St. Thomas HSS, Poonthura
- Status: Higher Secondary School
- Principal: Barnabas
- Contact Number: 2380183 , 9446719583
- Website:
About the school
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 a home to the esteemed St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, which serves as a beacon of enlightenment for the entire population. 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.
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 of 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 trans formative shift emerged as education began to alter the prospects and aspirations of the youth in the community.
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 and the ensuing frustration among the people led to riots fuelled by personal motives and needs turned to social unrest. A series of unfortunate events led to sporadic bouts of violence and social unrest, painting a vivid picture of 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. This crucial intervention aimed not only to alleviate the immediate challenges but also to pave the way for a brighter and more educated future for the community.
In essence, the journey of this school encapsulates a narrative of evolution, from its humble beginning as a haven for fishermen's children to beacon of education fostering unity in diversity. 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 favour with the government and the honourable 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.
This marked a notable advancement in the institution's commitment to education. 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 honourable 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 b o a s t a h i g h e r s e c o n d a r y s t u d e n t . T h i s transformation has borne fruit, witnessing the emergence of numerous engineers, doctors,n u r s e s , t e a c h e r s , l a w y e r s a n d o t h e r I T professionals, who now contribute their expertise to various corners of the world.Many of these accomplished individuals are also making significant contribution within our own country. As our school approaches its 113th year, I take immense pride in declaring my association with Poonthura,a community that has not only embraced education but has also successfully nurtured talents that have excelled globally.Sidny Barns completed his primary education before joining BNV School for high school, where he secured the 1st rank in Kerala. He pursued engineering and later he retired as a Flight Colonel Officer. Currently he resides in Bangalore. Notable alumni from the institution include gazetted officers such as M S Fernandez, A .Daniel and Solomon.Jona Nazreth, the first MBBS holder, became a scientist in America and now owns a hospital in Chennai.
Other distinguished individuals who emerged from this institution include honourable Transportation Minister Antony Raju & Mayor P Maxvel.