Good Shepherd International School: SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

The School Assembly of Palada Campus was held on 20 October 2011. It was presided over by the Principal, Dr. P.C. Thomas, The Senior Vice Principal, Mrs. Elsamma Thomas and all faculty members and students attended.

The Assembly opened with the rendition of the School Song and the School Prayer song by Std IX choir. This was followed by the School Prayer.

There after, the undermentioned activities unfolded:

News of the Day read by Boondharika Sangtrakulcharoen - Std X B

Speech by Sharmila Bhavesh Shah – Std. XI B

“We are a country of about 1-3 Billion people and are still growing. Most of our country lives in the villages. There are still many parts of the country which have no electricity, no drinking water, inadequate roads and no schools. Though we are basically an agrarian economy, increased urbanization has resulted in the shrinking of land under cultivation. Farmers are committing suicide because they are burdened with crippling debts. This is indeed a very sorry state and something needs to be done about it.

On the other hand, the scourge of corruption has permeated to all levels of our society. As you all must be aware, there is a movement against corruption in the country and though a small victory has been achieved. There is still a long way to go. Today I am able to speak to you all confidently without any fear. But in many societies in our country the girl child is not allowed to see the light of the day. She is cruelly removed from this world while still in her mother’s womb.

The evil of dowry is still prevalent in many societies; brides are still being burnt and women are still being confined to their homes. Many ills still plague many parts of our country. There is a need for change. But how will this change come about? In my opinion, there is one very powerful weapon that can bring about this change and that MEANINGFUL EDUCATION. We student assembled here today are the privileged few who are fortunate enough to study in such a fine institution as Good Shepherd International School. But for every one of us here, there are thousands of children in our country deprived of a basic education.

This has to change. The change will certainly not come about overnight and nothing short of a revolution will bring about this change. We all should make a pledge that during our time as students and later on when we go out in the world as confident human beings, we will try our best to make sure that we actively participate in this quest for change. We must do our best to see that no child in our country goes without an effective education.

Once this happens, all the poverty, the discrimination, the pain and the suffering we see today will be a THING OF THE PAST

I am sure waiting for that day to happen.”

Principal’s address ‘excerpts’.

“The Principal congratulated all the students on their fine performance in all events and especially the Dandiya dances on the 35^th Founder’s Day Celebrations. He also praised the staff for ensuring correctness in all events. He informed that a large number of parents, old students of the school and some of his friends met him and praised the excellent overall performance.

The Principal then reminded all students that any problem or concern of theirs should be brought to his notice instantly or reported to the Coordinators.

He then exhorted all students to study well and students requiring additional assistance for any subject should meet the Coordinator to arrange the same.

The Principal informed all present that the Model United Nations will be held on 27, 28 and 29 October, 2011 in the school auditorium. Mr. T.P. Srinivasan, a senior Indian diplomat and former Ambassador to the United Nations will preside over selected sessions. Mr. Srinivasan’s rich experience in the United Nations will provide valuable insights to all present.

He directed that all students abide by the rules of the school. Parents had selected this school for their wards after much deliberation. So it is the duty and responsibility of every student here, to live by the rules and use all the facilities of the School. This will shape correct personality and enrich school experience.

He concluded by thanking Ms. Amrata Parmar, Department of English for writing the School Anthem. He also thanked Mr. Paulson, Mr. J Jenkinson Suresh and other members of the Department of Music for composing the music of this anthem.

The School Assembly closed with the rendition of the School Anthem by the Std VIII choir.