ST. BEDE'S THE SCHOOL OF OUR HEARTS

The seeds for the growth of this Institution was sown in 1907 with six classes: Standard II to Standard VII, and with Rev. Fr. M.I. Anacleto as its first Headmaster. Seventeen inmates of the San Thome Orphanage who were studying in the San Thome High School were brought on to the rolls of the new School. A new boarding (The St. Bede's Boarding) was started with just three students. These, with the 35-day scholars, brought the strength of the school to 55 in the first year. The San Thome Orphanage (also started by the founder of St. Bede's) and the St. Bede's Boarding were always considered part of St. Bede's School, as their inmates were pupils of the School. Rev. Fr. M.J. Salgado was the Director of the Boarding House and Rev. Fr. D'Costa were in charge of the Orphanage.

On 5th March 1930, Lt. Col. The Hon'ble Sir George Stanley, in the presence of Lady Stanley, laid the foundation stone of the New Building and Boarding House building, which now forms part of the present Eastern Wing of our School building. In September 1930, St. Bede's got a Bus "The Old Grunter".

In 1952, the two Dioceses of Madras and Mylapore were re-organized. Some portions of the old Mylapore Diocese were joined and the old Archdiocese of Madras forming the new Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore, with The Most Rev. Dr. Louis Mathias as its first Archbishop. Thus St. Bede's, which had so far been under the diocese of Mylapore, now came under the new Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In 1953, Fr. G. Lawson was appointed General Prefect and Assistant Headmaster.

When the new buildings were ready he combined the orphanage with the boarding, making a single viable institution. In 1956 the archbishop invited the Salesians of Don Bosco to take over this institution and a group of Salesians headed by Fr. Hugh Tuena as rector and Fr. John Mallon as principal took over in January 1956. Fr. Tuena visualised a private school which would serve as a "feeder school" for St. Bede's. Accordingly he purchased a spacious two-storey building across the road and dedicated this new school to St. Dominic Savio on July 15, 1957.

In June 1977, Rev. Fr. Joy Panakel left St. Bede's to become the Provincial, Economer and Rev. Fr. Clive D. Hurley was appointed Rector in his place. The school changed its academic year from January December to June May in the year 1978 and also adopted the higher secondary (Std. XI and XII) in July 1978, offering the students three groups: Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Group I; Economics, Commerce, Accountancy and Maths in Group II; and Logic, Economics, Commerce and Accountancy in Group III.

Rev. Fr. Mallon SD B further nurtured the growth of the school. I n retrospect we recall that Don Bosco matriculation school had its beginning at the Dominic Savio campus with standards V, VI & VII, as the present premises of Don Bosco was then under construction at Egmore. For a couple of years the two schools functioned together until the construction was completed.

Rev. Fr. Cyril D'Souza SDB took charge a s the next principal. He encouraged the students not only in studies but also i n games, and dramatics. He paid special attention to the physical, mental moral development of the boys.

The next principal Rev. Fr. Monteiro SDB is also remembered for the care he took in the welfare and happiness of the staff and students. He inculcated by precept and good example noble traits in the boys, for which he was loved and respected.

Under the able guidance of Rev. Fr. Forte SDB the school grew in strength and attained high standards. He introduced the house system, started a library and formed the first group of cubs. He also showed keen interest in sports.

Rev. Fr. Monteiro SDB took charge as the principal once more. By now the great influx of applications for admission necessitated the construction for two classrooms for Std. IV and V.

Bro. Zachery SDB was then deputed as the principal, under his dynamic leadership and able guidance the school improved immensely. He took great care to cater to the all round development of the boys. He encouraged them to attend athletic coaching regularly and helped students to excel in sports. There were extra curricular activities like dramatics, singing, drawing, elocution, etc. in which competitions were held and prizes and certificates awarded.

Rev. Fr. Louis SDB, was officiating as principal for two months after whom Rev. Fr. K.P. Paul SDB, took charge as principal. During his tenure the foundation for an auditorium and new class room s were laid. The P.T.A organized a star night program as a fund raising project for the construction of the new building. Rev. Fr. Paul SDB inculcated discipline in the staff and students at the same time he was gentle and considerate.

The next eminent principal was Rev. Fr. V.V. Abraham SDB; through his dynamism and meticulous planning St. Bede's grew to greater heights. The construction of the new building was completed during his tenure, he emphasized on the mission of the school in a beautiful statement, which says that St. Bede's stands for "Loving Relationships, Integrity and Excellence".

Rev. Fr. John Peter SDB, the next principal was a disciplinarian. He encouraged students to take part in sports. Athletic coaching was held at St. Bede's grounds. Gymnastic classes, table tennis coaching and summer camps were organized for students in the school. Computer science as a subject was introduced and a well equipped lab was provided and all the students from class I to V benefited from this