By Fr Selvin D’Mello for BIS Mumbai

On 5th June 2025, an enriching orientation program was organized for both Gujarati and English medium teachers at Don Bosco Campus, Chhotaudepur. The session was conducted by Deacon Christopher Nadar, who served as the resource person for the day.

The program commenced with a short but meaningful prayer, setting a contemplative tone and inviting a spirit of unity among the participants. Fr. Selvin D’Mello introduced the resource person of the day and welcomed him with a bouquet of flowers. The new member of the management Fr. Stanny was also introduced to the staff and welcomed by the Manager Fr. George Carols, Rector and the manager of the school. Following this, Fr. George Carlos, the manager of the school, addressed the gathering. In his motivational speech, he emphasized the value of dedication, encouraging educators to commit wholeheartedly to their vocation and reap the rewards of their perseverance.

The first session focused on Don Bosco’s timeless educational philosophy. Deacon Nadar eloquently articulated the relevance of Salesian pedagogy in today’s educational landscape, particularly its emphasis on reason, religion, and loving-kindness. Teachers were invited to reflect on their understanding of this approach and discuss its practical application in modern classrooms.

The second session addressed a critical post-pandemic concern—the emotional and psychological well-being of students. Deacon Nadar highlighted the subtle yet significant impact the pandemic has had on learners. He equipped teachers with strategies to recognize and respond to emotional imbalances, fostering supportive and empathetic classroom environments.

In the afternoon session, the emphasis shifted to collaborative leadership and teamwork. The speaker underscored the importance of strong teacher-management relationships, advocating for open communication, mutual respect, and the ability to set aside differences for the collective benefit of the school community.

The day concluded with a highly interactive, hands-on session dedicated to exploring innovative educational technologies. Deacon Nadar introduced a variety of user-friendly apps specifically designed to enhance classroom instruction. Teachers had the opportunity to experiment with these tools and discovered new ways to make their teaching more dynamic, student-centered, and effective.

The program concluded at 4:00 PM with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Suresh, a teacher from the Gujarati Medium. On behalf of the staff and management, he expressed gratitude to Deacon Nadar for his insightful guidance and for inspiring teachers to embrace innovation and collaboration in their mission to educate 21st-century learners.