Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 20: The annual general body meeting of the Parent-Teacher Association for the academic year 2025–26 was held on Saturday, July 19, at St Aloysius College Higher Primary School.
The programme commenced on a reverent note with a prayer song, invoking the blessings of the Almighty. The headmistress, Jositta Noronha, warmly welcomed the gathering and set the tone for the day.
The chief guest for the occasion was Dr Mona Mendonca, head of the department of history and assistant professor at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
The dais was graced by distinguished dignitaries including the correspondent Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, headmistress Jositta Noronha, outgoing PTA vice president Victor Serrao and PTA secretary Shobha Pinto.
Shobha Pinto, the PTA secretary, presented the annual report, highlighting the progress of the school, it’s achievements and various initiatives taken over the past academic year.
Dr Mona Mendonca then addressed the gathering on the timely and significant topic — “How to be a parent in 2025: A guide for parents and educators.” She emphasized the crucial role both parents and teachers play in shaping a child’s development.
Highlighting that learning begins at home, she spoke about how children absorb values through daily interactions — from how parents treat one another to how they handle everyday situations. Every action, she said, becomes a life lesson.
She also stressed the emotional importance of physical connection, noting that even a gentle touch while speaking to a child can offer comfort and build a sense of security.
Dr Mendonca truly captivated the audience with her insights and concluded her talk by stating that “conscious parenting and mindful teaching together lay the strongest foundation for a child’s holistic growth.”
Fr Balraju R SJ, secretary/treasurer of the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (R), delivered a powerful message, encouraging parents to focus less on material assets and more on nurturing their children. He remarked, “Instead of investing in properties for your children, treat your children themselves as the most valuable treasure — one that will be cherished for a lifetime.”
Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, the correspondent, addressed the gathering with words of gratitude, thanking parents for their continued trust and support. He reaffirmed the school’s dedication to the holistic and value-based development of each child. He further noted that PTA stands for parents, teachers and students. When this triad works together in harmony, “everything else naturally falls into place.”
As part of the meeting, outgoing PTA members — vice president Victor Serrao, secretary Shobha Pinto and joint secretary Laveena Veigas — formally handed over their responsibilities to the new office bearers: Vice president Mohammed Iqbal, secretary Deepsika Dsouza and joint secretary Diana Fernandes. Roopashree continues as the cultural secretary. Serrao assured the gathering of his continued support whenever needed.
A special moment of the AGM was the recognition of generous people for their kind gesture towards the Kannada Medium students. As a token of appreciation, each of them was presented with a rose.
The meeting concluded on a high note with the singing of the college anthem, reflecting unity, gratitude and the spirit of the Aloysian family.