About the School

It was in 1952 that Late Fr. Leonard Molomo, who hailed from a simple Lepcha family in Kalimpong, came to Pakyong, Perhaps as a casual visitor in the beginning. But once he came to know the people of this place, he was deeply touched by their plight. Therefore, he decided to stay on and contribute everything he had for their welfare.

He received full support, both moral and material, form his then ecclesiastical superior, Rev. Msgr. Aurelio Gianora of Kalimpong. Fr. Molomo was fully convinced that ignorance was the root cause of all backwardness and the eradication of illiteracy was the precondition for all progress. After establishing good rapport with the local population and completing many surveys, Fr. Molomo established a village school in Namcheybong in the year 1953 with the co-operation of the people, prominent among whom were Kaila Malik, Mr. Narbir Chettri, Mr. Rajendra Prasad Chettri, Mr. Adhiklal Pradhan, Dickling Kazi, Mr. Bajendra Prasad Chettri, Mr. Gajendra Sarda, Mrs. Onkit Lucksom and Mr. Kazi Gyalpo. They are not with us today, but we are certain that their spirits are guiding us Still. May they rest in peace.
In the beginning there were only 23 students and there was only one teacher, beside Fr. Molomo. Two of them conducted classes up to standard III in temporary sheds. At first, the people were not willing to send their children to the school because they thought it was a waste of time and manpower. Fr. Molomo then started a night school for adults. The result was fantastic. Thanks to his efforts most of elderly people of this area became literate. They could read and write simple Nepali and manage practical arithmetic. This served as an eye opener to the organizers of the much publicized massive adult literacy campaign later on. They realized that illiteracy could be eradicated from our country only when at least a handful of people from each village were properly motivated and willing to give, out of love, what they had learnt to their less privileged brothers and sisters.
For the next couple of years the school made some steady progress. A few more teachers came and the number of children gradually increased. Then all felt that the new school which was to be constructed to accommodate the ever increasing numbers should be near the bazaar. This would make it more convenient for the local population. Consequently Fr. Molomo acquired a site near the bazaar and constructed a beautiful ‘ikra’ building according to the prevailing standards of the time. Cement and other materials for it were carried on foot all the way from Gangtok! The new structure was completed in 1956. The late Maharaja of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal inaugurated it in the same year. The former late Chogyal Thendup Namgyal and Mr. Rustomji were among the few dignitaries who attended the function.
The Mission School, which was run by the Scottish Mission in Pakyong, was merged with this school in the same year. Although it was upgraded to a Junior High School with about 140 children on the rolls. In addition to the strenuous schoolwork, Fr. Molomo also undertook social work in the fields of adult literacy and family medical care. That is why people remember him with gratitude and affection even today. In 1962, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Darjeeling was canonically constituted. It included Sikkim and the District of Darjeeling under its ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The first Bishop of the newly formed diocese, Late Rev. Dr. Eric Benjamin became our patron and guide. Under his able leadership we were able to make greater progress.In 1964, Fr. Molomo was transferred to Todey and Late Rev. Fr. A. Namchu took over and stayed with the school for six years. During this period, for the first time, various sports and games were introduced and the commendable achievements by the institution in these need no special mention.
After him Rev. Fr. Marcus Yonzon was in charge for about two years. In 1971, Late. Fr. Joseph Kunnath took over the reigns. The school administration was at distinct disadvantage as they were not living in the campus itself. The Father’s residence was far out in Namchepong. They used to walk the distance in the morning and after the strenuous job of teaching the whole day tread back home. Therefore, Fr Kunnath insisted on shifting the residence to a suitable place near the school. Late Frs. Gex Collet and Joe Hofstetter of St. Augustine’s school, Kalimpong offered their wholehearted support to this idea and were generous to finance the whole project. This task was completed in 1972.
Separate Primary Block
As the number of children in the school increased, there was need to construct a separate primary section. This was completed in 1976 and His Eminence Cardinal Picachy, Archbishop of Calcutta, was gracious to bless and dedicate it to the people of Sikkim in October of the same year. It was in 1978 that Fr. Felix Baretto was sent to help out Fr. Joseph Kunnath. Fr. Felix, later, took over from him when the latter was transferred to Gangtok in 1979. It was during his tenure, in 1978, that the name of the school was changed from R C School to St. Xavier’s School. He got the school recognized by the Council for the ISCE in 1979. Before that our students were appearing for Madhyamik Pariksha from St. George’s High School in Pedong. He also started the foundation of the present school building in November 1980: Rev. Fr. George D’Souza replaced him in January 1981 with a special mandate and instruction. With him started a new era in the history of St. Xavier’s School, Pakyong.

After initial difficulties, he gave a new vision and orientation to the school. It was during his tenure, in 1985, that the school became the first school in the hills to see computers introduced, to have professional coaching in the field of sports and games. NCC, Boy Scout, Girls Guides and 6 other clubs gave the students opportunities to develop all their potential. He also completed the present building and saw that a multi – purpose hall was built on top of it. The laboratories also came up during his time. Gradually he saw to the introduction of ISC Streams also. Throughout his tenure he had his own share of difficulties, but he was well supported by Fr. Clement Tirkey, Fr. Sylvester Crasta, the Staff, the Parents and well wishers of Pakyong.
In 1990 Fr. George D’Souza was replaced by Fr. Felix Baretto as the Principal. Till his transfer in July 1999, he did the work of consolidation. Commerce was introduced in the school during his time. Since it was difficult to oversee the management of primary and secondary together, a new primary school building was built and the primary section was shifted to the present place.
In 1997 Fr. Clement Tirkey, who was a support to many a Principal and had served as the Hostel Superintendent and Vice Principal was transferred to Siliguri. He had served the institution for 16 years.
He was replaced by Fr. Lawrence Monteiro, as the Vice Principal, who served in that capacity till May 2002. The institution is also grateful to Fr. Sylvester Crasta, who served this Institution initially as Vice Principal and then as Hostel Superintendent and Treasurer from 1982 till 1999. I was privileged to continue his good work.
Rev. Fr. Fintan Moktan, came as the Principal in July 1999, and after him Fr. Felix and Rev. Fr. Arthur Rasquinha, S.J served as the Principals for short durations. Fr. Gerard Lepcha became the Principle in 2003. In the year 2013 Fr. Francis X Banerjee took over as the principal. Under his stewardship the school is developing in every field. In order to give more facilities to the students, a new block is under construction which is hoped to be operational from the year 2018. All the class rooms are fully digitalized the whole school and hostel campus is under CCTV surveillance. The school is indebted to the Govt. of Sikkim specially to the Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamlig for constructing the stadium in the school ground.
Most of the children of the school at present hail from villages only. Many of them are from families that have very little educational background. In spite of this and many other limitations, we have been able to build up a fairly good academic standard. In games, sports and other cocurricular activities, it is second to no other institution.
The School has weathered very many storms and experienced many a tough time in its short existence. Those who were with the school in these times would vouch for it. The theme of the Jubilee Year Celebration “…and miles to go…” constantly keeps us reminding that the mission and the vision of the school have not finished as yet. The school has to go back to its roots, history and the vision of its pioneers and carve out a future for itself. I see that in the past this institution had been a trendsetter in many aspects of education in Sikkim and also in the hills. One needs to realize this and be imaginative, inventive and also courageous to continue this trend. We need to prepare our wards to stand up to the challenges of the coming days. In the past this institution had seen dedication, determination and discipline translated into excellence. This has to be kept up. The erosion of value system in the society has also taken its toll in students and teachers alike. This institution had always imparted value – based education. We need to rededicate ourselves to a good value system, which will only make our students happy and contented in the days to come.
Then only our school motto “For God and Country” will be lived and fulfilled creating good followers of Good and worthy citizens of the country. As for me I am an optimist. For me this institution holds a lot of promise. It is left for us, who are presently part of this institution, to fulfill these unfulfilled dreams, to implement the pending plans and to realize the goals and visions of our predecessors. The history of St. Xavier’s School, is not a history of Fathers, Brothers and Sisters. But they are the hinges on which the all the historical events and landmarks revolve. We cannot think of them without the staff and students who worked with them and gave their best. The Government of Sikkim and the people of Pakyong have also played important roles and will continue to do so.

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