14th July 2026 was a day filled with gratitude, celebration, and heartfelt emotions as the St. Xavier's Boys' Academy family bid a fond farewell to Ms. Monica Rose, who retired after rendering 34 years of dedicated service (1992–2026) to the institution.

 Beginning her journey as a teacher of English and Social Studies, Ms. Rose went on to serve as a Supervisor and later as the Principal, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, parents, and staff members. A true embodiment of the Jesuit ideal of ‘Magis’, she has been a gentle yet inspiring leader whose life reflects wisdom, grace, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout her illustrious career, she stood firmly for the values of social justice, democracy, inclusivity, and women empowerment, leading by example and inspiring everyone around her. Her deep love for literature, poetry, and music added a unique richness to the culture of our school.

 The farewell celebration held special significance as 14th July also marked Ms. Rose's Birthday, making the occasion even more memorable.

 The programme commenced with the Grand Entry of Ms. Monica Rose, escorted by our Manager, Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis Swamy, S.J., along with the Student Council Members. This was followed by the Lighting of the Lamp and a solemn Prayer Service, invoking God's abundant blessings upon her as she embarks on a new chapter of life.

 A specially curated PowerPoint video presentation beautifully traced Ms. Rose's remarkable journey through the years, highlighting memorable moments and milestones. Heartfelt speeches by our Manager, a teacher representative, a parent representative, and a student representative paid tribute to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on the school community. The programme was further enriched with melodious songs and graceful dance performances presented by both students and teachers, expressing their love and gratitude.

 The highlight of the first session was the felicitation ceremony, during which Ms. Rose was honoured by Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis Swamy, S.J., our designated Principal Sr. Liji Joseph, DPMT, a teacher representative, a parent representative, and a student representative, as tokens of appreciation for her remarkable contribution to the institution.

 The second half of the celebration brought together the teaching and non-teaching staff for a nostalgic gathering. A touching video presentation featuring heartfelt messages from her former colleagues, parents, and alumni rekindled cherished memories and reflected the profound influence she has had on generations of students and educators. A few staff members came forward to share their personal experiences, gratitude, and warm sentiments, making the occasion deeply emotional.

 Addressing the gathering, Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis Swamy, S.J.reflected on Ms. Rose's inspiring journey and emphasized how she has truly lived the Jesuit values through her humility, dedication, integrity, and service to others. The celebration continued with lively songs and dance, creating moments of joy and togetherness before concluding with a delightful fellowship lunch.

 Following in the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ms. Monica Rose has always given of herself wholeheartedly, without counting the cost. Her selfless service, compassionate leadership, and commitment to the Magis have left an enduring legacy at St. Xavier's Boys' Academy. As she begins a well-deserved new phase of life, we thank God for the gift of her life and pray for God's choicest blessings in all her future endeavours.

School Community

St. Xavier's Boys' Academy