Establishment of St. Joseph’s English Medium School in Sagara
Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, on the breathtaking fringes of the Western Ghats, is the peaceful town of Sagara. Renowned for its calm ambiance and abundant natural splendor, Sagara is a prominent town in the area. To address the requirements of government officials and transferable employees in this picturesque town, a primary school with English as the medium of instruction was suggested. Approval was granted by the Deputy Director of Public Instruction on July 1, 1968, resulting in the founding of St. Joseph’s English Medium School(now popularly known as St joseph convent) in 1969 as a complementary section to the existing Kannada-medium school. Sr. Pascalia, the Headmistress of the Kannada-medium higher primary school, also formally supervised the English-medium section. The cornerstone for the new school building was consecrated and laid by Fr. Augustine Fernandes.
Expansion and Reconstruction
On May 2, 1980, Mother Gemma, then Superior General, led the demolition of the old school building to pave the way for a new one. Bishop Alphonsus Mathias blessed the foundation stone for the English-medium school’s ground and first floors on October 6, 1980. As the Kannada-medium school’s enrollment grew, classroom shortages led to the first floor of the English-medium section being reassigned to Kannada-medium classes in 1983.
Modern Developments and Achievements
In 2006, Sr. Tressy took the reins as Superior and Headmistress of the English-medium school, marking a new era with the introduction of an additional section in 2007. This strategic move expanded the school’s capacity, catering to a growing demand for quality education.
Under Sr. Susan’s visionary leadership, the school’s standards soared to new heights. Her tenure saw significant improvements, transforming the institution into a well-equipped and esteemed establishment. Today, the school stands tall, reflecting its commitment to excellence.
The students consistently shine in academics and extracurricular activities, bagging top honors at state and national levels. With Sr. Simon at the helm as Superior and Headmistress, the school continues its upward trajectory, steadfastly pursuing the Bethany Educational Society’s mission and objectives.