His eyes twinkles with intelligence and his face hosts a symphony of expressions, it ranges from attentiveness, to dedication. He is the shining example of selfless dedication to promote education in the country. 

The longest serving principal of Loyola School, Father Pius Fernandes always commands immense respect. A true embodiment of a passionate teacher and leader, it is time for him to say goodbye to the institution that he served the longest.

As the school management gears up to extend a warm farewell to Father Pius on April 1, the principal shared his experiences of serving the institution known for education par excellence. 

“ I thank God for giving me this precious life to serve humanity in whatever possible way I have. I owe everything to the almighty. I would like to express my gratitude towards the Society of Jesus, Jesuits that bestowed faith in me and gave me the opportunity to serve its institutions,” said Father Pius.

The mantle of principalship at Loyola School, Jamshedpur was passed on to Pius Fernandes, S.J. on July 9, 1992 who went on to become the longest serving Principal of Loyola till 2002. Under his leadership the Junior School Block was constructed in 1997. The Vocational Service block too was built during his tenure. 

Father Pius was the person behind making Loyola School Co-Education. He rejoined Loyola in 2017 and has served the school till now. Over the years, he has also served at Loyola School, Bhubaneswar and De Nobili, Dhanbad. He is popularly known as the ‘Jubilee principal’ in Jesuit circles as Loyola celebrated its Golden and Platinum jubilee last year under his leadership.

“Teachers, staff and parents have been the motivational forces that helped me to serve for so long. Children especially make me happy. I would like to serve the society till my last breath,” said the great mentor.   

After superannuating from Loyola School, Father Pius is heading to Dhanbad to provide guidance to eight schools of De Nobili. “I will take a break for a month in April. Will visit my hometown and then start looking after my new assignment from the month of May,” he informed.      

Father Pius is also known for winning the National Teachers Award 2005. He received the award from the then President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on September 5, 2006. Dr. Kalam, himself a great scientist and a teacher, honoured Fr. Pius for his great work and dedication.

 Father Pius inherited his love of teaching from his parents. His father, late Rosario Fernandes, was the headmaster of a school, and his mother, Dulcine Fernandes, had rendered services as teacher.  Pius had his schooling in St Mary's School at Kundapur and higher secondary from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore. He joined the Jesuit order in 1971 and graduated from St. Xaviers College, Ahmedabad. He went on to earn his post graduate degree from Pune University. Fernandes has also served as vice-principal of St. Joseph's College, Darjeeling before his stint at Loyola.

Meanwhile, the mantle of Principalship at Loyola School is being passed on to Father Vinod Fernandes. Father Pius said that under the leadership of Father Vinod, the school is in safe hands. He wished him all the very best.