100th Anniversary Batch
The school was founded in 1856. Fr. Charmilliot, an Austrian Jesuit first stepped into the compound of St Paul’s as the chaplain of Our Lady of Mount Carmel chapel, that existed on these premises. From that day the Jesuits never left these premises even though their nationality might have changed. First the school had Austrian and German Jesuits fathers. Then they were replaced by the Portuguese Jesuits. Now Indian Jesuits of the Goa Province run the school.
From humble beginnings of 4 class rooms and 66 students the school has grown to over 2000 students. Though it was started primarily for the Catholics, it has opened its doors to students of all religions, castes, ethnic backgrounds and colour. Chances and opportunities to develop their talents and qualities are provided to all, whether rich or poor. Admissions are not decided on the basis of economic status or religion. At present scholarships and help are provided to those who are economically backward.
The school got its recognition on 30 November 1868 from the then Bombay University because it was part of Bombay Presidency. The first batch appeared in the Matriculation Examination in 1917. It was given government grant-in-aid already from 1917.
The school, right from the beginning, has had a very good academic record and has provided students opportunities to develop their talents in dramatics, elocution and sports. The Inspector, Mr. H. Davies wrote with great pride in 1936, “The upper classes are extremely well graded and taught, the School’s record in the Matriculation Examination being one which over a long period has entitled it to respect….The percentage of passes (24 sent up and 20 passed) is therefore 83% as against the University general average of 35% and the school stands first among the English Teaching Schools of the presidency. The best English education is given here and conversation in English is compulsory unlike the other schools in the city. Discipline in language, dressing and mannerisms is the priority of this rich institution. It has earned distinctions at ten times the average rate for the presidency and has once more secured the Latin prize.”
After the advent of the new millennium, the school has undergone a change with the long-standing principal Fr. Jacob Carvalho retiring. The school faces new challenges in retaining its rich heritage in the absence of the senior staff who all retired after completion of their tenure.
Sports
St. Paul’s has enjoyed a rich sporting history. It has been the number one soccer team by winning almost all the major soccer tournaments held here. Some of its players have also gone to participate in the nationals. Other than soccer cricket also enjoys a high position. The famous Shanbag Trophy has been won by our team several times.
Expansion
By the 1950s English education gained importance throughout the country. From St. Paul’s, Jesuit Fathers pioneered in setting up other High Schools – Vidya Mandir High School, Nesargi; Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Khanapur, and St. Xavier’s High School in Kolhapur. Later these institutions were handed to various other groups to be continued.
Reorienting goals
In 1974 a lot of rethinking was being done about education, especially in Jesuit institutions. The boarding, which had been started, had for some years a supplementary section called the orphanage, which catered to destitute children whose parents had died in the plagues or other epidemics of the time. In 1974 there was a rethinking of the hostel project when the old hostel was closed. In its place the hostel reopened its doors to the boys from the villages around. Their education is highly subsidized. In 1981 the school celebrated its 125th jubilee.
