A legacy of learning: Sr. Antony Maria Selvi vision for SFX

In an interview, Sr. Selvi shares her journey, commitment to holistic education, and plans to uphold the school’s legacy while embracing modern needs

NT Bengaluru

The newly appointed principal of St. Francis Xavier Girls High School, Sr. Antony Maria Selvi (in pic), shares her inspiring journey, educational philosophy and vision for the institution.

With over a decade of experience in education, including her transformative work at a leprosy rehabilitation centre in Sumanahalli, Sr. Selvi brings a unique blend of compassion, dedication, and innovative thinking to her role.In a conversation with News Trail, she delves into her journey to becoming a principal, the uniqueness of SFX and her approach to fostering holistic growth among students. Sr. Selvi emphasises balancing traditional values with modern educational needs. Here are excerpts.

Could you share a bit about your background and your journey to becoming the principal of SFX? I have spent over a decade in education, including time at a leprosy rehabilitation centre in Sumanahalli. There, we catered to children from extremely marginalised backgrounds, such as those affected by leprosy or HIV, children of scavengers and construction workers. It was challenging yet rewarding to see these children, once neglected, excel in their studies and grow into accomplished individuals. Transitioning to St. Francis Xavier Girls High School has been a shift from working with underprivileged children to a mix of privileged and underprivileged students. It’s a different dynamic, but equally fulfilling.

What makes SFX unique compared to others? St. Francis Xavier is a girls’ school, which provides a secure, calm and focused environment for learning. Many parents prefer this setting for their daughters. Beyond academics, we emphasise building character, values, and life skills, ensuring that our students grow holistically. Our motto is to inspire students through small, consistent actions that lead to personal and collective growth.

Could you elaborate on co-curricular activities available for students? Technology is crucial, and we are actively integrating it into our curriculum. We have introduced robotics. We have a wide range of activities to nurture talents and relieve stress. These include singing and dance classes, art workshops, sports events and cultural festivals. Our students also excel in sports; recently, Karnataka’s under- 19 throwball team won gold at the national level and most students in the team were from SFX. Such activities not only develop skills but also foster confidence.

How does SFX support students' mental health? Mental health is a priority. We have two full-time counsellors available for students. They maintain thorough records of sessions and also offer parental counselling if needed. We conduct regular workshops and activities to alleviate stress, especially for students in higher grades dealing with academic pressures. Encouraging selfexpression and offering a supportive environment are central to our approach.

What are your thoughts on the shift in educational trends with competitive exams? Competitive exams are a reality, and we encourage our students to prepare for them while maintaining balance. Though we do not conduct NEET or JEE coaching in-house, we guide students to participate in external programs. Our focus remains on holistic development rather than rote learning, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.

How do you balance traditional values with modern educational needs? Values are the foundation of our education system. We teach moral science and value education classes alongside modern subjects like robotics and fitness. By emphasising life values, we ensure our students grow into responsible citizens who can thrive in today’s world. My philosophy is to lead by example, showing them the importance of small, meaningful actions.

What are the challenges of running a girls’ school in today’s times? One challenge is maintaining a balance between nurturing our students and preparing them for a co-ed world post-school. While girls’ schools provide a secure environment, it’s essential to ensure they are confident and adaptable to life outside. Another challenge is keeping up with the ever-evolving educational landscape. We always tell students to love yourself and care for yourself. Self-respect and self-care are the foundation of success.

How do you view your role in maintaining and enhancing the standards of SFX? The sisters before me have set a strong benchmark for our school and it is now my duty to uphold and raise those standards. It is my responsibility to take the legacy forward and ensure the name and reputation of the school the brand remain intact. While it’s not a pressure, it’s a responsibility and I’m committed to continuing the progress made so far.

(With inputs from Mohammed Rumman Khan)