The members of the Education Forum of our Province came together on 9thSeptember 2017 at MSFS Provincialate in Trichy for crystallizing and actualizing the mission and vision of our educational ministry during this Year of Education. We began the day’s programme in the presence of Eucharistic Lord and the praise and worship conducted by Fr. Amirthanathan. The sessions were animated by Rev. Fr. George Parampukattil, the General Councilor for Education. The Opening prayer was said by Fr. Soosai, and Fr. Thadews, the Councilor in charge of Education extended a warm welcome to all, especially to Fr. George Parampukattil and Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, the Provincial of Southeast India Province honoured him with a Shawl. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Fr. Simon Prabu and they were passed.
Message by Rev. Fr. George Parampukattil
In his introductory talk, Fr. George brought about an awareness of the existing and upcoming “Common Education Policy in India” for the Fransalian Schools. He said, the three “A”s – Apostolic, Administrative and Academic Leadership, create the holistic mode of Leadership.” We need to realize the great responsibility of having received a divine vocation and consecrated life. We ought to be transparent and accountable in our duties and responsibilities. He also emphasized the need to think differently and do the work with total commitment and dedication. The Three Trusts to be cultivated are, namely: Spiritual Trust, which means to remember that we are all primarily spiritual leaders, which should keep us away from materialistic attitude and outlook. Community Trust, which refers to transparency in giving correct information and in handling money. MSFSness Trust, which points to our role in practicing the characteristics of Fransalian Education. The suggested ways and means to bring about uniformity in our schools were as follows: Installing the Statue of SFS at the school premise (preferably at the Entrance) publishing SFS Quotes, and cultivating virtues such as Simplicity, Obedience, Gentleness, Humility, and Charity.
Fransalian Education Policy
A book on Fransalian Education Policy is being readied and edited for all the SFS Educational Institutes and Units. The Topics that are covered in this booklet are RTE, Fransalian Pedagogy, Profile of Fransalian Education/Teacher, Administrative Management, Vision and Mission, up gradation and Infrastructure etc. It also includes general guidelines for PTA, PTM, Alumni Association, Evaluation and Child Protection (Justice for the victim).
Common Functioning /Policy of our Schools in the Province
Suggestions were made to start a Whatsapp group of the members of the Education Forum at the province level as well as at the congregation level and to conduct at the schools, SFS Motivational Seminar. The aim is to promote commonalities and to avoid divergences. In the upcoming issue of Edu Times, one would find 12 points of the Action Plan, which are to be adhered to, in the coming days. Common Policy would mean common way of Functioning of SFS Schools.
Plan for the Year of Education
The team comprising Fr. Savarimuthu, Fr. Benjamin, Fr. Charles, and Fr. Jayaraj was asked to prepare and to schedule the programme for the year of Education, in view of commemorating the 450th Birth Anniversary of our Patron, St. Francis de Sales. The Venue for the literary and the sports events was decided to be SFS School, Vaniyambadi. After the tea, all went back to their ministry places.
Fr. M. Simon Prabu