Sr M Nynette DSouza BS
Superior
Members of the Community
Convent building
Hostel Children
Come and see candidates
Serving in the Slums
Women empowerment training programme
St Joseph’s Convent Bathinda, Punjab, (Simla-Chandigarh Diocese) was the first Bethany Community in North India. Among the eight sisters who pioneered the mission in North India in 1961, Mother Gemma, Sr Florence and Sr Benilda were assigned Bathinda mission. When they reached Bathinda on 8 January 1961, they were welcomed by Fr Rinatto Lucian Baretto, the Parish Priest, and a few Catholics. Bathinda, being one of the largest railway junctions in Asia, had a few Catholics working there. Most Rev. John Burke, the Bishop of Simla, who invited the Bethany Sisters to his diocese, wanted the sisters to extend pastoral care to these Catholics besides starting an English Medium School.
When the sisters reached Bathinda on 8 January 1961 Shri Bhai Sher Jang Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda, had made elaborate arrangements for the sisters’ stay at the Rest House. Without much delay they swung into action and having enjoyed the hospitality of the Deputy Commissioner, on 11 January the sisters moved to a rented house at A7 Civil Lines, Bathinda, which became the first convent and school. This Convent and School at Bathinda was inaugurated on 12 January 1961 by the Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda, and blessed by Rt Rev John Burke, the Bishop of Simla. Mother Gemma was the first Superior and Principal.
Right from the beginning the large hearted Punjabis poured down their bountiful hospitality on the sisters and the school expanded rapidly. The residents of Civil Lines considered the sisters as their own family members. The development of the convent and school is intertwined.
A Big Leap
Supported by the Finance Commissioner of Punjab, the Congregation bought a plot of land where the foundation stone of the school building was laid on 8 September 1963. Step by step in a phased manner the whole campus took shape to the present colossal structure. On 15 July 1971 the construction of a separate convent building was also completed. A boarding to cater to the educational need of the villagers offered facility for 250 boarders. The impact of this institution in providing quality education to the surrounding districts is tremendous.
Initially the school was affiliated to Punjab Education Board and later on in 1975 switched over to Central Board of Secondary Education Delhi. That the students obtained State and All India ranks and teachers being National Awardees speak for the quality education provided.
The school has shaped outstanding personalities who provide value based leadership in various quarters. Astounding performance in the field of sports is the hall mark of this institution. Technology assisted education is the trait of St Joseph’s. Laying appropriate emphasis on moral, academic and co-curricular activities, education at St Joseph’s is holistic in nature. There are 3300 students on the roll. St Joseph’s Convent School is a symbol of dedication and courage of the Bethany Sisters
Extension Programme and Punjabi Medium School
Large number of extension programmes is carried on by the sisters. Education at St Joseph’s Convent school goes beyond the school walls. From the initial stage onwards village development programme and medical services have been undertaken with trained Social and Medical workers assisting in it. Today, 18 villages and three slums are privileged to have SHG programme, Domestic workers forum, Children’s Parliament and Kishori group that trains teen agers to be responsible adults. Village exposure programmme creates a social consciousness in the students.
The Punjabi Medium School started in 1963 in the same campus is a boon for the less privileged. Reservation for economically backward students in the English Medium School is also one of the core values of St Joseph’s. At present the hostel facility covers only the economically backward.
Other features: Pastoral work, Bethany Champions, Bethany Lay Associations and formation of candidates are some other areas of sisters’ service.
The Regional branch of Bethany Social Service Society started in 1997 imparts job oriented courses to the women.
The Motto of the School
The motto of the school is God is our strength. It guides the staff and students never to give up in times of stress and difficulties but to depend ultimately on the strength that comes from God to face the vicissitudes of life.
St Joseph’s Convent and School have completed the Silver, Golden and Emerald Jubilee and is marching to the Diamond Jubilee rendering value based education, pastoral care and developmental activities in the villages. Sr Helen D’ Costa is the present Principal of the English Medium School and Sr Natal Patil, the Principal of Punjabi Medium School. Sr Nynette is the current Superior of the Convent.
Year of establishment on :12 .01.1961