St. Francis Xavier Kannada Medium School

St. Francis Kannada Medium Higher Primary School

Preamble:

St Francis Xavier Kannada Medium Higher Primary School completes 100 years of its maiden voyage in 2017. It brings to mind of every student who studied here and came to the world of knowledge and acquired light of learning due to the unseen sacrifices of this great institution. The Institution in imparting knowledge has no boundaries for Caste and Creed. Over the year it has produced value based students who have become Army Officers, Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Accountants, Principals of colleges and schools, Managers of Companies and firms.

The History:

The school was started by Rev Fr. G. L. D’Souza, in the year 1917, in a small hay-hut with 35 children. Mr. Vasudeva Prabhu of Alumbe was the first teacher cum Head Master. After him Mr. P. Rangapayya was the Head Master till 1932.

During the year 1919, Rev Fr. M. Menezes, Parish Priest, Shirva, renovated the school constructing a structure with tiled roof. In the same year the school was accorded the recognition from the State Govt. of Madras.

During the tenure of Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto, the Management of the school was transferred to the Catholic Board of Education Mangalore. At the time of transfer the classes were conducted till 5th standard and there were 120 students and 5 teachers. The school progressed under the able leadership of Rev. Fr. R. Sequeira, Rev. Fr. H. Gonsalves, and from 1932, Mr Albert D’Souza took over the charge.

In the year 1942, the church dedicated to St. Francis Xavier was established in Mudarangadi and Rev. Fr. Joachim Perira was appointed as the Parish Priest. He took over the Management of the School and under his dynamic leadership the school grew very fast and with the help of certain well wishers, 3.84 acres of land was secured from the Govt. adjacent to the school and was converted into a school ground. Because of his yeomen service Rev. Fr. Pereira was considered as the Founder of the school and church in Mudarangady.

Mrs Lucy D’Souza was appointed as the Head Teacher and she served till 1953. During her tenure in the year 1952, the school was awarded Govt. grant.

In the year 1953, Mr. Alphonse D’Souza became the Head Master and continued till his retirement in 1980. During this Period Rev. Fr. P. P. D’Souza , Rev. Fr. Kunha, Rev. Fr. S. M. Rasquinha, Rev. Fr. R. D’Lima, Rev. Fr. C. D’Souza, Rev. Fr. P. F. D’Souza and Rev. Fr. R. D’Silva served the school as correspondents and contributed their might towards the development of the school. We always remember their valuable services and also pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Alphonse D’Souza, who expired in 1990.

Mr. Benjamin Mathias took charge as Head Master on 1/4/1981 and is responsible for the all-round improvement of the school. During 1981-1982 the entire left side of the school building was extended using cement sheet proof. The building was renovated, electrical connection was obtained and the school well was deepened so that water was available during summer.

In the year 1984, under the leadership of Benjamin Mathias, the souvenir “DAARI DEEPA” was published depicting the entire history of the school. He retired in Jan 1989, and continued to his care and concern for the school till his death in 2016. We place on record the meritorious service rendered by him to the school.

From January 1989, for one and a half years, Mr. Louis D’Souza managed the school as the Head Master.

In 1990, Mrs. Leonilla D’Souza was appointed as the Head Teacher. She was responsible for the all-round development of the students, both academic and spiritual. Moreover, she was actively involved in the developmental activities. She retired from the service on 30th April 2004. We place on record the meritorious service to the institution.

Smt. Benedicta Mendonca succeeded Smt. Leonilla D’Souza. Smt. Mendonca took charge as the Head Mistress of the Kannada Medium school on 1st May 2004.

The Head Masters: They propelled our Institution efficiently:

From 1987 to 1994 Rev. Fr. J. N. Lobo was the correspondent of the school and during his tenure in the year 1992, the school celebrated the “Golden Jubilee” along with the ‘Silver Jubilee’ of the Church in a very grand manner. A beautiful souvenir was released on this auspicious occasion.