Our History

St. Mary’s Convent Girls High School, Ollur (Established: May 24, 1900)

St. Mary’s School was founded at a time when educational institutions—especially those for girls—were very rare. The school is situated about seven kilometers southeast of Thrissur town, near the convent of St. Euphrasia.

St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a great ascetic enriched with deep spiritual insight rooted in divine contemplation, played a significant role in promoting education. Along with the Venerable Leopold Beccaro, he established the first convent for women in Kerala at Koonammavu about 150 years ago. In the Diocese of Thrissur, the first convent was started at Vynthala, followed by the second at Ollur.

The first entry in the school logbook reads as follows: “For the moral and intellectual development of girls, in response to the request of the local people and through the special interest and efforts of Bishop Mar Yohannan Menachery, a house was purchased to run a boarding facility along with the convent and the school.”

Under the name “St. Mary’s Vernacular Convent Girls School, Panamkuttichira, Ollur,” this educational institution was established 124 years ago.

On the day the school began, 36 girls joined the boarding house and started their studies. In 1903, the construction of a new school building was completed. In 1906, the school came under government regulations and began receiving grants.

In the same year of its establishment, Sri. Poonkuzhi Ramavaryar of Thrissur joined the school as a teacher, earning the distinction of being the first graduate teacher of the institution. He was also the first Headmaster of this school.

With emphasis on the sacred goal of education — to shape global citizens who believe in tolerance, fraternity, equality, and peace — the Headmasters who served here until 1926 were Sri. Poonkuzhi Ramavaryar, Sri. Kongad Achuthan Nair, and Sri. C.P. Vaidyanath Iyer.

They were followed by a dedicated line of Headmistresses: Sr. Ludwica, Sr. Beatrice, Sr. Mary Bernard, Sr. Mary Teresita, Sr. Margaret Mary, Sr. Seela, Sr. Domitilla, Sr. Moses, Sr. Caritas, Sr. Alexandriya, Sr. Gentil, Sr. Piyusha, Mrs. V.J. Lilly, Mrs. Annie M.V., Sr. Lisjo, Sr. Anna Antony, Sr. Stella Rose, Sr. Agnes, and Sr. Jitha Paul. Through their professional excellence, modern outlook, and insightful leadership, the 125-year-long journey of the school stands radiant and memorable, and is remembered with deep gratitude.

Mrs. M.P. Anithacher, who upheld the institution’s noble tradition and led it to greater heights of success, received the National Award for Best Teacher in 2002.

Through continuous efforts rooted in prayer, hard work, and dedication, students of this institution receive life training year after year. The present Headmistress is Sr. Sibiya Theresa.

St. Mary’s actively engages in all areas essential for the holistic development of students. The school promotes excellence in arts, sports, literature, and science, and is actively involved in Guides, Red Cross, Karate, KCSL, DCL, Social Service, and various other co-curricular activities.

Through these various activities, the school ensures the holistic development of students’ personalities. Religious instruction, moral education classes, counseling, and the School Mission Programme help to nurture value-based growth and character formation among students. Facilities such as a well-equipped library, laboratories, computer lab, smart classrooms, and a prayer room all function with the aim of promoting the all-round development of the students.

It is noteworthy that every year, the students of this institution become prize winners both in academics and in co-curricular activities.

A major factor in the growth of any school is its Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). In recognition of the invaluable service rendered by the PTA, the school received the C.H. Mohammed Koya Award for the Best PTA for the academic year 2001–2002.

In 1961, for the more efficient administration of the institution, the Lower Primary section began functioning under a separate Headmistress. Sr. Cabrini was the first Headmistress of the LP section. She was succeeded by Sr. Ferdinand, Sr. Brisia, Sr. Lucius, Sr. Nolasco, Sr. Deepthi, Sr. Januaria, Sr. Jane Mary, Sr. Anita, Sr. Geethi Maria, Sr. Liz Rose, Sr. Mary Margaret, and Sr. Shiny Maria. The present Headmistress of the LP School is Sr. Ramya Rose.

Until 1944, the school had classes only up to the seventh standard. The first SSLC batch appeared for the examination in 1946 and achieved remarkable success. The victorious journey that began then continues even today. Around 800 students are studying in the school this year. The outstanding success achieved every year in the SSLC results stands as a blossoming testimony to the school’s enduring legacy of excellence.

For the first time in the history of the school, the blessed fragrance of securing a rank was achieved by Kumari Nitha P. Mohan, who scored 578 marks.

It is firmly believed that the constant protection and loving care of the school’s heavenly patroness, the Blessed Mother of the Immaculate Conception, make this institution ever worthy of receiving God’s abundant graces. The powerful intercession and blessings of St. Euphrasia continue to strengthen all the activities of this school.

It is firmly believed that the constant protection and loving care of the school’s heavenly patroness, the Blessed Mother of the Immaculate Conception, make this institution ever worthy of receiving God’s abundant graces. The powerful intercession and blessings of St. Euphrasia continue to strengthen all the activities of this school.

May the Lord Almighty enable the children of St. Mary’s to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, who transformed their service and dedication to learning into a form of penance, enriching this institution with noble experiences and spiritual brilliance. May they grow into a generation that reflects love, knowledge, discipline, spirituality, and equality in all aspects of life.

“A day in your life that does not bring any benefit to others is not to be counted among the days of your lifetime.” — Chavara Achan (St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara)