Media Release
Puttur, Aug 13: The feast of school patroness, St Philomena was celebrated at St Philomena High School on August 9.
The day commenced with Eucharistic celebration at the Divya Chetana chapel with Fr Denzil Lobo S J, Director, AIMIT (St Aloysius Institute of Management and Information Technology) as the main celebrant. Fr Alfred J Pinto, Fr Peter Serrao, Fr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Fr Vijay Lobo, Fr Rithesh Rodrigues, Fr Valerian Frank, Fr Prashanth Fernandes and Fr Larry Pinto were present on the occasion and concelebrated the festive Mass.
Following this, a stage program was organised in the school auditorium and Fr Denzil Lobo, alumni of the St Philomena School was the chief guest and Fr Alfred J Pinto presided over the function. Richard Vegas, assistant teacher, spoke on the life of the patroness while welcoming the dignitaries and the guests.
Oswald Rodrigues, headmaster, expressed gratitude to the generosity of the senior students and philanthropists like Michael D’ Souza, for providing the necessary equipments and facilities to the present students. He also appreciated the dedicated and sincere services of the retired teachers. Students Mrudula Mascarenhas and Srujan of Class X were awarded with trophies for their achievements in various sports events.
The retired teachers Louis Mascarenhas (NDS) and Ravindra Rao who are in their 75th year were felicitated. Retired teachers Shashikanth Holla of the high school section and Prof Ganapathi Bhat of the college were also honored on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Ravindra Rao thanked the school management and the staff for recognizing their services and honoring the retired teachers. He recalled the days of his active service in the school. “Though I never planned to be a teacher, I became a successful one, because of the inspiration received from late Msgr Antony Patrao, the founder and Late Dennis D’ Souza, the headmaster. Our headmaster taught us how to be fully involved in the school activities, both curricular and co-curricular. We feel honoured if our students become successful in life and they are our assets,” he said.
Fr Denzil Lobo, the chief guest, in his speech, credited his success to his Mathematics teacher, Ravindra Rao. He felt, “I was lucky to get his guidance in this institution which has enabled me to occupy an honourable position in society today. I am glad for getting, an opportunity to honour my teachers.” Fr Alfred J Pinto not only lauded the selfless services of the retired teachers, but also advised the students to make the best use of their school life to achieve greater heights in life.
A K Jagannivasa Rao, the president of the Alumni Association and J P Rodrigues, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council were also present. School pupil leader Jeston Menezes rendered the vote of thanks. B Rajashekar, teacher and Prateeksha compered the programme.