Tag: St. Thomas Higher Secondary School Aldona

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St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona Shines at Colourful Annual Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona came alive with colour, music, and celebration as it hosted its Annual Day on 22nd November 2025. The programme opened on a patriotic note with the National Anthem and School Anthem, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to talent, culture, and achievement. The Manager, Rev. Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj MSFS, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the school’s dedication to holistic education, shaping students not only academically but also morally and culturally.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of the PACT Foundation; Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira, MLA of Aldona Constituency; and Rev. Fr. Johnson Gonsalves MSFS, Provincial Superior of the Pune Province. Their encouraging words applauded the students’ creativity and reinforced the need to preserve Goan culture and language.

The cultural programme proved to be the highlight of the evening. Students showcased a graceful welcome dance, engaging Goan folk items, dynamic fusion performances, lively comedy skits, and an impactful thematic play titled “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us.” Each performance reflected hours of preparation, collaboration, and artistic expression, earning hearty applause from the audience.

The Prize Distribution Ceremony rewarded outstanding achievements in academics and co-curricular fields, with Purple House proudly lifting the Overall Championship trophy. A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of teacher Asiambi Shaikh, who was honoured for her 25 years of dedicated service to the institution.

Principal Mrs. Angelica Fernandes expressed deep gratitude to the management, staff, parents, and students for their steadfast support in making the event memorable. The celebrations concluded with a spirited medley of Goan songs, accompanied by a live band that filled the campus with energy and nostalgia. The Annual Day 2025 will be remembered as a joyous celebration of talent, culture, and community spirit.

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St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona Observes International Anti-Drugs Day with Inspiring Awareness Programme

allycaralgoa

Aldona | 26th June 2025 – In its ongoing commitment to shaping responsible and socially aware citizens, St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a powerful and thought-provoking awareness programme held on 26th June 2025. The event aimed at educating students on the grave dangers of drug abuse, tobacco consumption, and alcohol addiction, while encouraging them to embrace a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.

A Dignified Start with a Message of Light

The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance. This ceremonial beginning set a reflective tone for the day’s proceedings, aligning with the school’s mission of guiding students towards knowledge, awareness, and self-discipline.

Keynote by Former DIG Mr. Bosco George

The school was honoured by the presence of Mr. Bosco George, former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Goa Police, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his impactful keynote address, Mr. George presented a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation that captured the harsh realities of substance abuse. Drawing from his professional experiences, he warned students about the long-lasting consequences of addiction—not just on individuals, but also on families and communities.

“The choice you make today defines your tomorrow. Say ‘no’ to drugs and ‘yes’ to life,” he urged, calling upon the youth to be vigilant, responsible, and strong in their convictions.

Student Leadership: PRAHARI CLUB Installation

A highlight of the event was the formal installation of student leaders for the PRAHARI CLUB, a student initiative aimed at fostering discipline and social awareness.

  • Ms. Shrusti Haldankar was inducted as President,
  • Master Lionel Godinho took charge as Vice-President.

Both students were entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading anti-drug and pro-social campaigns within the school community.

Participation, Performance & Pledges

The programme featured a heartfelt welcome address by Teacher Nathalie Proenca, who emphasized the importance of staying informed and proactive in the fight against substance abuse.

To reinforce the message of the day, the Anti-Drug Pledge was administered by Mr. Amarnath Panjikar, the school’s NSS Programme Officer, where students solemnly vowed to lead a substance-free life and act as peer influencers for the same.

An emotive musical performance by Ivan Dcruz and a group of students captivated the audience. The original song creatively portrayed the devastating impact of drug abuse, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

In keeping with the theme, a Poster Competition was organized, and prizes and certificates were awarded to students who displayed creativity and awareness through their artwork.

Behind the Scenes: Staff Support and Appreciation

The event was flawlessly coordinated by Teacher Josephine Dsouza, who compered the programme with great enthusiasm. The vote of thanks was delivered by Teacher Silvia Pereira, who extended heartfelt appreciation to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, staff, and students for their active involvement and support in making the event a resounding success.

Among the dignitaries present were:

  • Principal Angelica Fernandes
  • Manager Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj
  • NSS Programme Officer Mr. Amarnath Panjikar
  • YRC Counsellor Ms. Nathalie Proenca
  • Faculty and support staff of St. Thomas HSS

Building a Drug-Free Future, Together

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School remains steadfast in its mission to educate, empower, and enlighten its students. Observances like the International Anti-Drugs Day are a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to building a generation that is not only academically accomplished but also socially conscious and morally grounded.

Through impactful programmes, strong mentorship, and community engagement, St. Thomas HSS continues to lead by example—nurturing young minds to become champions of change in society.