For all Josephites, the alumni of St Joseph’s Anglo Indian Girls Higher Secondary School, this year is special, as the school celebrates its sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary.
Started in 1862 (April) by Sr. Sophie Leevs, an Anglican nun under the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel for ensuring education for girls, the institution has passed many glorious milestones.
Fr. Michael Antony, vicar of Mangalore, was instrumental in bringing Sr. Sophie Leevs to Kozhikode to start a convent which later inspired her to start the school. Till independence, the school which catered mainly for English students, was called the European School.
Sr. Rosarita, headmistress of the school said that the institution was planning various programmes including seminars, a science museum, cultural programmes and charity initiatives in connection with the anniversary celebration. “The institution is trying to ensure the presence of former president of the nation A P J Abdul Kalam at the valedictory function of the celebrations,” she said.
“Our students contribute in many areas including constructing houses for students from poor backgrounds, mobilizing funds for assisting children with kidney failure and assisting children with cancer in connection with the celebrations,” she added.
The institution has always secured cent percent success in the SSLC examinations since 1985. The Plus Two course was started in the 2000-01 academic year. The institution also offers career guidance and counseling assistance for students. Started with about 100 students, the school now has about 2,000 students.
Headmistress Sr. Rosarita bagged the best teacher award instituted by state government in 2010. Sr. Jovitta, a teacher of the school bagged the award for the best teacher at the national level the same year.
“We are happy that the school was a success in molding many great personalities. Wherever you go in the world, you will hit up on a Josephite,” a beaming Sr. Rosarita said.Minister M.K. Muneer inaugurated the celebrations on Feb. 19.
