“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step,” so says a Chinese proverb. And so began the journey of St. Joseph’s Convent S. S. School Ratlam. The plan that God had in mind from all eternity, took birth on 26th July 1956, as a tiny seed sowed in the heart of the city of Ratlam. Watered and nurtured by the hard work, patience and dedication of the Sisters and Staff, the appreciation of the parents, guardians and well wishers, and the encouragement and support of the officials and higher authorities, both religious and secular, this seed slowly but surely took the form of a mighty institution. Days, months and years have swiftly gone by, giving shelter, knowledge, love and care, to a great number of children, who have passed through its portals.
It was at the request of Bishop Simon of Indore, that the Sisters accepted to open the school in Ratlam for both boys and girls. Being a Rly. Colony, the children were neglected without any proper education. It was on 24th of July 1956, that Srs. Agnes, Philomana, Benedict Joseph and Edith Mary arrived for the formal opening of the school. The sisters remained in a small cottage in the Church compound and used the parish hall for the school. There were just 3 students for the commencement. But the numbers swelled by leaps and bounds and today the numbers have crossed 3600.
MOTTO : ITE AD JOSEPH "GO TO JOSEPH"
Significance : The silver cross on the gules is based upon the arms of Savoy. The Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery is located in Savoy. The plate depicts the Holy Eucharist, which the founder desired to be the model of the Institute. The keys signify the spiritual authority of our Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome. The General House of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery is located in Rome. The fleur-de-lis represents France where the Congregation was founded in 1650. A carpenter's square stands for Saint Joseph, Patron of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The Star represents the Blessed Virgin, under whose protection the Congregation is placed.
St. Joseph’s Convent S.S. School, Ratlam, was founded in 1956 by the Indian Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, as per provisions of the Constitution of India part III Art. 30 (1). It is administered by the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Convent, Ratlam, in accordance with general rules governing the above Congregation.
It has two separate mediums- English and Hindi. The School is recognized by the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. It prepares students for the All India Secondary and Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
The School is lovingly dedicated, as the name suggests, to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ. Honouring him as the patron Saint of the School, every Josephite Student and Teacher is asked to inculcate in their lives, the virtues of St. Joseph, such as his Availability, Simplicity, Hospitality, Obedience, Cheerfulness, Purity, Courage, Faith, Humble and Loving Services.
Several superiors & principals have been at the helm, working tirelessly, along with a band of faithful and dedicated teachers to bring the school to its present stature.
Those worthy of mention are as follows:-
ANIMATORS of St. Joseph’s Convent Senior Secondary School, Ratlam
Start |
End |
ANIMATOR |
26/07/56 |
31/10/56 |
Sr. Mary Agnes |
01/11/56 |
14/06/58 |
Sr. Thecla |
15/06/58 |
10/07/62 |
Sr. Holy Family |
11/07/62 |
26/05/68 |
Sr. Ignatius |
27/05/68 |
30/05/71 |
Sr. Philippa |
31/05/71 |
30/04/77 |
Sr. Irene |
01/05/77 |
14/09/82 |
Sr. Denise |
15/06/82 |
31/05/88 |
Sr. St. John |
01/06/88 |
31/05/94 |
Sr. Celine Marie |
01/06/94 |
14/06/97 |
Sr. Cosmas |
15/06/97 |
12/06/04 |
Sr. Stanislaus |
13/06/00 |
31/05/04 |
Sr. Damian |
01/06/04 |
31/05/07 |
Sr. Jane |
01/06/07 |
31/05/10 |
Sr. Sabina |
01/06/10 |
31/05/14 |
Sr. Francis Reggis |
01/06/14 |
31/05/17 |
Sr. Flavia |
01/06/17 |
31/05/21 |
Sr. Irene |
01/06/21 |
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Sr. Sheela |
PRINCIPALS of St. Joseph’s Convent Senior Secondary School, Ratlam
Start |
End |
PRINCIPAL |
26/07/56 |
31/10/56 |
Sr. Philomena |
01/11/56 |
14/06/58 |
Sr. Thecla |
15/06/58 |
10/07/62 |
Sr. Holy Family |
11/07/62 |
26/05/68 |
Sr. Ignatius |
27/05/68 |
30/05/71 |
Sr. Philippa |
31/05/71 |
14/06/82 |
Sr. Irene |
15/06/82 |
30/06/87 |
Sr. Monica |
01/07/87 |
30/06/92 |
Sr. Margaret Loretta |
01/07/92 |
30/06/99 |
Sr. Amy |
01/07/99 |
30/06/10 |
Sr. Regi |
01/07/10 |
30/06/19 |
Sr. Nidhi |
01/07/19 |
---- |
Sr. Jessy Pookoden |