Bosco Beacon - November 2026 Final

Creativity: The Courage to Think Differently Once, a teacher showed her students a sheet of paper with a small black dot in the centre and asked, “Children, what do you see?” Almost everyone replied, “A black dot, Teacher!” The teacher smiled and asked, “Why do you notice only the tiny black dot and not the big, beautiful white space around it?” The children immediately understood that sometimes we see only what is obvious and forget to imagine what else is possible! Creativity leads an individual to move beyond that which is obvious and to imagine the various possibilities. Edward De Bono highlights the importance of creativity, “without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same pattern.” Creativity is the magic of seeing something ordinary and imagining something extraordinary! It is not only about drawing beautiful pictures, singing songs, or making wonderful models. Creativity is about asking questions, discovering new ideas, finding new solutions to problems, and trying something different. When a student turns an old cardboard box into a toy, finds a new way to solve a mathematics problem, writes an imaginative story, or helps a friend in a special way, the student is becoming creative! Dear students, never be afraid to try something new, to ask questions or make mistakes. Every great invention began with a curious mind and a daring imagination. Do not simply follow what everyone else does; learn to think for yourselves and discover your own talents. Let us remember that one need not have to be the best at everything. One only needs the courage to explore, the freedom to imagine, and the determination to create. Keep questioning, keep imagining, and keep creating. The world is waiting for wonderful things that only you can bring into it! With affection and prayer, Fr. Alphonse Philip, SDB Rector & Correspondent Rector’s Message NOVEMBER 2026 1CREATIVITY “Think Differently, Lead the Change!” Dear Students, Teachers, Parents, and Well-wishers, Greetings from Don Bosco! The theme for November is CREATIVITY, inspired by the thought: “Winners don’t do different things; they do things differently.” I am proud to see our students demonstrating remarkable creativity, talent, and excellence in academics, sports, music, dance, art, literature, technology, and several other fields. Their achievements reflect the immense potential of young minds. As a school, let us continue to recognise these talents, nurture their abilities, and provide opportunities for every student to shine. Creativity begins with curiosity, grows through experimentation, and flourishes when we dare to think beyond the ordinary. Dear students, never be afraid to ask questions, explore new ideas, or learn from your mistakes. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to discover a better way. At Don Bosco, education goes beyond textbooks and examinations. Activities like Panorama encourage teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and confidence, helping students transform their ideas into meaningful achievements. Let us work together to develop not merely successful learners, but creative thinkers, responsible innovators, and compassionate leaders who make a positive difference in society. This November, challenge yourself to discover one new idea and find one better way of doing something every day. Think Creatively. Act Courageously. Create Meaningfully. Lead the Change! Wishing our entire Don Bosco family a wonderful and creative month ahead! With prayers and blessings, Fr. Suresh, SDB Principal Principal Speaks 2 Birthday Celebrations of Rev. Fr. Arulanand SDB – Administrator The birthday of Rev. Fr. Arulanand Mariadoss, Administrator, Don Bosco Schools, Egmore, was celebrated with great joy and jubilation by the Administrative and Support Staff on 3rd October 2026. The celebration was a heartfelt expression of love, respect, and gratitude towards Fr. Administrator. On this special occasion, he was felicitated, presented with a Vazhthumadal, and joined the staff in the joyous cake-cutting ceremony. The Higher Secondary Section of Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School joyfully celebrated the birthday of Fr. Administrator on 5th October 2026. The occasion was marked by warm wishes, gratitude, and prayers for his good health, happiness, and continued service. The celebration provided an opportunity for the school community to express its appreciation and affection for his presence and invaluable contribution to the institution. On 6th October 2026, the Primary and IB Sections celebrated Fr. Administrator’s birthday with great enthusiasm. The staff and students greeted him with flowers and gifts, while lively dance performances by students from both sections added to the festive spirit. Fr. Administrator cut the birthday cake along with the birthday celebrants of the day and expressed his gratitude to the students and staff for making the occasion special. The celebrations were a beautiful reminder of the bond of unity and appreciation shared by the Don Bosco family. 3Blessing of the renovated DB Hall The renovated Don Bosco Hall, was blessed by Rev. Fr. Alphonse Philip, SDB, Rector and Correspondent, on 5th October 2026. The blessing marked a significant milestone in the continued development of the school’s infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for teaching & learning. Holy Mass in Honour of Our Lady of the Rosary On 7th October 2026, the Catholic students and teachers participated in a Holy Mass in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary at 8:30 a.m. in the Don Bosco Auditorium. The Mass was concelebrated by the Rector, Principal, and Administrator, bringing the school community together in prayer and devotion. The gracefilled celebration was an expression of faith, thanksgiving, and reverence to Mother Mary. 4FIRELESS COOKING COMPETITION As a part of Rendezvous, a Fireless Cooking Competition was conducted on 7th October 2026, encouraging students to showcase their culinary creativity and practical skills. The activity provided a platform to demonstrate innovation, presentation, and food preparation without the use of fire. It also emphasised teamwork, hygiene, and healthy food choices. EYE CAMP FOR HEALTHY VISION An eye camp was organised by the Lions Club of Chennai Centennial Anna Nagar, District 3241E, at Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Egmore, on 8th October 2026, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. With the support of Axiz Vision Care and The Eye Foundation – Super Speciality Eye Hospital, the camp provided vision screening, eye check-ups, and expert consultation for students and members of the school community. The event was graced by PDG Ln. Ramesh Babu V, The Day’s honoured guest. The initiative promoted awareness of eye health and highlighted the importance of timely eye care, reflecting a shared commitment to service and community well-being. 5RENDEZVOUS 2026 - INTER-HOUSE CULTURAL FEST The much-awaited Inter-House Cultural Fest, Rendezvous 2026, was held on 8th and 9th October, bringing together the four houses in a vibrant celebration of talent, creativity, and team spirit. The two-day fest provided a platform for students to showcase their artistic abilities and cultural heritage through a variety of events and competitions. The campus resonated with enthusiasm and healthy competition as students participated with zeal and dedication. Beyond celebrating artistic excellence, the fest fostered teamwork, confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship. Rendezvous 2026 was a memorable celebration of young talent, unity, and the spirit of diversity. 6GREEN CAMPUS – SAPLING PLANTATION Members of the Lions Club visited Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Egmore, on 9th October 2026 and planted Herbal plant saplings on the school campus. The initiative highlighted the importance of environmental responsibility and nurturing green spaces for a sustainable future. It also encouraged students to appreciate nature and recognise that small, meaningful actions can make a huge difference in protecting our planet. Open Day: The Open Day and Parent–Teacher Meeting following the Quarterly Examination for classes JKG to Std. XII was conducted on 10th October 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Parents were briefed on their children’s academic performance, gaining a clear understanding of their progress and areas for improvement. Constructive suggestions and corrective measures were shared to support each child’s continued learning and holistic development. A QR code was used to collect valuable suggestions from parents, encouraging their active participation in enhancing the school’s educational practices. 7Staff Meeting A Staff Meeting was convened on 15th October 2026 at 3:00 pm. The session focused on analyzing current practices and proposing better strategies for a disciplined education. SPEAK UP STARS – JKG SAVIO HOUSE On 16th October 2026, the Speak Up Stars activity was conducted for the Savio House boys of JKG A and JKG B on the topic “Community Helpers.” The children dressed up as different community helpers, participated enthusiastically and spoke about their roles in front of their friends. The activity helped the children build confidence and develop their speaking and communication skills. 869TH ANNUAL DAY CUM PARENTS’ DAY Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Egmore, Chennai, celebrated its 69th Annual Day cum Parents’ Day, titled “Twin Celebration,” on Saturday, 24th October 2026, at the Don Bosco Auditorium. The occasion was graced by the Chief Guest, Thiru Raj Mohan, Hon’ble Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Guests of Honour, Rev. Fr. Gregory Devarajan, SDB, Our Former Rector, and Rev. Fr. John Santhosam, SDB, Our Former Principal. 9The celebration commenced with a prayer song, followed by Voices of the Divine and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The dignitaries were felicitated, and the Guests of Honour addressed the gathering. The programme featured the Annual Report, recognition of retiring staff, appreciation of teachers for their board examination results, and the distribution of prizes to honour students’ achievements. The students captivated the audience with vibrant dance performances, a Tamil skit, a mime, and an English play, showcasing their creativity and artistic talents. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and the School Anthem, leaving everyone with cherished memories of an evening filled with gratitude, talent, and togetherness. The event truly reflected the inspiring motto, “Be a Spark – Ignite Minds, Inspire Hearts and Lead the Change.” Kindergarten - Annual Competitions The Finals of the Annual Competitions in English and Tamil, held from 26th to 30th October, tested the reciting, writing, and oratorical skills of our kindergartners. The contests brought out their talents and crowned the best performers. Adding vibrancy to the week, competitions in singing, colouring, and clay modelling showcased the children’s creativity and artistic flair. “Every Child a Star, Every Talent a Treasure!” 10