Rabindra Pokharel

Kathmandu:

It must have been a nostalgic moment of cherished memories for the ex-students of St Mary’s at the photo exhibition with glimpses of good old bygone days on display, dating back as long as 50 years. St Mary’s to mark the initial celebrations of completing 50 glorious anniversaries put up the photo exhibition. Ex-students of the school, now playing leadership roles in and outside Nepal, attended this special occasion of the successful completion of 50 uninterrupted years. The photographs ranged from sisters as students to old students engaged in different extra-curricular activities. The most prominent of ones were a big portrait with Sr Margaret Mary, principal of, receiving the highest accolades in appreciation of her service by king Gyanendra.

On realising the acute need to impart quality education to girls, after the successful establishment of St Xavier’s in 1951 an invitation was extended by His Majesty’s Government to begin the school in Nepal. Ensuing negotiations between sisters from Patna with the Ministry of Education, formally received the permission to establish St. Mary’s school on 15 February 1955. St Mary has a long history of over 500 years spread across different parts of the globe. The institution since its inception has been accommodating students from all strata of social structure irrespective of status, caste, creed and religion. The school follows the curriculum set by the ministry of education. Initially begun with a handful of students the school now boasts a massive strength of 1850 students. The school over the years have branched out to Pokhara, Gorkha, Jhamsikhel and Lubhu. It is no less appreciative of the school to endeavour in delivering education to the marginalised section of children. The branches at Jhamsikhel and Lubhu were initiated with the same motto. Now that the students, parents, ex-students and friends of the school are making contributions these two schools have the strength of 550 students. St Mary’s school also has a provision of scholarship for the needy and ASMAN, Association of St Mary’s Alumni Association of Nepal takes care of the sponsorships. Apart from imparting quality education these students at Jhamsikhel are also provided foods for free.

The old building of St Mary’s, which has been recognised as one of the nation’s premier institutions, is being demolished, because of structural failure. The inauguration of the new building is part of the jubilee celebrations planned by the school administration.