Principal's Message

The year 2025 marks a historic milestone in the annals of St. Mary’s Secondary School as we celebrate seventy years of dedicated service in the field of education. It was indeed a matter of proud privilege and great honour for the entire St. Mary’s family to commemorate this Platinum Jubilee in the gracious presence of the Rt. Hon’ble Ram Chandra Paudel, President of Nepal. His esteemed presence affirmed the vital role of education in nation-building and acknowledged the significant contribution of St. Mary’s to the progress of our beloved country, Nepal.

The inspiring journey of St. Mary’s began in 1955. After St. Xavier’s School was well established by the Jesuit Fathers, the nation felt the need for an equally strong institution for girls. In response, His Majesty’s Government, through Fr. Marshall Moran, invited the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBMV) in Patna to open a school in Lalitpur. The invitation was graciously accepted, and thus commenced the remarkable story of St. Mary’s Secondary School. Rooted in the educational vision of Mary Ward, the pioneering woman of the 17th century who courageously advocated formal education for girls, the school was founded on the conviction that education must form not only the intellect but also the heart.

What began as a humble initiative grounded in faith and courage has grown into one of the most respected institutions in Nepal’s educational landscape. The journey of seventy years was not without challenges. There were hardships and hurdles, yet through perseverance, prayer, and committed leadership, the school steadily upheld excellence and stability in both academics and co-curricular activities. Under the able guidance of Sisters Winifred, Rita, Benigna, Mary, Eugenia, Margaret Mary, Marilyn, Jessy, Lilian, and now Sr. Deepa, St. Mary’s has flourished with strength and grace. Over the decades, the school has been repeatedly recognized by the Ministry of Education, Nepal, for its outstanding academic performance and quality education.

St. Mary’s is not merely another school for girls; it is a shrine of holistic learning and a symbol of value-based education. Faithful to the charism of Mary Ward, we believe in educating the whole person—forming young women who are intellectually competent, morally grounded, socially responsible, and spiritually aware. Equal importance is given to classroom learning and to social outreach, cultural programmes, leadership formation, and service-oriented activities that foster critical thinking and positive action. Our well-equipped Science, Maths and Computer laboratories, rich library, smart classrooms, CCTV installation, and spacious playground provide a conducive environment for growth and excellence. Yet beyond infrastructure, it is our dedication that defines us. We firmly believe that the heart of education lies in the education of the heart.

Today, St. Mary’s Jawalakhel stands as a safe haven for approximately 2,500 students from Grades I to XII, guided by a dedicated staff of 130 members. The mission has expanded through branches in Pokhara, Gorkha, and Biratnagar, as well as through the two Mary Ward Schools in Jhamsikhel and Lubhu, which serve economically and socially marginalized communities, where around 500 students receive free education. These outreach initiatives, made possible through the generous support of our students, parents, alumnae, and friends, nurture in our young women a spirit of social consciousness and responsibility towards the less privileged—an authentic expression of our motto, “For Knowledge and Virtue.”

Our greatest strength lies in our dedicated Sisters, committed teachers, supportive parents, and proud alumnae who continue to live out the values imbibed within these yellow walls. St. Mary’s has been the alma mater of numerous professionals, eminent bureaucrats, distinguished academicians, and devoted homemakers who carry forward the spirit of integrity, courage, and service. A former student once returned after many years and shared, “When I first walked into St. Mary’s, I was afraid of the world. When I walked out, I was ready to face it.” That transformation—from hesitation to confidence, from uncertainty to purpose—beautifully captures the essence of what St. Mary’s has accomplished over seven decades.

As we celebrate seventy years of faith, excellence, and service, we look back with deep appreciation to our pioneering Sisters and predecessors who laid a firm and enduring foundation on this blessed land. Cherishing their legacy, we move forward with confidence and renewed dedication to the vision of Mary Ward, continuing to shape young women of courage, compassion, competence, and commitment. Thus, we mark 70 years of St. Mary’s—a journey of faith, excellence, and enduring impact.