ST. JOSEPH'S: U-14 MUMBAI CITY SOCCER CHAMPS

U-14 MUMBAI CITY SOCCER CHAMPS

St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala, walked away with top honours at the DSO organized football tournament. The u-14 school football team was crowned Mumbai City Champions when they won the finals against Bombay Scottish via the tie-breaker at Don Bosco, Matunga grounds on Saturday, 15^th September 2012. In a match dominated by our youngsters, but unlucky to find the back of the net on numerous occasions, the indomitable spirit of our boys triumphed. It’s rightly said that physical sports and sporting competitions aren't always won by the biggest and strongest. There has to be, and there is, a large mental aspect to it too. Whether it is in pre-event preparation, in-game tactics, dealing with pressure, and then performance review.  You have to give credit to the head coach of this particular team, Mr. Micahel D’Silva, and the assistant coaches, Mr. Tony De Sa, and Mr. Avinash Gracious. They have transformed this team from easy pushovers to formidable achievers. Guts, focus and sheer determination have brought this team thus far.   

It was a pleasing afternoon for the Josephites – however physically and mentally exhausted at the end of it – when they outclassed the much stronger and physically built Bombay Socttish team through some tactical and skilful moves. They would have been ahead by at least a couple of goals, if not for some floundering at the opponents’ goal.  Having played a goalless draw at the final whistle, our boys held their nerves to emerge victorious 4-2 in the tie-breaker.  Earlier in the day, in the semi-finals, our team won 2-0 against St. Paul’s, Dadar.  Our ace-striker Tej scored both the goals. In the run up to the semi-final, they had seen the back of Bombay International and Aditya Birla, scoring easy 3-0 and 2-0 victories respectively.   

With the DSO tournament shoe horned in the middle of a busy MSSA calendar, our students have hardly any time for a break and a well deserved celebration. They move on to prove their mettle in the MSSA tournament, and also fight for a place in the DSO zonals in the days to come. However, that can wait. As of now, let’s celebrate their mighty victory. Three cheers, young Josephites!  

Owe you a lot dear Fr. Ronnie

Owe you a lot dear Fr. Ronnie

-Bernard Fernandes

God called you early Fr. Ronnie, and to be honest, we were not prepared to hear the news of your sudden death.  Just a week back you were the life of our Salesian gathering at a birthday party of a confrere... and as I write this the songs that you sang are still playing in my mind. We are stunned, we are saddened; your lively and vivacious presence will always be missed. 

Way back in 1980-81, I was in my SSC, and you were put in charge of our group in the apostolic boarding. You goaded us, and grouped us to assist one another in study, games and other activities. I for one, will never forget the many times you did not miss an opportunity to egg me on with your gentle encouraging words. I still recollect the time you trained me, a flat footed dancer for that, for the group song, ‘Sons of the Sea’.  I do not remember a moment being punished by you, yet I can recount the many moments that you were firm with us. And yes, how can I miss out on the ‘pigling’ we won as a prize for winning the Marian Quiz contest strategically outshining our senior opponents of Std. XII (that time the PNC).  I honed my skills in hockey, basketball and football under your watchful mentoring.

Four years later, we met again, this time at Divyadaan (our institute of philosophy) in Nashik, you as our dean, and I, a student of philosophy. Here too I had much to learn from you.  Somehow you convinced me – a novice on the guitar - to conduct a choir in the parish. Ghosts of fear and trepidation conquered, I went on to blaze a trail, something that held me in good stead right through life.  

Our paths crossed again in Lonavla; I was a fresher in B.Sc., Mathematics, and you were the Vice-Rector.  I remember given the charge of the band, and you – the refined musician that you were - did not hesitate to drop by and assist at the band practices. And there was the incident when you, along with Bro. James Nigrel (now Fr. James), helped us get out of an embarrassing situation when there was no drummer – who happened to be sick in the infirmary-  for a major programme. With cymbals in hand you kept the beat backstage, while the novice drummer kept a nervous steady rhythm!  Nostalgic memories Fr. Ronnie!

We were to work together again – for the last time – in Lonavla in 1995. As a new priest, I was assigned the task of being the Vice-Principal, Prefect of Studies and Catechist, with you as the Rector of the community.  And that was indeed the time of my life. You pushed the Mathematics books (some of them prized collection of late Fr. Vincent Vaz) into my hands, and challenged me (just fresh after 4 years of theology) to teach Mathematics for Std. XII. And then began my passion for the teaching of Mathematics.  Limits, derivatives and integration, together with Linear equations and Quadratic equations, were to become my daily cup of tea! And enjoy I did! There were the outings too – to Goa, Uttan and Gorai. There were camaraderie, joy and laughter- moments when we could let our hair down. Cricket matches, nights by the sea, sing-song sessions, card games, delicious meals...remember them all.

I have lots of pleasant memories, but suffice to say that you have touched me. You have contributed to my growth in a big way. You have shown that it takes a lot of conviction and commitment to carry out the ideals of Don Bosco. When I heard of your death, I commented online that I was shattered – it was such an unexpected loss. Then there was a reassuring message from a past pupil, Carl Correa, that followed, “Bernard you take care, its not our call. He will be happy.” And about this I have no doubt!

It pays to be a Teacher

It pays to be a Teacher

- Bernard Fernandes

Don’t get me wrong. No reference to fat pay-cheques, jumbo monetary incentives, steep increments in pay scales – these may come as side benefits, but surely it is not my primary concern here. 

For centuries a teacher has been held in high esteem and respect. And rightly so!  The importance of knowledge was never in question. The great philosopher, Aristotle, said, “All men by nature desire knowledge”. Add to this, the wise words of Socrates, another admirable teacher and philosopher, “Prefer knowledge to wealth, for the one is transitory, the other perpetual”, and the role of a teacher gains that much significance. 

 

By no means is a teacher there to ‘impart’ knowledge, but, on the contrary, to ‘share’ her love for learning; not to force down ideas but rather, in the words of Socrates, “to make them think”. “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Teachers are therefore known under various titles: guides, facilitators, creators, leaders who empower, pointers for excellence, advisors... Hence to fulfil this task and accomplish the role is a tall order for any teacher.  There are teachers who have tried and succeeded, attempted and failed, dreamed and achieved, hoped and lost belief – as is the case in all walks of life. Yet there is something noble in this profession, because teachers are ‘creators’ of destiny, harbingers of hope, potters moulding the clay and ‘angels leading their flock’. 

There is no doubt that, in modern times, teachers are hard to come by – blame it on the government, on parental dreams and aspirations, free flowing technology, internet, and coaching classes (they complete the grim picture!).  The challenges for the teacher today therefore are many – keeping abreast of the changing times,designing creative lessons that will pique and sustain the interest of the knowledgeable child, discovering and honing the unique ‘intelligences’ of the child, and above all, not losing hope.

The students, however, in spite of these drawbacks of the present system of education (especially in India), have not lost faith in their teachers. They look up to their ‘gurus’ for inspiration, guidance and wisdom. They know they are in safe hands, especially when needed to be given a long rope that will help them build their self-belief and self-esteem.  This is evident in the excitement generated at every teacher’s day – the elaborate (and secretive) preparations weeks before the teacher’s day program, hand-made cards, bouquets, specially composed poems and songs honouring their teachers.  Each class and every student wishes to outdo the other in their display of love and affection for their dedicated and committed teachers. Are these then not reasons enough for us to pride ourselves in our noble profession? May our chests swell with pride when some years down the line, our students say with gratitude, “Bless you teacher for enlightening my mind and educating my heart!”