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 considered as slaves to men and as second-class citizens. The education of women was much neglected in Tamil society.
Foundation of the First Indigenous Women Congregation in India
Being a man of vision and mission, Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis faced innumerable oppositions courageously and wisely. As a result of his unceasing efforts, he founded the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Indigenous women on the 16th October 1844 in Pondicherry.
On the 17th of October 1844, he started the 'Immaculate Heart of Mary Girls' School' which was developed to a Higher Secondary level today and stands tall with the strength of 6000 female students, in front of the Archbishop's House at Mission Street, Pondicherry.
1844
Year of Foundation
6000+
Students Today
5
Countries
150+
Convents
Global Presence
The Generalate of the Congregation is located at St. Therese Street, Pondicherry. At present 17 convents including those in abroad (Italy, Germany, Papua New Guinea, USA, France) are under the direct administration of the Generalate.
There are four Provinces in India:
- The Province of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pondicherry - Cuddalore has 39 convents
- St. Joseph's, Trichy has 43 convents
- Infant Jesus, Madurai has 39 convents
- Assisi, Andhra Pradesh has 29 convents
And, Dupuis Region, East Africa has 11 convents.
Immaculate English Higher Secondary School, T.R. Pattinam
Following the footsteps of Founder Rev. Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis M.E.P., 25 years ago the 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 effort of Rev. Mother S. Regina Mary, the former Superior General and Rev. Mother John Britto Mary, the former Provincial Superior of Lourdes Province, Pondy- Cuddalore, a convent was started on 16.07.1997 with four sisters namely Sr. Faustian Gracy, Sr. Oswald Mary, Sr. Prema Rose and Sr. Lilly Mary to run the Social Service.
Consequently, to uplift up the life of the children in the society, the Immaculate Primary school had its humble simple and unnoticeable beginning in T.R. Pattinam, with 40 children on the 10th of June 1998. This school was started in a small hut in a place which belonged to the St. Francis Xavier Church. Later on, in January-2002 a new school building was constructed with conducive learning environment. It was blessed and inaugurated by His Eminence late Cardinal Lourdu Samy.
Milestones of Our School
Rev. Sr. Dulcia Mary
First Principal who established classes from Pre.KG to III.
Her new beginning with hope made profound difference amidst the people around. She earned the trust of people in educating their wards with love and care.
Rev. Sr. Juliana Mary
Second Principal who raised classes till V-Std and increased strength to 317.
Her perseverance led to the new school building. She passed away in December-2004 due to Tsunami in Veilankanni.
Rev. Sr. Martian Mary, Murphy & Anitha
Their enduring desires and determinations to impart knowledge increased strength to 762.
Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Rani
Raised school to secondary status, built new block, and achieved 100% results in Board Exams.
Rev. Sr. Alphonsa Mary
Extended facilities and emphasized extracurricular activities for stress-free learning.
Rev. Sr. Sagaya Mary
Dynamic leadership witnessed success in academic performance and all-round development.
Rev. Sr. Deva Arul Mary Magdalene
Achieved Higher Secondary status with massive infrastructural developments.
Awarded 'Samagra Shiksha Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar' in 2018 and 3rd prize in XVIII flower, vegetable and fruit show.
Rev. Sr. Nambikkai Mary
Introduced Pure Science stream for Grade 11, renovated KG classrooms with attractive color flooring, installed rain harvesting and fire safety systems, formulated school anthem, introduced house systems and SCOUT Unit.
Encouraged leadership qualities in teachers through committees for school betterment.
Felicitation
Hence our sincere thanks to our dear staff who have been rendering their service to our esteemed institution for several years.
Mr. Vincent
Jn. Asst. (20 Yrs)
Mrs. Revathy
20 years service
Mrs. Sagunthala
13 years service
Mrs. Radhamani
20 years service
Mr. Senthamizhan
PET (16 Yrs)
Mrs. Hemamalini
TGT Social Science (13 Yrs)
Mrs. Lourdu Mary
Lecturer of Commerce & Accountancy (13 Yrs)
Mrs. Aroul Mary
13 years service
Mrs. Manickavalli
Librarian (13 Yrs)
Mrs. Krishnaveni
11 years service
Mrs. Princy Arockia Mary
Lecturer of Chemistry (10 Yrs)
Mrs. Saraswathi
SGT (10 Yrs)