|
September 2011, school seriously damaged by large earthquake On the 19th September the Himalayan town of Darjeeling and its surrounding area was hit by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, the epicentre in the nearby Indian state of Sikkim. Several people were killed. The school's new primary section building which was opened only just eighteen months ago for 150 children has been badly damaged. However no one was injured and the building has just been declared safe to reuse though major repairs are needed. John Casson has been sponsoring the school through his company Securewest International for the past ten years. "Almost ten years ago to the day since we started supporting the school and this happened, an earthquake to mark the anniversary" said John Casson. "Thankfully no one was killed. I have just received the estimate for the repairs and that will be about £18,000. A large amount in this area of India where there is 75% unemployment and poverty". John Casson is launching an appeal to help raise the money. If you can help in any way, please contact him. |
|
January 2011, new school building now open After months of building work we are pleased to announce that the new St Marys primary school, partly funded by sponsor John Casson, has now opened. The new school has six class rooms, a hall for the children to use, staff room and an office. Each class room can hold 45-50 students. The building also has the facility to provide computer assisted learning in future. Before the school was opened the children were taught in the hostel basement and the old school hall which was very small. Both students and teachers are delighted with the new building. |
||
|
St. Mary's School, New Session 2010 On 12th February, the new session for 2010 commenced after a two and half months winter break. With the addition of newly constructed classrooms the school could accommodate more students this year. The school has a record 430 students enrolled for this year. Statistics show that almost every child in the village within five to ten kilometer radius from the school are now studying at St. Mary's. We congratulate sister Anupa, the principal and the teachers for their efforts and wish them success for 2010 |
|
19 thNov 2009 – Biritish Sponsor Visits School John Casson who has been generously sponsoring St. Mary’s since 2001 visited the school on the 19th of November 2009. ,A regular visitor he was received with great warmth and enthusiasm by the Principal, teachers and students. The students honoured him with traditional silk scarves and flower garlands in the school hall. They also gave a brilliant cultural show as a token of gratitude. Mr. Casson later went around the school campus, visited all the classes and interacted with many of the students. He was very pleased with overall progress of the school under the leadership of sister Anupa, the present school principal.
|
||
|
18th September 2009 - Class X Students Education Tour On the 18th of September, Class X students along with two sisters and two teachers went to Patna (Bihar) for an educational tour. During their visit they saw historical places, museums, parks, a science planetarium etc. They also visited Bodh Gaya, the place where Lord Buddha is believed to have received enlightenment. For most of the students who had never travelled beyond Darjeeling, it was an exciting and memorable experience.
|
|
|
28th May 2009 - Class X students 2008-09 - Board Exam Results Class X Board examination results were declared on the 28th of May 2009. All four students from St. Mary’s who appeared for this examination passed with 1st Division grades. The school and the village took great pride in this success. The students have pursued further education i.e 10 + 2 and are currently studying in Darjeeling.
|
|
|
18th May 2009 - Farewell of sister Gemma and sister Priscill St. Mary’s bid fare well to sister Gemma CJ on the 18th of May. She was at the school for a year. Students of Class VIII conducted a prayer service to express their gratitude for her. On the 3rd of July the school tearfully bid farewell to sister Priscilla. She had been in Singla for 5 years and her service to the school and hostel was remarkable. The students loved her dearly and were very sad to see her leave. The school wished her every success in her new endeavours.
|
|
|
25th April 2009 - 400th Jubilee Celebration of the Congregation of Jesus In 1609 Mary Ward a noble lady from England founded the “Congregation of Jesus” (also known as CJ sisters) at St. Omer in Spain. On the 25th of April this year the sisters at St. Mary’s who are a part of this congregation celebrated the 4th Centenary of their Foundation Day. A programme of events was organised at the local village community hall and the whole village was invited. The students of St. Mary’s, presented a beautiful musical drama on the life of Mother Mary Ward. Other events included poem recitals, songs and a drawing competition on Mother Mary Ward. An exhibition was also set up depicting her life, and the work of the CJ sisters around the globe.
|
|
All Rights Reserved [John Casson]. Best viewed with IE 5+ in 1024x768 pixels resolution. |
