St. Xavier's Higher Secondary School Pathaliaghat
St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat, organised a two-day Teachers’ Training Programme on 15 and 16 October 2026 in the school’s assembly hall, bringing together 90 teachers from three Don Bosco institutions: Don Bosco School, Pitra; Don Bosco School, Nabasardar; and St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat. The programme aimed to enhance teachers’ professional competencies, strengthen their pedagogical skills, and deepen their understanding of the Salesian approach to education. Fr. Bivan Rodriques Mukhim SDB, Vice-Provincial of the Guwahati Province, served as the resource person for the training. The programme commenced with a simple inaugural ceremony. Fr. Babu Stephen, Principal of St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, warmly welcomed the resource person and all the participating teachers, expressing his gratitude for their presence and enthusiasm. Fr. K.K. Joseph, Rector of the school, also addressed the gathering, encouraging the teachers to make the best use of the opportunity for professional growth and collaborative learning. The two-day programme was intensive, engaging, and highly interactive. Fr. Bivan dealt with a range of relevant topics, including effective communication in the classroom, the Salesian pedagogy of accompaniment, Don Bosco’s Preventive System, strategies for dealing with slow learners, the present education system, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Through well-prepared PowerPoint presentations, video clippings, practical activities, action songs, and creative exercises, he communicated his ideas effectively and encouraged teachers to reflect on their classroom practices. The sessions provided valuable insights into the changing demands of education and the importance of creating a positive, inclusive, and student-friendly learning environment. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding the individual needs of learners, accompanying students with patience and kindness, and fostering meaningful relationships between teachers and students. The participants remained attentive throughout the sessions and took an active part in discussions and activities, making the programme lively and enriching. The training also reinforced the importance of the Salesian spirit of education, founded on faith, reason, and loving-kindness. Teachers were encouraged to move beyond the traditional role of instruction and become guides, mentors, and companions who support the holistic development of every child. At the conclusion of the programme on 16 October, the school expressed its sincere gratitude to Fr. Bivan Rodriques Mukhim SDB for his valuable contributions, inspiring guidance, and dedicated service. As a token of appreciation, the school presented him with a memento in recognition of his presence and the knowledge he shared with the participants. Ms. Martha Debbarma proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person, school leadership, participating teachers, support staff, and all those who contributed to the smooth and successful conduct of the programme. Certificates of participation were awarded to all the teachers. The two-day training programme proved to be a fruitful and memorable learning experience, strengthening professional collaboration among the three Don Bosco schools. It renewed the teachers’ commitment to continuous learning and to providing quality education rooted in the Salesian tradition. The programme concluded on a note of gratitude, renewed enthusiasm, and a shared determination to make schools more welcoming, effective, and inspiring places of learning for every child.
