Family Day at Don Bosco
- Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb
HONIARA: 21st March '03 -- Don Bosco campus wore a festive look on 21st March, 2003 as staff, students and parents gathered for the first Annual Family Sports Day celebrations. Colourful flags and banners fluttered in the air as over 300 persons lined up for the Opening ceremony at 8.30 am.
“The family is one of the main players in building up a child’, stated Fr. Nelson Jopia sdb. “A child needs support from his or her family to reach his objective in the game of Life” he continued.
“We want to establish relationships and we begin with sports” said Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb, as he welcomed all to the Family Sports Day celebrations.
“As the students walked in together with their parents to the tune of joyful strains, as candles were lit and as each one shook hands with another - emotions of joy and gratitude to God and Don Bosco welled up in me. Here we have students from every province and every religion, all committed to work, study and play together in the true spirit of unity and togetherness’, said Bishop Chris Cardone, Auxiliary Bishop of Gizo, who was present for the entire occasion. He enjoyed the day interacting with all present.
Football, volleyball and tug of war were games that many participated in while others were swinging to the beet of panpipe music by the youthful and energetic group from Talaura. A delicious lunch brought persons closer together in the spirit of friendship and fellowship as each one shared what he or she had brought.
“It was a time for building relationships, a time for peace, a time for sharing, a time for making new friends as persons mingled in a very relaxed atmosphere of joy and friendship”, stated Hilda Anihoniara. “It’s a great privilege for a mother, a father and a son to be playing together. It’s was an occasion to build up and renew love, peace, friendship and unity in the family” she continued.
“I am impressed by the words of Fr. Capelli – ‘We need you parents to make our school a success’. There is something that draws to be part of the school and we look forward to many more interesting and entertaining programmes”, stated Mr. Henry Isa.
“Looking back over the years”, stated Atu Balekana, “and the struggles for permission that we underwent, it is today gratifying to see our youth growing day by day with values of hard work, commitment and honesty”.
“This day has brought me closer to my son and I am grateful” said one parent.
Several persons assisted in different ways. Shaun Johnston, ANZ head of treasury and Peter Tam, General Manager, Szeba Enterprises Limited were happy to donate 100 bottles with the SPG 2003 logo to the school, filled with mineral water.
The overall winners of the event, the Kowalski class were delighted to receive the championship at the hands of Bishop Chris Cardone op.
The programme an initiative of the school, and part of the Educational Pastoral Plan (EPP) of Don Bosco was the joint venture of the parents, staff and students. It has given a good boost to the many programmes that will follow. All were delighted at a very enjoyable, relaxing and entertaining programme together with their sons. The system of Don Bosco believes in working together with all sections of society – parents, government, religious, civil and other networks – we will achieve our final goal.
A spirit of sharing prevails and in this season of lent the students have realized the need to reach out to others. To fulfill this they cleaned the polio ward of the National Hospital and the grounds of the handicapped center at Rove on 26th March , 2003.
P.S.: Photographs can be sent if requested
Ambrose Pereira sdb
Catholic Communications Solomons, P.O.Box 647, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Tel: 677-36222/22125 Fax: 677-36333
E-mail: ambrose@donbosco.org.sb
Catholic Communications Solomons, P.O.Box 647, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Tel: 677-36222/22125 Fax: 677-36333
E-mail: ambrose@donbosco.org.sb
