History
Gondal is very famous for its then King Maharaja Bhagvatsinhji who was a true educationist. His town planning and education system was very famous among all the kings of Saurashtra region in his time. He was very big supporter of girl education. He believed in free and compulsory primary education.
The progressive history of St. Mary’s School, Gondal has already wheeled through a span of 30 years.In 1979 the representatives of the people of Gondal, had approached Rt. Rev. Dr. Jonas Thaliyath CMI. Bishop of Rajkot and requested him to start an English Medium school at Gondal. At the request of Bishop Jonas, Franciscan Clarist sister of Malabar province agreed to assist in the administration of the school.
Thus on August 11,1979 St. Mary’s School was inaugurated and classes were conducted in Balashram, an orphanage run by the Gondal municipality. Rev. Fr Paul Vithayathil was the manager of the school and Sr. Recy was the first principal.
The Pioneers
In the first year two classes of L.K.G and 1 class of H.K.G were started. Sr. Lily Jose, Sr. Rose Tom, Ms. Luci were the first class teachers.
School Building
First Group Photo
The initial period of school was a struggling period as Govt. recognition was to be taken. The construction of School building and purchase of furniture and equipments was also a big challenge for the institution. In 1982 school got permission for std. 1st and 2nd which proved the proverb that ‘Where there is Will there is a Way’. During the challenging period some of the leading people of the town namely Acharya shri Ghanshyamji Vyas, Shri Govindbhai Desai, Dr. Manubhai Matravadia, Prof. J. R. Vaghasiya, Shri Dhaneshbhai Jatakia, Shri Shirishbhai Joshi and Shri Mohanbhai Sojitra gave very good support.
In 1981 the school was shifted to M. B. College building as accommodation was now not possible in Balashram. At last on 18/09/1983 a land was purchased for school’s own building and foundation stone was laid by the municipal president Shri Govinbhai Desai and the construction was started. The school was shifted from M. B. College to the new building in 1985.
At present the school has strength of more than 2000+ student with 60+ Well -qualified staff with sound methodology of teaching caliber promotes excellent result every year.
This school has been achieving good result continuously in S.S.C Board Exams due to the co-operation of the staff and the principal. It gives encouragement that a good number of parents take keen interest in the studies and other activities of their children by paying regular visits to the school.
St. Mary’s School having number of well wishers, who kindly co-operate with school management, which flourish this temple of wisdom and develop in Gondal city.