ENHANCING INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE AT DON BOSCO.

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, facilitated a workshop on “Enhancing Institutional Excellence” for the staff of Don Bosco Sr. Secondary school, Jharmari, Punjab.

The workshop was held on June 30^th at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, situated on thee campus of Don Bosco School.

There were 37 participants.

Dr. Parappully began the workshop with a short meditation and moved on to present what Organizational research shows in regard to factors that enhance institutional excellence.

He then led the group to assess the situation at Don Bosco in the light of the research findings and to commit themselves to actions that will enhance institutional excellence at Don Bosco.

The participants found the workshop immensely useful – “informative and beneficial.”

SUMEDHA OUTREACH – SHIMLA

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, was invited to do a Staff Updating programme at Loreto Convent School, Tara Hall, Shimla. It was held on August 23, 2018.

Dr. Parappully dealt with the themes of Educating with the Heart.

The programme began with a simple meditation that the teachers could practice daily to reduce stress and increase well-being.

Dr. Parappully then emphasized the importance of Self-Awareness and provided some experimental exercised to become more self-aware.

This was followed by sessions on enhancing empathic listening and relating.

The workshop inputs were enhanced by video presentations, music and opportunities to share experiences and reflections in small and big groups.

The participants expressed great appreciation for both the content and the process followed.

A common sentiment expressed was that this “was a different kind of workshop. It really helped us to get in touch with ourselves, and relate to our students more as sensitive human beings.”

SUMEDHA OUTREACH TO THAILAND – 4 &5

The Director of Sumedha Centre, Jose Parappully, was invited by the Congregation of Infant Jesus in Thailand to animate two programmes there.

Psychospiritual Integration During the Post-Midlife years.

The first was for 29 Senior Sisters of the Congregation on 29^th February and March 2. The theme of the programme was “Psychospiritual Integration During the Post-Midlife years.”

On the first day, Dr Parappully presented the psychological Dynamics of the post midlife years and their impact on one’s spiritual journey.

The second day focused on “Graceful Aging.” Parappully presented latest research data on successful aging and provided practical strategies and tools to help the participants to find meaning, satisfaction and enjoy good physical and mental health.

He also presented the characteristics of a “Holistic Spirituality for the Post-Midlife Years.”

Participants found the two days’ programme very meaningful and useful.

Educating with the Heart

The second programme on March 2^nd was for the teachers of the Infant Jesus Convent School, an institution that offers vocational training for young women.

Fourteen teachers participated along with the Manager of the School, who is also the Provincial of the Congregation in Thailand.

The theme of this one-day Workshop was: “Educating with the Heart.”

 Dr. Parappully presented the psychological dynamics of late adolescence and early adulthood and some useful guidelines that help teachers deal more effectively with the emotional reactions of students.

Teachers had the opportunity to reflect on the way they handle their own and the student’s emotional responses, share them in groups and come up with some concrete action plan to enhance their relationship with students.