SPJ SADHANA SCHOOL
(Empowering persons with special needs Mumbai)
APRIL 2007 UPDATE
The month began with the blessings of Easter! Easter week was hectic. The “Inner Wheel Club” represented by their President Mrs. Padma Vazirani and six other committee members, visited and presented a cheque of Rupees One lakh, needed for the renovations which have begun at the end of this month.
We welcomed 36 students and staff, some of the Choir/Orchestra of Kincoppal Rose Bay Sydney Australia. As they sang our art department students painted and the paintings were presented to them. It was a good experience for students of two sister institutions to interact in this concrete way music and art. We hosted a simple pasta meal for them.
The Nurses of Bombay Hospital visited and learnt a lot about the mentally challenged and how they should handle them as patients.
We shared the grief of Minoo Kapadia, our Volunteer Counsellor, whose sister went peacefully to God RIP, and that of Madhu our Stalwart Staff whose husband too passed away suddenly. His sudden demise has affected us deeply. The Sadhana family is united with them in their pain.
The examinations / annual evaluations have kept all students and teachers busy. Every parent has been interacted with in the open days. Hopefully, holiday homework will be done by all the students, so that no student regresses.
Vahishta Major, her buddy and staff Reetu Gandhi participated in a conference call with Ron in USA as a second round for selecting participants for the ‘Youth Summit’ during the “Special Olympics”. Although our phone was not good, and the reception was poor, the experience was great for our student. It was the first time she and her buddy experienced an interview on a conference call.
A “Two-day” staff meeting was held to plan for the new term, together with physical activity, creative meditation, to create a bonding with all teachers/ volunteers, rounded off a very vibrant academic year. The Programme was much appreciated as this feedback shows :
“Thanks for the meaningful morning
it was the best learning experience of my life.” Kalpana.
“Alone I can say, but together we can shout. Alone I can only smile, but together we can laugh. Alone I can only live, but together we can celebrate. That’s the magic of WE. Today you have taught us all that together we can overcome all the obstacles in life once again. After my grandfather, I found that strength in me when I connected with you. Thanks” Tejal
“Enjoyed my last two days at school. Got to know many teachers. Felt like I too was part of Sadhana family. Am also too happy that you have so much confidence in me for giving me (along with Jasmine) the responsibility of renovating the art department. Hope to keep up to your expectations. Thanks” Nutan
“Thanks again for enriching our knowledge. Feel greatly benefited. Love” Renu
To end on a happy note, Smidha D’Souza, the valiant Pre-Vocational teacher, who worked to the end, gave birth to a bonny baby boy!
God bless you all for the support to the training of the mentally challenged in our school, during this past academic year.
We have been unable to get a speech therapist inspite of our efforts. We need a male special educator too.
Wishing you all Happy Holidays.
—
Sr. E. Gaitonde
PRINCIPAL
SPJ Sadhana School
Sophia College Campus
B.D. Road
Mumbai 400 026
E-Mail: spjsadhana@gmail.com
Tel: 23517913/23510853
Fax: 022-23511954
Website: www.yougivemewings.org