St. Peter's Boys School

Infobox Private School
name = St. Peter's Boys School


established = 1904
type = Private, All Boys, Boarding
religion =
head_name = Principal
head = Mr. D'monte
city = Panchgani
state = Maharastra
country = India
enrollment = approx. 400 total (all boys)
faculty =
athletics =
clubs =
colors = Maroon and Gold
mascot = Phoenix
homepage = [http://www.st.peterspanchgani.org/]
motto = "Ut Prosim"

St. Peter's School is an all-boys boarding school located in Panchgani, Maharastra State, India, founded in the year 1902.

History

Origins

St. Peter’s School, Panchgani (formerly known as the European Boys’ School) was founded in 1902 and established in 1904. Initially the school was located at Kimmin’s School and later, moved to its own building (the current Main School Building) in 1904.

St. Peter's has had a long and illustrious history. Founded in the dying decades of the British Empire the school reflected the glory of one civilization and was carried forward in the re-birth of the Indian Nation. The school's aim has been to blend the best from both cultures to provide a nourishing and stimulating environment for young minds.

St. Peter’s School looks towards newer opportunities to serve in times of change and to meet the challenges of the next century. While adhering to the original purpose, the school has been open to all communities from all over the world who would like to benefit from the particular type of education and training provided.

One landmark in the history of the school was the appointment of Mr. Oswal D Bason as Principal in 1947. He filled this position until his retirement in 1974. Another important change came about in 1967 when the management of the school passed into the hands of the Society of St. Peter’s School, Panchgani.

The school runs on public school lines. It gives a liberal education that involves a sound, all-round training for the children.

The school campus covers an area of approximately 58 acres with enough playing fields to facilitate the sporting needs of the school.

The school is a boarding school, but a few day scholars are also admitted.

The Crest

The crest of the school has the mythical bird, the Phoenix, which rises out of fire below and holds the olive branch of peace.

The outstretched wings, in the crest of St. Peter's is to help us understand the goals and spirit of the Phoenix rising. The Phoenix is the symbol of hope and rebirth and because of this, the gods vowed that as long as the Phoenix lives, there is hope for mankind. In the St. Peter's Crest, the Phoenix is seen to hold an olive branch in its beak to signify that each student of St. Peter's School is a peace-maker and cherishes peace.

Ut Prosim

"Ut Prosim" is the school motto, which simply means "That I may serve" or "That I may be useful".

Principals

* 1903-1908 - Rev. Cornwill Williams, MA (Oxon)

* 1908-1919 - Rev. T. Rowan, MA, BD.

* 1919-1921 - Rev. J. Drury, MA, TCD

* 1921-1926 - Rev. V. Dunphy, MA

* 1926-1934 - Rev. A. Dixon, B.Sc.

* 1934-1947 - Rev. F. M. McKeown, MA

* 1947-1974 - Mr. O. D. Bason, MA

* 1975-1981 - Mr. Jack Timmins

* 1981-2000 - Mr. Innis, MA, M.Ed.

* 2000-2001 - Mr. K. A. Garman, B.Com, B.Ed

* 2001-2002 - Mr. R. Robinson

* 2002-2003 - Ms. M. Gilbert

* 2003-2007 - Mr. G. O. Lee

* 2007-now - Mr. D'monte

Chronology

* 1861 The earliest European settlers in Panchgani, under Mr. J. Chesson, opened negotiations with the Government for the purchase of land for a church and school.

* 1876 Mr. Samuel Brierly, late Headmaster of Bishop's School, Poona, opened a Boarding and Day School at "Elstow", Panchgani.

* 1891 The Diocesan Board of Education, Bombay, became interested and appointed the Rev. Burgess, Chaplain/Headmaster. School opened at "Preston", but closed soon after due to a law-suit over the property.

* 1895 The Rev. R. Evans, DD, was appointed by the Diocese to receive the School in "The Ark".

* 1898 Kimmins Girls' School founded by Miss A. Emilie Kimmins. Boys and girls studied together.

* 1901 Miss Mary Ashlin donated a legacy to the Colonial & Continental Church Society, London. The Society interested itself in the School at Panchgani and decided to govern the School with a Committee of Management at Bombay. Classes held in the nave of St. Peter's Church under the Rev. J. Redman. Boys housed at "Enfield" and "Albert House".

* 1904 Boys' School separates from Kimmins School. Present school buildings opened by the Rev. R. S. Heywood, Bishop of Mombasa.

* 1911 Assembly hall erected. Opened by Sir George Clark, Governor of Bombay.

* 1914 Middle Dormitory built.

* 1921 Rhodesia House and grounds purchased by the School. Death of Miss A. E. Kimmins, Founder of Kimmins Girls' School.

* 1934 Reference library constructed.

* 1937 Swimming bath constructed.

* 1940 Junior class-rooms constructed.

* 1947 India granted Independence.

* 1947 Principal - Mr. O. D. Bason, MA.

* 1950 "Maycroft" equipped for use as a school hospital.

* 1953 New kitchen built with financial assistance from the Sassoon David Trust.
* 1954 The School celebrated its Golden Jubilee (1904-1954). The dining hall was opened by the Rt. Rev. W. Q. Lash, Bishop of Bombay and Chairman of the Board of Governors.

* 1958 The "Albert House" estate was purchased at a cost of Rs. 75,000.

* 1959 "Maycroft" was purchased at a cost of Rs. 25,000.

* 1960 The School ceased to accept Government grants. "Flora House" was converted into a hostel. Gas was installed in the School kitchen.

* 1961 Modern sanitation was installed in School House. The School passed from the management of the Commonwealth & Continental Church Society to that of the Bombay Diocesan Society. A tablet commemorating the change was erected in the Assembly Hall. Maycroft Cottage was demolished and rebuilt at a cost of Rs. 10,000.

* 1962 Mr. J. L. Davis completed 25 years service at the School and was presented with a gold medal in appreciation of his services.

* 1963 An appeal for funds towards the cost of a new building to celebrate the School's Diamond Jubilee was launched. Fire in Principal's house.

* 1964 Work commenced on the new building. Estimated cost: Rs. 325,000. The School celebrated its Diamond Jubilee (1904-1964). The Rt. Rev. Christopher Robinson, Bishop of Bombay, unveiled a tablet to commemorate the occasion.

* 1966 Jubilee Hall completed.

* 1967 The Bombay Diocesan Trust Association hands over the management of St. Peter's School to the Society of St. Peter's School, Panchgani.

* 1968 Earthquake rocks Panchgani. Maycroft, Hill View and part of the kitchen are razed to the ground.

* 1969 Maycroft and Hill View cottages reconstructed while the kitchen is repaired.

* 1974 Mr. O. D. Bason retires as Principal after an innings of twenty seven years.

* 1974 Bason Hall dormitory and staff quarters constructed.

* 1975 Mr. Jack Timmins assumes the office of Principal.

* 1975 The St. Peter's School, Panchgani, Old Boys' Association is formed.

* 1980 Rhodesia renamed to Junior House on the Independence of Rhodesia.

* 1980-1981 Lower Field Stadium embankment is constructed - work incomplete.

* 1981 Mr. Timmins migrates to Australia and Mr. Morris W. Innis takes over as Principal.

* 1981 Last meeting of the Old Boys' Association.

* 1986 Mr. O. D. Bason passes away in Panchgani.

* 1987 Computer studies introduced in the school.

* 1989 Lawrence Villa purchased for Rs. 15 lakhs.

* 1993 Ground floor of Junior School block constructed.

* 1994 Latur earthquake rocks St. Peter's. Flora House and Albert House are badly damaged.

* 2000 Mr. Innis retires as Principal. Mr. K. A. Garman takes his place.

* 2001 Mr. K. A. Garman resigns and Mr. R. Robinson takes his place.

* 2002 Mr. R. Robinson resigns and Miss Gilbert is appointed Principal. Assembly Hall burns to the ground.

* 2003 Miss Gilbert is succeeded by Mr. G. O. Lee.

* 2004 Centenary Celebrations.

* 2005 New Assembly Hall dedicated.

* 2006 January Vice-Pricicipal Joe L. Davis (1968) passes away at the age of 88.

* 2007 Mr.G.O.Lee retires as a principle after 4 years

* 2007 Mr.D.D'monte assumes the office of principle

chool Houses

Ashlin House

Named After Miss Mary Ashlin

Color: Green

Motto: "labour et virtue" which means "Work is Worship"

Cornwill House

Named after the former principal Rev. Cornwill Williams.

Color: Red

Motto: "Nil Desperandum" which means "Never Despair"

Drury House

Named after the former principal Rev. J. Drury.

Color: Blue

Motto: "Facta Non Verba" which means "Action not Words"

Rowan House

Named after the former principal Rev. T. Rowan.

Color: White/Black

Motto: "Uno Animo" which means "United we Stand, Divided we Fall"

Cock House Winners

* 1979 Rowan House
* 1981 Rowan House
* 1982 Rowan House
* 1983 Rowan House
* 1994 Drury House
* 2000 Ashlin House
* 2001 Drury House
* 2002 Cornwill House
* 2003 Cornwill House
* 2004 Cornwill House
* 2005 Rowan House
* 2006 Rowan House
* 2007 Ashlin House

Present House Masters

Ashlin House Mr.S.Salvi

Cornwill House Mr.S.Mane

Dury House Mr.M.Sakharia

Rowan House Mr.C.Gaynor

Notable alumni

* Freddie Mercury: Lead singer of British rock band Queen.
* Farid Amiri (Rowan House): Bollywood actor
* Bharat Mulchandani (Cornwill House), 1971 batch; Businessman

External links

* [http://www.st.peterspanchgani.org/ St. Peter's School Official Site]
* [http://www.utprosim.org/ St. Peter's School Alumni Website]
* [http://stps.50webs.com/ St. Peter's School Unofficial Website]
* [http://www.peterites.com/ St. Peter's School Batch of 1984 Website]