It
was a morning of French competitions, performances and activities. For the very
first time, French students of schools like Vidya Vikas Academy, Presentation
Convent, Fatima Convent, Perpetual Succour Convent, the Kings School and Loyola
High School were invited with the purpose of strengthening a love for France,
the French language and its culture in the students as Loyola Higher Secondary
School organised ‘Matinée Française’ as part of the Institution’s Platinum
Jubilee celebrations.
The
day began with the invoking of God’s blessings through a prayer, followed by
the lighting of the lamp. The Principal of the Higher Secondary, Fr Basil Vago,
then warmly welcomed the gathering. An introduction to the Chief Guest, Dr Edith
Furtado and the three judges, Mitra Borker, Carol Miranda and Natasha Gomes,
was given by the French teacher, Cora Abreu, after which, she gave a brief
description of the different events of the programme.
The
inaugural session comprised an energetic, well synchronised dance put up by
students of XI Arts, while the XI Science and Arts students sang a delightful French
rendition of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’. A
Can-Can dance that left the audience thoroughly enthralled was the last item of
the inaugural session.
The
bottle painting cum decorating competition, an offstage competition, received a
great response and showed the beautiful, creative talents of the French
students. It was then time for the on-stage competitions to commence. The Duet
Singing Competition for the school-going students was the first on-stage competition
for the day. The pupils of various schools invited, captivated the audience
with their melodious French songs.
Next
was the 1st round of the French Quiz, extremely well-conducted by the Quiz Master,
Leo Barros, a student of XII Science. Next up was Cosplay. The French students
of both class XI and XII participated with impersonations of Louis XIV, Marie
Antoinette, Coco Chanel, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, to name a few.
Dr
Edith Furtado then addressed the students. She enlightened them about the
benefits of learning the French language and the different fields that they
could pursue with the knowledge of it. The end of her speech brought to an end
the first half of the programme.
Food
stalls with mouth watering pastries and savouries had been set up by the
students, during the break.
The
programme resumed with the second round of the French Quiz, which was followed
by the Group Singing Competition. It was commendable as they sang beautifully
in French. This was followed by the final round of the quiz. Following the
quiz, one of the judges, Natasha Gomes, appreciated the students’ participation
and the school’s efforts in organising the programme. The Manager, Fr William
Rodrigues gave the vote of thanks, after which the Vice Principal, Dr. Walton
Noronha announced and congratulated all the winners of the competitions. They
were awarded with certificates and trophies. The programme ended with the
students singing the Loyola Anthem.
‘Matinée
française 2019’ served to prove that language is not a barrier but a bridge to
a new culture. It was a grand success, all thanks to the enthusiasm and tireless
team work put in by the students, the teaching and non-teaching staff and the
support of the Management.
