E.C.S Maaruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre Bangalore at Loyola Primary + High School & Loyola Composite Pre-University College.
Students from Class 1 to Class 12 were screened by a team of dentists comprising of the Staff, Post-Graduates and Interns. All the children screened were issued treatment card where the teeth to be treated was identified and were referred to the Department of Pedodontics for further treatment. For the benefit of the students and the staff members of Loyola School and Composite College, a presentation on oral health, their diseases, preservation and treatment was given by Dr. Prashanth and Dr. Sujay respectively.

A Time to Prove One’s Mettle…..

Here are our College students writing their Mid-Term Examination - a time of testing their knowledge. The exams were held in the month of December 2009. It was a chance to recollect what was taught in the past and prove their mettle. Our loving students did perform well which is a good gesture from their part. It is a sign that they will do better in the future and take the name of the Loyola Institutions to the top.

Educative cum Competitive Programme

A Educative cum Competitive Programme for 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th class students of Loyola Higher Primary School was conduced at Inigo Hall in the month of November 2009. The crew concentrated and educated our students in conserving our campus and environment. Dr. Kamala T N, Mr. Keshav Dongre, Mr. Ram Kothari and Mrs. Metilda were the resource persons for the programme. They repeatedly stressed and urged the students to be aware of the Mother Earth and also called them to play a responsible role to preserve our nature for the future generation. The resource person’s kept the students active through their various activities and Power Point Presentations. They also conducted the drawing competition to the students based on the theme on nature/environment.

Inauguration of our Computer Lab

The inauguration of our Computer Lab was held in the month of November 2009. 14 computers were donated by Mr Derik Fullin Faw who was the was Chief Guest of the program. This function was presided by Rev. Fr. William Sequeira, the Rector. The stage was graced by our beloved Principal Rev. Fr. Henry Saldanha and by other dignitaries.

The program began at 10:30 am. The Chief Guest and the dignitaries were warmly welcomed by Sch. Rajesh while Rev. Fr. Henry SJ introduced the Chief Guest and put on record Mr. Derik’s kind gesture who generously gave 15 new systems. We also kindly remembered the hard work gone behind in getting us these systems by his P.A Mr. Narayan. The President Rev. Fr. William Sequeira expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Loyola Institutions.

Mr. Derik, in his speech expressed his happiness and called the students to love both their school & Motherland and become responsible citizens in this world. Mrs. Soumya proposed the Vote of Thanks.

GENESIS - LOYOLA PUC AND ITC

The Loyola PU College was started on 11 June 2008. It was inaugurated by Shri Puttana, MLC and blessed by Fr.Vijay Kumar Prabhu S.J, the then Provincial of Karnataka. This college started with 58 Arts students and HEBA as their specialization. They had only five lecturers.

At present there are 205 students in four batches. They are CEBA - 67 students HEBA - 73 students PCMB - 13 students PCMC - 8 students. These are the I year batches.

In the year there is only one batch i.e. HEBA - 48 students.

The Loyola ITI began in June 1993 with both formal and non-formal courses. Apart from this, the ITI introduced programmes like Driving light motor vehicles and a Service Station with 15 students. This ITI was started for the development of the poor deserving students to bring out their skills and talents and to give them a future.

It started with only two courses of two years duration. Electronic Mechanic, Fitter Mechanic

Short term courses for six months were started sometime later; Two-Wheeler Mechanic course ,Electrician Course. Loyola ITI began with a 3-month tailoring course for village girls until March 1994. 40 girls were trained in 3 batches.At present there are 128 students and 15 staff members.

COURSES AVAILABLE AT PRESENT: Formal courses: Electronic Mechanic; Fitter; Motor vehicle Mechanic.Non-Formal courses: Auto Electrician, Driving, Computer Application, Computer Hardware, Plumbing, Electrical Wiring, Welding, Fitter, Automobile Mechanic (diesel, petrol), Mobile phone Service, Radio/ T.V Servicing.

GENESIS - LOYOLA HIGHER PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOL

The Loyola Primary school was inaugurated on 1 June 1989. The first batch of the Loyola Primary consisted only of 17 students with one classroom i.e. IV Std (Batch 1989-90)

In 1990: V Std was added with 61 students

In 1991: VI Std was added with 58 students

In 1992: A full higher primary was completed with VII Std and a total number of 59 students.

The Loyola Higher Primary started in the village of Kalena Agrahara on 12 July 1982 with 13 students (only VIII Std.) The school began in a small room of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. It was shifted to the present day Loyola Primary School on 4 April 1985. The school was inaugurated by the then education minister, Shri M Raghupathi.

In 1994, the school was shifted to the new building. The foundation stone was laid on 21 June 1991 by Fr Anand Prabhu. It was inaugurated on 28 January 1994 by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri M Veerappa Moily. This building was blessed by Fr Terence Farias, the then Provincial of Karnataka.

At present the High School has 433 students and with 11 teaching and 8 non-teaching staff.

God now has a very Special Angel!

Words cannot express deep sorrow at the loss of our beloved student Kiran R; the second son to Mr. Ravi & Mrs. Manjula. He was born in an economically backward family and he left us in a gruesome death on 24.08.2009. He passed out of this world on Monday at 7 pm at St John’s Hospital trying to cope with a very painful and terrible accident. He was knocked by a Pushpak bus carrying kindergarten students of Kumaran’s School as he was riding his bicycle. The impact was such that the bicycle handle broke and pierced the boy’s abdomen which led to his unfortunate death; a precious loss to his family and to our school. Kiran who was in class 6 was more than just a wonderful person; he was so kind and considerate to us that we always welcomed seeing him at every opportunity. We can only say how much we will miss him. He was a boy passionate for drawing and gardening. He had planted many saplings in the school premises and would water them everyday before attending the classes. We know that his loss to us will not only leave a void in our lives, but also in the hearts of all those who knew him. We can barely imagine the pain his parents, relatives, friends and teachers feel now. Kiran will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Protest Rally from the Loyola Institutions

School Teachers, College Lecturers, students of the Loyola Institutions (School, College & ITC) along with the Teachers and students of Holy Spirit School and numerous parents held a rally on 26.08.2009 from 9.30 am to 11.40 am in protest against the poor infrastructure of roads and traffic security. They would not only push the government on this but also create better traffic security from Hulimavu to CK Palaya, Kottanur cross, Bannerghatta etc. The rally was held for nearly two hours from the Meenakshi Temple to Loyola ITC bus stop. The rally was attended by parents, teachers and students of Loyola Institutions and Holy Spirit School. The meeting was addressed by numerous dignitaries. The agendas were: Installation of a Traffic Signal, Humps/Speed-breakers, a Traffic police at peak hours and the construction of a Footpath.

Independence Day at the Loyola Institutions

“I will do my best to give a better future to these poor children” was the promise made by our Chief Guest Sri Rajgopal Reddy at the Independence Day celebrations at the Loyola Institutions. After hoisting the Flag and receiving the Guard of Honour, he said that we should imbibe the values of the Father of our Nation and should be ready to stake anything for Mother India.

We had a short cultural programme after the formal function. Our students displayed a skit based on ‘sacrifice’ made by our leaders and soldiers. A few students beautifully accompanied the beats of A. R Rehman with their graceful steps while others praised our Motherland with their velvet voices. The parents of our students added more colour to the celebrations by their valuable presence.

Loyola Happenings

Sharing of Inner Movements

“Trusting in God would not make the mountain smaller, but will certainly make climbing easier. Don’t ask Him for a lighter load but ask Him for a stronger back” is the phrase which goes very well with our students. In order to lighten their inner burden that is often unexpressed and at times derails their way of going about, to set all these things right on track we have started a counseling centre under the able guidance of Fr Francis Noronha. It has been of great help to all students and they have gained a lot. Moreover they come out with smiles on their faces.

On Cloud Nine

To believe in something in which everyone believes is Belief, but to believe in something in which everyone does not believe is Confidence. Here is something for you to believe... It is the confidence of the primary students that has fetched them the Championship at the Inter-School Cluster Level sports held from 27 to 29 July. No doubt that every child who took part ran in the right track, remained honest and finally came out with flying colours. God has blessed the hard work of our children. Some of them are now preparing for the next step. We wish our lovely kids all the best …

A Red-letter Day

Truly 1 August was a Red-letter day for the Loyola Institutions. We celebrated the feast of St Ignatius. Prior to this we had many competitions where good many of our students actively took part. We began the day with a Quiz followed by a formal and a cultural programme. Fr Rector delivered the key note address while Mrs S G Prema gave the musings. As Jesuits, we are called to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and release from darkness to prisoners. This was a golden chance for us to renew this mission of ours among the poor being one with them. Right now all children are found at their desks burning the midnight oil as they prepare for their next mission: the Exams.

Solar Eclipses at Loyola School this July

“A dream is not what you see in sleep, but that thing which does not let you sleep.” These words of Bill Gates were very much suitable to the children at Loyola. More than 50 students participated in Prabitha Karanji at Beretena Agrahara on 23^rd & 24^th of this month. They bagged almost all prizes & came out with flying colours. The confidence of the children was very high & positive, though a few competitions were hard to crack; they still put their heart, mind & soul & finally stole the show.

“The greatest gift you can give to someone is your time. Because when you give someone your time you are giving them a portion of your life that you will never get back.” We are at present having seven students of R V Teachers College, Bangalore for their block teaching. They are as good as gold. They did bell the cat with a right note and still they are carrying their point. They are very happy and grateful to be in this institution along with Sch. Santhosh as their leader. No doubt that at present they are in full feather.

“A person who can explain the meaning of colour to the Blind can explain anything in life ...” this was the main aim of the one day seminar given by Fr Melwyn Pinto to our staff on 20 July. The final message he gave to the staff apart from other exercises was that we should be builders and not destroyers of a child’s future. Moreover we are not merely teachers who make the students book worms rather train their hands with skills; heart with love and mind with wisdom and then send them out as the best products of Loyola, where the need is the most.

“Life sometimes takes an unknown turn, don’t be afraid to travel it , someday that turn will take you to untouched weights on top of the world,” was the message delivered by Fr Henry as he celebrated his birthday with his much-loved students. He shared his past with the students and boosted their confidence beckoning them to be something different in life, for which we need only one thing, i.e.: Hard Work. He also shared his future dreams and aspirations about the school. We had a throw ball and a friendly Cricket match in the afternoon which helped students and teachers know each other better.

Formed to be "Men for Others" - Graduation Day

10th July was a day to remember in the hearts of the Graduating students. "Forty Eight candles were shining brightly at the Loyola - Industrial Training Centre (ITC)" It was a pleasant experience to witness the unspoken feelings of gratitude in the Graduating students. The Chief guest at the function was Sri Belliappa ( Retd. Colonel, Indian Army). Fr William Sequeira (our Rector) along with Representatives from Mahendra & Mahendra company were the other distinguished guests. On this auspicious day, a new website for the Loyola ITC was launched by Fr William Sequeira, our Rector. The first year students enthused the gathering with their spectacular cultural program. The guests by their speeches encouraged and wished all success to the new Graduates. Truly, an unforgettable day for the graduates as it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience flooded with memories. Congratulations Fr John D'Souza, the Staff and students - indeed this day was a special one!

It’s all happening at the Loyola Institutions

“All study no games make a student Jack in the wonderland.” In order to derail the thread of monotony, we had a few inter-class friendly games which gave children a chance to expose their field talents and inspire others.

After failing twice Edmond Hilary challenged the Mount Everest ‘I will come again and conquer you because as a mountain you can’t grow but as a Human I can.’ This is what the students of Loyola have done who appeared for the SSLC supplementary exams. This year the Loyola High School has secured its highest ever results with 98% passes. The hard work of our Principal Fr Henry and that of our students too have finally yielded rich rewards.

“Life is a one way route, we can look back but we can’t go back, so enjoy every moment of your life,” was the message given by Fr Rector, as he celebrated his Sixtieth birthday along with the students, at the Loyola Institutions.

“The single finger which wipes out tears during our failure is much better than ten fingers that come together to clap for our victory.” We had the inaugural ceremony of the Student Council on 1^st July, where all the students took the oath with full gusto, all set to wipe out the tears of the rest.

‘While building your team always search for people who love to win, if it is difficult at least look for people who hate to loose.’ We had the PTA Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) on 5^th July. Fr Henry presented the report to the parents while Fr John delivered the keynote address. At the end the new PTA committee was elected which will function over the next two years.

Retreat Cum Orientation Programme

"There is no use of running fast when you are on the wrong road... so, first you choose a correct way and then move fast." In order to have a proper vision all through the year we had a retreat on 10th and 11th of this month for the catholics while orientation programme for the others under the able leadership of Fr Robert
and a few Jesuit brothers. At the end of the second day the children felt that "life is an art of drawing without an eraser, so we need to be more vigilant while taking any small decisions about valuable pages of our life." This programme has indeed put our children in the right mood as they begin yet another crucial year of their lives.

Loyola ITI Musings.....

The Loyola Technical Training Institute in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit organized a Summer camp at Mylasandra village from 8-13 June.

Some of the works undertaken during this camp were to clean up the areas surrounding the village, to repair the drainage systems, to plant saplings and to promote Ecology, to generate self-employment schemes, to teach the youth about traffic rules and to educate the villagers about basic health care techniques. As a part of the program different competitions were conducted. These included Essay writing, solo and group singing, volleyball and dance competitions. In addition to these, the students from the ITI put up fun game stalls and a few cultural items too. This camp has certainly helped our students to reach out in service to others and has built bridges of hope in the lives of the poor who can now proudly look up to themselves for a better future.

New Beginnings... (Loyola Institutions re-open)

The Primary, High School and PU classes began on 2 June. The new academic year began seeking the blessings from the Lord with a Eucharist dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The main Celebrant was Fr Henry Saldanha. This year, Loyola PU College has begun two Science courses (PCMB & PCMC) which has turned out to be a great opportunity for the Urban poor children to avail this new stream. It was a wonderful occasion to see our Loyola Institutions get back united and in full strength, poised to begin afresh, a new academic year.