Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 22: St Agnes School, CBSE, Bendore, Mangaluru, set the stage for an inspiring day of reflection and growth as it hosted a comprehensive students’ orientation programme on Monday, September 22.
Designed to empower young minds with clarity, confidence, and purpose, the sessions engaged students across grades VI to X, offering them valuable insights into self-awareness, leadership, and personal development.
Guiding the students with their wisdom and experience were Fr Royal Vijay Fernandes SDB, administrator of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva, and Fr Kiran Nazareth SDB, director of the Animation and Counselling Centre, Shirva. Their insights illuminated the path of self-discovery and holistic development.
The programme commenced with a prayer song led by the grade X students, invoking a spirit of harmony and reflection. Sr Meena, vice principal, presided over the inaugural session, while Tr Blessina extended a warm welcome and introduced the distinguished resource persons. As a gesture of respect and appreciation, Sr Meena and Tr Chetna presented floral tokens to the speakers, setting a gracious tone for the day’s insightful sessions.
The sessions for grades VI to VIII engaged students in interactive modules on Emotional Intelligence, Building Self-Confidence, and Time Management Skills.
Fr Kiran began with an energising action song, followed by a picture-based activity exploring a range of human emotions. He highlighted the meaning and significance of emotional intelligence and guided students through awareness exercises focusing on breathing and heartbeat observation. Practical tips to strengthen emotional resilience were shared, concluding with Aristotle’s timeless reminder on exercising emotional discipline.
Fr Royal Vijay took over the next segment with a lively action song and delved into the theme of building self-confidence. He outlined its meaning, importance, and the traits of confident individuals, while also addressing barriers that hinder confidence. Through engaging activities and short video clips, he inspired students to adopt practical steps toward cultivating and sustaining confidence.
The segment concluded with Fr Kiran’s session on Time Management Skills, emphasising the importance of prioritising tasks, using time wisely, and incorporating discipline into daily routines.
The sessions for Grades IX and X focused on career guidance, effective leadership, and knowing oneself. Fr Kiran initiated the first session with reflective discussions on discerning one’s career path. Using the framework of passion, profession, vocation, and mission, he encouraged students to consider careers beyond mere jobs.
The discussion included criteria for choosing the right career, the concept of multiple intelligences, and an interactive case study analysis. He concluded with a thought-provoking illustration contrasting surfers and drifters, prompting students to reflect deeply on their choices.
Fr Royal Vijay’s session on effective leadership drew parallels from contemporary global events, emphasising the relevance of responsible leadership in today’s world. He explained the role and qualities of a leader, citing examples of eminent young leaders, particularly women, who have made remarkable contributions. Students were challenged to reflect on how they could demonstrate leadership within their homes, schools, and society.
In the concluding session, Fr Kiran guided students through the three layers of the self, encouraging them to explore their inner identity, understand their emotions and thoughts, and recognize their unique potential. This reflective journey emphasised self-awareness as a cornerstone for personal growth, confidence, and meaningful decision-making.
The programme drew to a close with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Shannen of grade X. She expressed gratitude to the esteemed resource persons for their enlightening sessions, to the management and staff for their guidance, and to her fellow students for their enthusiastic participation. Her words reflected the collective sense of fulfilment the day had brought.
The orientation proved to be highly effective, leaving students motivated, better equipped with life skills, and inspired to embrace confidence, leadership, and self-awareness in their academic and personal journeys.