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St. Peter's School, Panchgani

Coordinates: 17°55′16″N 73°47′35″E / 17.92111°N 73.79306°E / 17.92111; 73.79306
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St. Peter's Boys School
Location
Map
Panchgani
,
Maharashtra

India
Coordinates17°55′16″N 73°47′35″E / 17.92111°N 73.79306°E / 17.92111; 73.79306
Information
TypePrivate, all boys, boarding
MottoUt Prosim
Established1904
PrincipalWilfred Noronha
Enrollment400 boys
Color(s)Maroon and gold
MascotPhoenix
WebsiteSt. Peter's School, Panchgani

St. Peter’s School, Panchgani (formerly known as the European Boys’ School) is an elite all-boys boarding school located in the town of Panchgani in Maharashtra in Western India. The school was founded in 1904. The school campus covers an area of approximately 58 acres (23 ha) with enough playing fields and ample provision for sports in all its branches. It is essentially a boarding school, but a few day scholars are also admitted. The school runs on public school lines. It gives a liberal education that involves a sound, all-round training for the children.

According to the school's website, St. Peter’s provides a nurturing environment to actualize the potential of the students to effectively face the challenges that life may throw at them. The school stresses upon the skills of decision making, time management, creative and critical thinking, problem solving, academic achievement and developing a sense of commitment within a holistic educational environment. Simultaneously, St. Peter’s upholds traditional Indian values and culture.

History

Origins

Founded in the dying decades of the British Empire, the school reflected the glory of one civilization and was carried forward in the rebirth of the Indian Nation. The school has successfully blended the best from both cultures to provide a nourishing and stimulating environment for young minds. St. Peter’s School, Panchgani (formerly known as the European Boys’ School) was founded in 1902. The school was located at Kimmins School in its early stages. After receiving a generous donation from Miss Mary Ashlin, the school was finally established in 1904 and moved to its own building (the current Main School Building) in 1904.

One landmark in the history of the school was the appointment of Mr. Oswal D Bason as Principal in 1947. He filled this position until his retirement in 1974. Another important change came about in 1967 when the management of the school passed into the hands of the Society of St. Peter’s School, Panchgani.

The school runs on public school lines. The school campus covers an area of approximately 58 acres (23 ha).

The Crest

The crest of the school has the mythical bird, the Phoenix, which rises out of fire below and holds the olive branch of peace.

The outstretched wings, in the crest of St. Peter's, is to help us understand the goals and spirit of the Phoenix rising. The Phoenix is the symbol of hope and rebirth and because of this, the gods vowed that as long as the Phoenix lives, there is hope for mankind. In the St. Peter's Crest, the Phoenix is seen to hold an olive branch in its beak to signify that each student of St. Peter's School is a peace-maker and cherishes peace.

School motto

The school motto is Ut Prosim, which means "That I may serve" or "That I may be useful".

Chronology

  • 1861 The earliest European settlers in Panchgani, under Mr. J. Chesson, opened negotiations with the Government for the purchase of land for a church and school.
  • 1876 Mr. Samuel Brierly, late Headmaster of Bishop's School, Poona, opened a Boarding and Day School at "Elstow", Panchgani.
  • 1891 The Diocesan Board of Education, Bombay, became interested and appointed the Rev. Burgess, Chaplain/Headmaster. School opened at "Preston", but closed soon after due to a lawsuit over the property.
  • 1895 The Rev. R. Evans, DD, was appointed by the Diocese to receive the School in "The Ark".
  • 1898 Kimmins Girls' School founded by Miss A. Emilie Kimmins. Boys and girls studied together.
  • 1901 Miss Mary Ashlin donated a legacy to the Colonial and Continental Church Society, London. The Society interested itself in the School at Panchgani and decided to govern the School with a Committee of Management at Bombay. Classes held in the nave of St. Peter's Church under the Rev. J. Redman. Boys housed at "Enfield" and "Albert House".
  • 1904 Boys' School separates from Kimmins School. Present school buildings opened by Richard Stanley Heywood, Bishop of Mombasa.
  • 1911 Assembly hall erected. Opened by Sir George Clark, Governor of Bombay.
  • 1914 Middle Dormitory built.
  • 1921 Rhodesia House and grounds purchased by the School. Death of Miss A. E. Kimmins, Founder of Kimmins Girls' School.
  • 1934 Reference library constructed.
  • 1937 Swimming bath constructed.
  • 1940 Junior class-rooms constructed.
  • 1947 India granted Independence.
  • 1947 Principal - Mr. O. D. Bason.
  • 1950 "Maycroft" equipped for use as a school hospital.
  • 1953 New kitchen built with financial assistance from the Sassoon David Trust.
  • 1954 The school celebrated its Golden Jubilee (1904–1954). The dining hall was opened by the Rt. Rev. W. Q. Lash, Bishop of Bombay and Chairman of the Board of Governors.
  • 1958 The "Albert House" estate was purchased at a cost of Rs. 75,000.
  • 1959 "Maycroft" was purchased at a cost of Rs. 25,000.
  • 1960 The School ceased to accept Government grants. "Flora House" was converted into a hostel. Gas was installed in the School kitchen.
  • 1961 Modern sanitation was installed in School House. The School passed from the management of the Commonwealth & Continental Church Society to that of the Bombay Diocesan Society. A tablet commemorating the change was erected in the Assembly Hall. Maycroft Cottage was demolished and rebuilt at a cost of Rs. 10,000.
  • 1962 Mr. J. L. Davis completed 25 years service at the School and was presented with a gold medal in appreciation of his services.
  • 1963 An appeal for funds towards the cost of a new building to celebrate the School's Diamond Jubilee was launched. Fire in Principal's house.
  • 1964 Work commenced on the new building. Estimated cost: Rs. 325,000. The School celebrated its Diamond Jubilee (1904–1964). The Rt. Rev. Christopher Robinson, Bishop of Bombay, unveiled a tablet to commemorate the occasion.
  • 1966 Jubilee Hall completed.
  • 1967 The Bombay Diocesan Trust Association hands over the management of St. Peter's School to the Society of St. Peter's School, Panchgani.
  • 1967 Earthquake rocks Panchgani. Maycroft, Hill View and part of the kitchen are razed to the ground.
  • 1969 Maycroft and Hill View cottages reconstructed while the kitchen is repaired.
  • 1974 Mr. O. D. Bason retires as Principal after an innings of twenty seven years.
  • 1974 Bason Hall dormitory and staff quarters constructed.
  • 1975 Mr. Jack Timmins assumes the office of Principal.
  • 1975 The St. Peter's School, Panchgani, Old Boys' Association is formed.
  • 1980 Rhodesia renamed to Junior House on the Independence of Rhodesia.
  • 1980-1981 Lower Field Stadium embankment is constructed - work incomplete.
  • 1981 Mr. Timmins migrates to Australia and Mr. Morris W. Innis takes over as Principal.
  • 1981 Last meeting of the Old Boys' Association.
  • 1986 Mr. O. D. Bason passes away in Panchgani.
  • 1987 Computer studies introduced in the school.
  • 1989 Lawrence Villa purchased for Rs. 15 lakhs.
  • 1993 Ground floor of Junior School block constructed.
  • 1994 Latur earthquake rocks St. Peter's. Flora House and Albert House are badly damaged.
  • 2000 Mr. Innis retires as Principal. Mr. K. A. Garman takes his place.
  • 2001 Mr. K. A. Garman resigns and Mr. R. Robinson takes his place.
  • 2002 Mr. R. Robinson resigns and Miss Gilbert is appointed Hon. Principal. Assembly Hall burns to the ground.
  • 2003 Miss Gilbert is succeeded by Mr. Gene Oscar Lee.
  • 2004 Centenary Celebrations.
  • 2005 New Assembly Hall dedicated.
  • 2006 January Vice-Pricicipal Joe L. Davis (1968) passes away at the age of 88.
  • 2007 Mr. G.O.Lee resigns as a Principal after 4 years
  • 2007 Mr. D.D'monte assumes the office of Headmaster and asked for the resignation in 2008 October
  • 2009 Mr. Niteen Salvi takes over as acting Headmaster (Offg. Headmaster )
  • 2010 Dr. Thomas Charles Williams takes over as the new Principal.Dr Thomas Charles Williams thrown out
  • 2010 Mrs. Sangita James takes over as the new Principal.
  • 2015 Mrs. Sangita James resigns as Principal after 5 years. Mr. Brian Robbins takes over as the Principal.
  • 2016 Mr. Wilfred Noronha takes over as the new Principal.[1]

School houses

  • Ashlin House, named after Miss Mary Ashlin, color: Green, motto: "Labore et virtue" which means "Work is Worship".
  • Cornwill House, named after the former Principal Rev. Cornwill Williams, color: Red, motto: "Nil Desperandum" which means "Never despair".
  • Drury House, named after the former Principal Rev. J. Drury, color: Blue, motto: "Facta Non Verba" which means "Action not Words".
  • Rowan House, named after the former Principal Rev. T. Rowan, color: White and black, motto: "Uno Animo" which means "United we Stand".

Notable alumni

References

  1. ^ http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-icse-schools-asked-to-train-students-in-yoga-for-june-21-celebration-2204833
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