Archdiocesan Spoken English Course at Pethapur, Fr. Xavier James of Siddhpur Parish was the Director of the course.

The Report of Spoken English Course at Pethapur

April 1^st to 19^th, 2013

Spoken English Course was organized by Gandhinagar Archdiocese from 1^st April to 19^th April, 2013 for the students who have just completed their 10^th and 12^th Standard.  There were 48 students, 32 boys and 16 girls from 12 different Parishes.  The Course was inaugurated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by His Grace Stanislaus Fernandes. Entrance test was conducted to check their English.  The students were divided into three classes according to their entrance test performance.  The three groups were named after the three Popes in their life time i.e. John Paul, Benedict and Francis.   There were seven staff members, 5 Brothers and 2 Sisters under the inspiring leadership of Fr. James, the co-ordinator of the programme.  Each class was taken care by 2 or 3 staff members who helped the students to gain more and more inputs in creative ways.

Everyday students had morning prayer and the Holy Eucharist in the morning, singing practice and the recitation of the holy Rosary in the evening where they took active part in praising and thanking the Lord. They had 5 classes per day for learning basic English Grammar.   Apart from learning English, much importance was given to the spiritual life and Christian values.  Every day one class was assigned to for the faith formation, where in they gained some knowledge about the Holy Bible, Sacraments, Eucharist etc…which would help them in the long run to live their Christian values. The Seven Steps of praying the Word of God also introduced by Fr. Xavier James.  The students took active part in praying the Word of God.

After the lunch, everyday they had creative classes during which, they practiced in a creative way in the form of skit and song, what they had learnt in the class.  Whatever they did in a creative class, it was performed in the cultural programme which was held every alternative day of the course.  Cultural programme was a good opportunity for each and every student to express himself or herself on the stage without fear.  Cultural programme was a motivating force to develop their confidence in learning English.

To create interest for the language some appropriate English movies and to instill Christian values some biblical movies were shown to them.  Every Sunday, weekend test was taken to check the progress of the students.  The evening time was allotted for sports and games.  On 14^th April they had an outing to where students relaxed and enjoyed togetherness with each other’s company.  Atmosphere was created in the course for the students to speak only in English.  The medium of language for prayers, Holy Eucharist and cultural programme was English.  The students were encouraged by the Fathers, Brothers and Sisters to communicate only in English.  The course was fruitful.  It was seen in students who really worked hard and made a lot of effort to speak in English.  The course came into the conclusion with a colourful cultural evening which was witnessed by the Archbishop, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and the students themselves.  The programme was well prepared with the help of Brothers and Sisters.  Everyone who was present there enjoyed the programme and appreciated the children for their wonderful performance. Thereafter the Eucharist was celebrated to conclude the course and most of them left the place in tears because they had a very good bond with each other.  

Sr. Joysline Mary C.C.V