BOSCOITES... a platform for learning

I realise that when you have a fishing net large enough to catch whales, we should not be looking for shrimps!!  In order to extend to a wider circle, the educative values of Don Bosco, a network or platform for people to interact with on a larger space would not be a waste of time.  Thus came about the BOSCOITES... it is still raw, but a beginning nonetheless.  More than a noticeboard, this network is envisaged as a mechanics workshop... all muddled, greased, airy, not very structured, not many rules and regulations - ideal characteristics for a great learning experience!!!  Those who wish to join this network and contribute are most welcome.  It will surely be a give-and-take for anyone stepping on this platform. Join in and feel free to ask questions, seek more and grow in the richness of Don Bosco' educative system.

Happy exploring!

The first schedule drawn up

Today the rough schedule of the school programme till the opening of the school was drawn up in consultation with Fr Thottiyil Thomas.  It was agreed that the major interactions with the staff and students would be completed by the end of April 2010.  The staff interviews are slated for March 29, 2010 at Don Bosco school, Sanathnagar.  Fr Kollamparambil Joseph would be one of the panelists.  The interview would basically consist of a viva, demo class, writing skills and a test of other aptitudes. 

The school students would be registered in the third week of April 2010.  By then we would have the prospectus printed and ready in hand.  So too will the school uniform and the list of notebooks and textbooks needed for the children.  The school opening has been finalised for June 14, 2010. 

An update!

It's been quite long since anything was updated on this site, but silently a lot of water has passed under the bridge!! For one, the major decision to start only with LKG and grade I was taken almost two weeks ago. Last week all the applicants to the other classes were informed of this decision. It was taken in well by all the parents and they understood the rationale behind going slow than herding children. The main reason for this change of plans being: we do not intend to use children as guinea pigs! By the end of this month the appointment of teachers would be through and so will the finalisation of the registration week. The content for the prospectus is ready and would be in the press in another two weeks.

The building work is steadily progressing. Here are a couple of photos of the construction site which has the foundation already laid. Soon the ground floor pillars would be up.
That's the main entrance to the school... with the gate already in place!

This view gives one the idea of the school from the front and the projecting foundation (just behind the pile of pebbles) is the stage.


Towards the left of building the height is 5 feet above the ground level... that means the ground has to be filled in so much towards the gate side!





A snapshot from the stage of the right side of the up coming building... giving a perspective is the dome of the Shrine on the left of the photo and on the right is the Sisters convent.



This photo gives the real height difference between the two ends of the building.

The one in the middle is Mr Laxman, the supervisor.



A picture of a building which is fast coming up behind our compound and is already towering above the school building.

Salesians 2010

Providing a bird's eye-view of the vast Salesian apostolate all over the world, in 130 countries, is the new Salesian Magazine 'Salesian 2010' ... here's the digital version of the same.  I should say that there has been significant effort made to include every possible sector of work, that we Salesians are engaged in besides the regular programmes of education, empowerment and youth ministry.  This magazine is worth reading and reviewing.

The Salesian Preventive System

The foundation of our Salesian educative system is what was prescribed by Don Bosco himself and given the title, The Preventive System.  Based on the three pillars of Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness, the Preventive System of the Salesians has proved to be an effective educative system in helping young people not just become successful adults but mature and sensible citizens. 

While during the life of Don Bosco himself we had excellent proofs of the success of this system, in the person of Dominic Savio, a list of other luminaries in the Church and in the world continues to grow... here are a few more. 


Here is a good review of the whole "system" from a modern context, especially concerning 'reason'.

Lasting values than one time deeds

I see a great deal of energy and effort spent on doing deeds, especially with children and in our educational institutions.  Of course, the argument is that children learn by doing.  But I also believe that they need to be told WHY they are doing what they are told to do!  It is only in this manner that we can inculcate values - which outlast any deed or time - rather than have a long list of deeds and activities. 

The recent floods in Andhra and now the earthquake in Haiti are all examples of opportunities when we involve young people in our solidarity efforts with the victims.  Rather than just ask them to contribute or collect funds, this should be a moment to rationalise and help them see 'why we do what we do'.  Thus later in life when called upon for a social act, these young people get involved for the right reasons and with the best of their creative minds!

Don Bosco's Way

Perhaps the first concrete fruits of what I intend this blog to be was materialised when Mr Chaitanya (Mugda village, Gandipet area) walked into my office this morning seeking information about the school.  I was thrilled to know that he came to know more of the school from this blog!!  I look forward to the day when this blog would be run by some of the students of the school and so will the whole 'net'-work related to the school.  For the immense possibilities the net offers, children could very well make the most of it for growth and development, not just of their own self but make a significant contribution to the world... that's my dream for each school kid walking into the campus!

Now coming to something more relevant and informative, here's a newly launched website on the educative system of Don Bosco.  It has been designed by Fr Peter Gonsalves sdb and is a treasure trove of Salesian educative principles. Anyone seeking information or further knowledge on the Salesian educative principles just need to follow Don Bosco's Way!

Cement work starts

The cement work of the building construction began yesterday in full vigour.  The pits were first filled with a thick layer of sand and yesterday they began to put the first layer of thick concrete on it.  The metal frames for the basement are ready and would be most probably put in place on Monday.  The work is moving pretty fast and the whole structure should be up (the basic structure, I mean) by June 2010.  The furnishing and touching up will take another two months.  By August 2010 the building should be more or less ready to be used as a full-fledged school. 

Outdoor publicity

The first out of campus advertising got off to a start today. Raju was good enough to ensure that all the local newspapers had a pamphlet about the school. Another section of the whole area will get their copy tomorrow morning. Later during the day, Raju and Joel went about tying the school banners at strategic points in Bandlaguda, Kalimandir, Suncity, Budvel, Perumcheruvu, Rajendranagar crossroads...

This is exactly after a month and a day of laying the foundation stone. Today was the first time there was a call of the school mobile phone asking some details about the school. So far so good.

Applications being issued

Today the first applications for the admission to the School were issued. In all four application forms were handed out. Interestingly, there were more applications for teachers and domestic helpers than students. But mind you, all this without any announcement that that application forms are being issued. Well, it's a good start anyhow.

On the other side, the ground breaking was done today. At least four pillar-pits were dug and the whole building area marked off by the Engineer and his team.

Some photos...

The ground scene as of this evening...

The trees have all been cleared and piled up at the farther end of the compound

The ground in being leveled.

The water tank is refusing to be pulled down... that's a good 15 year old monument!

That's the rabbits and animal husbandry corner of the house... sans the roof! Mind you there are still 18 rabbits in those sheds (courtesy: Fr Chowaran).

That's Tirupathi, our gardener with Mr Antik, a Parishoner and Fr TV Thomas.

 That's the Shrine behind the coconut trees. On the right is the water tank and the Sisters convent!