Araimiri Parish - Living the periphery of PGN

By Sr. Marivel Monteveros, FMA
Deputy Principal DBSTC

Port Moresby, PNG, 6 May 2017 -- The Deputy Principals of Don Bosco schools and colleges of the vice-province of PNG/SI gathered at the Emmaus Conference Centre, Port Moresby, from 4th to 6th May, 2017 for a three-day workshop. The program for the 19 participants, including two from Peter Channel School, Port Moresby led them on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment to enhance their leadership styles in their own settings. It was coordinated by Fr. Robinson Parappilly SDB.

Leadership and the Enneagram was carefully crafted, planned and delivered by Bro. Alfred Tivinarlik on the first day. It touched on leadership styles, core emotions and our frame of reference. It enabled the participants take a look at on their strengths and weaknesses and opened up possibilities to turn one’s weaknesses into strengths.

The Salesian Education System, its nature, delivery, content, perspective and purpose was dealt with by Fr. Ariel Macatangay SDB. Using the Salesian Youth Ministry framework the participants were able to evaluate their school activities to ensure the integral development of youth. The present issues of exploitation of youth, the environment and social issues were reflected upon. “We’ve commenced on a project design for our Salesian school. This will be developed together with our respective school colleagues”, said Sr. Marivel Monteveros from DBSTC, Kumgi.

The Preventive System of Don Bosco and Salesian Spirituality were highlighted by Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB, Provincial of PGS on the last day. His interesting discussions focused on the life and mentality of St. John Bosco in the “Preventive System”.

“I can feel the heartbeat of Don Bosco in his wish for the young. There are things I wasn’t doing right and I will try my best to change them”, said Ms. Charmaine Komeo from DBTS, Gabutu. Mr. Renato from Vunabosco said, “I learned a lot about Salesian education and it will help me in my school as I go about my task as deputy principal.” “I had looked at the Preventive System before, but this session provided me with a deeper understanding and clearer direction on how to instil Bosconian values in our students,” said Ms. Stephanie Heritrenggi from DBTI Henderson, Solomon Islands. “I have been empowered to go back to my school and raise up the standard with more energy and vigour”, said Joseph Aaron from Don Bosco Rural Training Centre, Tetere, Solomon Islands.

The two participants from Peter Chanel Catholic Agency School, expressed their joy at being part of the program. “I was able to get to know the deep identity of the Salesian schools, the foundation, the make-up of the educational Pastoral Plan, and the words from the founder Don Bosco. It has helped me to see where my school is, the approaches we use and that we try and plan for changes that are necessary for a Salesian school. Working, staying, praying and sharing with the other deputies of Don Bosco Schools and Colleges in the Salesian Spirit is enjoyable and refreshing,” they said.

Regular refreshing spiritual seminars for the staff, a lay Salesian handbook, networking and sharing the progress and development of each school were among the recommendations of the participants.

At the conclusion, Fr. Robinson read out the pastoral letter of Bishops of PNG/SI on ‘Care, Protection and catechising of our children’. “It is now our duty to echo the content of the seminar and hopefully we can share the elements of the preventive system”, he said.

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