Principal's Notes

Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal SXBA  since 2010


Farewell to Std.10 (2023-2024)

8th February 2024 - 9.00 am


My dear boys of std. 10 and all present here. It is amazing how quickly times flies and how we all stand at a threshold many times along life's journey which is the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one for us. This year 2023 - 2024 marks the end of 12 years of your sheltered, protected and i dare say quite a comfortable life at SXBA as also 14 years of mine as your Principal.  This Farewell is extra special for me because both "YOU" and "I" will be bidding farewell to this hallowed institution which we called and made our second home and I am addressing you as your Principal for the very last time. We have received much, created memories that will last us a long time and now move on to what awaits us in the future as responsible, mature, humble, honest, kind and hopefilled human beings. As we look back we realise we have so much to be grateful for and with unwavering hope in our hearts we move ahead into the future.

Today is your special moment and i am sure our teachers have taken a lot of trouble to make it so.  You have weaved your magic into our life, given us teachers a reason to enjoy the mundane everyday tasks that we perform everyday not really sure what adventure each new day would  bring in it's wake  and most important of all you boys gave us a sense of purpose to serve you with love and dedication when your smiles made everything in our life worthwhile. 

As the curtains close for you on this phase of your life at SXBA perhaps most of you are gripped with mixed feelings - feelings of happiness to be finally free and independent, wonder coupled with anxiety at what lies ahead, insecurity, perplexity, confusion and also a great deal of sadness to let go of the familiar as you knew it and move towards unchartered territory into a world quite unfamiliar to you. When gripped with moments of tension remember your very first day at SXBA when you were perhaps dragged most unwillingly to this school by your parents  - how unnerving it must have been for you to leave the safety and security of your homes and loved ones and take that first plunge into an unknown world that was waiting to embrace you with open hands. Go down memory lane and you will recollect how easily you eventually adapted yourselves, adjusted, accommodated and attained all those  accomplishments here at your own pace. You trusted your instincts which in turn enabled you to make lasting memories in school most of which you will bank on when the going ahead gets tough . 

You can be sure that life ahead is not going to be a bed of roses. Henceforth you will be treated as young adults responsible for the choices and decisions you make. No mentors or caregivers will be easily available who can shield and protect you from everything that life will throw at you. And the toughest thing you will make are choices. Every choice you make will be hard in some way. It is hard to make true and genuine friends and keep the friendship going, it is miserable to feel alone at times and  helpless, to be stuck in the middle of something not really feeling anything at all. 

Everything will seem hard but choose your hard, choose what's worth it, you don't choose your troubles and challenges but you choose how you are going to face them. Therefore choose wisely and well. Choose to live by choice not chance, to make changes not excuses, to be motivated not manipulated, to be useful not used, to excel not compete. Choose self esteem not self pity, choose to listen to your inner voice which will speak to you in the quiet and stillness of your heart and do not make much of the random opinion of others. Above all choose to be TRUE to yourself.

The hardest walk henceforth is the walk you make alone. But it is this walk that will make you men of character and confidence, independent,  stronger and fearless. You will have to face a fare amount of stress. To deal with stress adjust your attitude, change how you see things, look for the good in every situation, take the lesson learnt and find new opportunities to grow. Above all learn to be kind to yourself and others too for we never truly know the struggles and the battles that others undergo. Never give up on HOPE and never stop striving - for good things are waiting to happen. Remain positive and strive joyfully for a better future. 

Our universe works on the principle of balance. When this balance is lost chaos rules. Be mindful of this balance in your life - your family,  friends, studies, classes, fun and celebrations  all these are very very important elements but you need to have them in the right proportion.  Commit yourself to a disciplined lifestyle  so as to find this balance in life.

As I wind up my address I'd like to do so leaving us all with some food for thought and action through this very inspirational and apt poem entitled "ANYWAY ". 

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centred  - Forgive them anyway

If you are kind people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives - Be kind anyway

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies - Succeed anyway

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you - Be honest and frank anyway

What you spend years building someone could destroy overnight- Build anyway

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous - Be happy anyway

The good you do today people will often forget tomorrow  - Do good anyway

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough - Give the world the best you have anyway

It is not one's stature or degrees or status  that makes one tall

If respect is stopped being served at table hold your head up high and move out ANYWAY 

You see in the final analysis it is between you and your God, it was never between you and them ANYWAY. 

My dear boys even if your names do not appear high on the ladder of success but if you are known by all to  BE KIND and HOPEFUL I will feel happy that our mission at SXBA has been accomplished successfully.

May God bless you all. Farewell till we meet again.

Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal.

SAHAKARI DIWAS  - 13/10/2023


My dear Sahakaris – the strongest pillars of our SXBA school- Mr.Kishor, Mr.Sachin, Mr.Sunil, Mr.Dheeraj,  Mr.Bimal, Mr.Valen, Mr.Pramod,  Mrs.Varsha.

We are here because you are there.  Our school is fortunate and blessed to have such loving, caring, committed and silent workers who go about every single day doing jobs of the most routine nature joyfully  but which makes the biggest difference to the well being of all the stake holders – students, staff, heads, management, parents, ex-students, visitors etc. of SXBA.

You are the ones who get up early every morning to be at your work stations well in time with determination whether you have good health or are sick. I am sure all of you retire at night at the end of the day with the greatest satisfaction for a life well lived and a job well done.

You are the ones who move mountains by carrying away the small stones. I have seen and experienced happiness in a tangible way whenever I am in your company.  The real sense of fulfillment to you comes from your  hard work. I have witnessed the difference between the ordinary and the extra ordinary in the extra that you are always willing and ready to do. You all have been willing to go longer, work harder and give more of yourselves every day and for the gift of each one of you to our school I am very grateful to God. True happiness and a real sense of fulfilment comes when work becomes a passion and you have fun.  I have seen the eight of you bonding over a cup of tea, unwinding after a hard day’s work and catching up with each other. This is a good family spirit that you share where you care for each other.  Let us all learn very valuable life lessons from you everyday.

May God bless you and your families too.


Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal

FEAST OF ST.IGNATIUS – 31/7/2023

Today we celebrate, remember and thank God for the gift of Ignatius of Loyola a man, priest and a saint who founded the Society of Jesus in the year 1534.  This Jesuit order is well known the world over for its missionary zeal, educational, pastoral and charitable works.

“Finding God in All things” and “Everything for the Greater Glory of God” are the core values for Ignatius who believed that individuals through a deeper understanding of the world around them, would develop a more robust vision by acting and thinking in new ways of reaching out to all -  specially the weakest and poorest underprivileged members of society and thus could find God in and through his creation just like the late Fr.Stan Swamy s.j. did.

Our theme this year is “Journeying with the young towards a Hope filled future”.  Every journey undertaken be it personal or professional becomes an incredible one when we encounter a multitude of relationships and situations which leaves an indelible mark on our lives. The journey of life is encompassed with joys and fulfillment as also challenges which in turn shapes our character, habits, personalities, world view and more. The world that surrounds us is spinning endlessly, hurting and filled with disillusionment. We cannot protect our young ones from hurt, pain, disappointments and struggle. These are inevitable, part and parcel moments of growth.

The lives of young people is also moving at an equally incredible speed, is organically changing and everyone is doing their best to adapt to the rapid pace of this world. In the busyness, clutter and chaos of a fast paced life the young might find it difficult to hear the voice and promises of God.  Are we adults, teachers, parents really equipped to accompany the young on this journey? How do we as their educators model and teach the young “stillness” amidst turbulence, build a  stronger foundation of values in them, inspire them to go counter current if need be, provide them with moments of respite,  remind them of God’s unconditional love, hope and assurance of an enriching future?  

Perhaps we can be a shelter for them from life’s storms - a safe place, a guide, someone who will stand with them and support, heal and encourage them to face a tough world. Or maybe show them how to remain soft, gentle and open in a world determined to break them, help them brave this darkness of inhumanity with the light of their most authentic selves, teach them how to take risks – the risk of loving, losing but still hoping and dreaming in the face of losses. Let us strive to become role models for our youth living this way of life ourselves. When the young see what we do, we hope the ones in our care will get inspired to emulate us.

As we continue to evolve and grow we pray for courage to face every transformation with gratitude for the lessons learned for as we go through life we will have a pleasure and pain, sunshine and rain, loss and gain. We also pray for an awareness to become more conscious of our doings and thinking.

At this Eucharistic celebration let us courageously take a firm stand to disengage ourselves from every person and situation that stifles  Hope and stops growth, trust in God, learn to smile and relax knowing that our future is secure in His hands inspite of all the hopeless situations that we may face daily. Let this then be our endeavour as we journey with the young towards a Hope filled future.

Do join the choir as we sing our entrance hymn “WALKING WITH THE LORD” and participate wholeheartedly in this Eucharistic celebration.  We welcome our main celebrant – Fr.Arul John Bosco s.j. our Manager and his con-celebrant Fr.Myron s.j.

  

Ms.Preema Noronha

Principal

AWARDS DAY – 21/7/2023

VOTE OF THANKS

 

Gratitude they say is the healthiest of all human emotions. It is memory stored in the heart and not just in the mind. The more you thank life the more life gives you to be thankful for.

 Honourable Chief Guests – Mr. & Mrs. Jogadia parents of Ayush Jogadia, Rev.Frs, Respected family and friends, dear parents, ex-students, PASTOR and BAPSA members, ex-staff members, ex-students, benefactors, well-wishers, staff and students.

 At the very outset, I thank the Almighty for the various stakeholders of this institution whose dedicated and selfless service enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of many students who pass through the portals of this hallowed institution S.X.B.A.  As always I am ever grateful to God for his abundant blessings on our institution and on all of us who belong here. In a special way today I would like to express my gratitude to Rev.Fr.Blaise D’Souza s.j. (ex-manager) whose wisdom and experience was a source we tapped on regularly and which he  shared generously. Thank you Fr.Blaise for 11 continuous years of dedicated service to our institution. You got yourself involved and took a keen interest in all the happenings in school and was always available to us anytime we needed you. I cannot recall a single instance when I buzzed you over the intercom and you did not answer it for me.  We were blessed to have a Manager like you.  We wish you good health and God’s blessings on all your present and future plans.

 Mr. and Mrs. Jogadia,  thank you for accepting our invitation to be the Chief Guests today, for the kind sentiments you shared and for giving away the prizes.

 Oprah Winfrey said “the key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance”.  Aayush Jogadia you were first elected as captain of the Tilak House in the academic year 2022-2023 and later had to shoulder additional responsibilities. I will always remember you as a student who came first to school almost every morning alongwith your brother Rudresh and wished me with a big smile on your face after which you went about doing your house duties immediately.  I remember you for your punctuality, disciplined behavior and pleasant demeanour. These small significant steps eventually led to you being  chosen unanimously by the staff  as ‘School Captain’ and you continued to give off your best which we highly appreciate. So enjoy the future journey and get better everyday. Don’t lose the passion and love for whatever you do. Reach within the depths of your capabilities, compete only against yourself and I can see you rising to greater heights.  Thank you for being a role model to all our students at S.X.B.A.

 I am grateful to our present Manager – Fr.Arul John Bosco s.j. for accepting our invitation. Your presence today has enhanced our joy. I wish you every success in all your endeavours throughout your tenure here at SXBA.

 Thank you Mr.S.D’Mello -Vice Principal of our school, for your assistance and support in the past years. Mr.D’Mello has rendered 33 years of service to our institution and we are grateful for that. Thank you Mrs.Minelia Monteiro (H.M.-Primary), Ms.Sandra McMahon (Coordinator-

Pre-Primary) and your staff members who have been our true collaborators in all that we do at SXBA and for the team spirit we share.

 To our Staff members both teaching and non-teaching who have spent their time and energy in order to make this programme a success and who were responsible for various duties assigned to them- my sincere gratitude to you. A special word of thanks to Mr. Luis Rodrigues for 17 years of service at SXBA. He retired in the last academic year. We wish him a well deserved retired life and pray for blessings of good health. Thank you B.Ed trainee teachers for all the help you rendered in assisting our school teachers for this programme.  My gratitude to your Principal and staff of SXIE.

 My heartfelt gratitude to our support staff – the ones who work silently behind the scenes. They are an important pillar of this school and their unstinted joyful support keeps everything moving harmoniously. We are indebted to you our sahayaks for your joyful service at all times - a rare quality to find nowadays.

 To our parents and specially the PTA office bearers - Mrs.Sejal Parekh, Mrs.Asmita Haldankar, Mrs.Pinky Jain who did such a commendable job, for all the help rendered to convey messages back and forth to students and parents in the last academic year - I cannot thank you enough for your staunch support and collaboration specially when we had the challenging task of raising the school fees for the next two academic years. I am sure the present PTA team will continue the good work started by you. My earnest appeal to you parents is to support the PTA team whenever they approach you, to be present to help us conduct all activities planned for your children’s growth because education cannot be limited only to the textbook, syllabus, curriculum or classroom. Being educated is making the most of all the experiences life offers. The degree our students earn at the end of an exam is merely a piece of paper. That they are truly educated is seen in their conduct, behaviour and character as they face life with all its challenges.

 To all my special invitees -  loved ones, family and friends. Your presence here gives me tremendous joy.  I know you are here  to render your support and show your love for me.  You are the ones who have been  my anchor and people whom  I  have always looked upto and counted on.  I am very grateful to you for being present here today.

 Dr.Kamlesh Desai and BAPSA members - your presence this evening has made us glad. Thank you for your sustained interest in our school – your Alma Mater, for the enthusiasm to conduct the mentoring programme, the scholarships instituted and enhanced, for the gift of laptops and printers to staff and  for your desire to continue working with and for SXBA. 

Thank you Mr.Neil D’Souza and Mr.Mario Parhyad for your assistance in preparing this school report. Your help to update our school website regularly and promptly goes a long way in keeping our school’s activities in the limelight and is a point of easy reference for parents and all those who are linked with our school’s website.

 Thank you Mr.Terry D’Silva and your team of photographers and Mr.Dylan John for providing the sound system for the day. To all our security personnel who man their posts every single day and who protect us by their presence -Thank you.

 And finally to all my dear students, the scouts who helped with the order and discipline in the corridors, the participants who kept the flow of the show going by their compering, prayerful dance, songs and the finale dance, the skit wherein you garnered the support of your parents too who acted, danced and came faithfully for their practices everyday without fail to school  thank you very much.  You were simply wonderful and  were able to do all this because you were willing to stay back after school for practices and co-operated with your teachers who honed your special skills and talents. A special word of thanks to all the staff and students who put in many hours of work to put up this beautiful backdrop for the occasion.  Your hard work has paid off.  Thank you very much.

 If I have inadvertently missed out thanking anyone in particular please accept my deep gratitude and thanks.

 God Bless you !!!

  

Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal

INVESTITURE OF PREFECTS -  20th JUNE 2023.

 THEME :  JOURNEYING  WITH THE YOUNG TOWARDS A HOPE FILLED FUTURE

 

Leadership is a journey - not a destination.

 Some people are born natural leaders than others but to truly become impactful every leader must undertake a journey.  A journey  to grow first in one’s own skills and knowledge. When it comes to growing skills and knowledge in any human endeavour there is a natural cycle of learning. You learn, you apply what you’ve learned, and then you adapt based on the results you achieve, and then you do it all again.  And this 'plan, do, learn' loop, takes some cycles, some time to get right - but you cannot reach a level of mastery, without having journeyed through the previous learning loops.  And there is always more to learn, more to grow, another loop to experience and a continuation of the journey.

 Hope is seeing the future through a positive lens; a future we can attain if we keep moving forward and as needed - adjusting and adapting.

Why is it that everybody looks up to the YOUNG ????

 Young people have the ideas, the creativity and great energy to shape a better world. Young people are full of hope and through innovation and imagination, they are problem solvers and have a great potential to generate a positive social change in the world. You youngsters have the ability to learn and adapt to the environment to achieve your goals.  If you set your mind you can bring about social reforms and can improve the condition of society. We cannot make do without the youth of a country. And what do we gain out of this relationship with the young????  Just by being with you  and  in your presence we in turn become a new person with a  heart full of hope, new energy, ideas and enthusiasm brimming all over.   The little aches and pains of life that we go through become bearable because we get to be in your company everyday and feel uplifted no matter what our situation is otherwise.

 What is the urgency about this journey?  Why do we embark on such a journey  in HOPE with the young ? This answer is provided by our very own Pope Francis  who said, "You, dear young people are not the future but the now of God.”

 Every journey requires meticulous planning and a great deal of preparation.  How will you prepare yourself to embark on this journey with your team members ? Let us see what  Our Jesuit founder St. Ignatius of Loyola had to say , "You need to enter through their door and make them exit from yours.”

A few guidelines to you to help you and your team members along this journey towards a hope filled future :

 1)      Have a Positive Attitude

 2)      Become their role model... Show them through your actions what Responsible leadership is all about. There is no “I, Me and Myself” philosophy but rather your mindset should always be  “WE”.  Do not sacrifice your convictions, your principles and values  at the altar of popularity.  Learn to stand alone if need be when your values are at stake.

 3)      Help  and engage your team members to set individual  and team goals. Instill Self-Determination and Self-Belief. As far as possible carry everyone along with you. 

4)       Build Trust in themselves and in your ability as a leader by mentoring them with firmness but kindness.

 5)      Provide opportunities for growth  as per their abilities.

 Finally do not ever forget why you accepted to become a leader at SXBA in the first place and what it is that you want to give back to the world, your country, your family, your school, as part of this commitment. Take time to ponder, reflect, and place  into perspective these view points and also remember  to discuss  them with your parents and teachers not only today but right through this academic year 2023-2024. 

 May God bless you and everyone in our school on this auspicious day on which our school was founded so that you keep the flag of SXBA always flying high.

Ms. P. Noronha

Principal.

              Celebrations at S.X.B.A. - 1st May 2023.

 From the Principal’s desk ! ! !

Dear Students, Staff, Parents, Heads of school and our guests of honour – Fr. Blaise sj and Mr. Luis Rodrigues.

Today before we close the curtains on the academic year 2022-2023 let us take time this day to reflect, look back and ponder on events that have made a huge impact on our lives and on people who have touched our hearts. We have five reasons to celebrate and be happy - Workers Day, Maharashtra day, Report card day, Farewell and Retirement day.  Every one of these occasions has something to offer, something new to learn, some values to imbibe or just being fortunate to be part of this special day which is very important to us.

WORKERS DAY   :  In our Christian tradition there is a saint whom we honour and revere because he is someone all of us can so easily relate to in different contexts. St. Joseph the foster father of Jesus, beloved husband of Mary, the pillar  of the Holy Family and the patron of all workers.  As the head of his family St.Joseph like your own dads had to shoulder innumerable responsibilities.  As the husband of Mary he had to care for and provide for his family. He did this with  immense love and devotion. No other man would be as secure or  bold enough to want to be in his shoes but this was a man of deep faith. Jesus who followed in his father’s profession perhaps learnt the tricks of the carpenter’s trade from St. Joseph.  The life of St. Joseph has been a never ending saga of struggles and perplexities.  Though his life looks simple it was intricately carved with many complexities. Faith, trust and hard work were his tools to face it.  So from the life of this great humble saint let us learn humility, faith and what it means to be a hard worker as we pray to him in a special way today to intercede for all our needs.

MAHARASHTRA DAY :  1st May is extra special for all of us who belong to  Maharashtra.  Maharashtra day is celebrated today and history is replete with stories of the endless struggles, wars and challenges that she faced with dignity and hence earned a place of pride in our vast country.  Maharashtra is known for her warmth, hospitality, welcoming attitude and accommodation of anyone and everyone who desire to make their homes here.  People are always welcomed here with open arms and once in Maharashtra no one is ever in a hurry to leave for some other place.  We are truly proud of the heritage, diverse cultural traditions and the richness of spirit we find in our state Maharashtra. Let us make every effort to learn the Marathi language and contribute to the growth and development of our state Maharashtra in our own little way.

REPORT CARD DAY : Today is the day to receive your Report Card.  You students have had to work extra hard this year to overcome the negative effects of the Pandemic. For those of you who have worked hard despite all the odds, I am sure you are definitely going to shine brightly as ever.  Your hard work has paid off and now success is your reward.  While you revel and bask in your success a word of caution to not let this success be the cause of pride and overconfidence leading to future complacency and lethargy but rather may it spur you on to reach even greater heights and achieve many more milestones in the years ahead.  For those of you who have not fared well it is not the end of the road.  Take time out every day during this summer vacation to bring yourself upto speed, to master subjects that were most challenging to understand and to practice concepts that eluded you since practice makes one perfect.  I wish you every joy and happiness as you move into your summer break and get ready to face the new academic year 2023 -2024 commencing on 15th June 2023. I also wish our students and staff who will be going for an educational tour tomorrow. Do enjoy yourselves but also learn something new every day from every new place you visit.

 FAREWELL DAY :  Today is a bitter sweet day of happiness tinged with a wee bit of sadness as it is a day of farewells.  The two hardest things to say in life is a ‘Hello’ for the first time and a ‘Goodbye’ at the end.  We as the SXBA family have gathered here this morning in large numbers to say farewell to our Manager –

Rev. Fr. Blaise D’souza sj who holds the unbeaten record of being Manager of our school and the trustee of SXIE with 11 years of continuous service.  For the past

11 years that Fr. Has been here, he has been present at his work station every single day, working tirelessly and reaching out to support each and everyone of us in different ways.  Neither the pandemic that shut the whole world down nor his own ill health has stopped this Manager from manning his post on the 5th floor of the premises.  When most of us could not make it to school it was Fr. Blaise who held fort and kept the institutions running even with a skeletal staff.

The price of success is hardwork,  neglect of self, dedication to the job at hand and the determination to apply the best of oneself to tasks every single day.  Fr.Blaise we have often times looked up to your vast experience,  knowledge and deep wisdom when we had  to take some tough decisions. Thank you for all that you have done to keep the standards of this great institution high.  As you move ahead to other ventures be assured of our rememberance and prayerful support on your life’s journey.  We hope you enjoy some time of rest before you embark on future responsibilities and look after your health which has been a cause of worry and concern lately. 

HAPPY RETIREMENT DAY :  We also have in our midst a staff member who retires from service at SXBA at the end of this academic year –

Mr. Luis Rodrigues.  Mr. Luis Rodrigues has worked as the Marathi and PHH teacher in the secondary section and has shouldered the responsibilities of nurturing young lives while helping students hone their various talents and skills making them agile, active and filled with vigour.  Mr. Luis as you retire from school which marks the end of working for someone else grab this opportunity which is also the beginning of living for yourself. So as you retire from active service take time to Relax, Entertain, Travel, Indulge, Read and Enjoy moments  (RETIRE) that will leave lasting, pleasant and positive memories for you to lean on when the going gets tough.  We thank you for being a member of the SXBA family during your tenure here since 2006 and now as you move into the next phase of your life  we hope you will have ample opportunities and time to concentrate on your own needs and those of your own family.   We wish you the best of everything for the future.

Mr.Naresh Bandbe  has worked as a Junior Clerk in our school from May 2022. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors and thank him for the services rendered to our school.

 I would like to end with this prayer of blessing on all of us gathered here specially on Fr. Blaise and Mr. Luis.

 

“May there always be work for your hands to do

May your purse always hold a coin or two

May the sun always shine upon your window pane

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain

May the hand of a friend always be near to you and

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.   Amen”.

 

Ms. P. Noronha

Principal

1/5/2023.

ST.XAVIER’S BOYS’ ACADEMY

SECONDARY SECTION

February 3, 2023

Birthday and Manager’s Day – 3rd February 2023

“God does not bless us just to make us happy, He blesses us to make of us a blessing for others”.

Dear Fr.Blaise s.j.,

Happy birthday and Happy Manager’s Day. As you celebrate this birthday in our midst today and when you complete your tenure as Manager of SXBA you will be fondly remembered as the person, the Manager, the Jesuit who dinned into our consciousness the importance and significance of ‘Harmony’.  We are immensely grateful to you for this.

But as you yourself get ready to hand over the reins of SXBA and move into the next phase of your life’s journey, into another mission, responsibility and tasks entrusted to your experienced hands, do not be dismayed by the brokenness you may experience in the world. All things break and all things can be mended.  Not with time as they say but with intention. So go forth and love intentionally, extravagantly and unconditionally to help bring harmony wherever needed.  The broken world awaits in darkness for the light that is you. 

Your life will always be filled with change, it is inevitable and part of the bigger picture.  Just trust in the process, have faith and lean into the timing.  Remember that God will never take anything away from you without the plan and intention of replacing it with something so much better. 

You have gone through tough beginnings be it in your own personal life or wherever the Jesuits posted you to helm their institutions.  All these challenges have shaped you into the wise and experienced person you have become today.  And from experience you would agree that even though life has not always been easier it does get better.  The more you go through life, adapt to it ,enjoy and savour it, explore it the more you will have grown.  And one day you will outgrow life.

We come with nothing, we go with nothing but one great thing we can achieve in our life is a little remembrance in someone’s mind and a place in someone’s heart.  You sure will fill empty spaces in many hearts here at SXBA and will be remembered fondly too in the years to come.

I thank you for your support to me as Principal of this school for 11 long years.  The ride of this journey has not been easy for me. However they have been years that have helped me grow and learn from a master like you because you had my back. I will definitely miss your guiding hand, your wisdom, your deep foresight and insights to look into the matters that I missed out, for the trust and confidence you have in me, for accepting me for the person I am, for giving me the freedom to disagree on issues when I could not see it from your point of view but most of all for being a mentor to me.  You have touched me and I have grown. 

God has planned happiness for each one of us at the right time in our life.  The only problem is that he does not share his calendar with us. So enjoy the many surprises that will continue knocking at your door. As I conclude my prayer for your is ‘May God light your way with his Grace, may your day be blessed with happiness and peace of mind, a relaxed mind after a long stint of 11 years at SXBA, a joyful spirit, a healthy body (which you need to seriously by take care of ) and a heart full of love. And when you get lonely I wish you love, when you are down I wish you joy, when you are troubled I wish you peace, when things are complicated I wish you simple beauty, when things are chaotic I wish you inner silence, when things look empty I wish you hope but most of all I pray that God bless you. If God is everything you have – you have everything you need.

Ms.Preema Noronha

Principal

Gnanmata Sadan and Zari – Social outreach visit on 25/11/2022

“Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others”.

They say when God closes one door he opens a window and how true this turned out to be for us at St.Xavier’s Boys’ Academy. The twinning of SXBA school with Prabhodhan Vidyalaya Ambatha ( a decision taken by the Mumbai Province Jesuits much before I donned the leadership hat as Principal of SXBA) for our social outreach programme was something we as staff were very committed to and passionate about. However I was very disappointed that it did not take place this academic year 2022- 2023 in the way it was originally planned. Because I am convinced of the positive and far reaching life changing effects this programme has had on the character formation of my students in the past years, I did not want to miss offering this opportunity to our students even if it was to be done in a different way.

This academic year though we were very eager and excited to restart our Social Outreach programme after a gap of two years (owing to the Pandemic) we encountered a number of difficulties from the very start. The laws of the land have become more stringent where the safety and security of children is concerned so I did not have a choice but to make this social outreach programme optional for the students of Std.9. However I was delighted that 20 students volunteered with a written consent from their parents. Hence I was determined to make the social outreach programme happen even if it was only for 20 students, 2 staff members and a parent who accompanied me to Talassari – Gnanmata Sadan and Zari on 25/11/2022.

When I was looking out for a way forward from this unexpected situation two exemplary Jesuits – Fr.Yohan s.j. and Br.Tommy Vaz s.j. came to my aid. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to both of them. We did not have the luxury of a bus ride from the school campus to Talassari and so my boys, staff and parent had to rough it out throughout the journey. We used the public transport i.e local trains / outstation trains / local ST Bus to reach our destination. Believe me I was amazed to see the boys happy and having a good time despite the cumbersome journey. Not a word of complaint reached my ears from any of these 19 students who faced every discomfort with resilience and took everything in their stride.

Fr.Yohan s.j. was the most gracious host who warmly welcomed us to his beautiful place – Gnanmata Sadan. He catered to our every need with a smile. My gratitude also to Fr.Joe Gonsalves s.j. who drove us in his jeep to ‘Zari’ so that our students could interact and get to know the students of ‘Zari’. Since time just flew by we could not have a longer stay as desired by my students. My worry was to return the students to the school campus at 7.00 p.m. as we had promised their parents.

If we have Jesuits like Fr.Yohan s.j. and Br.Tommy s.j. the legacy of St.Ignatius and the ‘Magis’ can become a ‘reality’ rather than merely remain a concept for contemplation. Both of them supported, went out of their way, did everything they possibly could to encourage, enthuse and enable us to conduct our Social outreach visit to Talassari.

My staff members - Mr.Larry Pereira, Mr.Nepolian Almeida and a parent representative – Mrs.Rathod were exemplary in their support and service extended to our students at this outreach programme. I am very grateful to them.

Since truth comes out from the mouth of babes I will attach the reports and reflection of the students in their very own words. Do spend a few minutes reading them.

Thank you and may God Bless each and everyone who reached out to us on our visit to Talassari and back.

Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal

Click the link for the reports and reflection of the students:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Yqi2-1HeuU5p6QiVHEh8iRePIWk337W/view?usp=sharing

Happy Retirement - Dilip Sangle  -  Farewell on 2/8/2022


Dear Mr. Dilip Sangle and all gathered here,

I am happy to say a few words in honour of Mr. Dilip Sangle who has worked and served at SXBA for 33 years in the school office as the Senior Clerk.

 Everyone’s journey is different. Happiness is found within and overthinking can lead to sadness. May you be proud Dilip of the work you have done, the person you are and the difference you have made to all the lives you have touched here at SXBA.   

Retirement can be a really exciting period where a person can choose to devote their time to hobbies and activities that they are passionate about which they could not do when they were in a regular job. The official wording says that he is being "relieved" today. That is true. After many years of strenuous commute now he is getting relief from all those strains. Remember what goes round comes around.  So for all the good that you have done while serving at SXBA may you be blessed with happiness and peace of mind.  

And finally I would like to extend my warm wishes for your next phase of life. No matter where you go, we will always be praying and cheering for you. It is perhaps a great time to catch up and pay greater attention to family now which was not possible earlier because of work commitments. We hope that your retirement gives you the chance to live your life in complete harmony with nature and fulfill all your incomplete wishes.

Thank you and God bless you.


Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal. 

July 31, 2022

ST.IGNATIUS FEAST (30/7/2022)


The Cannon Ball moment which Ignatius experienced 500 years ago was a turning point in his life. After this incident Ignatius’s life was transformed and he became a ‘Man of God from a Man of the World, a Saint from a Soldier’. St.Ignatius pondered, prayed and spent time in solitude after he was hit by a cannon ball on the battlefield and while he was recuperating he was enlightened. Once enlightened Ignatius made a conscious effort to change his old ways and begin life anew.  Ignatius became pro active and his life took a different direction.

What has the conversion of Ignatius 500 years ago got to do with us today at SXBA ? Can we remember our own cannon ball moments? What has Education got to do with Ignatius and the cannon ball experience? St.Ignatius was one of the first religious founders who made Education available to the common man. Till then Education was a privilege only for the aristocrats and elite- the upper crust of society. He made education open and within the reach of common people like us. Thus we are here today at SXBA. 

The Universe is time and again speaking to us, imploring us and when all this has fallen on deaf ears has finally dropped numerous cannon balls and bombarded us with signs of acute distress – plastic on the sea shores as return gifts, tsunamis, tornadoes, global warming is all staring us in our face. Can we read the signs and listen to this distress call? Do we pay heed to the cries of the Universe? Can our education reform us to ‘find God in all things’ so that we can re-establish the lost connect between Humans, Nature and finally God by truly caring for our Mother Earth? 

With our theme ‘Education and Ecology’ for this academic year we endeavour to reshape and recreate all our stakeholders in this direction. God dwells within us. Education should enable us to have a greater knowledge of self since the illumination of the whole world is useless if the Self is in darkness. We seek the intercession of St. Ignatius to help us pay heed to all the Cannon Balls dropped on us by the Earth time and again and start becoming pro-active like he was. Let us pledge today to help renew our Earth in small simple ways  e.g: ‘Zero Out Carbon from our Lifestyles’.

Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal

AWARDS DAY – 22/7/2022

VOTE OF THANKS

 

Gratitude opens our eyes to the limitless potential of the universe. The universe provides us with ample opportunities to stop and thank people who make a difference in our lives.

 Honourable Chief Guests – Mr. & Mrs. Shah parents of Hardik Shah, Rev.Frs, Respected family and friends, dear parents, ex-students, PASTOR and BAPSA members, ex-staff members, ex-students, benefactors, well-wishers, staff and students.

 At the very outset, I thank the Almighty for the various stakeholders of this institution whose dedicated and selfless service enabled us to continue making a difference in the lives of many students who passed through the portals of this hallowed institution S.X.B.A.

 Mr. and Mrs. Shah, thank you for accepting our invitation to be the Chief Guests today, for the kind sentiments you shared and for giving away the prizes.

 Hardik Shah as the captain of our school you had to shoulder many responsibilities. Since schooling had shifted Online without a fore warning you students did not get much time to prepare yourselves for a new way of Education. But we know how tech savvy the younger generation is and there is so much we can learn from you about technology. Thank you Hardik for being prompt in rendering your services to our school whenever the teachers requested you. You were not just interested in academics alone but also wanted to involve the students in various co-curricular activities online. I am sure you are well prepared to face your future since you did well in the uncertain times of the past year.

I am grateful to our Manager Fr.Blaise D’Souza s.j. for making himself available to us at all times and to Fr.Saby s.j. for his presence with us today. Thank you Mr.Savio D’Mello(Vice-Principal), Mrs.Minelia Monteiro (H.M.-Primary), Ms.Sandra McMahon (Coordinator-Pre-Primary) for your assistance and support in the past year. I would like to place on record my deepest gratitude to Mrs.Yvonne Rodrigues once again who with the support of her teachers of the Primary Section has laid a strong foundation that helped in the formation of our boys. We wish Mrs.Yvonne Rodrigues a well deserved retired life and pray for blessings of good health and happiness.

 To our Staff members both teaching and non-teaching who have spent their time and energy in order to make this programme a success in various ways and who were responsible for various duties assigned to them- my sincere gratitude to you. Thank you B.Ed trainee teachers for all the help you rendered in assisting our school teachers for this programme. Do convey my gratitude to your Principal and lecturers too.

 My heartfelt gratitude to our support staff – the ones who work silently behind the scenes. They are an important pillar of this school and their unstinted joyful support keeps everything moving harmoniously. Thank you ever so much.

 To our parents and specially the PTA office bearers Mrs.Namrata Poddar, Mrs.Surabhi Shirodkar, Mrs.Rupal Kshatriya who did such a commendable job and very specially for all the help rendered to convey messages back and forth to students and parents as well in the last academic year. I cannot thank you enough for your staunch support and collaboration throughout the last academic year. I am sure the present PTA team will continue the good work started by them. My earnest appeal to you parents is to support the PTA team whenever they approach you, to be present to help conduct all activities planned for your children in our school because education cannot be limited only to the textbook, syllabus, curriculum or classroom. Being educated is making the most of all experiences life offers. The degree our students earn at the end of an exam is merely a piece of paper. That they are truly educated is seen in their conduct, behaviour and character as they face life with all its challenges. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mrs.Sarika Singh PTA VP (2020-2021) who had to face a lot of challenging situations and she did such a excellent job.  Thank you Mrs.Singh.

 Dr.Kamlesh Desai and BAPSA members, friends and well-wishers - your presence this evening has made us glad. Thank you for your sustained interest in our school – your Alma Mater.

 My gratitude to Mr. Neil for his promptness and efficiency to set our school and staff on track, well prepared and equipped to continue with the online teaching. Thank you Mr.Neil D’Souza and Mr. Mario Parhyad. Also  for your assistance in preparing this school report.

Thank you Mr.Terry D’Silva and your team of photographers and Mr. Dylan John for providing the sound system for the day. A word of thanks to Mr.Prakash Gadkar for the special light effects.

To all our security personnel who man their posts every single day and who protect us by their presence -Thank you.

 And finally to all my dear students who kept the flow of the show going by their compering, melodious singing, acting and well coordinated dances - you did transport us to a peaceful, harmonious world while keeping us enthralled. Thank you - you were simply wonderful.

 If I have inadvertently missed out thanking anyone in particular please accept my deep gratitude and thanks.

 God Bless you.

 Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal

INVESTITURE OF PREFECTS  - 1ST JULY 2022

THEME  :  EDUCATION, ECOLOGY AND LEADERSHIP.


Today you Student Council members are invested not only with  a privilege of leadership but power as well.  And along with great power comes great responsibilities.  Since Education and Ecology is our theme this year let us understand our role as leaders against the background of our theme “Education and Ecology”.

Engaging Leadership is important for motivating a change in human behaviour.  But Ecological Leadership is a team effort to create a healthy future for our planet.  This necessitates a change in mindsets, leadership skills, strategies and approaches from the traditional ones we are accustomed to.

7 important principles to Ecological leadership:

1) Build your sense of purpose :  Developing for ourselves a sense of what is our purpose as well as helping others to find their own, produces exceptional results. You as elected student council leaders have been given this opportunity to develop the best possible version of yourselves with a renewed purpose at work.

 2) Human-centered

Look at your team mates as unique human beings with their own individualities and perspectives, with their own sense of purpose which may not match exactly with yours? Instead of only focussing on your houses and the marks that you hope to achieve inorder to be on the top through participation in various activities, can you focus more on personal growth of yourselves and those in your teams/houses?   

3) Diversity

Earlier I said each team member may see his purpose as different from yours.  So it is evident that there is  going to be a lot of diversity.

Diversity, when embraced, can foster new levels of collaboration, innovation, creativity, respect, and results into higher performance.

Instead of embracing this diversity my observation is that we are getting to become less accepting, less accommodating and more intolerant. Become aware of the environment that surrounds you, keep abreast of the happenings in and around the world, our country, our state and question yourself as to what is my individual responsibility in this scenario. 

4) Inclusion

Now having become aware that Ecology, Environment includes diversity then can you look at the other as your brother/sister and be inclusive rather than exclusive?

Today is a good day to think about how you as the student council team of 2022-2023 will make decisions and put them into practice. Can you be collaborative to tap into the  collective intelligence as you take decisions and carry everyone along?  Can you do your bit towards Harmony with inclusion?

I believe it is time to adopt this approach and what a better day than today to make a start in this direction.

 5) Non Violent Management

Non violent management means Non Violent Communication. As Leaders if you are compassionate, able to connect with empathy with those under your charge, are respectful of the feelings and needs of others as well as your own, you are more likely to create a great team. Develop this quality of connection before focussing and running after results. This does not mean trying to gain popularity at the cost of leadership, it does not mean letting everyone do whatever he wants to do.  It is a balance you need to achieve between being kind and firm, between friendliness and maintaining boundaries as leaders.

 6) The Feminine at work

Many traditions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Zen,) talk about the different energies i.e.feminine and masculine that needs to be balanced in the universe. This also applies to your role as leaders. It is time to rebalance our perspective. So when dealing with others listen with your heart but when dealing with yourself listen also to your head.  What a sensible bit of advice which is also so practical. 

7) Feedback

Authentic leadership requires courage and an openness to receive genuine feedback. This is the key to an ecological healthy leadership. Every time you are open to receive authentic and courageous feedback from others, this creates an opening which helps growth, develops new capabilities and we become better at what we do while we also care for our common home – the Earth.

God bless you.

Principal

1/7/2022.

Republic Day 26/1/2022 – Message from the Principal


Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Well wishers of SXBA, 

Since 1950 every year January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day in India as it was on this day that the Indian Constitution came into existence.  We remember with gratitude the architect of our Constitution – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his team who took nearly 35 months to draft the entire constitution.

Republic Day marks the celebration of the empowerment of Indian citizens.  This word empowerment is a very loaded, powerful and meaningful word.  What does it mean to be empowered are some thoughts I will share with you on this occasion.

On the eve of Republic Day, many national awards such as the Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, and Kirti Chakra are presented to heroes - brave men and women of the Armed forces. Civilians too are awarded for courage, hard work, and bravery. Also children who have displayed immense acts of courage are awarded the National Bravery Award. 

Some of us are once again in a sort of a lockdown mode and in quarantine too.  Ordinary citizens are struggling everywhere.  The overriding feeling for many is one of fear, worry, insecurity, tension, and for you students boredom perhaps. It seems like a very negative force is at play everywhere. So then how can we empower ourselves in this frightening, negative and challenging situation to replace negativity with positivity, face our fears courageously and  bring about a change for ourselves,  our near and dear ones?  What is courage then?  Is it the absence of fear??  Not at all. Courage does not mean you are not afraid, it only means you do not let fear stop you because Fear is a reaction whereas Courage is a decision.  It is a decision to never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.  And when you reach this stage in life then we know that you as a person is truly empowered.  

How can we empower ourselves to face adversity and become a true hero in the midst of a pandemic?  Strength and courage are not always measured in medals and victories. They are measured in the struggles empowered people overcome. Ordinary individuals who find the strength to persevere and endure inspite of overwhelming obstacles, who act irrespective of a decision leading to success or failure, who persist and never give up are true heroes. 

So on this Republic day as we ponder on our role and duties as empowered citizens of our nation, let us strive to have Freedom in our mind, Strength in our words, Pureness in our blood, Pride in our souls, Zeal in our hearts and  Courage in our being ….. Happy Republic Day 2022 to a generation whom I wish and pray can use this period of adversity to an advantage and empower themselves to turn out victorious as heroes SXBA will always be proud of.


Principal

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE  - 20/12/2021

THEME  :  THIS CHRISTMAS LIGHT THE WORLD WITH LOVE


Dear Students, Staff members, Parents, well wishers and all who are participating in this Online Christmas programme and celebrations at SXBA.

Good morning and welcome to each one of you.  We are hopefully in a happy, joyful and festive mood this year bringing in the Christmas spirit and cheer which the world so badly needs at the moment.  The theme chosen for this year is Light the world with love this Christmas.  As we remember the person of Jesus whose birth we celebrate on Christmas day let us understand who Jesus is, what his life was all about and perhaps what he expects from each one of us to remember him by.

One of the greatest gifts that we have received and take for granted the most is LIFE.  Life is meant to be well lived every moment.  But somehow in the everyday routine, the beauty and purpose of this gift is lost in the busyness of everyday living. The glitz and glamour of the modern world is alluring and attracts us to itself subtly but powerfully by conveying the message that to be happy and successful we need to hide and not reveal our true self, mask our vulnerabilities, be artificial and fake, run a rat race, compete with each other, pull down the other and make every effort to be first or at the top at all times and at any cost.   Jesus goes counter current and through his own life  and teachings shows us what is really important. He makes us realise that real strength is when you are aware and know your weaknesses, real beauty is when you appreciate and accept your flaws and true wisdom is when you learn from your mistakes. How do we know this???? It is because Jesus the king of kings chose to come down to earth as a mere infant, totally dependent on other humans for his very survival and growth, was vulnerable to the forces that were against him from birth to death and  still set himself apart by being real, true, humble, kind and of service to all irrespective of whether one was rich, poor, man, woman, child, Jew or non Jew, a commoner or an official.   He was most inclusive and no one was excluded from his life or love.

Jesus also taught us that FAMILY is very important.  Christmas is that feast wherein we celebrate the FAMILY.  Jesus was born in a family and had his own parents, cousins and friends and in this set up of a family he lived and grew up. In his family he honed his skills of carpentry and lived a life of Obedience, LOVE and Service. This enabled Jesus to grow in wisdom and grace. This Christmas let us cherish our family and make every effort to share more of our time, our Joys, blessings, even our challenges and difficulties, our own selves and dare to be open about our vulnerabilities with those whom we trust. This in turn will make us wise and keep us well grounded too.

Finally when we put up our Christmas Star, decorations and lights on our Christmas tree let this be a reminder that we too must in turn light up our own lives and radiate LOVE to all.  A heart filled with love always appreciates every blessing and will always be bigger than the eyes that sees what is only missing.  Let this Christmas season be a time of gratitude to God and others for every blessing we have received in life from them.

Merry Christmas to each one of you, your families and loved ones too and a very happy and healthier New Year 2022.

 Principal

20/12/2021


    

Farewell  Mrs. Yvonne, Mrs. Carol and Mrs. Dipti


Every moment which has been life giving, uplifting, precious and deep felt should be  acknowledged, celebrated, and encapsulated in the deepest  corners  of our heart before they become memories.

Our entire universe also felt our reluctance to say goodbye to the three of you and so it brought about a shut down like the people of our generation have never ever witnessed before.

Goodbyes and partings are never easy. More specially when they concern people who have forged a bond and have connected to you  in a special way. What is important is not that we dwell on  the sadness of  their leaving  but rather focus on how their lives have impacted our very  own. And those who have made a place in our hearts never really leave us as they are  unforgettable.

Today is a very very special day. A day filled with a number of memorable occasions as we celebrate Maharashtra day, workers day, the Marian Month, and of course the birthday of a very important person in our midst - Mrs. Yvonne Rodrigues. Happy birthday dear Yvonne and may you live a long and healthy life. We pray to the patron of workers - St. Joseph and our blessed mother for blessings on our State of Maharashtra which is facing its worst human and health crisis ever, all the  workers specially those working tirelessly in these Covid times in our state of Maharashtra and those who are without a job, that our mother Mary may protect our state and keep her  people under the mantle of her love.

Yvonne I was blessed to have had  the opportunity of working closely with you ever since I set foot at SXBA and i found you to be a great team-mate. I am not going to repeat all the qualities of mind and heart that have been expressed by all those who have encountered you as I agree with them all. Being the head of any institution is never an  easy job  but when you  have companions who have the same zeal, passion, and commitment to give their best then the journey becomes awesome. It is more important to have fabulous companions who make any journey worthwhile on the road one is travelling. Thank you, Yvonne, for the wonderful times we had at SXBA and for all the lives you impacted when you were the HM of the Primary section.

Carol though you worked in the primary office  I can truly say I saw the living out of the MAGIS in you. You did not limit yourself only to the job that SXBA had selected you for and  entrusted you with, but you went out of your way and comfort zone to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever it was needed. I saw you at various primary school functions controlling the primary boys in the school hall just with one look, one gesture alongwith all the teachers, I saw your involvement in  activities that were primarily the responsibility of the primary teachers whether it was supervising a class in the absence of teachers, conducting the school assembly when the HM was not around, putting up an item for any programme or planning for celebrations of children's day,  teachers day etc.,  I saw your creativity in the decorations of the primary corridors, the prompt display on the primary notice boards according to the occasions that arose,  the artistic way of decorating the altar table at our eucharistic celebrations, I saw you do so much of everything that was not a part of your job profile. You did not limit yourself only to your work as a clerk of the primary school office.  You chose to do so much more than your job demanded wholeheartedly. You  worked with conviction and not out of compulsion. I am sure Yvonne will agree when I say that she was greatly blessed when she was the  head of the primary section to have had someone so loyal to her and trustworthy too in the primary office.  To have such a staff member is the greatest asset to any institution and a blessing to the one who is in charge. You were truly her right hand in every way possible.

They say some people are part of your life because it is so ordained, but I say some people come into your life as an answer to  a prayer.

When I just took over as the new Principal of SXBA I had to deal with so many issues and challenges one of which was  young and old staff members resigning for personal reasons.

I remember the year that Dipti came to SXBA. I vividly remember how at the nth hour that year I had an unexpected vacancy created in school and it was almost time to begin a new academic year.  I had no teacher to teach the lower grades.  Dipti if you remember your interview with us, I had  asked you why you did not seek a job before this and why were u looking out for a job when the academic year was just about to begin. I wanted to know why someone who looked fit for the post of a teacher, was qualified professionally, was not  grabbed by some other institution already. And Dipti told me because her dad was ill, she had decided to first look after him and then search for a job. At that moment  I knew I had found the answer to my prayer. You Dipti were the person I was looking for and  was very fortunate to have you in our school all these years. Dipti is a gentle, kind, respectful, soft spoken, and caring person and she has remained true to her nature all these years. Don't get me wrong and think oh so here is a weak person. Far from it. She has a  mind of her own, but  she knows how to voice her opinion and express her views with utmost respect and grace. Thank you Dipti for being such a God sent person to me and a wonderful staff member of the secondary section.

The walls of our school will feel hollow, corridors will feel empty, and classrooms will feel lifeless without the inspirational presence of the three of you.

A truly great staff member is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget.

May God bless the three of you, your family and loved ones abundantly. On behalf of the Heads, staff, students, ex-students and other stakeholders of SXBA I thank the three of you immensely and would like to end with this blessing :

May the blessings of good health, the joy of good friends, a loving family and the contentment of a job well done fill your life with happiness.

Thank you.

 

Principal

1/5/2021.

FAREWELL SPEECH  -  STD.10  (2020-2021) – 23/3/2021

 

Dear Boys of Std.10,

Today as we bid you a fond farewell I am truly at a loss for words to express myself.   The reason being I have hardly had a chance to get to know the person you are at close quarters in the last year of your academic life at SXBA.  These are not normal times and you are not ordinary students.  Yours is a very special and extraordinary batch of 2020 -2021 because you boys are stepping out into the world very shortly without having had the opportunity to be groomed by us in your last year at the Academy.  But we know that the past 11 years most of you spent  with us at SXBA is more than adequate to help you sail through your life’s journey from here onwards. 

This universe is a wonder, humanity a marvel and you are a miracle.  Our universe responds to positivity and hope.  The pandemic could be seen as a period of hope less ness wherein our entire life plunged into chaos and it seemed like we were falling into an abyss without any warning.  Thankfully there was also a bright side to this and a light at the end of this tunnel.  No amount of teaching, learning or schooling would have taught you what this Pandemic has been able to do. Overnight you had to learn to be adaptable, responsible, independent and strong. In short we could see you being transformed from mere boys into young men of character which has always  been our mission at the Academy.  Before you step out of the portals of this hallowed institution, I would like to share a few ideas and life’s lessons that could be your guiding force. This I have adapted from an interesting article I read by Mr.Todd Smith.

First of all know your worth.  When you know your worth and what you deserve,  you won’t settle for less.  This in turn will help you to pursue that which really sets your soul on fire.  Understand and embrace who you are and never be ashamed of yourself or what you are.  Once you understand yourself and what you want,  don’t hold back.  GO and be the best version of yourself.  Find new things that makes your soul glow.  Therefore be more curious than certain.

Take chances.  You are young so try out new things.  It is ok to follow the  non traditional path.  Risk and reward are two sides of the same coin. Life will be more interesting and less boring when you pursue those things that inspire you.  Check what motivates you .  Great things come with a price and that price is sacrifice. So be prepared for a bumpy ride too.

Don’t take your loved ones for granted -  be they family or close friends.  Value your relationships more than any material things that have replaced them. These are the very ones who will have your back no matter what. 

Time is the most valuable gift we have.  Therefore don’t waste time on counter productive activities  which will go against your own  standards.  It is great to set standards and not expectations as expectations can lead to disappointments.

Nothing in this world is permanent as nothing lasts forever be it good, bad, happy or sad.  Learning to let go is an art which is essential to living a happy life.  However appreciating moments be they great and small before they become memories is a more powerful thing to learn. 

If you want to achieve great things in life never be complacent or indecisive.  Keep pushing long after you feel like giving up.  Being open to new information and experiences in life will allow you to evolve into the best version of yourself.  Most people are indecisive because they are afraid and they do not want to be proved wrong.  They have this fear and insecurity within themselves and hence often sit on the fence.   Give yourself permission to make a mistake and fall. It is ok to make a wrong decision at times.  You do not possess divine powers to know the outcome of certain decisions which you make in good faith. Failure eventually will lead to success if you rise each time you fall.  Your decisions may also backfire at times.  Treat this moment as a great learning experience and move on. Only then you can  always be part of a solution and not part of a problem.  Also remember that many will want to piggyback on you and  your success story but very rarely will anyone be willing to ride the bumpy road alongwith you. They say “Success has many fathers but failure is an orphan”.

Also do not compare yourself to anyone else.  There is plenty of sunshine for everyone.  The only measure that should be your yardstick  is  whether you are a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday.

Now that you are on the threshold of a new beginning you may be worried, scared, confused and may not know what you want to do with your life.  This is also ok.  We have all gone through this stage in our own lives too.  Just  believe in yourself and put your best foot forward always.  Do not look for external validation everytime.  If you receive it be happy and thankful if you do not, do not waste your time longing or looking for it.

And finally, be grateful for whatever you have. Learn to count your blessings howsoever small they may appear to be.  The only way to live a full life is to master that balance between being grateful and never being satisfied.

Thank you and god bless you.

 

Ms. P. Noronha

Principal

23/3/2021.

ST. XAVIER’S BOYS’ ACADEMY

SECONDARY SECTION

February 3, 2021

MANAGER’S DAY – 3/2/2021


Every day is a gift from God filled with endless possibilities. Some days are special - these special days are given as a bonus to all. Today is a special day for Fr.Blaise. We celebrate his birthday and Manager’s Day as a token of our appreciation for the gift he is to us and our institution.

This academic year 2020-2021 the unprecedented year of the Pandemic has been a year of the unexpected, the unknown, the year which took most of us by surprise. Many who were craving for personal time got an abundance of it, the virus that hampered our normal / natural breathing also gave us breathing space to rejuvenate, relearn and relook at our priorities. While a sudden break was applied to the rhythm of life as we had known and lived thus far without any warning, this year gave us ample time and plenty of opportunities to refresh, rewind and renew ourselves.  It was a year which called for adaption and growth. We learned to take on things that we had never done before, picked up different skills, ventured into unchartered territories as we realised growth and comfort do not co-exist.

At every turn of life we were met with challenges –unforeseen, not thought of even in our dreams and definitely not prepared for in advance.  These challenges made life interesting and overcoming them made life meaningful. To help us face a challenge, to overcome our fears, to lead others in times of uncertainties, to prepare oneself within a limited time without knowing whether something new would be a success or failure and then face whatever comes our way becomes less stressful when we have a good and wise leader at the top.  Leadership is this ability to guide others into a direction or decision that leaves everyone feeling empowered and accomplished. This is the leader we experienced in the person of Fr.Blaise. He led us through the tough times by example-though we were not in school in those initial days of the Pandemic he was at his post every single day, he kept abreast of all that was happening at the SXBA online classes with the staff, students and parents too and together helped us draw out the best from a challenging situation. 

Fr.Blaise’s famous mantra ‘to carry everyone along’ and a word that is in a way synonymous with Him ‘Harmony’ is evident in the choices he makes.  Both these are not easy to adhere to in normal times and more so in moments of chaos, turmoil and difficulties. But he never wavered and stood his ground even during this pandemic, urging us to carry along all the stakeholders of SXBA and work in harmony towards setting new goals and also striving for harmony in our day to day interactions with everyone. 

Power is not control, power is strength which one gives the other so that they in turn have the strength to stand on their own. Thank you Fr.Blaise for your clarity of thought, your steadfastness in times of uncertainties and your profound understanding of the vision and mission of SXBA. We are blessed to have you with us as a Jesuit Priest and Manager of SXBA. 

A leader is a dealer in hope. You have given us plenty of hope specially when we were uneasy, doubted our own abilities, were worried or even at times failed despite our best efforts. A giver of hope believes in the inherent goodness of everyone. This is best expressed in the song I will now play for you ‘Look for the Good in Everyone’ which we as the SXBA family dedicate to you.

Happy Birthday Fr. Blaise and God’s blessings be with you. 


Ms.Preema Noronha

Principal

ST.XAVIER’S BOYS’ ACADEMY 

SECONDARY SECTION 

CHRISTMAS  MESSAGE   - 22/12/2020  

Dear Students, staff and parents,

Christmas is just round the corner and I am so happy to be addressing you perhaps for the last time this year.  Coming to think of this year 2020 - the year of the pandemic and lockdown it has been a very challenging year for all of us.  The Pandemic and the Lockdown has meant loss of hope, loss of life, loss of livelihood, fear and a sense of purposelessness to many people around the world. The situation we are facing looks scary, grim and most depressing.

Against this background of insecurity, fear, hopelessness, death, anxiety etc. we celebrate Christmas – a symbol of hope, joy, love and peace.  There is a sense of magic to the season of  Christmas. This magic does not happen out of thin air, it needs to be woven into the fabric of our lives.

The birth of Jesus is what we celebrate on Christmas day. He taught us that life is the most precious of all gifts but a life well lived is one which is lived for others.  A learned scholar and teacher was once asked by his students “Master what is the meaning of life?”  I am sure we too  have asked  this same question many times.  The wise master answered “Life in itself has no meaning.  It is an opportunity  to create meaning.” The real fact of the matter is that we do not know what tomorrow is going to bring and the only thing we really have is right now.  So how do we go about bringing in this cheer and spreading the message of Christmas? I will place before you some pointers which seem simple but not easy.  Do not stay angry for too long and learn instead to forgive.  Love your family and friends with all your heart.  Have fun and live your life in the service of others.  This is the sure way to find happiness and meaning in our life as we bring back Hope and Joy in our world today. I am sure each one of you students of SXBA can be ambassadors of a hopeful and joyous tomorrow.

Christmas is also associated with gifts which is a symbol of Love.   Love is not found in material things.  Love is something that has to be felt and experienced in the heart.  The greatest gift you can ever receive is not found in the shops or placed under the Christmas tree by Santa Claus. Love is found in the hearts of your loving family and your true friends.  This Christmas then surround yourself with the gift of beautiful and positive people who love you and believe in you.

In the end I pray for each one of you, your family, loved ones and friends that you may be a beacon of light, hope, love and joy as you spread the Christmas cheer all around you in these challenging and difficult times. I pray that you have a heart free of sadness and a mind free of worries, a life full of gladness, a body free from illness, a spirit full of love and a day filled with God’s blessings.  Remember to make sure you test positive for faith, keep your distance from doubt and always isolate yourself from fear and negative people and situations.  

Merry Christmas and a happy, hopeful, safe and healthy New Year 2021. God bless you.

Ms.Preema Noronha

Principal

ST.XAVIER’S BOYS’ ACADEMY 

FAREWELL CLASS - X (2019-20)

4th FEBRUARY 2020

My dear boys of class 2019-20,

This is perhaps the last time you will be addressed as ‘Boys of the Academy’ since you now stand on the threshold of adulthood. So far you have been shielded, protected, sheltered and cared for by all those who have selflessly spent many years in your formation - starting with God, your parents and finally we your teachers who have left no stone unturned to help  bring out the best version of yourselves. In the bargain at times we have faced innumerable struggles, hardships, challenges, stumbling blocks, misunderstandings and what have you. We have taken all this in our stride and I am sure you will agree that nothing deterred us in our mission of transforming you to become men of character. We have done our jobs and have prepared you for the 21st century. There is a lot of promise and  opportunity alongwith the challenges that  the world outside holds for you. But the most important question you  need to ask yourself is – ‘Are you ready for what life has to offer you and for what lies ahead of you?’ The faster you learn the difference between preparation (which we have done with you) and readiness (which you yourself hopefully have worked on) the better it is for you. Once you understand this, you will realise that henceforth you will be held accountable and responsible for all your options, choices, actions, results and mistakes too. I would think this in itself is a thought worth spending time and reflecting upon.

Tim Cook the Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc. says ‘What you build and what you create defines who you are.  If you build a chaos factory you cannot dodge responsibility for chaos’. The problems that we face today are all human problems created by humans. If you turn a blind eye and accept everything that happens to you and others as normal and unavoidable, if you do not take responsibility for your actions or inactions at the appropriate time, then you will have no one else but yourselves to blame. There are too many people out there who want credit without accepting responsibility, too many who show up for the ribbon cutting without building or creating anything, too many who trod on the known pathways.   

 We at SXBA now urge you to find your vision on a solitary road, seek courage in your challenges and hope in the unexpected.  This road is yours and yours alone. Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you. So do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. A good way to embark on this journey called life is to first feel safe and secure in your own skin. How does one go about doing this?  When no one else celebrates you, learn to celebrate yourself, compliment yourself. It is not upto other people to keep you encouraged at all times. It is now solely upto you. Encouragement should come from within. Believe in yourself and never give up, hold fast on to the values instilled in you and which have stood you in good stead. Also encourage others to look at the goodness in this world and inspire them to be the greatest version of themselves. It is in this togetherness, collaboration  and harmony with others you will find the true meaning to your existence and a purpose to your life.  The Japanese have understood this secret to a long, happy, healthy and fulfilled life and they call this the “Ikigai”.  I have shared this secret with you now so do whatever you can to make it your own. 

Your time on earth is limited  too so do not waste it living someone else’s life. Be different, leave something worthy and always remember you cannot take all that you have created with you.  You are going to leave it all behind in the hope that someday it will pass on and live forever if it benefits humankind.  

I wish you the very best as you put your best foot forward and embrace life in it’s  fullness in the years ahead………..beginning today.  

 

Ms.Preema Noronha

Principal

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – 2019

Christmas is my most favourite time of the year. For me this feast gives me the reason, the purpose and meaning to my existence. Christmas stands for HOPE, JOY, LOVE AND PEACE.  I like to remember Christmas as a feast that UPLIFTS us all and I’ll tell you why.

I believe our God loves us so much, knows us so well, cares for us like no one really would and is aware of our true potential but most of the times we are not aware of who we really are. So what better way then, than to come down to our level, take us up to his level and UPLIFT us to become God like – the way God wants us to be. The word UPLIFT beautifully explains the true meaning of Christmas. 

U  Jesus came down to us as a Universal person.  He belonged to no one in particular and at the same time belonged to everyone – i.e. to all who accepted and welcomed him. Jesus through his life taught us that being Universal means having no barriers or boundaries, no claims or sole propertiership over any one, no favourites per se but someone who made Preferred choices.  

P  One can be Universal if one makes a Personal choice based on principles. These principles are the values that are close to us because of our convictions.  So Jesus made a personal choice to leave his Godhead, status, power, honour, glory and become a human just like us in every way except sin. He made a preference for the poor, the marginalised, the less fortunate, those who had no one to call their own or stand with them and for them  – Do we have such principles and make personal choices in challenging situations based on these principles? 

L  Jesus understood the true meaning of unconditional love from his birth to his death. His love went beyond measure and embraced all.  He loved even when it seemed the most foolish thing to do so and without counting the cost. What is our idea of love? Do we love only to get something in return or can we love till it hurts and have nothing more to give ?  

 I don’t remember a single instance in Jesus’ life where he excluded anyone – lepers, women, children, outcasts, those belonging to other religions, you name it -  he embraced them all.  Are we inclusive at SXBA or do we have our exclusive groups? Are we ok and accepting when someone does not agree with our views, our opinions and our ideas ? Do we pretend to be open but are prejudiced in our minds and hearts?

F  Jesus could have chosen any other way to become a part of our lives,  but he chose to come down in a family.  A family is the cradle of civilization and the bedrock from where we become who we are meant to be.  In our world today ego, pride, greed, corruption, anger, property fights, separation, divorces, etc. has disrupted family life. As we go back home today can we cherish our family members?  Can we try and make the situation at home better ? Can our families be more warm, inviting and welcoming? Can we spend more time and be more connected with and relate to our parents, siblings, other family members at home rather than be glued to our T.V sets, computers, mobiles, games, pubs, parties and other gadgets?

T The best prayer that one can make at all times is the prayer of Thanksgiving.  There is nothing better than a grateful heart. This Christmas let us learn to be grateful for the big and small things of life, for all our blessings and for the many things we take for granted just because we have received them freely.  

Christmas is a time to spread Hope when there is uncertainty, mistrust, insecurity and fear gripping us. It is a time to spread Joy because we can do so when we become inclusive, accepting, inviting and welcoming both in our home and outside, it is a time to Love till it hurts – unconditionally and without measure, it is a time to spread Peace which comes from a grateful heart. 

So be Christ-like this Christmas uplifting yourself and others and spreading the true spirit and message of  Christmas to one and all you meet and greet.  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020 to you, your family and your loved ones. 

 

Ms.Preema Noronha

Principal

AWARDS DAY – 19/7/2019 - VOTE OF THANKS

Gratitude is that currency which we can mint for ourselves and spend without the fear of bankruptcy.

Honourable Chief Guests – Mr. Patel & Grandmother of Jay Patel –Mrs. Shobhana Patel, Rev.Frs, Respected family and friends, dear parents, ex-students, PASTOR and BAPSA members, benefactors, well wishers, staff and students. 

An attitude of gratitude is not merely a great rhyme - It is a wonderful way to live life – it changes everything. We need to be grateful for – the big and the small things of life which makes it worthwhile and special. Today on this special occasion I can see a number of special people to whom I owe a huge amount of gratitude. 

At the very outset, I thank the Almighty for the various stakeholders of this institution whose dedicated and selfless service enabled us to continue making a difference in the lives of many students who passed through the portals of this hallowed institution S.X.B.A.  

Mr.Patel,  Mrs. Shobhna Patel and Jay, thank you for accepting our invitation to be the Chief Guests today, for the kind sentiments you shared and for giving away the prizes. I would like to make a special mention of my deepest gratitude to the Grandmother of Jay who looked after him so lovingly after his mother’s untimely demise. Thank you. 

Jay Patel as the captain of our school you had to shoulder many responsibilities. You were clever, respectful, polite and willing to do jobs entrusted to you sincerely while upholding the values of our school – a true gentleman at heart. You were also well loved by the students of our school. Despite your personal loss and pain you were so true to your post as school captain never letting your personal challenges interfere with your commitment to duty or studies. You made us proud by being the third highest topper at the SSC Board Exam. You managed to balance your studies, responsibilities as captain and also participated in other co-curricular activities too. You are a true role model to our students of the Academy. I must say you are very capable of facing anything that lies in store for you in the future. 

I am grateful to our Manager Fr.Blaise D’Souza s.j. for making himself available to us at all times. Thank you for giving us your time and for sharing your wisdom which guides us. Thank you Mr.Savio D’Mello(Vice-Principal), Mrs.Yvonne Rodrigues(H.M.-Primary), Ms.Pauline Noronha (Supervisor-Pre-Primary) for sharing my burden, pitching in whenever needed and for the team spirit we shared right through the Academic year 2018-19. I would like to place on record my deepest gratitude to Ms.Pauline Noronha who with the support of her teachers of the

Pre-Primary Section laid a strong foundation that helped in the upbringing of our boys. We wish Ms.Pauline a well deserved retired life and pray for blessings of good health and happiness as we welcome Ms.Sandra McMahon who has taken charge now as the Pre-Primary Coordinator. 

To our Staff members both teaching and non-teaching who have spent their time and energy in order to make this programme a success, my sincere gratitude to you. Thank you B.Ed trainee teachers for all the help you rendered in assisting our school teachers for this programme. Do convey my gratitude to your Principal and lecturers too. 

To our student council members for all the help extended - my heartfelt gratitude. You have already started working hard and responsibly right from the commencement of this academic year. Congratulations and all the very best for the rest of the year. 

A special word of thanks to Mr.Elias Correia who helped us to commence with Scouting as an academic subject in our school last year and for the Scouts Camp he organized so efficiently which was appreciated by all. Our Scouts team has helped with the discipline in the hall this evening. Thank you Mr.Anandprakash Sharma and all you scouters who did a good job this evening. 

To our parents, the PTA and BAPSA members, friends and well wishers - your presence this evening has made us glad. I must make a special mention of 3 important –PTA members - Mrs.Rashida Dhorajiwala – Vice President of the PTA, Mrs.Sarika Singh – Hon.Secretary and Mrs.Dharti Shinde – Hon. Treasurer for being such a wonderful, hardworking and efficient team who worked like a family. They were ever willing to reach out and help us conduct all the PTA activities as planned in school inspite of the many difficulties they faced. Often times I could see these three ladies trying so hard to get many more parents involved in school but with little success and looking so disappointed. Their love for our students and commitment to our school was so evident through their availability at all times despite the hardships alongwith their professional and personal commitments. I cannot thank you enough for your staunch support and collaboration throughout the last academic year. I am sure the present PTA members will continue the good work started by their predecessors. My earnest appeal to you parents is to support this team whenever they approach you to be present to help conduct all activities planned for your children because education cannot be limited only to the textbook, syllabus, curriculum or classroom. Being educated is making the most of all experiences life offers. The degree our students earn at the end of an exam is merely a piece of paper. That they are truly educated is seen in their conduct, behaviour and character as they face life with all its challenges. 

My gratitude to Mr.Neil for his promptness and efficiency as our school’s website designer as also for updating, maintaining and being the Administrator of our ‘Whatsapp facility’. The presentation of this School Report so colourful, creative  and concise is the result of his expertise. Thank you Mr.Neil D’Souza and Mr.Mario Parhyad for your assistance. 

Thank you Mr.Terry D’Silva and your team of photographers and Mr.Pragnesh Mehta for providing the sound system for the day. 

To the trustees of Patkar Hall for renting out their premises to us, the other personnel of Patkar Hall and the Support staff - Thank you very much. 

And finally to all my dear students who kept the flow of the show going by their compering,  melodious singing, acting, choral recitation, and well coordinated dance steps. You did transport us to a peaceful, harmonious world while keeping us enthralled - Thank you - you were simply wonderful. 

If I have inadvertently missed out thanking anyone in particular please accept my deep gratitude and thanks. 

 

Good night and God Bless you. 

Ms.Preema Noronha

Principal

 

INVESTITURE OF PREFECTS – 28th JUNE 2019

Education of the heart is true education and that is what matters.  Aristotle the Greek philosopher rightly said “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”. We have chosen our theme for the year “Conversion of Heart For A Change of Mind” – In the context of this theme then what does it mean to be a good leader? Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. 

My dear student council members - Leadership starts with the heart. Mark Miller said “If your heart is not right nobody cares about your leadership skills”.  All you council members have just been invested to be leaders of SXBA. But what kind of leaders and leadership style do we hope to see in you here at SXBA?

Each one of you is intelligent and that is good. But mere intelligence is not good enough for us.  You will also need to possess a greater dose of emotional intelligence too. You are elected as leaders because we know you to be different and as ones who can make a difference. So then where do you begin? Begin with yourself. Make Awareness your close companion and guide. Move out of your comfort zones which may seem to be a secure place but nothing grows there. Make every effort to change your attitude, your style, your thinking, the way you carry yourself, the language you use to communicate and interact with others - in a nutshell – ‘Change your very self’.

Leadership is not merely being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge, it is not about a title, a badge, a sash or a designation. It is about impact, influence and inspiration. It is about commitment, dedication and service to one and all without any sort of discrimination. 

You do not inspire your team mates by showing them how amazing you are. You inspire them by showing them how amazing they are. So show respect, give respect and earn respect – even to those whom you think do not deserve it. This then will be a true reflection of your character. Work at building your character and not your reputation because your character is who you are while your reputation is what people think of you. Leaders with influence give when they don’t have to, grow continuously, live authentically, empower others, manage hardships and always serve with humility.

We have seen something special in each one of you. So have the confidence then to stand alone if need be, the courage to make tough decisions when called for  even though you may be unpopular, compassion to listen to others with an open mind and the patience to get into meaningful dialogue in times of disagreements. Learn to strike a balance and know when to lead and when to step back, when to use power and when to empower, when to take a firm stand and when to let go, when to use your head and when your heart. A helpful tip to keep in mind when dealing with others is use your heart but with yourself - use your head.

Finally if you truly want to be happy and successful define success in your own terms, achieve it by your own rules and build a life you are proud to live. This then is how and when our theme for the year “Conversion of Heart For A change of mind” will become a reality in school.  I wish you all the very best on this exciting journey and assure you of our help all the way.  

God Bless You. 

Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal

Manager’s Day – 4th February 2019


Dear Fr. Blaise, 

We have gathered specially this morning to wish you a very happy Manager’s day and a belated happy birthday too. I stand  here on behalf of all the staff (teaching and non teaching), students, parents of SXBA and our B.Ed interns, to thank God for the gift of you to our institution and for your dedicated service to us.

You have been a source of inspiration, strength and guidance for all in these premises throughout the year.  Thank you for the effort you constantly put in to lead our school in the direction the Jesuit Congregation has chalked out for us.  You are no ordinary manager who rules from above but you believe in carrying everyone alongwith you.  This is no mean feat and sometimes when you have to stand your ground on principles and policies and be firm and decisive you have a number of added challenges to face.  However  nothing deters you easily as you continue leading us, challenging us, empowering us, teaching us, showing us walking alongwith us and helping us reach our true potential.

Despite your ill health at times, you still continue to faithfully come to our institution each and every day and leave last of all. You have been amply blessed by God dear Fr. Blaise with his choicest blessings but your commitment towards the work entrusted to you, which was initially not of your choice but eventually you made it your own, your clarity of thought, sharp mind, inclusive attitude along with your administrative and decision making, problem solving and leadership skills is what sets you apart. You possess that child like curiosity and determination to learn and understand new and  complex issues and you never give up easily. These have been some of your outstanding qualities worth emulating.

Thank you for helping us understand the true meaning of Harmony in simple and doable ways, for encouraging us and propelling us onwards to strive to achieve it in our personal lives and professional commitment alongwith all the stakeholders of SXBA.  We do hope your presence and example will enable us to learn to collaborate and cooperate with one another despite our disagreements and misgivings, the ups and downs, successes and failures, always keeping the vision of this great institution and our own personal mission at the centre of our choices and decisions. Thank you for trusting us and letting us grow at our pace in qualities of mind and heart. We forge ahead confidently knowing fully well that you are there watching our backs and that we will have your support for the effort we put in irrespective of the results we achieve.

On this your special day I pray that our God almighty grant you good health, peace of mind and many more years of active service in his vineyard and here at SXBA.

Thank you and have an exciting year ahead. 

Ms. Preema Noronha

Principal