"Where there is music and dance, there is joy and togetherness."
As the First Semester Examinations concluded and with the Dussehra holidays around the corner, a vibrant Dandiya Celebration was organized at St. Francis of Assisi School, Chikodi, on Tuesday, 6th October 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the students of Nursery to Standard X.
The school quadrangle was beautifully decorated with a colorful festive backdrop to set the holiday mood. All the students came dressed in vibrant, traditional Navratri attire—girls in elegant ghagra-cholis and boys in bright kurta-pyjamas—which added immensely to the festive spirit of the school campus.
The celebration commenced with students gathering in class-wise circles on the school ground to perform the Dandiya dance. Soon, students from Nursery to Std X, alongside their teachers, danced joyfully to the rhythm of traditional Garba and Dandiya music. The energy, enthusiasm, and coordination of the children were truly captivating, and the best students dance as well as the outstanding teachers dancers were recognized and appreciated for their enthusiasm.
During the event, the Principal, Rev. Fr. Jeson Fernandes, addressed the gathering. He extended his warm wishes to all the students for a very Happy Dussehra and congratulated them on successfully completing their First Semester examinations.
The celebration created an atmosphere of pure joy, unity, and cultural appreciation. Sweet treats were distributed to all the children at the end, making it a delightful, stress-relieving event after their exams and a perfect start to the Dussehra vacation. The program officially concluded at 4:00 PM.
FOOTBALL: KARNATAKA CROWNED NATIONAL UNDER-14 CHAMPIONS
St. Francis of Assisi School, Chikodi, proudly participated in the state-level football tournament held at Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru, and organised by CISCE Sports and Games. Three talented footballers from our school—Miss Aarushi Chougala, Miss Janani Mohite, and Miss Bhagyashree Sukasare—were selected to represent the Karnataka and Goa team in the Under-14 National Football Tournament.
The national tournament was held at St. Jude’s School, Mohaddipur, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, from 24 to 26 September 2026. The Karnataka team displayed exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the tournament, securing a place in the final.
In a thrilling final, Karnataka faced West Bengal in a closely contested match. Demonstrating remarkable spirit and coordination, the Karnataka team scored the decisive goal to defeat their opponents and clinch the Gold Medal, emerging as the National Champions.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Karnataka team and, in particular, to our three Assisians for their dedication, perseverance, and outstanding achievement. Their success has brought immense pride and honour to St. Francis of Assisi School, Chikodi.
The 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi was commemorated at Christ the King Mission Church, Chikodi, on 2 October 2026. Most Rev. Dr. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum, presided over the Eucharistic celebration.
Bishop Derek Fernandes was warmly welcomed with a bouquet of flowers by Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, Superior of Christalaya, together with the priests and parishioners. Trumpet fanfares and rhythmic band music accompanied his arrival, while flower petals were showered along the path to the Christalaya Friary.
The Bishop led the novena to St. Francis of Assisi. This was followed by a grand procession, during which the saint’s statue was carried to a side altar in the church.
Before the Eucharistic celebration, students of St. Francis of Assisi School presented a dramatization of the saint’s life, followed by a dance on the Prayer for Peace and the Canticle of Brother Sun. Their moving and inspiring performance was warmly appreciated by the faithful and set a fitting tone for the celebration.
The celestial voices of the choir, the angelic liturgy, and the sacred banquet of divine grace brought a sense of solemnity and joy to the celebration. In his inspiring homily, the Bishop encouraged everyone to love and care for nature, renew the Church, live in peace, and walk together in synodality.
At the conclusion of the Eucharist, Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza felicitated the Bishop in recognition of his devoted service to the Diocese of Belgaum and his timely support for the Chikodi mission. He also welcomed and thanked the priests and sisters who had come from the Chikodi Deanery and other places, as well as the school and social-work staff, students, and faithful who had contributed to making the celebration majestic and meaningful. The Bishop also honoured the school’s national-winning football and hockey teams.
The celebration concluded with a delicious meal shared by all.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: A MAN OF PEACE AND A MAN FOR ALL TIMES
The 800th Death Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder and patron of our school, was celebrated with great pomp and grandeur on 1 October 2026 in the school premises.
The celebration began with a solemn and magnificent procession. The statue of St. Francis of Assisi was carried in an open vehicle amidst the melodious sounds of trumpets, the school band, beautifully decorated umbrellas, lighted candles, and flower girls, with the thurifer leading the procession. The statue was then brought to the beautifully decorated stage at the entrance of the school.
The Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Patrick Dias, reverently carried the statue of our beloved founder after it was brought down from the vehicle. He placed it at the designated place and paid homage to St. Francis by incensing the statue.
The celebration was enriched by a series of special performances depicting the life and mission of St. Francis of Assisi. The students presented a touching skit on his life and conversion, including the story of the conversion of the three robbers, along with graceful dances and vibrant performances inspired by Franciscan themes. Each presentation beautifully portrayed the values of simplicity, humility, compassion, peace, and love for God’s creation.
The performances captivated the hearts of the students and inspired them to follow the footsteps of St. Francis by becoming instruments of peace and protectors of creation. The motivating words of the Chief Guest, together with the meaningful action songs, deeply touched the hearts of the children and helped them appreciate the greatness and enduring legacy of their founder.
Inspired by the life of St. Francis, the students renewed their commitment to work for peace, care for creation, and spread goodness wherever they go. Each student was encouraged to carry the Franciscan spirit into the world and become a positive force for humanity and creation.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to honour the remarkable achievements of our students. The National-level winners in Football and Hockey were felicitated, and prizes were distributed to the winners of various co-curricular activities in recognition of their talent, dedication, and hard work.
The celebration concluded with a deeply moving tribute. The entire Assisi family came together to pay homage to their beloved founder by offering flowers before the statue of St. Francis. It was a fitting expression of gratitude, love, and reverence for the saint whose life continues to inspire generations.
As we commemorate 800 years of the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, may his spirit of peace, humility, compassion, and love for creation continue to guide every Assisian.
May St. Francis of Assisi bless us abundantly and inspire us to protect, preserve, and cherish God’s beautiful creation.
St. Francis of Assisi School conducted a Clay Modelling Competition for the pre-primary students on 17 September on the school’s beautiful green lawn. The activity provided our little ones with a joyful and engaging learning experience.
The students enthusiastically explored their creativity and imagination by moulding colourful clay into various shapes and objects. The activity helped them develop their fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, concentration, and creativity. Working together in the open and refreshing surroundings of the lawn made the experience even more enjoyable.
The children participated with great excitement and displayed wonderful imagination in their creations. It was a delightful and memorable activity that beautifully combined learning, creativity, and fun.
Hockey: Karnataka Wins Silver Medal at the National Level
St. Francis of Assisi School participated in the state-level hockey tournament held in Gonikoppa, Kodagu, and conducted by CISCE Sports and Games. Master Siddharth Karale of our school was selected as a midfielder for the Karnataka and Goa team to compete in the Under-14 National Hockey Tournament.
The national tournament was held at the K. M. Kariyappa Hockey Stadium, Bengaluru, from 19 to 21 September 2026. The Karnataka team displayed outstanding skill and teamwork and qualified for the final. The final match between Karnataka and Punjab was closely contested, and the winner was decided by a penalty shootout.
Karnataka emerged as the runners-up and won the silver medal. We congratulate the Karnataka team and Master Siddharth Karale on their dedication, hard work, and remarkable achievement.