By Ms Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On August 24th, 2024, Don Bosco Academy (DBA), Nerul, hosted the Stellar Fair at its school auditorium, coinciding with the Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM). The event brought together a diverse group of collaborators from various courses, creating a unique opportunity for one-on-one interactions with prospective students. Each collaborator set up a dedicated stall, transforming the event into a mix of education, entertainment, and infotainment.

Academy Director Fr Barnabe D'Souza and Advisor Ms Wenonah Castellino personally interacted with parents and students. Visitors gathered around different activities including a jamming session by Emmanuel and Shawn. This was followed by dance performances that heightened the event’s festive spirit.

The DBA staff actively engaged parents, students, and visitors by distributing brochures and flyers, offering detailed insights into the academy's diverse course offerings. Many visitors, previously unfamiliar with DBA's programs, left with a clearer understanding, while some even registered for courses on the spot.

A highlight of the fair was the Nail Bar stall, which attracted many women intrigued by the latest nail art trends. Staff introduced the Nail Technicians course, sparking interest among attendees eager to learn this craft. The beauticians also set up a mehendi stall and applied mehendi to some of the ladies showcasing their talent. Meanwhile, Mr. Hari of the Laughy Paul Dance Academy received numerous inquiries about dance courses, underscoring the wide range of educational opportunities at DBA.

The Don Bosco Prafulta team shared information on their valuable services such as speech therapy, remedial coaching, vocational guidance, workshops for parents, and counselling services for both children and parents.

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in charge, Mr. Noel Saldanha and Mr. Alex spoke to parents making them aware of the offerings of the open school available right here at DBA. 

The Social Services team led by Coordinator Mr Mathew George, highlighted the academy's dedication to offering affordable courses to marginalized communities, such as tailoring, beautician training, and the newly introduced DB ACE – Advanced Computer Education program. The tailoring stall showcased student-made clothing and journals featuring the designs they learned during their course.

Parents expressed strong interest in a wide range of courses and activities, such as sports, chess, calligraphy, abacus, art and drawing, drums, video editing, photography, spoken English, robotics as well as acting and filmmaking workshops. 

Fitness programs like functional fitness, yoga, and Fitteen Fitness (a special program for teens) also garnered positive attention. The Bharatnatyam course by Natyarang got many enquiries and enrolments. The Skilling College of Paramedical Education (SCOPE) provided in-depth information on their specialized courses, including lab technology, radiology, dialysis, and nursing. Meanwhile, LeHerowiches, DBA's culinary and hospitality partner, engaged parents and students with details about their cooking and baking courses.

The fair saw full participation from DBA staff, teachers, and the student council of the school.