Hints for Students in Salesian Schools (Given by Don Bosco)

Attitude to God

  • Remember that we are created to love and serve God, our Creator. All learning and wealth in this world are meaningless without the fear of God, which is the foundation of both temporal and eternal welfare.
  • Give glory to God for any learning or abilities you have, for He is the author of every good thing. Do not take pride in your own ability.
  • Practice virtue while you are young. Focus on cultivating virtues such as modesty (purity), humility, obedience, and kindness.
  • Modesty refers to proper and decent manners in speaking and acting. This virtue is one of the finest adornments of youth.
  • Avoid every kind of sin, especially these three evils:
  • Taking the name of God in vain.
  • Impurity in thought, word, or deed.
  • Stealing.
  • These sins draw God’s anger upon us. However, if we keep away from them, God will shower us with His blessings.

Attitude to Teachers

  • Students should view their schoolmates as brothers or sisters and regard their teachers and superiors as fathers or mothers.
  • Respect every teacher, whether they teach your class or not. Show gratitude towards teachers who have guided you in the past. Demonstrate reverence by greeting them whenever you meet them.
  • Trust that your teachers take their responsibility seriously and are committed to your welfare. In advising, commanding, and correcting you, they have only your good in mind.
  • After piety, study is the most commendable activity. Your primary duty is to diligently complete tasks assigned by your teachers.
  • Always rise when your teacher enters or leaves the class. If they are delayed, remain silent, reviewing your lessons or reading a good book. Avoid whispering or interrupting during class.

Attitude to Schoolmates

  • Strive to inspire your schoolmates with your good example at all times.
  • Never mock those who are slow in their studies or struggle to grasp lessons. Avoid ridiculing anyone for physical defects; what you laugh at in others may someday happen to you.
  • Gladly help one another during recreation. Make no distinctions in choosing companions, ensuring no one feels excluded. Play selflessly, and if required, make sacrifices for your team cheerfully.
  • When asked by a superior about a schoolmate’s conduct, answer truthfully to prevent or address any wrongdoing. Remaining silent could harm your companion and offend God. Avoid exaggerations and always speak honestly.

Behaviour at School

  • Avoid writing or drawing on the blackboard unless instructed to do so, writing offensive words, or defacing walls, maps, or other property.
  • Take care of your textbooks, notebooks, and belongings. Do not take anything that does not belong to you, even if it is small. If you find a lost item, promptly hand it over to the Principal or Vice Principal.
  • Keep the floors clean; do not allow paper, ink, or waste to fall on them.Cleanliness reflects purity of the soul.
  • Speak no ill of your classmates or the discipline and management of the school.
  • Always speak well of your school and teachers.
  • Performances in the school auditorium are for instruction and entertainment. They should bring out the best in you and never lead to sin.
  • Avoid rushing into the auditorium, pushing others, or trying to secure better seats. Do not stand when you should be seated or show disapproval by shouting, whistling, booing, or hissing.
  • Refrain from mocking anyone for mistakes or awkwardness during performances. Applaud generously, but avoid being boisterous.
  • Be courteous even if a performance does not meet your expectations.
  • Leave the auditorium in an orderly manner without pushing or shoving.