Shillong 16 July: The Principals’ Meeting of the Don Bosco Schools in Shillong Region (MBOSE), was held at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Mawlai, bringing together the principals of all 20 Salesian schools to review the educational mission of the Province and formulate priorities for the academic year 2026–2027.
The meeting was presided over by Rev. Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, Provincial, and was attended by Rev. Fr. Jeevan Lakra, SDB, Vice Provincial, Rev. Fr. Genesius Wanniang, SDB, Economer, and Provincial Councillors Rev. Fr. Saji Stephen, SDB and Rev. Fr. Kenny Pakma, SDB. The programme began with a prayer led by the Vice Provincial, followed by the Provincial’s welcome address in which he appreciated the dedicated service of the principals and presented the educational statistics and future priorities of the Province.
A key session on Education to Faith, conducted by Rev. Fr. Barnes Mawrie, SDB, highlighted the importance of strengthening faith formation in Salesian schools. After fruitful deliberations, the Principals unanimously agreed to adopt a common Khasi Catechism textbook for Classes I to V beginning with the next academic year. The meeting also recommended greater emphasis on catechism classes, regular First Friday Masses, and annual retreats and recollections for teachers and students.
The Provincial presented the Education Commission Action Plan, which focused on improving teacher qualifications, implementing the Green Alliance initiative, introducing Quality Audits, strengthening digital documentation and laboratories, promoting the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), appointing Physical Education teachers, and establishing active Past Pupils’ Associations. Progress on common Service Rules, Personnel Policy, salary norms, and environmental initiatives was also reviewed.
During the second session, the principals were briefed on preparations for the forthcoming Provincial Visitation, the need to clear outstanding dues to Zatti Production, and the implementation of a comprehensive School Inspection Programme aimed at enhancing institutional quality and documentation.
The concluding session, led by Rev. Fr. Genesius Wanniang, SDB, Provincial Economer, focused on financial sustainability, timely contributions to the Solidarity Fund, revision of confreres’ salary contributions, and support for provincial projects, including the Zatti Home and the Rehabilitation Centre at Umran. Administrative matters such as maintaining Service Books, structural audits, school vehicle documentation, MBOSE regulations, and regular regional meetings were also discussed.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen Salesian education through quality academic standards, vibrant faith formation, effective administration, environmental stewardship, and collaborative leadership. The principals expressed their appreciation to the Provincial and the Education Commission for their guidance and reaffirmed their dedication to forming young people in the Salesian spirit of reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
Reported by Fr. Babu Stephen SDB
