Report by Joan Lobo
It was a very rewarding morning for the teachers of the St. Rita Institutions on the 22nd June, 2024. A Teachers Enrichment program was conducted for 35 teachers by the CASK Centenary Trust spearheaded by Mrs. Patsy Lobo from 9 am to 12.30 pm.
Teachers from three schools participated – St Rita English Medium School(19 teachers). Cascia High School – Kannada & English Medium(10 teachers) and St Rita Higher Primary School – Kannada medium(6 teachers).
The program commenced with a prayer song by the teachers followed by a welcome address by the Headmistress – Mrs. Matilda D’ Costa. A symbolic lighting of the lamp followed and then the Managing Trustee of CASK Centenary Trust – Capt Vincent Pais gave a brief introduction of CASK and its ongoing activities. The correspondent of the Institutions – Fr Eric Crasta impressed on the teachers to make the best of the training program and gratefully acknowledged CASK Trust for making it possible.
The formal sessions started with the video presentation of Mansi Poddar who during her student days was ridiculed by her teachers and peers until her 9th Std teacher showed her empathy when she fainted in the class and gave her a compliment saying she had a beautiful smile. This show of love and respect by that teacher changed her life despite a traumatic childhood was a thought provoking start to the program.
An impacting talk by Mrs Patsy Lobo through a PPT presentation on ‘Mindfullness and Self Enhancement as a teacher’ set the tone for the morning. She stressed the need of making today’s children tomorrow’s future by dedication and commitment.
Dr. Derek Lobo gave an inspiring talk on ‘How to be an Inspirational Passionate Teacher’ and emphasized that teachers have to be the primary providers of Career guidance. He drove the point that teachers are indispensable to a students bright & promising future and urged the teachers never to hurt or humiliate a student.
Ms. Vidya Shenoy as vibrant as she was,spoke on ‘Media Literacy and Modern Communication’and there was never a dull moment through her session.
‘Personal Financial Planning’ an important subject was delivered by Mr. Archibald Menezes an ex-banker who stressed the need to keep finances under control be it saving, budgeting, investing etc.
All the teachers were awarded a certificate of participation. The sessions ended with the vote of thanks delivered by Mr Everest Crasta, Headmaster-Cascia High School.
It was a morning well spent for the teachers carrying back with them a wealth of knowledge and suggestions to be better teachers.