Immaculate Heart of Mary
Empowering generations — the story of our Congregation and of Immaculate English Higher Secondary School, T.R. Pattinam.
The Historical Context
In the middle of the 19th century, the socio-political situation of Tamil Nadu resembled that of a third world country. Women were treated as second-class citizens, and the education of women was much neglected in Tamil society.
The Synod of Pondicherry
Held during the tenure of Mgr. Clement Bonnand, Bishop of the Pondicherry mission. Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis was assigned three important tasks:
Foundation of the First Indigenous Women Congregation in India
A man of vision and mission, Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis faced innumerable oppositions courageously and wisely. Through his unceasing efforts he founded the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Indigenous women on 16th October 1844 in Pondicherry.
On 17th October 1844 he started the ‘Immaculate Heart of Mary Girls’ School’, which has grown to Higher Secondary level and stands tall with 6,000 female students in front of the Archbishop's House at Mission Street, Pondicherry.
Global Presence
The Generalate of the Congregation is located at St. Therese Street, Pondicherry. At present 17 convents, including those abroad in Italy, Germany, Papua New Guinea, USA and France, are under the direct administration of the Generalate.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Pondicherry – CuddaloreSt. Joseph's
TrichyInfant Jesus
MaduraiAssisi
Andhra PradeshDupuis Region
East AfricaGeneralate
Including abroadImmaculate English Higher Secondary School, T.R. Pattinam
Following the footsteps of our Founder Rev. Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis M.E.P., Immaculate English Higher Secondary School was established in 1998.
When Most Rev. Dr. Yvon Ambrose, Bishop Emeritus of Tuticorin, was the Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Thiru Pattinam, on his invitation and through the efforts of Rev. Mother S. Regina Mary, former Superior General, and Rev. Mother John Britto Mary, former Provincial Superior of Lourdes Province, Pondy–Cuddalore, a convent was started on 16.07.1997 with four sisters — Sr. Faustian Gracy, Sr. Oswald Mary, Sr. Prema Rose and Sr. Lilly Mary — to run the Social Service.
To uplift the lives of children in society, the Immaculate Primary School had its humble beginning with 40 children on 10th June 1998, in a small hut on land belonging to St. Francis Xavier Church. In January 2002 a new school building was constructed, blessed and inaugurated by His Eminence late Cardinal Lourdu Samy.
Milestones of Our School
The principals whose vision and dedication shaped Immaculate over the years.
Rev. Sr. Dulcia Mary
First Principal, who established classes from Pre-KG to III. Her new beginning with hope made a profound difference amidst the people around, earning their trust in educating their wards with love and care.
Rev. Sr. Juliana Mary
Second Principal, who raised classes up to Std V and increased the strength to 317. Her perseverance led to the new school building. She passed away in December 2004 in the Tsunami at Velankanni.
Rev. Sr. Martian Mary, Murphy & Anitha
Their enduring desire and determination to impart knowledge increased the strength to 762.
Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Rani
Raised the school to secondary status, built a new block, and achieved 100% results in Board Exams.
Rev. Sr. Alphonsa Mary
Extended facilities and emphasised extracurricular activities for stress-free learning.
Rev. Sr. Sagaya Mary
Dynamic leadership that witnessed success in academic performance and all-round development.
Rev. Sr. Deva Arul Mary Magdalene
Achieved Higher Secondary status with major infrastructural development. Awarded the 'Samagra Shiksha Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar' in 2018 and 3rd prize in the XVIII Flower, Vegetable and Fruit Show.
Rev. Sr. Nambikkai Mary
Introduced the Pure Science stream for Grade XI, renovated KG classrooms with attractive colour flooring, installed rain water harvesting and fire safety systems, formulated the school anthem, and introduced the house system and SCOUT unit. Encourages leadership in teachers through committees for school betterment.
Felicitation
Our sincere thanks to our dear staff who have rendered their service to our esteemed institution for many years.
Mr. Vincent
Jn. Asst. · 20 years
Mrs. Revathy
20 years of service
Retired 2023Mrs. Sagunthala
13 years of service
Retired 2021Mrs. Radhamani
20 years of service
Retired 2022Mr. Senthamizhan
PET · 16 years
Mrs. Hemamalini
TGT Social Science · 13 years
Mrs. Lourdu Mary
Lecturer, Commerce & Accountancy · 13 years
Mrs. Aroul Mary
13 years of service
Mrs. Manickavalli
Librarian · 13 years
Mrs. Krishnaveni
11 years of service
Mrs. Princy Arockia Mary
Lecturer, Chemistry · 10 years
Mrs. Saraswathi
SGT · 10 years
“We are blessed to still have you as part of our team. Your exemplary commitment over the years has been pivotal to this institution. Thank you so much, dear staff.”