1. HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

Melanmarainadu was originally belonging to Ramnad District as one of the most backward Village educationally and economically.  The students were unable to continue their studies after their middle school education.  The education of girls specially was very low. In 1980 the proposal to upgrade the R.C. Middle School as high school was raised during the period of the Headmaster Mr. Susaimuthu , at his retirement  ceremony held in the school.  As there was no high school in 8 kms Vicinity, St. Antony’s High School was upgraded.  This school became a centre for many surrounding villages.  All the students who completed their elementary education commenced their high school studies in the School.  By the effort of the elders of the Society (Village) a building was put up and began to function from 5-6-1980 onwards.   The Mandapam belonging to the Nadar community was utilized for two classes.  The then parish priest of Kazhugumalai Fr. Amalraj raised this school as High School.

            In the academic year 1980-81, Classes VI- IX started.  The school had totally 109 students.  As per the proceedings of the Director of School Education Chennai No 11554/63/81 dated 20.3.1981 recognition was granted without any aid.  Fr. P. Amalraj was the then correspondent of this high school from 5.6.1980 – 31.12.1983. Mr. M. Savariraj was appointed as Headmaster of this new school with 3 secondary grade teachers and one craft master.  The teachers worked in the following posts.

Headmaster – 1  |  B.T.Assistant – 1 |  Tamil Pandit – 1 |                                   Sec.Grade Asst. – 3  |  Craft master  – 1  |  P.E.T  – 1  |                             Offfice Asst.   – 1        Total Staffs – 9

            In 1981 -82 as per the proceedings of the Director of School Education Chennai granted permission to X STD students to write the Public Exams. Mr. Jebakani Samuel who was working as Maths Assistant from 5.6.1980 to 2.9.1982 was transferred to R.C. Joseph High School at Kazhumalai.  On 3.1.1983 Mrs. Poochammmal was appointed in the vacant post. On 1.4.1983 the Govt. granted permission to write the X public exam.

            A case was filed in Chennai High Court for the approval of the posts and sanctioning of staff grant from the starting of the school on 5.6.1980 onwards.  It was then approved with additional posts of one record clerk part time scavenger and sweeper.

            Rev. Fr. Amalan was nominated as correspondent who remained in this office from 1.1.84 – 9.6.84.  The then Headmaster Mr. Savariraj was nominated as correspondent from 10.6.1984 on 19.1.1985. The blessing of the foundation stone in the new site at Athupalam which is now called Bosco Nagar and sports day celebrations were held in the presence of  Rt. Rev. Irudayaraj the Bishop of Palayamkottai. From 8.8.1988 to 16.8.1988 Rev.Fr. Arockiasamy was the correspondent of the school

            When Virudhunagar got separated and functioned as the new district, the administration of St. Antony’s School was transferred to Arch Diocese of Madurai from 25.8.1988 due to administrative purpose.  Hence the parish priest of Sivakasi took over school administration.

            On 12.6.1989 Mr. K. Gurusamy got retired from the school. The Parish priest of Sivakasi Fr. Cyprian was the correspondent of the school from 1.9.1988 to 31.7.1993.

01.1 FIRST HEADMASTER

            Mr.J.M.Savariraj who worked as Headmaster of the school from 5.6.1980 to 31.5.1993 retired on 1.6.1993.  From 1.6.1993 to 17.8.1993 Mrs. Poochammal was incharge of the school. On 18.8.1993 Mr. Joseph Jebamalai Lawrence was appointed as headmaster of the school. On 24.6.1993 Melanmarainadu village was separated from the parish of Sivakasi, so the administration of the school was handed over to the Salesians of Chennai Province.  On 1.8.1993 Fr. Vincent Sebastian was appointed as the first Salesian Correspondent of the school.

            On 9.8.1993 In the presence of then V. F. Fr. Alphonse, the former correspondent Fr. Cyprian opened the new building of the school.  The total estimation of the school was 2.5 lakhs. 

            Mrs. Poochammal worked effectively as mathematics teacher from 10.1.1983 -12.10.1997.   The government selection committee selected her and she was relieved from duty on 12.10.1997. On 2.2.1998 Mr.Kanagaraj was appointed in the place of Mrs. Poochammal.  Correspondent Fr. Vincent went abroad for his higher studies.  From 1.10.1997 onwards Fr. Antony Joseph was appointed as the correspondent.  He remained in this office from 1.10.1997 to5.6.1998. Mr.Arockiam Craft teacher got retired on June 1998.  In his place Mr. Arul Xavier was appointed on 16.7.1998.  On 6.6.1998 Fr. Arockiaraj assumed the office as the correspondent of the high school.

 01.2 TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT TO SALESIANS

           In 1999 Chennai province was divided for better administrative reason. Hence the school came under the Salesian Province of Annai Vellanganni, Tiruchy. On 18.11.1999 foundation stone for the new school building of St. Antony’s High School was laid at Bosco Nagar.  On 1.6.1987 the first science B.T. Asst. Post was allotted and Mr. Arulsusai who was working in that post was transferred to Krishnaperi Veerama Munivar High School as headmaster on 4.7.2000.

            On 5.7.2000 Mrs. Josephine Mary was appointed in the vacant post. Mr. M. Joseph Jebamalai who was working as Headmaster from 18.3.1994 due to administrative reasons was transferred to Sundaranatchiarpuram RC Middle School and was appointed as Headmaster. From5.7.2000 onwards Sr. Magdalene FMA was appointed as Headmistress of the school.

            On 31.7.2000 onwards the administration of St. Antony’s High School was completely handed over to the Salesians of Tiruchy Province by the Archdiocese of Madurai.  Rev. Fr. James Theophilus the Salesian provincial became the Manager of the School.  Rev. Fr. Antony Joseph became the correspondent of the school from 1.9.2000.

            On 26.2.2001 the new school building at Bosco Nagar was inaugurated by Mr.& Mrs. Stanislaus(benefactors) in the presence of Rev. Fr. Theophilus, the provincial of Trichy Province and blessed by Rev. Fr. Guezou Sdb, Rev.Fr. Theophilus unveiled the bust of Mr. Duhayan (Late) the benefactor and friend of Rev. Fr. Guezou.  On the same day Fr. Guezou blessed the foundation stone for Don Bosco Boys Home.

 01.3 SHIFTING OF SCHOOL TO BOSCO NAGAR

             The High School began to function in the new building from 6.6.2001. On 24.11.2001 the Auxiliary Bishop of Arch Diocese of Madurai visited the school. Rev. Fr. Theophilus  the Provincial thanked the Arch Bishop Arockiasamy  and the Auxilary Bishop for entrusting the school to the Salesians and handing over the entire management of the three schools namely, St. Antony’s High School, R.C.Primary School Melanmarainadu and R.C.Primary School Madhankovilpatti.  On the same day Silver Jubilee of Priestly Ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop was celebrated in the school.

            On 1^st June 2003 Sr. Magdalene FMA was transferred to Vellore. In her place Fr. A. Sahayaraj Sdb took over as the first Salesian Headmaster of the school and Fr. Arockiaraj was the Correspondent of the school. In 2005 the Silver Jubilee of the School (1980-2005) was celebrated.  A new cycle shed was erected in memory of the Silver Jubilee.  In 2005 Fr. Arockiaraj Sdb was transferred to Nettur as parish priest and   Fr. Sahayaraj Sdb became Rector and Correspondent of the school.   The play grounds were prepared.  Compound wall was built. The entrance and the main gate were modified. Fr. Issac Sdb worked as the B.T Assistant for three years and went back to Chennai Province.

01.4 GROWTH OF THE SCHOOL

                  Fr. Sebastian Jacob Sdb was appointed as the Correspondent and Headmaster of the school on 24^th May 2011. Mr. L. Salvatore Amalorpavam the Junior Assistant of the School got retired in October-2011.  In his place Mr. K. Selvam from T. Mettur was appointed on November 2011. In December 2012 Mr. Inbaraj the PET master got the Physical Director post in Senkottai Government Hr. Sec. School. In his place Mr. K. Michael Doss was appointed as the PET Master with Government Salary from Feb-2013.  Mr. Ramasamy midday meals supervisor got promotion as B.T Assistant in Sivagangai District.  In his place Mrs. Poomathi the midday meals supervisor of R.C Primary school Melanmarainadu was given additional responsibility to also supervise our school midday meal scheme. Science laboratory and the computer laboratory were renovated in 2013 with the help of Fr. Dias Sdb (UK),   second cycle shed was constructed in October 2013 with the Contributions from the staff, Parents, DB Alumni, well-wishers especially the family of Mr. S. M. Savariraj.   New Kitchen for the Midday Meal Scheme and a Canteen near the gate were constructed in October 2013 with the help from the Province.  Mr. Thukkamuthu the Tamil pandit and Mr. A. Arul Xavier Craft teacher got retired in May -2014.

                     Mr. Sarkunam was appointed as the aided Tamil Pandit. Mrs. Padmavathy was appointed as the drawing teacher and given a consolidated salary as the post was yet to be approved by the Government.  Parallel English medium was started (class VI) from June 2015.The Adhyayan Review committee from Bombay had their scientific assessment in July 2015 and awarded the B grade to the school for the next two years.  Audio Visual Hall was furnished with LCD Projector and Carpet. The school building was repaired and painted in September-2015 with the help of the friends of Fr. Guezou.  The Statue of St. Antony was provided with the Cooling sheet cover along with contribution of the 2015 SSLC batch students.   A small stage was erected in the playground in March 2016. On May 2017 Fr. Amalorpavaraj Annappan Sdb, was appointed as Rector and Corresponded of the school and since Fr. Sebastian Jacob Sdb transferred in the year 2018 Fr. Antony Justin has been appointed as Headmaster of St. Antony’s High school. The noon meal kitchen and headroom of the staircase were concreted with the help from the owner of Bell hotel, Sivakasi. The hall was provided with projector and computer for e-learning with the help of ROTARY club of Sivakasi Sparklers. The existing computer lab was renovated with the help of benefactors.  It was to be used for the students of High School, primary and also for the night study students. It was also planned to put in use for youth of the neighbourhood. Mrs Subbulakshmi retired from teaching service in May 2020.

Fr Benjamin Gnanaprakasam took over as the correspondent of the school from the academic year 2021-22 onwards. The school began functioning after the covid mishap. During covid the school lost its first Salesian headmaster Fr Sahayaraj Arulkannu and the First Trichy Provincial Fr James Theophilus. The academic year began from September 2021.Mr Kangaraj retired from teaching service from May 2022.

2. SITUATION ANALYSIS

 02.1 SITUATION IN GENERAL

Salesian mission was started in 1993 with the aim of eradicating child labor in and around Sivakasi. Today there are no child labors. Although the situation has improved in general during the past few years, the exploitation continues among the landless, uneducated and poor Dalits even today. The socio-economic, political, cultural and religious situation has improved after the arrival of Salesians.

 02.2 SOCIAL SITUATION

The majorities of the poor of this area are Dalits. A change from discrimination to easy acceptance and towards treating all communities equally is seen. Dependency on the upper class and disunity among the people who are socially on a lower level adds fuel to the fire. The groups, which are socially oppressed, are Pallar, Parayar, and Arundathiar among them most exploited are women who are the voiceless and defenseless. Poverty, immorality, lack of higher education, alcoholics and the broken families are factors affecting their social situation.

 02.3 CULTURAL SITUATION

Culturally they are backward. Superstitions, craziness for Tamil cinema, false prestige are the factors pulling down the culture. They can be easily bought with money. The fear of harassment and oppression by the upper class has been reduced. Disunity among themselves, selfishness and poverty are the reasons for their exploitation. The only solemn festival is the village festival (Pongal) celebrated in the months of Pankuni and Chithrai in Tamil calendar. Deepavali is celebrated in a lower scale. Their food habits are very ordinary and simple.

 02.4 ECONOMIC SITUATION

It is a drought prone area with very little rainfall every year. It is hot and dry with calcium rock under the soil. Hence there is very little cultivation. Majority of the people encaged themselves in spinning mills, matchsticks and fireworks industries for their livelihood. It has become a blessing and a curse to this region. The children are under nourished.

02.5 POLITICAL SITUATION

People of this area are divided on the basis of caste. Hence community based political parties have taken roots. Even the national parties manipulate this situation. In general there is lack of political awareness and interest. Ignorance and poverty of the people are well made use of by the political parties for their benefit. Dalits in general are politically powerless.

 02.6 EDUCATIONAL SITUATION

Many people are illiterate and ignorant. Many of the students are of first generation learners. Of late, they have realized the importance of education of male children and not the female children. Many boys and some girls peruse Higher education in Government and private institute. The Salesians through their academic and technical institutes were able to give higher education to number of youngsters.

02.7 RELIGIOUS SITUATION

 In general, the faith of the people in our area is shallow. They are festival people. The situation has improved after the arrival of Salesians. People do appreciate our work. Their faith life has not influenced their day today life. The majority are Hindus and some Christians.

02.8 YOUTH SITUATION

Youth in general are cooperative. Many of them are incapable of realizing their potentials. Poverty, discrimination on the basis of caste and lack of education are some of the hurdles in self-realization as individuals. Unemployed educated youth today get involved in the political parties. Today they need to be guided. Hero worship and lack of adequate job opportunities are pulling down their interest in education.

Youth (boys) are not keen on writing competitive exams and getting good government jobs but show more interest in the army and in the police departments.

3. VISION STATEMENT

St. Antony’s High School, a Salesian formal educational institution in the Salesian Province of Trichy will aim at the integral education of their pupils following the method of Don Bosco which is based on the Christian vision of the human person, of life and of the world, also combines the biblical approach of St. Antony of Padua.  It enables students to be active agents of social transformation.

4. MISSION STATEMENT

 Don Bosco Melanmarinadu Confreres are committed to enliven the lives of the neglected and rural less privileged children and young people through various educative  initiatives and developmental programmes with the intention of ensuring them a better future.

We pledge to empower the young and make them strong through the life coping skills and soft skills.  We promote and protect the rights of children and young by mobilizing the public to fight against child labour and various crimes against children through awareness campaigns.

5. OBJECTIVES

Conscious of our situation and our effort to work with the young, we see the following as our priority concern.

1. Evangelize through education based on Don Bosco’s method of reason, religion and  loving kindness.  

2. Foster the overall growth and maturity of their pupils primarily by helping each pupil to discover and improve his/her physical, intellectual, emotional gifts, and developing his/her ethical sensitivity and the sense of the transcendent.

3. Teach each pupil to appreciate cultural values through an exposure to our Indian  cultural heritage.
4. Create social awareness by emphasizing liberty, justice, solidarity and peace so that  they may become agents of social transformation. 

5. Offer quality education to help their pupils develop into mature persons who are able to achieve harmonious integration of religion and life.

6. Instill religious values and respect for all religions.
7. Help the pupils to discover and realize their own goals in life.

6. DIMENSIONS

 06.1 THE DIMENSION OF THE EDUCATION TO THE FAITH

Evangelizing the people especially the youth is the fundamental objective of this mission. It is carried through the different activities of the school.

06.1.1 OBJECTIVES

1. To deepen their knowledge of Christ
2. To deepen their prayer and God experience.
3. To improve their sacramental life.
4. To create in them the taste for Holy Scriptures.
5. To improve their human and spiritual life.

06.1.2 LINES OF ACTION

• Faith education is carried out for Christians and non-Christians by conducting catechism and moral classes in the school.
• First Friday Mass is organized for all the Christian students, others are free to participate
• Daily prayers at the beginning and end of the day is regular.
• In the assembly we read a passage from the Holy Scriptures
  

06.2. THE EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL DIMENSION.

Education and evangelization are two inseparable aspects of our mission. As Salesians we are educators of the young. This mission gives priority to the education of the deprived and the unreached.

06.2.1 SITUATION ANALYSIS

People have not realized the need of higher education. Poverty and unemployment are reasons for such lack of motivation. Girl children are not encouraged to do higher study, instead made to earn money to settle them in life.

            Not many girls go for higher studies. Opportunities are provided by the government and the NGOs of this area to improve the educational situation. Lack of parental motivation and the peer group influence are the hurdles in education.

 06.2.2 OBJECTIVES

1. To educate the young of the social situation and problems.
2. To educate the Students to fight against social and cultural evils like caste system, gender inequality, superstition and negative use of media.
3. To appreciate the local culture.
4. To inculcate in the student the values of our culture.

06.2.3 LINES OF ACTION

• In the school slow learners are given special attention and taught literary skills from 4pm to 5pm.

• The 10^th students are given very special attention and are followed up very closely in their learning.
• Major Festivals are celebrated to instill in the students the value of Culture.

06.3 THE SOCIAL EXPERIENCE DIMENSION

 In every person there is a longing to belong to a particular group. Peer group influence is the strongest in every youth. It is only by coming together the youth can overcome loneliness and grow as a matured young man.

 06.3.1 OBJECTIVES

1. To form more groups of social and cultural nature.
2. To animate the existing groups better.

 06.3.2 LINES OF ACTION

1. Groups and Movements have regular weekly meeting.
2. Don Bosco eco clubs carry out awareness programme in and around the school.
3. To put into practice the 10 points green programme of the Salesian province of
4. To remove Karuvellam trees in and around the school campus and maintaining the school neat and tidy.
5. Class leaders are given animation both locally and provincial level.
6. Media clubs will be revised and competition will be organized.
7. Make use of the potential of the students in planting and maintaining trees in the campus
   

• VOCATIONAL DIMENSION

God has created every person with a purpose. The crowning goal of all our educational and pastoral activity is to guide the youngsters to that goal for which God has created them.

06.4.1 OBJECTIVES

1. To promote genuine vocation to religious life.
2. To educate the youngsters to find job, to arrange job placement activities and professional coaching.
3. To give awareness to students of carrier guidance.
   

06.4.2 LINES OF ACTION

1. Counselling facility is provided in the school to the needy students.
2. Vocation Promoters are allowed to address the Christian students.
   

7. FORMATION, ANIMATION AND INVOLVEMENT OF EPC AND EPCC MEMBERS
8. Salesians (Fr. Benjamin Gnanaprakasam, Fr.Antony Justin, Fr. Britto Francis, Bro. chinna)
9. Staff and students.
10. The PTA members.
11. Staff and lay
    

07.1 THE EDUCATIVE PASTORAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (EPCC).

MEMBERS

1. Fr. Benjamin Gnanaprakasam Sdb – Rector
2. Fr. Antony Justin Sdb – Headmaster
3. Fr. Britto Francis sdb             – Salesian
4. Bro. Chinna – Salesian
5. Mrs. Josphine Mary – AHM
6. Mrs. Jeceli Pushparani – Staff
7. Mr Sargunam – Staff
8. Mr. Savari               – PTA Ex. Member
9. Mr.   – PTA Ex. Member
10. Mr. Rajendhiran             – DB Alumni -President
11. Mrs. Priya Manimaran   – DB Alumni – Secretary

07.2 TERM OF OFFICE

• Those who come by their office remain as long as they hold that office.

PURPOSE

• To meet at least twice a year (August and January) to offer suggestions to the Rector and his council to carry out the mission effectively.
• To assist in carrying out the mission.

8. NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRY
   

We have a good rapport with the feeder elementary and middle Schools.

1. Bharathi middle School –           Appayanayankanpaty
2. R.C Primary School –           Melanmarainadu
3. Primary School                   –           Valayapatty
4. Primary School                   –           Akkaraipaty
5. Primary School                   –           Chellampaty
6. Primary School                   –           Senthatiyapuram
7. Primary School –           Korukkampatty
8. Primary School –           Kottapatti
9. 20 Supplementary educational centers
10. FORMATION, ANIMATION AND INVOLVEMENT OF SALESIAN FAMILY

             The new Staff is given formation by the community and the Academic commission of the Province. Every month animation is given to staff by the the Headmaster of the School and the correspondent once a term. The Salesian Cooperators and the Don Bosco Alumni members are involved in the educative mission. Most of the staffs are Salesian cooperators.

10. STRATEGY FOR EVALUATION / ASSESSMENT

            During the monthly staff meetings and Parents Teachers meetings our strategy is evaluated and assessed.