By Macrina Correia for BIS Mumbai

St Dominic Savio High School, Andheri, inaugurated its House System and celebrated the Investiture Ceremony for the academic year 2026–2027 across its Primary and Secondary Sections. The Secondary Section held its ceremony on July 1, 2026, followed by the Primary Section on July 4, 2026.

Inspired by the school theme, “Do Whatever He Tells You – Faith in Action, Making a Difference,” the ceremonies marked the beginning of a year of leadership, teamwork, and healthy competition, reaffirming the school's commitment to nurturing responsible young leaders.

The programme commenced with the welcome of dignitaries, the lighting of the lamp, and a prayer service invoking God's blessings on the student leaders and the entire school community. The Secondary Section introduced the four house colours represented by patron saints and their values: Rua – Obedience and Respect, Zatti – Sacrifice and Service, Magone – Self-belief and Reason, and Rinaldi – Serenity in Prayer. The Primary Section introduced year-long class assembly themes aligned with the school theme: Listening Hearts, Acting with Love, Faith and Awareness, Caring for Creation, Walking Together, and Interior Freedom.

The formal investiture saw the Student Core Council, House Captains, Vice-Captains, Prefects, Vice-Prefects and Class Monitors take oath of office and receive badges, sashes and ties as symbols of responsibility and service. A highlight of the celebrations was the Scholarship Distribution, recognizing students for academic excellence and dedication.

In his address, Fr Francisco Pereira, Rector and Manager, thanked teachers for their dedicated efforts and congratulated the newly elected leaders. He invited the school to embrace the academic year as “One Family. Many Houses. One Mission.” He reminded students that true leadership begins with appreciating small acts of others. Reflecting on the Salesian Strenna, he encouraged students to practise the four guiding principles: Listen, Look, Choose, and Act—to care for the lonely, listen to parents, teachers and mentors, choose what is good, and act responsibly. Citing St Dominic Savio as the model of leadership, he emphasized service above self before declaring the House System for 2026–2027 open.

The ceremonies concluded with a renewed spirit of unity, responsibility and school pride. More than a formal investiture, they inspired students to embrace leadership as service, laying a strong foundation for a year of faith in action and positive difference in the school community.