Public Recognition
Session on Safeguarding the Child – Primary Section
Session on Safeguarding the Child – Primary Section
-Mrs. Jasmine Samuel
“If you make the world better for kids, you make it better for everyone.”
– Anonymous
A session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act was conducted by Ms. Mohini Joseph Goshi for the primary section staff on 11th January, 2025. The session aimed to raise awareness about the legal framework designed to protect children from sexual offenses and to equip educators with the necessary knowledge to safeguard children in their care. The session covered important topics, including understanding contact and non-contact abuse, promoting smart safety practices for children, and discussing E-safety measures to protect children from online threats.
The session began with an explanation of – Who is a child? and an overview of the POCSO Act, focusing on its purpose and scope. Ms. Mohini emphasized that the Act is designed to protect children under 18 from various forms of sexual offenses, including sexual harassment, assault, and exploitation. Teachers were educated on the different types of offenses covered under the Act and how to recognize the signs of abuse. The importance of understanding the Act’s provisions was highlighted, as it empowers educators to take appropriate actions when they suspect or encounter child abuse. A major focus of the session was on the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, and caregivers in ensuring a safe environment for children. Teachers were encouraged to foster open communication with children, identify signs of abuse, and take prompt action if abuse is suspected. She also highlighted the legal requirement of mandatory reporting, stressing that teachers must report any suspected abuse under the POCSO Act, and informed them of the legal implications of failing to do so.
In addition, teachers were introduced to various reporting mechanisms and support systems available to those facing or witnessing child abuse. Ms. Mohini shared helpline details along with relevant e-portals for reporting abuse. The session also discussed resources like the Sakhi Savitri Committee and the CHIRAG app (Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights), which provide additional channels for reporting and following up on cases of abuse. The importance of psychological and emotional support for survivors of abuse was also addressed, with a focus on the rehabilitation services offered by both government and non-governmental organizations.
The session included a highly interactive segment where teachers shared real-life concerns and scenarios related to child safety. Ms. Mohini addressed these concerns, offering clarifications on how to handle challenges in identifying and reporting abuse. To conclude the session on a light and engaging note, a Boom Boom Balloon Game was conducted. This game illustrated the concept of working together to protect what is important, using the metaphor that “We all saved our balloon but we tried to break others’ balloons.” This exercise emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding children while ensuring no one is left out of the effort.
Finally, Mrs. Griselda, the Head Teacher, shared insights from a recent LSP training program she had attended, as well as her experiences visiting various schools. She highlighted the significance of activities like reading exercises and math problem-solving to boost the confidence of students, particularly those who struggle with learning. Mrs. Griselda’s reflections reinforced the critical role that teachers play in creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Creating and maintaining a safe environment for children both at school and at home was another key takeaway. Ms. Johncy Varghese, the class teacher of II D said, “This session provided valuable insights on ways of protecting and supporting the students ensuring their safety and wellbeing.”
Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas: A Don Bosco Family Tradition
Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas: A Don Bosco Family Tradition
Ms. Richa Singh
“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” – W.T. Ellis
Winter, with its frosty embrace, brings warmth through the love and grace of God. As we step into this season of joy, peace, and hope, we bow in gratitude to the Almighty for the greatest gift of all—His Son, Jesus Christ. Through His life and teachings, He has shown us the path of kindness, forgiveness, and mercy toward our fellow beings.
As the school closes for its winter break, we, the members of the Don Bosco Salesian community, took a moment to thank God for guiding us through another fruitful year. His divine presence has empowered us to fulfill our responsibilities with dedication to our students and fostered a spirit of collaboration with our colleagues. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the school management, whose unwavering support and guidance have been a constant source of strength. As the great unifier, Jesus reminds us: “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). Inspired by this, the Management continues to foster unity, ensuring that every member of the Don Bosco family works together in harmony and purpose.
Christmas finds its true meaning when celebrated in the company of loved ones. Reflecting this spirit, the last day of school, ie, the 21st of December, 2024, was marked by a vibrant staff get-together. It was a delightful winter afternoon filled with music, games, and camaraderie. The comperes, with their engaging and lively commentary, kept the energy high and the smiles wide. For some, winning prizes in the games added an extra sparkle to the celebration. The teachers also embraced the joy of giving, by exchanging gifts as Secret Santas. The excitement of surprise, the heartfelt thought behind the gift, and the shared laughter created an atmosphere of pure warmth and connection. It was a beautiful reminder of the kindness and healthy trusted relationship that make our work family so special, leaving smiles on every face and hearts full of love and gratitude.
The dance floor came alive with dynamic performances, showcasing the myriad talents of our staff. A particularly touching moment was the gesture of acknowledging and honoring retired staff members. This unique tradition exemplifies the deep respect and gratitude that are hallmarks of the Don Bosco community.
As we bid farewell to another year, we did so with hearts full of thankfulness and hope, ready to embrace the joys and blessings of Christmas with our loved ones. May this season inspire us all to carry forward the values of kindness, unity, and love that define the true spirit of Christmas.
To conclude in the words of Calvin Coolidge, “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. The light of heaven is now on earth, shining in every heart open to love and grace.”
Samarth Chavan Secures First Place in State-Level Energy Conservation Painting Competition
Samarth Chavan Secures First Place in State-Level Energy Conservation Painting Competition
-Ms Samrudha
Samarth Chavan, a student of Class 8C, achieved remarkable success by winning the 1st place in the prestigious State-Level National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation, organized by the NTPC Energy Department, Government of India.
Competing against 22,600 students from schools across Maharashtra, Samarth’s journey began with his selection among the top 55 in the first round. His artistic excellence stood out in the second round held on November 14, where he secured a spot in the Top 3 finalists.
Culminating his victory, Samarth was awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a certificate of achievement. He will now represent Maharashtra at the National Level Finals on December 11 in Delhi, showcasing his talent on a larger stage.
Harmonizing Success: The Symphonics Shine at India’s Biggest School Band Competition
Harmonizing Success: The Symphonics Shine at India’s Biggest School Band Competition
-Sir Saby Franco
On November 14, 2024, the prestigious India’s Biggest Inter-school Performing Arts Competition reached its crescendo at the Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe Natyagruga, Byculla (E), Mumbai. The auditorium buzzed with energy as Furtado’s School of Music hosted its Grand Finale to crown The Best School Band of India.
This year, the competition saw an impressive number of bands auditioning from across the country. After rigorous rounds, only the top eight bands made it to the grand stage. The Bandit Festival showcased exceptional talent, with school bands delivering remarkable performances that made it a tough task for the judges to pick a winner.
As the Battle of the Bands commenced, the energy in the room was electrifying. Competing
among the best bands in the country was a feat in itself. Under the expert mentorship of Sir Saby Franco, The Symphonics shone brightly, clinching second place and earning a prize voucher of ₹25,000. Their performance was lauded as both impressive and magical, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and judges alike.
Congratulations to Sir Saby Franco and The Symphonics for this fantastic achievement. May their journey of creating magic with music continue! 
FSM BAND-IT FESTIVAL 2024
FSM BAND-IT FESTIVAL 2024
“Proving that hard work pays off”
The FSM Band-It Festival is a premier platform showcasing performances in dance, singing, and instrumental music, celebrated as India’s largest inter-school competition.This year’s festival, announced in August 2024, was initiated with auditions on September 15, 2024. Schools submitted three-minute video performances online, with the best bands advancing to the Regional Band-It Competition in Mumbai.
Band-It is India’s largest Performing Arts Festival, It provides musicians with an opportunity to reach broader audiences, fostering artistic expression and the exchange of new ideas.
This year, we proudly enrolled two brass bands, The Symphonics and Music Bytes, representing Don Bosco High School, Matunga. Competing against 50 schools in a fierce contest, these bands were selected based on strict criteria and the quality of their audition submissions.
Under the expert guidance of their music maestro, Sir Saby, both bands channeled their meticulous preparation and creative energy into their performances. When the time came to announce the winners, the excitement was palpable.
We were overjoyed to hear that Music Bytes claimed Second Place, while The Symphonics triumphed with First Place. The overwhelming emotions of joy, relief, and pride were a testament to their dedication and perseverance.
Music Bytes: “Little but fierce!”
The Symphonics: “Champions are made of moments like these.”
Both bands dazzled the audience with outstanding musicianship and captivating performances, all under the careful watch of Sir Saby.
“Music is life, which is why we have heartbeats 
.”
The Brass Bands of Don Bosco truly rock!
“Don Bosco High School Students Shine at Prestigious Times NIE-Vidyalankar Academic Excellence Awards”
“Don Bosco High School Students Shine at Prestigious Times NIE-Vidyalankar Academic Excellence Awards”
-Ms. Flavia
The prestigious award ceremony, held on 3rd September 2024 at Yashwant Natya Mandir, was a collaborative event organized by Times NIE in partnership with Vidyalankar Institute, celebrating the exceptional academic achievements of top-performing students from various schools. Representing Don Bosco High School with distinction were Master Bhavya Jain, the 1st rank holder, and Master Aaradhya Badoley, the 2nd rank holder, both of whom brought immense pride to their school through their remarkable accomplishments.
Master Bhavya Jain was awarded a distinguished trophy, a certificate of excellence, and a scholarship offering an impressive 75% discount on tuition fees at Vidyalankar Institute for his 11th and 12th grades. Meanwhile, Master Aaradhya Badoley, as the 2nd rank holder, received a certificate of achievement and a scholarship with a 70% fee reduction for his higher secondary education at the same institute. Certificates for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th rankers were sent to the school via courier, ensuring all top achievers were duly recognized for their hard work.
The event not only celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of these young scholars but also underscored the shared commitment of Times NIE and Vidyalankar Institute to nurturing and empowering the next generation of academic leaders. The inspiring achievements of the honorees served as a powerful motivator for their peers, encouraging them to aim high and pursue excellence in their academic journeys.
Jesal Niranjan Ganjawalla Challenge Trophy for Best Boys All Round School in Sports
Jesal Niranjan Ganjawalla Challenge Trophy
– Sir Barry
In a remarkable achievement that reflects dedication, hard work and excellence, Don Bosco High School, Matunga has been awarded the prestigious “Jesal Niranjan Ganjawalla Challenge Trophy” for Best Boys All Round School in Sports for the year 2023-24.
This award was presented to the school on 26th July 2024 at the Garware Club House, Churchgate.
This accolade celebrates the school’s outstanding performance and commitment to sports over the past year.
The success is also attributed to our dedicated Coaches and support staff, who have worked tirelessly to train and motivate our sports students.
A special appreciation to our Management team for their constant support and encouragement at every step of the way for always motivating our sports endeavours .
Winning the Best School in Sports award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of everyone involved at Don Bosco High School, Matunga. It marks a significant milestone in our journey and inspires us to strive for even greater heights in the future.
This award is a recognition of the commitment by our Management, Coaches, students and Parents.
We look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence.
Mani Bhavan Celebrates Gandhi Jayanti
Mani Bhavan Celebrates Gandhi Jayanti
– Mrs. Vailena Dsouza
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Mani Bhavan, a historic heritage building, closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, continued its tradition of honouring the legacy of the Father of the Nation by conducting various interschool and college competitions, thus promoting and propagating his thoughts, principles and values.
The one – act play drama competition for the primary sections of English medium schools was held on the 8th of September,2023. The students of Grades III & IV of Don Bosco Primary School, Matunga, wholeheartedly participated in this competition. Our little ones had committed themselves to rigorous practice sessions, tirelessly honing their acting skills under the able guidance of their teacher; and their joy knew no bounds when they secured a commendable third place. Our school was awarded with a trophy while the victors were given certificates and a packet of exciting stationary items. This victory not only reflected their dedication and hard work but also underscored the school’s commitment to fostering values of peace and harmony.
Mst. Jayden Fernandes who effortlessly essayed the role of Gandhiji said that through this play he learnt how deeply Gandhiji was concerned about machines replacing man. Mst. Aden Dias said that he was very happy to discover the friendship between Gandhiji and Tagore which led Mrs. Vailena Dsouza, the teacher-in-charge of this competition to observe satisfactorily how the children had drawn out values of sensitivity, friendship, dignity of labour, etc from this enactment. The elated participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to pay homage to Gandhi’s teachings and promised to continue embodying his principles, especially that of non-violence in their lives.
The names of the students who participated in this prize-winning play-drama are as follows;
Mst. Kaden Dias
Mst. Jayden Fernandes
Mst. Aden Dias
Mst. Veeru Duduka
Mst. Mikhael Fernandes
Mst. Manas Vyas
Mst. Kevin D’Abreo
Mst. Reyansh Sharma
Mst. Royce David
Mst. Neal Poojari
Math Olympiad Std I – IV
Math Olympiad Std I – IV
Ms. Samantha Cardoz
The Math Olympiad Exam held on December 18, 2023, at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, a total of 285 students participated from standard I to IV. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as students showcased their mathematical skills. The exam consisted of a variety of questions testing students’ understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students were seen enthusiastically solving problems and demonstrating their problem-solving abilities. The exam was conducted smoothly, and students actively engaged in the tasks. Several outstanding students showcased exceptional skills, bringing pride to the school. Their enthusiasm for mathematics was evident, reflecting a promising future in the subject. As it is rightly said by Galileo, “Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe”. The event served as a platform for young minds to explore and excel in mathematics, fostering a culture of academic excellence and enthusiasm for learning.
Medal of Excellence – Gold
Siddhant Chauhan
Prince D’Souza
Sean Dilawarnijad
Shaurya Khose
Medal of Excellence – Silver
Kabir Kamble
Reyansh More
Etzel D’Sylva
Veeru Duduka
Medal of Excellence – Bronze
Rudransh Chandaliya
Rohan Bisoi
Juan Thomas Bijesh
Somansh Kataria
Bhavyaraj Nandre
Education World India School Rankings 2023 – 2024 Awards
Education World India School Rankings 2023 – 2024 Awards
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” – Aristotle
Education World India School Rankings 2023 – 2024 ceremony was held in Delhi at J.W. Marriot on 13th and 14th October, 2023.
Our school received the prestigious award in the Vintage Legacy Boys’ Day School category. Representing our institution at this prestigious event were two of our dedicated teachers, Mrs. Griselda Fernandes and Mrs. Elizabeth Soares.
In this year’s rankings, Vintage Legacy Boys’ Day School category we have secured the 5th position in India, emphasizing our commitment to providing quality education. Within Maharashtra, our school proudly stands at the 3rd position, showcasing our regional impact. Moreover, we have achieved an outstanding 2nd rank in the bustling city of Mumbai, solidifying our reputation as a premier educational institution in this vibrant metropolis.
These rankings inspire us to continue our pursuit of excellence in education and to prepare our students for a future filled with promise and potential. Together, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and we look forward to the journey ahead.