History of School
Mandate to MSMHC Sisters
The mandate given to the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, then and today is the same mission entrusted to the apostle by JESUS: To proclaim the Good News of God’s Kingdom to all peoples through Preaching, Teaching and Healing. The Pioneer Sisters undertook their first journey to Dibrugarh, Assam on 29 December 1946. They stayed in Dibrugarh nearly two months and returned to their convent in Guwahati. On 11March, 1947, the Sisters made their second journey to Dibrugarh. Seeing the immense good the Sisters were doing in Dibrugarh, Fr. Boscardin, the Parish Priest of Dibrugarh requested Bishop Stephen Ferrando of Shillong, the father and founder of the MSMHC to let the Sisters stay on in Dibrugarh. Bishop Ferrando was a man of creative vision and practical wisdom. Fired by his faith in God, coupled with deep intuition that life could be different in Northeast India, he founded the Indigenous Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. He was a man great of and expansive heart who directed his energies and charity towards those people he met in his daily life especially the poor. His profound love for the people of Assam inspired him to respond positively to the request of Fr. Boscardin. That was the beginning of St. Mary’s Convent, Dibrugarh.
Inception of St. Mary's School
The Sisters lost no time in offering services to the people of the locality. A vernacular Lower Primary School was opened and was officially inaugurated on 11th July 1949. Records show that St. Mary’s School had enrollment of 70 students in class I in the first year. Bishop Orestes Marengo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, who had keen interest in the mission of the Sisters, encouraged many girls from the plains and the hills of Manipur to join the school. With the assistants of Bishop Orestes Marengo, the Primary School was upgraded to ME School in 1959. Thus, the school that had a very humble beginning began to grow and progress.
Inspection & Recognition of School
The school was inspected twice in the year 1965. On 18th February 1965 Shri Yusuf Ali, Assistant Inspector of Schools Upper Assam Circle inspected the school. A few months later on 26th June 1965 Mr. D. Goswami, Addition Deputy Inspector of Schools Dibrugarh came for the inspection. The inspectors were greatly pleased with the functioning of the school. On 29th June 1965 Provisional Departmental recognition was granted to St. Mary’s ME School under Dibrugarh Educational Sub-divisional for a period of two years with effect from 1/1/1965 by Mr. CD Gogoi Inspector of Schools, Eastern Assam Circle Dibrugarh. After period of two years, Mr. BC Baruah, the Additional Deputy Inspector of Schools inspected the school on 18th May 1967. He made the following observation: “On inspection of the classes, I found the pupils well disciplined and enthusiastic, the teachers sincere, dutiful and most faithful to their services. On scrutiny of the written Khatas of the pupils it is found that the written exercises of the pupils are examined and corrected by the teachers properly and regularly. In short, the teaching is found good. From all aspects the working of the school is found satisfactory”. Finally on the 10th of June 1968, Mr. SS Huda, Inspector of Schools, Lakhimpur District Circle Dibrugarh granted the extension of Provisional Recognition. Gradually the strength of the school increased and the school authorities felt the need to construct a school building. With the generous contribution and support of benefactors and well wishers the work was completed. The new school building was blessed on 8th January 1968.
Opening of the English Medium
Since the school was taking roots, the number of admissions increased and it gained popularity as well. Seeing the type of education imparted and the discipline maintained, many guardians and well wishers requested the school authorities to open an English medium school. The matter was discussed with the local Bishop Rt. Rev. Hubert D’ Rosario, SDB. Without further delay he approved the request. Thus on 17th March 1969, St. Mary’s English Medium School was opened. When Bishop Stephen Ferrando heard of the new venture of the sisters into the field of education, he extended his appreciation for their creative vision.
Upgradation to St. Mary’s High School
For almost a decade the English Medium School remained as LP School. It was a difficult task for parents to seek admission for their children in other schools. As a matter of fact there was great pressure from parents/guardians to upgrade the school. Sr. Teresa Jacob, the Headmistress, discussed the issue in the Managing Committee meeting and sought the approval of Bishop Thomas Menamparampil SDB. Having obtained the cooperation of the well wishers of the school St. Mary’s opened English Medium Class V in 1983.
Having completed three decades of its existence, the school excelled in all fields. The school authorities being pressed to raise the Assamese Medium to a High School responded to the need of the hour. With the consent and encouragement of the religious authorities specially that of Bishop Thomas Menamparampil, Assamese medium class VIII was opened on 14th May 1984. On 23rd May 1986, Bishop Thomas laid the foundation for the new building in the presence of the staff and the students of St. Mary’s School. The Bishop invoked God’s blessings on all those who would pass through this educational institution.
The Provisional Permission to establish a new high school and to open English Medium Class VIII in St. Mary’s with effect from 1/3/1986 was given by Mr. N Kalita, Director of Secondary Education Assam. Again the Provisional Departmental Recognition for Class VIII was received for two year in 1987.
The First Batch of Assamese Medium Matric Students
In 1987 the first batch of Assamese Medium students numbering 14 appeared for the HSLC Examination out of which 7 of them came out successfully. The school received permission to open English Medium Class IX in 1988 and Class X in 1989.
The First Batch of English Medium Matric Students
On 29th March 1989 the first batch of English Medium students numbering 16 appeared the HSLC Examination. The school secured cent percent result. In 1990, the school received the Provisional Recognition up to class X for a period of one year. Finally, St. Mary’s School Dibrugarh was recognized by the Board of Secondary Education Assam in January 1991 Vide Memo No. SEBA/PER/DIB/3/88/9152 – 60 dated 10/4/1992. Sr. Lucy Joseph and Sr. Mary Sebastian left no stone unturned to obtain recognition for the school.
The growth and progress of the school necessitated new ventures. The management decided to construct another building in order to facilitate better functioning of St.Mary’s school. Accordingly on 31st January 1998 the foundation was laid for the Golden Jubilee Memorial building. The past history gives us a glimpse of the difficulties and challenges involved in the foundation and development of the institution.
Upgradation to St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School
In 2013, our school was elevated to a Higher Secondary institution, introducing streams in Commerce and Arts. This significant milestone in our institution’s journey marks the upgradation of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Dibrugarh. This transformation heralds a new era of educational excellence and expanded opportunities for our students, equipping them to face future challenges with confidence and competence.
School Today
Today, St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Dibrugarh, which accommodates both Assamese and English mediums on the same campus, boasts 2200 students and a host of well-qualified and experienced teachers. The school not only imparts knowledge through course materials but also plays a pivotal role in character building. It strives to provide students with opportunities to excel in various spheres of activity, including academics, social engagement, culture, sports, and games. The students have consistently held the school’s banner high with their outstanding performances in diverse arenas. We are profoundly thankful to God Almighty for the copious graces and blessings bestowed upon our institution over the past 75 years.
