Our Rich Heritage

A Coastal Legacy

Poonthura, a coastal area adjacent to Trivandrum city, stands as a testament to religious harmony, where a blend of diverse faiths coexists in tranquility. This unique blend of religious diversity is a defining characteristic of the community, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Notably, Poonthura is also home to the esteemed St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, which serves as a beacon of enlightenment for the entire population.

The school has played a pivotal role in fostering community development, acting as a catalyst for positive change and progress within the region. Its influence extends beyond academic pursuits, enriching the lives of all who reside in this vibrant coastal locale. In this region, the primary occupation revolves around fishing and historically a large portion of the population has grappled with illiteracy. However, there existed a profound collective aspiration to provide education for the forthcoming generations, a goal that hinged on the support of the church and the local school.

From a Thatched Shed to Recognition

The school was established in 1910, initially housed in a modest thatched shed. Given the prevailing conditions of high illiteracy and burgeoning population, the government intervened, elevating the school to the status of a recognized aided institution of the primary level. Notably, Shri. Parameswaran Pilla served as the headmaster figure at the helm of this educational initiative, dedicating relentless efforts to propel the school to greater heights.

At its inception, the school faced a dearth of students, compelling teachers to venture to the seashore to encourage children to attend. This outreach was essential as families traditionally involved their children in fishing activities, thereby diverting their focus from formal education. However, with time, a transformative shift emerged as education began to alter the prospects and aspirations of the youth in the community.

The Noble Vision

In the year 1910, a transformative initiative was taken by Goan priest Fr. Nassiyan and assistant priest Joseph Pereira. Their dedicated efforts were pivotal in elevating the school's stature. The initial benefactors included the RC School Corporate Manager whose strategic support propelled the institution to new heights, etching their names into the early annals of its rich history.

The educational haven, born out of a noble vision, transcended its original purpose, attracting students from diverse religious backgrounds. The community, densely populated and grappling with the arduous challenges of life, found solace in the promise of education. However, as the region's population burgeoned, the struggle for basic needs intensified, leading to social unrest and palpable struggles faced by the community.

Amidst these challenges, the lack of education emerged as a glaring issue, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the local people. Recognizing the urgent need for educational intervention, the government, in a significant move in 1980, took decisive steps to initiate the establishment of more schools in the region.

1980: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

The tale is one of resilience, community spirit and the unwavering commitment to providing a path to enlightenment for all, transcending the boundaries of region and background. After completing primary and middle education, many students faced the harsh reality of poverty, causing them to halt their academic pursuits. Some sought education in city schools, while a majority, constrained by financial constraints, turned to their traditional occupation of fishing.

During this period, the persistent efforts of Church Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalvus and the RC Corporate Management bore fruit as they petitioned to elevate the school to a high school status. Their request found favor with the government and the honorable Education Minister Shri Baby John laid the foundation stone for the high school block. On March 24th, 1980, the Right Reverend Jacob Acharuparambil inaugurated the high school block, marking a significant milestone in the school's journey. Under the capable leadership of Shri. PT Cherian, the school flourished as a high school.

2000: A New Millennium

In the year 2000, the school achieved yet another milestone by being granted the status of a higher secondary school. Smt. Latha teacher served as the school principal and A B Dettin took charge as the headmaster of the high school, steering the institution into a new era of academic excellence. The honorable minister Antony Raju, played a pivotal role in spearheading the efforts to elevate our school to a higher secondary status.

Today with our fishermen community, every family proudly boasts a higher secondary student. This transformation has borne fruit, witnessing the emergence of numerous engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers and other IT professionals, who now contribute their expertise to various corners of the world. As our school approaches its 113th year, I take immense pride in declaring my association with Poonthura, a community that has successfully nurtured talents that have excelled globally.