AMAR # 1372 Teachers’ Orientation at Auxilium Baroda

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”

“Teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning.”

On 24^th June, 2021, the School management organized an orientation programme for the teachers of the English medium section, of Auxilium Convent High School, Baroda. Sr. Philomena Lobo, the Principal, welcomed the teachers and the speaker, Rev. Fr. Vincent Saldana,(SJ). Tr. Shefali D’Souza introduced the speaker.

Rev. Fr. Vincent Saldana,(SJ), Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish, an eminent speaker and professor of  the English language, highlighted the need for teachers to be updated and not just up-to-date and never to let boredom set in while teaching children. In the words of Pope Francis, he encouraged us to have, ‘gratitude for the past, passion for the present, and hope for the future’ which would act like a rainbow of hope in the bleak situation of the pandemic.

The orientation provided us with a lot of insight that in this new way of life, change in a student should be brought about gently and not coercively. During the session he emphasized the need for today’s teachers to work upon their interpersonal communication skills. He conducted a couple of activities which included being aware of one’s strengths, weaknesses, successes and possibilities. He challenged us, in these unprecedented times, to respond differently; to impart knowledge rather than just information by encouraging our students to think critically.

The five hours spent were indeed an enriching experience with a lot to reflect upon; to be educators not just mere teachers who impart information. We are indeed grateful to our Manager Sr. Priscilla Travasso and our Principal Sr. Philomena Lobo for having given us this opportunity.