A brief report, of CJM special school

Incorporating the Religious of Jesus and Mary mission of “Living a life committed to justice, peace and the integrity of creation” in our daily activities 2015-16

Our journey at CJM Special School, Clare Road, is a Walk through Life entwined with the Religious of Jesus and Mary, as one apostolic body, imbibing and reflecting their mission: “Living a life committed to justice, peace and the integrity of creation” with love & care.

We endeavoured to learn & live this mission in our everyday School life through various activities and programmes planned & executed during the year.  Commencing the Year with The Holy Eucharist, followed by an Annual General Body meeting of the P.T.A., inviting parents to cooperate & work alongside us in a team effort to help substantiate the growth & progress of our special children towards one common goal of empowering them academically & socially; Emphasis was laid on non-discrimination, whether girl or boy, normal or challenged, to consider them all equal;  Through our Independence Day programmes in role-playing & honouring leaders who sacrificed their lives, our children were enlightened on the importance of  justice, tolerance, living in peace & harmony with each other in society.

The first half of an activity packed year comprised prayer services, studies and exams for those academically capable, needle-work, computer basics, gardening, conducting canteens, newspaper-drive, working on the loom, productivity and sales, participation and demonstration, enthusiasm and competitiveness on the Sports Field, display of true sportsmanship and camaraderie in helping fellow students and classmates on and off the field, Annual Sports and Inter-School Talent Contests, song and dance, skits and seminars, recognition and awards, felicitations and celebrations of Parents Day, Teachers Day, Children’s Day, children performing for parents and teachers alike; teachers performing for children, in a spirit of oneness and equality, regional festivals and feast days, magic shows and treats, field trips to the aquarium, a day’s picnic for the little ones, for the older ones an over-night stay at our very own Khandala Prayer House, giving them the opportunity to admire and appreciate the peace and tranquility of their surroundings, to respect and thank God for His wonderful creation; all this  aimed at boosting their independence and responsibilities to enable them hold their own in society.

The second half, heralded the birth of our Saviour, enactment of His nativity by our children, with emphasis on humility and sacrifice, justice and peace, and above all “love”;  The visitation of our  Mother General, acknowledging and appreciating the work done at Special School.  Followed by a time of introspection to remind and revive in our children and ourselves the virtues and values handed down to us by our Foundress St. Claudine Thevenet, to experience and grow, witness and spread God’s goodness with those around us, everyday; Concluding with finals and evaluations, culminating with our Annual Day, in keeping with the desire to live our evangelistic mission, the theme aptly chosen was “Let me see the World” that successfully brought home the message of “Saving the Girl Child” greeted by parents and well wishers in the audience with cheers and tears, duly acknowledging our mission !