Our Leadership Team
“Educators as Beacons of Hope and Change”
Awakening to the Spirit of Our Times
We live in a world that is changing rapidly – socially, economically, politically, and morally. As educators, we are not just transmitters of knowledge; we are builders of conscience, character, and compassion. It is in this spirit that I call upon each of you, my dear teachers and partners-in-mission, to recognise the deeper purpose of our vocation – to form children who will shape a future that is just, inclusive, and humane.
Rooted in the Spirit of St. Mary Euphrasia
Our inspiration continues to be drawn from our beloved Foundress, St. Mary Euphrasia, who believed that “each person is of more value than a world.” Her spirituality of mercy, zeal, and tender care for the most vulnerable compels us today to go beyond academics and reach the hearts of the children entrusted to us. In a world filled with noise, let us teach them to listen. In a world divided by hate, let us teach them to love. In a world driven by competition, let us teach them compassion.
Celebrating a Century of Mission in Chennai
As we mark 100 years of the Good Shepherd mission in Chennai, we stand on the shoulders of visionaries and pioneers who dared to serve when conditions were harsh and resources were scarce. Today, we celebrate not just an institutional milestone, but the legacy of love, courage, and relentless commitment to the dignity of every person. You, our teachers and staff – past and present – are part of this noble story. You are our partners-in-mission, and we owe this century of accomplishment to your dedication.
Challenges and the Call for Renewal
The path ahead is not without challenges. We are witnessing an erosion of values, growing inequalities, and a generation struggling with identity and anxiety. In this context, education must be a source of hope and healing. We need to prepare children not only for exams but for life. Let us help them develop a scientific temper, critical thinking, emotional resilience, and a sense of social responsibility.
Educating for Constitutional Values
Our nation’s Constitution upholds justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity – principles that resonate deeply with the Good Shepherd mission. It invites us to respect the rights of all and walk with the “lost and the least,” just as the Shepherd God does. Let us help our students appreciate the beauty of these values and embody them in their everyday interactions.
Kindling the Flame of Inner Worth
Each child is a precious flame waiting to be kindled. I urge you to awaken in every student a sense of self-worth, purpose, and spirituality that transcends religion and ritual – a spirituality rooted in love, service, and justice. Let us inspire them to become not only achievers but also healers of a broken world.
No one should be lost in the Chaos of our Times
Let this be our collective mission: that not one child in our care be lost to the chaos and indifference of our times. As St. Mary Euphrasia urged, let us walk the extra mile to find, to nurture, and to restore. Let us be the gentle yet strong shepherds for today’s young ones – so that they may become beacons of light for tomorrow’s world.
We are all tenants in the tent of time, and loving service is the rent we pay for inhabiting this tent. There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. Only in the purifying fire of loving service is the dross of selfishness consumed, and the greatness of the human soul set free. Our relationships improve and deepen when we attempt to serve our community, our society.
When Benjamin Franklin received a letter thanking him for an act of kindness, he replied, “As to the kindness you mention, I wish I could have been of more service to you than I have been, but if I had, the only thanks that I should desire that you would always be ready to serve any other that may need your assistance, and so good offices go around, for mankind is all of a family. As for my own part, when I am employed in serving others, I do not look upon myself as conferring favours but paying debts.”
Dear students, it is a reminder for all of us to reflect on our calling! We enjoy everything freely, but do we pay back to the universe in our own way? Do we reminisce about the blessings of our ancestors and the elders who toiled for our sake? We are standing on the shoulders of our pioneers who faced hardships to build this Good Shepherd School, which is your holy place of growth and joy. A century of remarkable and loving service rendered to the people of God, a million thanks to everyone who made it possible.
It’s in loving – not in being loved – that hearts are truly blest.
In giving – not in seeking gifts – we find our greatest quest.
The world is waiting, hopeful and still,
Watching and longing for someone with will,
Rise up with courage, your light shining through –
For the one they are waiting for is you!
God bless you.