Free Uniforms and Books donated by SPA Barkur – Mumbai to Maryknoll School.

Udupi: For years, it was always one of the eagerly awaited days for the students of Maryknoll Higher Primary School, Hosala Barkur, and in this year too there was no dearth in the enthusiasm of these children studying in Class I to VII as they were going to receive new pair of Uniforms and New set of Note Books.

At sharp 10.00 a.m., on Saturday, 15th June, 2024, the Correspondent of the School Rev Fr Ronald Miranda arrived along with the members of the Management led by Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council Mr Josie Fernandes and the Old Students, especially the representatives of main donors of Uniforms and Stationary The ‘St Peters Association Barkur – Mumbai’, who were well received by the HM, Mrs Joyce Vandan DSa and escorted to the well decorated ‘Maryknoll Hall’.

SPA Barkur – Mumbai always kept the requirements and needs of MHPS on its priority as the big chunk of its Members once studied in this alma mater at native Barkur, always retained it close to their hearts and probably considers ‘whatever little done to least one in the society is done to the God himself….’

‘Maryknoll School’, one of the best in the locality known for quality and value based basic and primary education, catering the lower and middle class families in our Barkur, rightly boast and proud of its spectacular record of 84 great years, (1940 -2024) now heading towards its Centenary Celebrations. In the changed situation, a general downtrend or less demand for Kannada medium Schools, it sailed through the rough and tough weather as the Correspondent Rev Fr. Ronald Miranda and the Management team, the SPA, the Old Students, with parents putting every best efforts to ensure that most of the physical facilities and best learning atmosphere with well qualified teachers offered over here.

As a part of SPA’s perennial support, for this academic year they sponsored the whole cost of new Uniforms to all the students of the School, both cost of the material and stitching charges and a simple programme was arranged to mark the distribution. Their local representative in Mr P. Archibald Furtado, the founder Secretary of SPA, way back in 1988,  Mr Ivan Suares,  former office bearer and a known philanthropist, Mr Ralph Monteiro an old student and well wisher, Mr Joakim Mendonca, one of the founder members of SPCYA and SPA …..  and few others were present.  President of PTA Mr Rama Poojary and Secretary Mrs Meenakshi too participated with joy and happiness.

Head Mistress of MHPS Mrs Joyce Vandan DSa, after invoking Almighty Lord and Patroness Mother Mary’s grace, by the Class VII students, cordially welcomed the Parish Priest and the Correspondent of the School Rev Fr. Ronald Miranda and distinguished dignitaries It was truly thrilled moment to look at the joy and happiness on the faces of children as they received packets of new uniforms and Books from the dignitaries on the dais.

As a token of gratitude and reverence, the HM and Teachers arranged a flex to display the list of various donors and contributor’s for this academic year 2024 – 25, which was unveiled by Rev Fr Ronald Miranda.

Mr Ivan Suares conveyed compliments to the recipients on behalf of SPA President Mr Boniface Sequeira and Members and assured their best for the betterment of this great Educational Institution. On behalf of the Maryknoll, the Correspondent Fr Miranda honoured Mr Ivan Suares and Mr Ralph Montero by draping the traditional shawl and fresh roses, the representatives of SPA for their continued support and encouragement.

Mr Archibald Furtado, spoke on behalf of SPA President and Office bearers and Members and expressed his satisfaction to be in this alma mater which taught him and his colleagues’ basic education, morals and instilled discipline in their life and assured best co-operation from SPA towards the needs of Maryknoll as before. In his duel capacity as the Secretary of ‘Old Students Association’ suggested few schemes for the improvement of the School, undoubtedly catering economically poor and middle class families, in Barkur which were financed by generous past students and other well wishers.

Mr Joseph Fernandes, Mr Ralph Monthiero, Mrs Meenashi distributed the Note Books to the students of various classes and  Mr Rama Poojary, PTA President shared his nostalgic memories and informed the gathering that, the old students of these 84 years old schools are shining all over the globe, in every walk of life. He also thanked all donors especially SPA and wished all well and thanks to the students, their parents, the HM, all other teachers who are giving their best service in this institution.

Fr. Ronald Miranda in his crispy presidential address congratulated the students of Maryknoll and remembered the contribution of SPA in the past many years like Note Books, Uniforms, honorarium for a teacher etc and expected same helping hand in coming academic years. Soon he will be paying a visit to Mumbai and meet all the Barkurians under the banner of SPA, which is instrumental in unifying and keeping the Brakurian spirit live and a solid supporting hand to the native needs.

He had special praises for Head Teacher Joyce Vandan D’Sa only one paid teacher by the Govt and all other honorary teachers for whom the Mgmt is paying  very minimum but in return,  they as a cohesive team offering the maximum by way of imparting education, as a passion and invoked Almighty Lords blessings for their selfless services in Maryknoll.

To conclude the short but well organised program, Ms Sangeeta teacher proposed vote of thanks to all who attended the function and made it a success. The whole programme was meticulously compeered by teacher Ms Dimple DSouza. Teachers Mrs Reema Lobo and Mrs Shyamala DSouza organised the systematic arrangements of children for the event.

All were served with sweets and the program concluded with the singing of National Anthem.