A school is not merely a building, furniture and staff, but it is the students who complete the existence of a school. Teachers are the most influential people in the lives of young students, and whatever teaching they give they follow. So it is genuinely appealed to the respectable fraternity of academic staff that never let down the honour shown to us by the society to lead the nation by making your students honourable citizens of the country and the world. It gives me an immense pleasure in conveying my deep appreciation to the staff and students who have been performing their onerous duties and fulfilling their responsibilities with a sense of commitment.
Psalm 127, 3 says, “Children are the Gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” Holy Father Pope Francis says that the parents are the primary teachers of their children especially of moral values. Affirming and motivating words from the parents and the teachers are like light switches. Speak a word of encouragement and appreciation at the right moment in a child's life and it's like lighting up a whole room full of possibilities. So the parents and the teachers ought to be very generous in offering positive, optimistic, and motivating strokes to the children to help them to put in their best and kindle in them the fire of faith in God. For, without God's help we can do nothing but with God's blessings we can do everything. In life we'll realize that there is a purpose for everybody we meet, some will test us, some will teach us and some will bring out the best in us. The primary aim of a good teacher should be to bring out the best from each student. Teaching is the noble service of moulding the young minds into useful human beings.
True spirit of education of students does not consider the students as empty pots that are to be filled, but the powerful candles which when ignited can illumine the world with the finest and unique glow. Let me salute the powerful and potential lights of the society, the nation and the world at large as I do my part in igniting the flames in OLS, Kullu. It is said: 'Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.' This is true in our OLS School. We are striving to form such championship winners, winners of the challenges of life, who can believe in teamwork and utilize their individual intelligence in building up the nation and the world with a loving cooperation. As mentioned above the teachers and the students along with their parents can provide an atmosphere of growth more effectively with a firm belief in the community model of functioning. This leads each one involved in this process of education to assume social responsibility and to be witnesses to the young minds of the same. Remember dear children, to-day's decisions are tomorrow's realities. So, the choices you make now are important in your life. Develop a positive, creative and loving attitude towards life and you will reap a beneficial harvest. Positive words inspire positive emotions like courage, humour, optimism, love, kindness etc..... You have to plan your future because you have to live in it. All you have to do is 'starting’, never quitting’ - however adverse a situation be. Well begun, is half done.' Every beginner is a winner; for, he or she has won over the fear of starting. Winning starts with beginning. You literally won't get anywhere in life by staying still.
As children, we're told too often that certain things are ‘impossible'. The truth is, if we can dream it, it's probably doable. So dream big and do big. Dreams are very powerful internal motivators. Great achievements are created twice—first in the mind and then in a concrete form. Dreams not only help us in seeing things before they happen, but they also give us an impetus to make them happen. Surround yourself with people who empower you, believe in you, support you, uplift you, motivate you, and appreciate you. One should learn to motivate oneself. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam says, “When nobody else celebrates you, learn to celebrate yourself. When nobody else compliments you, then compliment yourself. It's not up to other people to keep you encouraged. It's up to you. Encouragement should come from the inside. Believe in “yourself.” Be a reflection of what you'd like to receive. If you want love, give love. If you want truth, be truthful. If you want respect, give respect. What you give out will return to you, as Lord Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Lk. 6,13).
Acknowledging and being grateful to God Almighty for all the endowments that He has given to us, and making best use of everything that we have, will be our token of love for God. We must get up every day with a positive mission because we deserve to live an amazing life. Honest efforts and transparency in behaviour will keep oneself in good stead. We need strength while doing the possible, but we need faith while doing the impossible. Trust in God. Put in your best and best will return to you. We are very grateful to God Almighty for this blissful institution which was set up in this part of the world through the instrumentality of Simla-Chandigarh Catholic Diocese and His Highness Maharaj Maheshwar Singh, the king of Kullu. With the blessings of God, the able, committed and selfless members of Simla Chandigaarh Educational Society, administration, staff, parents and the students have unitedly brought up this institution to a remarkable status. I wish all the best to one and all and may the abundant and choicest blessings of God be upon all the members of the family of Our Lady of the Snows School, Kullu and all those who are associated with the institution.
Thanks!
Fr. Antony Solomon,
PRINCIPAL, OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS SCHOOL, KULLU