A one-day Teachers’ Orientation Programme for all the teachers of the Diocese was organized on 25 May 2026 at Sugyan, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Kotnoor. The programme aimed at enriching teachers with new insights, values, and modern teaching skills for effective education and holistic formation of students.
The programme began with an inspiring inaugural session presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. In his presidential address, the Bishop emphasized the essential skills teachers need today in order to impart quality education. He highlighted that education should not be limited to academics alone but must also include the experience of God and spiritual formation from the very initial stages of a child’s life. He encouraged teachers to become role models who nurture both the intellect and values of students.
The resource person for the day was Rev. Fr. Antony Dais SJ, Professor at St. Aloysius University, Mangalore. Through his lively and interactive sessions, Fr. Antony Dais inspired the teachers to maintain a positive attitude towards children and students in order to create a better teaching and learning experience. He stressed that teachers must constantly update themselves with new technologies and modern educational methods before becoming outdated in the rapidly changing world.
The orientation programme also included group activities where the participants were divided into ten groups with the intention of knowing one another, learning from each other, and developing communication and collaborative skills through interaction and sharing.
Fr. Antony Dais SJ gave discussion topics for the group activities, including:
- Profile of a Good Teacher
- Problems Faced by Teachers in the Classroom
- Solutions to Classroom Challenges
After the group discussions, he gathered and explained the responses shared by the teachers. He reminded the participants that every person faces problems in life and no one is without difficulties. However, he emphasized that calmness, serenity, patience, and understanding are the greatest strengths of a teacher. He also shared several examples from his own life and experiences, making the session practical, relatable, and inspiring.
In his concluding remarks, Fr. Stephen Vegas, Secretary of GDES, motivated the teachers to love their profession and remain dedicated to their mission of education. He encouraged them to love their schools, promote admissions wholeheartedly, and recognize that every person is important in the educational ministry. Ms Padma, Teacher of St. Mary, Kotnoor expressed heartfelt gratitude to the resource person, Rev. Fr. Antony Dais SJ, for his inspiring and enriching sessions.
Rev. Fr. Santhosh Bapu was also present during the programme. The orientation programme proved to be highly meaningful and beneficial for all the teachers, helping them renew their commitment towards quality education, value formation, and personal growth.
