The pandemic caused by the corona virus, did not deter the successful beginning of a hopeful academic year 2020 – 2021.The dawn of the fresh term was highlighted by the arrival of our new Correspondent Rev. Sr. Jeya Rani, whose inspirational ideas set the yearly calendar ticking with creative online classes that replaced regular classes.
The 74th Independence Day was celebrated virtually by the staff and students of Std I to XII. The children enthusiastically participated and performed traditional patriotic dances, sang songs that brought out the spirit of freedom of every Indian, mono acting and motivational speeches of great National leaders.
To voice our disapproval of the New Educational Policy (NEP), Our Correspondent, Principal, Staff and non -teaching staff of our school gathered in the school premises on the 3rd of September 2020. We assembled with placards which had slogans like “We want justice to Education “, “Safeguard the right of Education for Children”, “NEP an alarming threat”.
A virtual teacher’s day was celebrated on the 5th of September 2020 with the theme – “You have raised and shaped us”. The School leaders coordinated with the students of different classes to display their love and gratitude for their beloved teachers through contemporary dances, soul stirring songs , inspiring speeches and expressed their appreciation through prayers and wishes.
A Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of our beloved staff, Miss. Lourdes Yamini was held in our school on 6th November,2020. Miss Yamini was always known for her sincerity and commitment towards work. The mass was also offered for the departed souls of the family members of our staff during the pandemic. Rev Fr .Thomas solemnized the mass.
Children’s Day was celebrated virtually with the theme,” You are lovingly nurtured to bloom “on 14th November 2020.A Prayer Service was prepared and conducted by the teachers to their own class students expressing their love and blessings for them. Various interesting and creative activities were organized for the students as part of the celebrations.
The Presentation day was celebrated virtually on 21st November 2020 with the theme” Nano Nagle – A model of faith, hope and love”. The values of our foundress enlightened by the students added grace and meaning to the occasion. The children and teachers extended their heartfelt wishes to our beloved sisters saying “One lit lantern has given rise to many and today we are blessed to have you among us dear sisters….”
On 21st December 2020, the Columbanite family gathered together to celebrate the fourth advent service with the theme, “Immanuel – His presence in the present.” It not only highlighted the need for the presence of the Divine Light in the midst of the darkness caused by the pandemic but also the gift of love we need to share with one another especially those who are affected financially, physically and mentally.
Under the able leadership of our correspondent Sr. Jeya Rani the sisters in George Town in collaboration with the parents, teachers, friends of Nano and well-wishers reached out to 100 pensioners and 60 poor students during Christmas time.
During Pongal our community reached out to 210 Irular families in Kanagammachatram. Each family received a provision bag worth Rs.1400. The sisters also provided 100 families with bedsheets and 20 poorly thatched houses with tarpaulin sheets.
Farmers are the backbone of our Nation’s economy. To express our solidarity with the farmers in their massive protest against the proposed new reforms passed, St.Columban’s community organized a protest with placards and slogans around the school premises on the 4th of January 2021.We revere with gratitude the hardwork of the farmers and stand in unison with them.
On the 19th January 2021 the Government had given permission to reopen schools. Only for Std X and XII, followed by Std XI on the 8th of February and Std IX on 9th February. The school followed the necessary precautions like sanitizers, thermal temperature checking for every student and teacher as they entered the school campus.
To express our indebtedness to Mother nature a virtual Pongal assembly was organized. Graceful classical dances, choreography on the customs followed during Pongal, popular folk songs added a lot of meaning to the celebrations. Students also enacted the problems faced by the problems today and insisted the importance of extending our support to them in our own little way.
Republic Day was celebrated in our school on 26th January 2021. Our Correspondent Rev. Sr. Jeya Rani hoisted the national flag and addressed the staff and sisters with a message on ‘SAVE FARMERS’
The dawn of a new workspace was remarkably marked on the 16th of February 2021 for our school. The new office was blessed and inaugurated by Fr. Pancras and Fr. Pappuraj. The new building opened up a new space for commitment and importance, designed to meet the increasing expectations of our school.
