Prof. P.Archibald Furtado
Barkur, May 31, 2024: The sleepy town of Barkur in coastal Karnataka came alive today as all primary and high schools reopened after the summer vacation, marking the start of the new academic year 2024-25. The reopening was marked by grand celebrations and induction programs across various educational institutions in the town.
The reopening was welcomed by parents, who have restored their faith in the local schools, which are on par with any distant school, and more cost-effective and convenient for travel and transportation. All the schools in Barkur organised induction programs, along with mid-day meal facilities, to welcome the new batch of students.
As the schools reopened their doors, the campuses were abuzz with festivities and celebrations. The classrooms were decorated with buntings, banners, and balloons, creating a festive atmosphere for the young learners.
Maryknoll Higher Primary School, Hosala – Barkur
The Maryknoll Higher Primary School in Hosala welcomed its new batch of Class I students with open arms. The school campus was cleaned, and classrooms were decorated to extend a cordial welcome to the tiny tots. The Head Mistress, Mrs. Joyce Vandan DSa, and her team of teachers received the students and their parents with flowers and balloons, creating a homely atmosphere.
A short stage program was organized, which started with a prayer by Class VII students and a formal welcome by the Head Mistress. The Correspondent of the School, Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, Vice President of SPA Mumbai, Mr. Wilfred Sequeira, President of PTA, Mr. Rama Poojary, and P. Archibald Furtado, Secretary of the Senior Students Association & Local representative of SPA Mumbai, graced the occasion with their presence.
Fr. Miranda, the Parish priest and Correspondent, spoke on the occasion and invoked the Almighty Lord's blessings on all students. He also thanked the PTA, SPA, and SSA of Maryknoll for their attachment, involvement, and contribution in different ways.
National High School Barkur & Primary School, Hanehalli – Barkur
The National High School and Primary School in Hanehalli welcomed their new students with a unique initiative. The Head Master, Mr. Udaya Shetty, ensured that all the Class I and newly admitted students in Classes 2 to 5 were specially recognized along with their parents.
A formal 'Prarambhotsava' ceremony was held in the National Auditorium to herald the beginning of the new academic year 2024-25. The event witnessed the joy of receiving textbooks and stationery, class-wise.
The Head Master of the Primary section, Mr. Udaya Shetty, announced that within a week's time, new sets of uniforms, notebooks, and other stationery items, donated by generous donors, would be ready for collection.
SVVN English Medium School Heardi – Barkur
The only English medium High School in the town, SVVN English Medium School in Heardi, is getting ready from all fronts. The school building has recently been painted, and the Head Mistress, Mrs. Likitha Kotari, and her staff are ensuring that all facilities, including classrooms, mid-day meals, and the library, are in place.
The Correspondent of SVVN, Mr. Rajaram Shetty, was present to oversee the arrangements, as the school organized a grand 'Ma Saraswathi Pooja' on Monday, June 3, 2024, to mark the grand reopening of the school.
Rukmini Shedthi National Higher Primary School, Heradi – Barkur
A century-old institution, the Rukmini Shedthi National Higher Primary School in Heradi, which took birth in 1925, is gearing up to start the Centenary Academic year with all splendor and dedication. The school is on the threshold of celebrating its Great 100 Years in 2025, and the involvement and participation of all stakeholders, including old students and well-wishers, was evident.
The Head Master, Mr. Ratnakara Shetty, and his staff members decorated the classrooms with buntings, banners, and balloons, giving it a real festive look.
Maryknoll High School, Barkur
At the Maryknoll High School in Barkur, a beautiful reopening ceremony was held in the High School Hall under the leadership of Head Mistress Sr. Jasmitha and her enthusiastic colleagues. One of the Trustees of the 'Mother Mary Trust,' Mr. Gerald Gonsalves, was present as the Chief Guest for the stage program, comprising the distribution of new sets of uniforms and books sponsored by the Mother Mary Trust.
Outstanding students in the SSLC batch, which registered an excellent result of 100% with higher grades and distinctions, were also recognized during the event. Earlier in the day, the new batch of Class VIII students was accorded a ceremonial welcome to the school with a school band and procession.
Conclusion
The reopening of schools in Barkur witnessed a renewed enthusiasm and attraction towards local educational institutions. These schools, which were once feeder or base schools for the prestigious 'National Junior College,' have regained their popularity and are being preferred and patronized by parents and students alike.
The Team barkuronline.com congratulates all the young learners who started their educational journey today and extends its best wishes to all the Heads of Institutions, teachers, auxiliary staff, respective Managements, and all stakeholders on this special occasion.
