On the occasion of the feast of St. John the Baptist on the 26th of June, 2025, the Co-curricular Committee of St. Xavier's Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, organised “Festa de São João”- a day filled with vibrant performances and lively competitions.

The significance of the feast was highlighted during the assembly through a reflective article and a stirring rendition of a song set to the tune of C. Alvares’ iconic São João composition, capturing the joy and deeper meaning of the celebration.

Following this, students participated enthusiastically in a range of traditional competitions, including kopel making, fatti making, gost ukddea tandlancho, and dhali making. The festivities continued with a colourful parade featuring participants from the kopel and fatti making competitions, cultural performers, and dignitaries.

A short cultural programme was held at the amphitheatre. It featured a skit showcasing the traditional and cultural significance of São João, followed by a lively dance performance.

The day’s events were a testament to Goa’s rich cultural heritage, especially its vibrant traditions that come alive during the monsoon season.

The winners of the various competitions are as follows:

WINNERS OF THE KOPEL MAKING COMPETITION

First Place: XII Science D

• Ms. Britney Dias
• Ms. Marushka Noronha
• Ms. Devyanna Lobo

Second Place: XII Arts A

• Ms. Sarah Dias
• Ms. Velanie Coelho
• Ms. Patricia D'Souza

Third Place: XII Science B

• Ms. Nadisha Candolkar
• Ms. Aafiya Alam
• Ms. Srushti Shetgaonkar

WINNERS OF THE FATTI MAKING COMPETITION

First Place: XII Science E

• Ms. Rutva Shetgaonkar
• Ms. Bhagyashree Ghadi
• Ms. Advika Mandrekar

Second Place: XII Arts C

• Ms. Rachita Arolkar
• Ms. Geeta Dabholkar
• Ms. Shreya Kalangutkar

Second Place: XII Travel and Tourism

• Ms. Helena Topno
• Ms. Surekha Parmaj
• Ms. Bharti Jhadav

Third Place: XII Commerce A

• Ms. Preeti Lingudkar
• Ms. Rohini Pawar
• Ms. Divya Gaonkar

WINNERS OF GOST UKDDEA TANDLANCHO

First Place: XII Commerce C

• Devansh Pednekar
• Saket Naik

Second Place: XI Commerce D

• Amey Shetkar
• Madhan BK

Third Place: XII Commerce B

• Yashika Mandrekar
• Divya Jha

WINNERS OF THE DHALI MAKING COMPETITION

First Place: XII Commerce C

• Yabita Braganza
• Nathalia Misquitta
• Sybel Carrasco

Second Place: XII Arts A

• Aakil Shaikh
• Marvico Braganza
• Brandon Fernandes

Third Place: XI Bakery and Confectionery

• Sarah Saldanha
• Jeslyn Lobo
• Jennifer Fernandes

The NSS/YRC Units & Eco Club of St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa observed Van Mahotsav Week on 6th July,2024 on the School Campus. The Vice-Principal of the Vocational Stream, Mr. Brian Duarte addressed the gathering and spoke of the importance of Van Mahotsav Week.
Mr. Nilkant Shet, Former Chemistry Teacher was the Chief Guest of the day. In his address, the Chief Guest spoke about the importance of plants& appealed students to nurture them like children. He spoke of the beauty of nature that has the ability to transform violent person into a calm one tackling pollution by planting more trees. The program conclude with planting of fig tree by the Chief Guest & the students planted different medicinal plants.

The NSS/ YRC and Eco Club of St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa celebrated International Yoga Day on 21st June, 2024 at 9:00a.m. in the Ark Hall.
Adv. Vaibhav Pilankar, an Art of Living Teacher was invited as the resource person on the occasion. The resource person demonstrated yog asanas and pranayam to the students and encouraged the students to practice yoga and breathing exercises on a daily basis. The session was attended by students of XI Arts & Commerce.