The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny founded in France by Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey on 12th May 1807 rapidly expanded its missionary adventure to overseas. In 1827 during the Founder’s life time, Sr. Rosalie Javouhey, sister of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey was sent to Pondicherry for this purpose. Gradually, it spread its wings to other French Territories in India.
Not acclimatized to the tropical climate on the plains, the health of the Sisters from abroad suffered much, toiling under trying conditions in schools, hospitals, leprosarium, orphanages and dispensaries. This necessitated change, recuperation and rest in temperate ambience. So, it was, Yercaud, situated in the captivating Shevaroyan Hills, famous for its salubrious cool climate and scenic beauty welcomed the Sisters with open arms to establish a holiday home.
Thus, after 67 years of the Sisters’ arrival in India, on 16th August in 1894, the community of the Sacred Heart at Yercaud known as SHY was officially inaugurated in a small bungalow which served as a holiday home with a dispensary and a Tamil medium school for the natives annexed to it.. The two pioneers Sr. Valdebert Kelley (Irish) and Sr. Gertrude Banz (Swiss) were later joined by more sisters.
At the earnest request of several European residents of Yercaud who applied for lessons in languages (English and French), Music, Painting, Singing, Embroidery and Tuition for children, an English Medium School was opened soon after. By December 1896, there were 32 pupils, of whom 19 were boarders. Creating an atmosphere of love, warmth and friendship, the students from varied and often difficult backgrounds were being looked after, cared for, and prepared for life by these committed pioneer sisters.
Hence, Education became the main apostolate of the Sisters with students appearing for Cambridge Examination. In 1908, the school was granted government recognition affiliating it to Anglo – Indian Board of Education. Still maintaining its identity under the Anglo – Indian School Board, we had to fall in line with the Common Syllabus and Examination with the adoption of Uniform Scheme of Education in State since June 2011. Though the school had adopted Higher Secondary section in 1978, it had to be discontinued in 2000 due to various reasons. Thankfully, it has regained its status as Higher Secondary school since 2018.
Apart from maintaining excellence in education, attention to imparting moral and religious values was given prime importance. Earning the title of a prestigious residential school, boys and girls and from abroad and India were admitted. As the rush for admissions of girls increased, we were compelled to discontinue admitting boys to primary classes since 1991. Treading in the footsteps of the Foundress and the pioneers, those sisters who followed continue to be committed in imparting quality education to the young generations over the past 12 years.
Together with a devoted band of 30 lay staff and assisted by 72 domestic workers of whom about 30 are residents, we create an atmosphere of ‘ a home away from home’ for all the children entrusted to our care. In every department, there is a Sister in charge of maintenance. All through the hours of the day or night, children are under the watchful care of Sisters.
As there was a need to construct the new dormitories for our boarders, and spacious class rooms for students, demolition of some of the already existing buildings were unavoidable. This dream came into a reality with the Blessing of Newly built Dormitories in the year 2010. Also the majestic and spacious Newly built School and Administrative Blocks were blessed and inaugurated on February 01, 2019. These beautiful structures, big and spacious are built with care and attention to the satisfaction of our students and their parents.
Founded in 1994, at the time of SHY’s Centenary year, we have a strong and active alumni Association known as SPSA ( SHY Past Students Association) At present, it has 1544 members comprising of old boys and girls, with one of the Sisters as its President. It enables the alumni to keep in touch with the Sisters, Staff, School and Class mates through its Annual Newsletter ‘Echoes from SHY’, regular committee meetings, Annual General Body Meetings , Reunions and Batch Get Together organized with great enthusiasm by the members themselves. They flock in large numbers during Sports Meet and Prize Days held annually, reminiscing their bygone days.
Over the years, the school has evolved its curriculum to stay current with educational trends, thus introducing CBSE curriculum in 2019. The school is now affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education from KG to XII.
The school has undergone significant changes in its physical infrastructure, with the construction of new buildings, modern classrooms and has integrated advanced technology into its educational practices including smart classrooms and interactive learning tools. Continuous efforts have been made to invest in introducing new subjects, well equipped labs, updated library and extracurricular activities to provide high quality education.
SHY offers ample opportunities to all its students for the multifaceted and integral development of their talents and to build up a matured and good personality with moral and human values, fit to exercise their function in the society as Ambassadors, Civil and Foreign Administrators, Journalists, Engineers, Doctors Professionals, Entrepreneurs and many other roles.