By Tr. Sunita Dsouza for BIS Mumbai

St. Joseph's High School, Wadala celebrated the 109th Annual Thanksgiving Day on February 2 and 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. on the school turf. The eloquent comperes personifying the seven musical notes, welcomed everyone to the grand celebration. The soulful prayer dance performed by the Junior and Senior Kindergarten and the heartwarming welcome dance performed by the dance troupe from Stds. I and II set the perfect tone for the beautiful, musical evening.

The esteemed dignitaries were accompanied by the Rector, Fr James Nigrel, the Principal, Fr Solomon Rapol, the ex-Principal and Asst. Parish Priest, Fr Diego Nunes, the Headmistress, Mrs Seema D'Souza, the Secondary Supervisor, Mrs Nagaprabha Rao, the Primary Headteacher, Mrs Smita Lewis and the Pre-Primary Coordinator, Ms Sadira Cardozo, the Primary and Secondary PTA representatives, Mrs Pratima Patil and Advocate Mrs Meghana Shirke respectively and the Alumni representatives, Dr Jay Matani and Dr Jeet Dalal. Their wholehearted contribution to the school is highly appreciated.

The Rector, Fr James Nigrel addressed the audience and warmly welcomed everyone present. The Principal, Fr Solomon Rapol presented the Annual School Report showcasing the spectacular school accomplishments.

The Chief Guest, on February 2, Mrs Anitta Patil (IFS), the Conservator of Forests and the Director of Sanjay Gandhi National Park was felicitated by the Principal, Fr Solomon Rapol. The Guest of Honour, the Vice- Rector, Administrator and Golden Jubilarian, Fr Bonnie Borges, was commended for completing 50 years of selfless service in the Lord's vineyard. On February 3, the Chief Guest, Dr Rajesh Verma (IRS), Commissioner of CGST and CE, Raigad Commissionerate in Mumbai Zone was honoured for his extraordinary work in Mumbai's economic growth. The Guests of Honour, the Silver Jubilarians from the Secondary Section, Ms Marilyn Dias and Mrs Ursella Correia and the retired SETSS teacher from the Primary Section, Mrs Manjusha D'Souza were felicitated for their dedicated service.

The phenomenal Josephite souvenir, encapsulating the myriad, innovative events conducted during the academic year 2025-2026 was released by the Chief Guest, Dr Rajesh Verma, giving credit to the Chief Editor, Ms Flavia Vishwanathan and the entire editorial team. The prize winners in the spheres of academics, curricular and co-curricular activities were awarded shields and certificates for their outstanding achievements. 

The breathtaking, captivating musical – Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves directed by Mrs Asmita D’Souza, and her team, stole the hearts of everyone. Vighnesh Arolkar who starred as Ali Baba expresses, “Humility Over Greed”, portrayed through the lively dances, melodious choir of singers and awesome, theatrical actors. The musical displayed the amazing talents of 1005 students which truly mesmerized the audience creating an unforgettable experience, making a lasting impression in the minds and hearts of the spectators, reflected in the thunderous applause and standing ovation. Fr Solomon delivered the Vote of Thanks, in ‘Open Sesame’ style, thanking everyone for managing every moment with finesse, making everyone happy, to their heart’s content.