ST. JOSEPH’S HR. SEC. SCHOOL, CHENGALPATTU

The History of St. Joseph’s unveils a legend of challenges, crusades, conquests and crowns. It is a unique era of “Values and Virtues” that reflects the views, visions and valour of the closely knitJosephian Family.

The origin of this great institution dates back to more than a century: it was the so called “Native School” in 1877 founded bySri. M. E. Ramanujachariar and Sri. M. E. Srirangachariar.

1884 – The School became a full fledged High School and these great men gave a fine lead by their dedicated service. An R. C. Mission Primary school was in existence from 1913 at Kancheepuram High Road in the R.C. Church Campus.

1914 – Fr. Peter Aloysius took over the Management of the primary school and started an orphanage for the boys. After the completion of the fifth class, boys were admitted in Native High school. The school enjoyed the patronage of the public. With the recommendation of Mr. Sneeldon of the Department of Education, the Management of the Native School was transferred to the R.C. Mission in 1929. In April1930, it was renamed as St. Joseph’s High School during the period of Fr. Peter Aloysius, who thus became the founder of St. Joseph’s School, paving the way for the beginning of the JOSEPHIAN ERA.

St. Joseph’s High School from 1930to date had three distinct phases. The First Phase was when the Management was with the Diocese of Mylapore. A series of distinguished Rev. Fathers served as Principals of this School.

1934- Fr. Thomas became the Principal and constructed a building for the school at the R.C. Mission Compound.

1939- The Native School building was disposed of. Hence, the five classes were shifted to a rented house close to the R.C. Mission Compound.

1952– The Second Phase was when the Management of the school was handed over to the great educationists, the Salesian Fathers of St. Don Bosco, a great educational name in our state. This period was a golden period in the history of St. Joseph’s High School. It was on 01-06-1953 that Fr. Joseph Menezes took over as the Headmaster and Correspondent and with him began the Golden Era. Under the guidance of Fr. Joseph Menezes, the school took its present shape. He went on constructing buildings all around, stage by stage, and the buildings echoed the sweet music of the First Band Unit set up in the school.

“In God is our Trust” is the school’s motto. Perhaps “In Good and New is our Trust” was another side of his Motto. It is appropriate to bow before these great men of the memorable past.

The Third Distinct Phase was when the School Management was handed over to the present group, the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, on 15-05-1966.

The Management was transferred to the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel andBro, John of the cross became the first Headmaster and Correspondent. With Montfort Brothers at the helm of affairs, St. Joseph’s Group of Schools was given a new impetus and the school rose in fame and reached greater heights in all aspects.

We owe our thanks to the group of dedicated men who had the Vision and Vitality to serve as Principals and Correspondents.

1966– Rev. Bro. John of the cross, laid the Montfortian path, followed by Rev. Bro. Pakiaraj, the next Principal, who founded and developedSt. Joseph’s Kindergarten into a fully established English school in the town.

The seeds sown by these great men have taken deep roots in the soil of Chengalpattu town and flourished into a great symbol of Holistic Education, uplifting the lives of many in need.

Present Student strength – 2510

Staff – 83

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