St. Paul's High School - Belgaum

*Spreading Joy, Hope and Togetherness* : Christmas a time of joy, hope and togetherness was beautifully experienced at St. Paul’s. All the students and staff members added colour in red and green outfits. The celebration was graced by the Jesuit Management Committee of St. Paul’s Institutions, Parent Teacher Members, alumni and parents. Melodious Christmas carols sung by the student choir during the special assembly filled the campus with joy and festive cheer. The highlight of the programme was a live tableau depicting the Birth of Jesus, trained by Bro. Christon SJ and Tr. Mary Fernandes. Students dressed as Mother Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Wise Men, shepherds and angels brought the nativity scene to life. Beautiful cut-outs of animals and trees, kindly lent by the Parish Fathers of Fatima Cathedral, added meaning and colour to the presentation. The arrival of Santa Claus brought great excitement and laughter. As Santa danced on the dais along with a little Santa, the little one’s false beard accidentally came off, creating a moment of fun and joy for the students. In his message, Fr. Alendro Da Costa SJ, Vice Principal, encouraged students to practice values such as sharing, caring and compassion irrespective of caste, creed and status. Adding to the happiness, the Principal gifted every student a sweet hamper as a token of appreciation for their enthusiastic participation. A beautifully crafted eco-friendly crib made by Mr. Karu Wagh and the dedicated support staff adorned the campus, inviting everyone to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier was celebrated with great reverence and joy at St. Paul’s. A beautiful flex board showing the life of St. Francis Xavier—from his birth to his death—was displayed at the school entrance. A solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist was held in the school hall. Fr. Simon Fernandes SJ, Principal, was the Main Celebrant, along with Fr. Alendro da Costa SJ, Vice Principal, and Fr. Malcolm Baretto SJ, Lecturer at St. Paul’s P.U. College, as Concelebrants. The theme of the Mass was “Hearts on Fire, Ready to Make a Difference.” Bro. Christon introduced the Season of Advent to the gathering of staff and students, and Fr. Malcolm lit the Advent candle of hope. Fr. Simon delivered a meaningful homily. He compared the city of Belagavi to the castle of Navarre where St. Francis grew up. He shared how Francis Xavier, once a young man seeking worldly praise, changed his heart after meeting St. Ignatius, his roommate at the University of Paris. Fr. Simon reminded the students that St. Francis was once just like them, but he allowed God to guide his dreams. He encouraged students to make a difference wherever they are: in school, at home, on the playground, or in the community. He also urged everyone to contribute generously to the Christmas Outreach Programme. The school choir, led by pianists Master Caleb D’Souza and Master Ethan Fernandes, sang beautiful hymns in Konkani and English. The statue of St. Francis Xavier placed in the hall added to the sacred atmosphere, reminding all of his worldwide missionary journeys and his faithful service until his last breath in China.

*State Level U-14 Football Tournament Champions* : The State Level Under-14 Department Football Tournament was held at Ammatti, Kodagu District, with teams from Kalaburagi, Mysuru, Bengaluru, DYES Bengaluru, and Belagavi Divisions participating in this prestigious event. We are proud to share that our Belagavi Division team emerged as the Champions, while DYES Bengaluru Division secured the Runner-Up position. A special mention goes to Master Aaradhya Nakadi of St. Paul’s High School, Belagavi, who created history by scoring a hat-trick of goals against the Bengaluru Division — the first ever in the history of the State Level Tournament! The winning team included : Master Aaradhya Nakadi (Captain), Atharva Hangirgekar (Goalkeeper), Nevin Patki, Abdul Matin Sayed, Md. Rayyan Kaladagi, Yashodhan Gandhade, Zidane Khan Pathan, Karan Dongare along with players from other schools of Belagavi Division. The team was ably coached by Mr. Shravan Uchgaonkar, a Paulite alumnus, and Mr. Balesh Yenduri, the Team Manager. Our team has now qualified for the Nationals to be held in Madhya Pradesh in the first week of December 2025.

Honouring Childhood: A Day of Laughter, Learning and Love : Children’s Day at St. Paul’s was a joyful celebration filled with colour, laughter and meaningful messages. The day began with students arriving in their favourite coloured clothes, making the entire campus look like a garden of bright and beautiful flowers. The programme opened with a prayer led by Tr. Kanaka Ravi, followed by the hoisting of the school flag by Master Kevin Kodemulu. Floral tributes were then offered to the portrait of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru by the Jesuit Management, honouring his love for children. Teachers from all sections presented lively dance performances that brought great excitement to the students. The presence of the Jesuits dancing along with the teachers made the celebration even more special. Tr. Jemma Sunagad, Sunbeam Headmistress, and Fr. Simon Fernandes SJ, Principal, addressed the students, reminding them that they are God’s precious gifts and valuable members of the school. They encouraged students to use social media wisely, care for Mother Earth, behave responsibly and show respect to parents, elders and teachers. The school alumni association, together with the Jesuit Management, also felicitated the state-level sports winners who made the school proud with their achievements. As the celebrations came to a close, students were delighted to receive a sweet hamper on their way home. The programme ended with all present respectfully singing the National Anthem.

57th Fr. Eddie Memorial Football Tournament (U17)

The 57th Fr. Eddie Memorial Inter School Football Tournament (2025–26) showcased outstanding young talent and true sportsmanship. Organized by Paulites of Belgaum Worldwide and St. Paul’s High School, the event celebrated teamwork, discipline, and passion for the game, keeping Fr. Eddie’s legacy alive on the field.

*Pedro Arrupe Talent Fest 2025: A Celebration of Talents* : The Pedro Arrupe Talent Fest was inaugurated with a vibrant cultural programme graced by Fr. Malcolm Baretto SJ, Lecturer of St. Paul’s Institutions, Belagavi, as the Chief Guest, along with esteemed members of the Jesuit Management Committee. The celebration began with a glittering inaugural, where students took centre stage with inspiring speeches, melodious songs, and lively dances, making the event truly memorable. A beautiful moment of the event was the release of colourful balloons symbolizing the unity of the school’s four houses – Red, Blue, Green, and Gold – filling the atmosphere with excitement and joy. Fr. Malcolm spoke about the inspiring life of the great Jesuit priest, Pedro Arrupe, and encouraged the students to follow his example. He reminded them that each one is unique and a special gift from God to the school. Trophies, merit certificates, and consolation prizes were awarded to the winners, appreciating their hard work and creativity. The competitions, thoughtfully organized by dedicated teachers, included a wide range of activities such as dance, fancy dress, clay modeling, best out of waste, rangoli, salad making, cooking, singing, T-shirt design, face painting, photography and more. Experienced judges ensured fair evaluation in all events.

Diya Decorating Competition*
The Primary section of our school held a vibrant Diya Decorating competition on October 15, 2025. Diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, were transformed into miniature masterpieces by our talented students. With paint, glitter, and stickers, they unleashed their creativity, crafting stunning diya displays that radiated warmth and joy. These beautifully decorated diyas will surely illuminate the pathways, entrance, and pooja room, spreading festive cheer throughout the school. The competition was a resounding success, fostering creativity and teamwork among our young students. Kudos to all participants for their artistic flair and enthusiasm!

Navratri and Dasara were celebrated with joy and devotion in our school. The programme began with an inspiring prayer led by Tr. Keerthi James. Although the heavy downpour of rain from the previous night continued into the morning, it did not dampen the festive spirit. The staff, students, and PTA members came dressed in their best traditional ethnic wear, which filled the entire campus with colour and beauty. The students presented a lively demonstration of Garbha dance, and the teachers too joined in, showing unity and oneness between staff and students. Our Principal, Rev. Fr. Simon, then explained the significance of the nine days of Navratri with humourous anecdotes and interactive questions. Master Neel Chivatagundi delivered an inspiring speech on the importance and values practiced during Dasara, reminding everyone of the victory of truth and goodness over evil. The festivities continued with music and dance, where students, teachers, and PTA members together performed the traditional Garbha dance, making the event truly memorable. The celebration of Navratri and Dasara in our school was not just about music and dance, but about spreading joy, unity, and values.