Lourdes Central School Mangalore Bids Fond Adieu to the Retiring Staff
Mangaluru: Amidst an atmosphere brimming with gratitude and nostalgia, the Lourdes Central School community gathered on the school grounds to bid an emotional and heartfelt farewell to its esteemed retiring staff—Ms Belita Mascarenhas, Ms Mary Lydia Dsouza, Ms Dilla Colaco, Ms Nora Peris, Ms Roshni Jose, and Sir Ivan Mascarenhas on March 13, 2025.
The occasion was graced by a host of distinguished guests, including Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha, Manager; Rev. Fr Johnson L. Sequeira, Principal; Mr Ashok Pinto, Vice President; Ms Avita Cynithia Pinto, Secretary of Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad; and the Vice Principal, alongside the esteemed faculty, students, parents, family members, and well-wishers. The gathering stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment, dedication, and invaluable contributions of these remarkable individuals to the institution.
The ceremony commenced with a grand welcome by the school band that played a harmonious melody as the dignitaries were escorted to their seats. A solemn prayer service was conducted by Ms Gowri Ravi and Mr Henry Mascarenhas, followed by the students of Class XII, who placed their prayerful intentions. The school choir then rendered a melodious prayer song, fostering a serene and reflective atmosphere.
The welcome address was delivered by the principal, who expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated service of the outgoing staff members. His words resonated with everyone present, reinforcing the values of commitment and excellence that define LCS.
The Felicitation Ceremony was the highlight of the event. The retiring staff members were honoured for their years of dedicated service. Colleagues expressed heartfelt tributes, recalling the invaluable contributions of each honouree. The dignitaries then presented tokens of appreciation as a mark of gratitude and respect.
A particularly touching segment was words of gratitude by the students who shared their heartfelt appreciation for the retiring teachers. Their sentiments beautifully encapsulated the lasting impact these educators have had on their lives. The most moving part of the event was witnessing the alumni express their gratitude to the staff members upon their superannuation. This was followed by a poignant farewell song, performed by the school choir, which captured the deep admiration and fondness for the retiring staff.
On behalf of the retiring teachers, Ms Belita Mascarenhas shared her reflections and expressions of gratitude, reminiscing about the journey at the institution and expressing their gratitude for the support and love they had received over the years.
Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha, Manager delivered an inspiring message that resonated deeply with everyone present. In his address, Rev. Dr Saldanha expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions of the retiring staff, acknowledging their unwavering commitment in shaping young minds. He highlighted the indelible impact of their dedication, emphasizing how their shared talents and wisdom have played a pivotal role in building the character of students. His words served as a powerful reminder to carry forward the legacy of excellence, commitment, and integrity that they have established.
The ceremony was further enriched by the Vote of Thanks, delivered by our Vice Principal, Ms. Anita Thomas. She expressed profound gratitude to all those who contributed to making the event a truly memorable one, extending special appreciation to the organizing team, staff, and students who came together to honour the retirees.
The event was seamlessly compered by Ms Jennifer Menezes and Ms Pamela Miranda, whose eloquence and warmth added to the grace of the occasion. Their engaging presence ensured a smooth flow of events, making the farewell a cherished and dignified tribute to the esteemed retirees.
The ceremony concluded with the school anthem, a unifying moment that reaffirmed the institution’s values and mission. A group photo was then taken, capturing the essence of this significant occasion.
The farewell ceremony was an emotional yet celebratory event, honouring the unwavering commitment and contributions of our beloved teachers. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations of Lourdites, and their presence will always be cherished within the LCS community.
