About us
About The School St. John's Diocesan Girls' H.S. School
For over 131 years, St. John’s Diocesan Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Kolkata, has been a stalwart of transformative education, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Founded by Ms. Angelina Margaret Hoare, the school rests on a serene 9-acre campus and serves as a sanctuary for academic rigor, social justice, environmental stewardship, and compassionate learning. Guided by the philosophy that “We do not just teach children to read. We teach them to care,” the school offers a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures not only scholars but also leaders, creators, and responsible global citizens.
St. John’s Diocesan Girls’ H.S. School remains steadfast in its mission of providing holistic education that nurtures not only academic excellence but also moral integrity, emotional well-being, social responsibility, and creative expression. By blending strong intellectual foundations with cultural enrichment, physical fitness, spiritual guidance, and community engagement, the school empowers its students to grow into confident, compassionate, and capable young women. This holistic development has transcended the classroom, radiating into all directions of growth—academic, cultural, social, and personal—ensuring that the girls are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. The values and life skills instilled within the school’s nurturing environment have become a guiding force that continues to inspire progress, resilience, and leadership far beyond the school walls.
Our Mission And Vision
St. John’s Diocesan Girls’ H.S. School is committed to providing an all-round education extending up to the Higher Secondary level. The institution places equal emphasis on both academic learning and co-curricular activities, ensuring the holistic development of its students. It seeks to nurture young girls into accomplished women who possess a wide range of interests and abilities.
The school consistently strives to innovate and adopt new methods that reinforce communal harmony and unity. Where required, it also undertakes measures to rebuild and strengthen this sense of togetherness among its members. At the heart of its mission lies the dedication to instilling in every student the timeless values of justice, honesty, tolerance, patriotism, and discipline. These guiding principles form the foundation of the institution’s educational and moral framework, preparing students to become responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
The Journey History of the School
The history of St. John’s Diocesan Girls’ H.S. School dates back to 1876, when it was established by two English missionaries, Miss Angelina Hoare and Miss Milman, under the name Diocesan Mission School. In 1894, the administration was entrusted to the Sisters of the Community of John the Baptist Convent, Clewer, England, who subsequently renamed it St. John’s Diocesan School.
The institution was officially recognized by the Government in 1900, and in 1909 its first batch of students appeared for the Matriculation Examination. In the same year, the Diocesan College was established within the school compound as an extension of the High School.
From its inception, the school has been a pioneer in imparting progressive education for girls in West Bengal. It held the distinction of being the first and only Christian women’s college in Kolkata during its early years. Among its distinguished alumnae is Smt. Bina Das, a celebrated freedom fighter of Bengal, remembered for her daring attempt on the then Governor of Bengal, Stanley Jackson, in the struggle for India’s independence.
Over the decades, many visionary leaders and principals have guided the institution. Sister Dorothy Francis played a pivotal role in enhancing the reputation of the school, for which she was awarded the Kaiser-e-Hind for her contributions to women’s education. The mantle of leadership later passed to Indian principals, beginning with Miss C. Das in 1944. The school was subsequently led by notable educators including Miss Molina Mukherjee (1960–1977), Miss Jaya Shome (1978–1982), Miss Nilima Pyne (1983–1985), and Mrs. T. Samuel Raj (1985). In 1990, Mrs. Rosita Chrestein assumed the principalship, followed by Mrs. C. Lionel, who served both as Teacher-in-Charge (2011–2014) and Principal (2014–2018) followed by Mrs.S Gain(2018-2025). The current Teacher-in-Charge, Mrs.S Biswas has been serving from April 2025.
In addition to the Mother School, the institution also administers a free English-medium co-educational Second School within its premises. This initiative caters to approximately 200 underprivileged children, providing not only free education but also essential needs such as uniforms and nutritious mid-day meals. Each academic year, two meritorious girl students from this branch are granted full sponsorship by the Mother School, enabling them to continue their education up to Class XII. This extension of service reflects the school’s enduring commitment to social responsibility and inclusive education.
The Most Rev. Dr. Paritosh Canning, Bishop of Calcutta, serves as the President of the School Managing Committee, while Mrs. C. Lionel, Principal of Pratt Memorial School, holds the position of Honorary Secretary.
The Pioneer OUR LEADERSHIP
The Most Revd. Dr. Paritosh Canning
President, School Managing Committee
Mrs. C. Lionel
Honorary Secretary
Mrs. S. Biswas
Teacher-in-Charge
Ms. O. Mondal
Vice Principal
Ms. G. Pratchett
Head of the Junior Department
