by Tr. Sadira Cardozo (Pre-Primary Coordinator) and Tr. Marina D’Silva (BIS Correspondent) for  BIS Mumbai

The school campus resonated with the joyous spirit of Christmas as celebrations began a week in advance, with enthusiastic participation from students across all sections. A series of thoughtfully planned competitions and activities engaged students creatively while reinforcing the true message of Christmas — love, hope, peace, sharing, and kindness.

Christmas Competitions

The Pre-Primary section participated with delight in activities such as Christmas Tree Making, Snowman Making, Fancy Dress, Star Decorating, and Christmas Symbols Elocution, reflecting their enthusiasm and creativity.

Primary students took part in Christmas-themed activities including colouring of symbols, puppet making, origami decorations, headgear making, and fancy dress competitions.

The Secondary section showcased remarkable creativity through card making, star making, crib making, and wreath making competitions. Across all sections, students consciously used eco-friendly materials, promoting environmental responsibility alongside festive celebration.

Deeds of Kindness Initiative

To nurture compassion and empathy, the school organised a meaningful Deeds of Kindness initiative. Each class received a cut-out Christmas tree and baubles. Students decorated the baubles and wrote down acts of kindness performed during the season. These were displayed on the class Christmas trees outside classrooms, serving as a visual reminder of the importance of kindness.

The school also observed Secret Santa, referred to as Prayer Partner, wherein students prayed for their assigned partner and shared a small gift, spreading joy and warmth among peers.

Under the Spreading Joy project, each class contributed specific items to support underprivileged children. This initiative helped students experience the joy of giving and emphasised values of sharing, generosity, and social responsibility.

Christmas Symposium

The highlight of the celebrations was the Christmas Symposium held on 22 December — a heart-warming and inclusive event that brought together differently-abled children, children from underprivileged backgrounds, and women from a welfare centre. The programme was inspired and initiated by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Solomon Rapol, marking the first time the school hosted special children and women undergoing skill training as guests.

The event, held on the school turf, included a prayer service, a welcome address by Rev. Fr. Solomon Rapol, a skit, dance performances by secondary students, carol singing, and a KG Christmas dance. Words of gratitude were extended by Fr. Solomon to the guests from Canossa Special School, Mahim; Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Hearing and Speech Disabilities, Bandra; and Dolours Centre for Women Empowerment and Children. He also appreciated the teachers for their dedicated efforts in training the students.

The celebration concluded with a joyful get-together for the special children, featuring a DJ session, games, and refreshments, filling the atmosphere with laughter, smiles, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Teachers’ Get-Together

The Christmas celebrations concluded on a cheerful note with a Teachers’ Get-Together organised to appreciate the dedication of the staff. Engaging activities and moments of fun allowed teachers to relax, strengthen bonds, and celebrate togetherness in a festive atmosphere.

The entire celebration was meticulously planned and coordinated under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Solomon Rapol, Principal; Tr. Seema Lopes, Headmistress; Tr. Prabha (Secondary Supervisor); Tr. Smita (Primary Head Teacher); Tr. Sadira (Pre-Primary Coordinator); and the Christmas team comprising Tr. Pavita, Sir Atul, Tr. Jennifer, Tr. Melissa, Tr. Nadia, Sir Bobby, Tr. Bijoya, Sir Rahul, Sir Glen, and Tr. Sunita.

The school community expresses heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Solomon Rapol for his constant support, guidance, and inspiration, which made the celebration meaningful and memorable.