Tag: Aldona

EduConnect

St. Thomas HSS Aldona Reconnects Alumni Through Ex-Students’ Meet

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, reaffirmed its enduring connection with its former students by hosting an Ex-Students’ Meet on January 3 in the school hall. The initiative aimed at reconnecting alumni and strengthening long-term engagement received an encouraging response, with nearly 100 alumni registering and around 70 ex-students attending the programme.

The gathering was graced by the presence of Tr. Marceline Vaz, a former teacher of the institution, whose attendance added a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the occasion. School Manager Rev. Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj welcomed the alumni and highlighted the purpose of the meet, emphasizing the important role former students play in the growth of the institution and their ability to contribute positively to society.

Sir Daryl Abranches shared insights into future plans and outlined the requirements and framework for forming a formal Ex-Students’ Association. Following the discussion, a group of dedicated volunteers was identified to work on the modalities and take the initiative forward.

The event unfolded in a lively and joyful atmosphere, with games, spot prizes and musical entertainment rekindling fond memories and camaraderie among the alumni. Principal Ms. Angelica Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the meet, which concluded with a fellowship lunch.

The programme was made possible through the enthusiastic support and cooperation of the entire staff, under the coordination of Sr. Arjun Gharse, Tr. Lavina Pereira, Tr. Josephine D’Souza and Tr. Hyacinta Lobo. The Ex-Students’ Meet marked a meaningful step towards building a strong, vibrant and collaborative alumni network for St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona.

Health

Organ Donation Awareness at Blood Donation Camp in Aldona, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 22, 2025, a blood donation camp organized by St. Thomas Girls’ High School in Aldona, in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the North Goa District Hospital (Asilo) Blood Bank, hosted an organ donation awareness desk led by Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation. Supported by Dr. Carlos Medical Stores, Aldona, the camp ran from 10 AM to 1 PM and attracted participation from 19 parents and members of the public who generously donated blood.

Mr. Gabriel Pereira interacted with the donors, emphasizing the importance of both blood and organ donation. He explained that a single blood donation can save three to four lives, while one organ donor can save up to eight lives and positively impact 50 more through tissue donation. During the camp, four donors took pledge cards to commit themselves as organ donors.

In addition to personal engagement, Mr. Pereira distributed frequently asked questions about organ donation and shared bike and helmet stickers featuring the organ donation and transplant helpline number to further spread awareness in the community.

The President of Loving Hearts Goa, Mr. Mark D’ Souza, expressed gratitude to Sr. Rosarina Crasto, the Headmistress of St. Thomas Girls’ High School, for allowing the camp to be held at the school premises for the second time, highlighting the collaborative effort to promote health awareness and community service in Aldona.

EduConnect

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona Honours Students Who Cycle Daily on Children’s Day

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona marked Children’s Day with an inspiring gesture that celebrated both discipline and sustainability. The school felicitated eighteen students, including two girls and sixteen boys, for their unwavering commitment to cycling to school every single day. This daily practice has not only strengthened their personal fitness but has also contributed to the school’s broader mission of promoting environmentally responsible habits among the student community. The event was graced by the Manager, Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj, Principal, Ms. Angelica Fernandes, and Senior Teacher, Mr. Amarnath Panjikar, who presented tokens of appreciation to the young cyclists. Their recognition highlighted the students’ dedication at a time when many teenagers opt for motorbikes even before meeting the legal age for licenses. This simple act of choosing a bicycle over a motorcycle stands as a powerful example of responsibility, safety, and conscious living.

Senior Teacher Amarnath Panjikar, who coordinated the initiative, emphasised the importance of this effort. He noted that the students have set an example worth following, reminding their peers of the many benefits that cycling offers — from improved physical fitness to reducing pollution and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. The school hopes that this initiative will inspire more students to adopt bicycles as a sustainable mode of daily transport. By celebrating these young cyclists, the school has not only recognised their discipline but has also sent a message rooted in community well-being, environmental care, and responsible behaviour. The simple act of cycling has become a reminder of how small choices can bring meaningful change within a school environment, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating children.

Events in Goa

Corjuem Aldona Celebrates the Annual Palkhi Utsav of Shri Devi Sateri with Great Devotion

allycaralgoa

The annual Palkhi Utsav of Shri Devi Sateri was celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm in Corjuem, Aldona. The sacred Palkhi (palanquin) was welcomed with great reverence by the Mahajans and a large number of devotees, who offered flowers, fruits, and aarti as a mark of their faith and devotion.

The event was beautifully organized by the Shri Sateri Panchayat Corjuem Committee, ensuring a seamless and spiritually uplifting experience for all attendees. Devotees from near and far gathered to seek the blessings of Shri Devi Sateri, making the occasion a memorable one.

The Palkhi Utsav is an important tradition that strengthens the cultural and religious fabric of the community, bringing people together in a spirit of unity and devotion. The success of this year’s celebration is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the organizing committee and the unwavering faith of the devotees.