School Heritage

Our Heritage

Over 130 years of educational excellence rooted in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny

The Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny was founded in France by Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey on 12th May 1807. The congregation rapidly expanded its missionary adventure overseas, reaching India in 1827 during the founder's lifetime.

The Journey to Yercaud

Not acclimatized to the tropical climate on the plains, the health of the Sisters from abroad suffered much while toiling under trying conditions in schools, hospitals, leprosarium, orphanages and dispensaries. This necessitated change, recuperation and rest in temperate ambience.

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.

After 67 years of the Sisters' arrival in India, on 16th August 1894, the community of Sacred Heart at Yercaud (SHY) was officially inaugurated in a small bungalow which served as a holiday home with a dispensary and Tamil medium school for the natives. The two pioneers Sr. Valdebert Kelley (Irish) and Sr. Gertrude Banz (Swiss) were later joined by more sisters.

Sacred Heart School Yercaud Campus

Historical Milestones

1807
Congregation Founded

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny founded in France by Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey.

1827
Arrival in India

Sr. Rosalie Javouhey, sister of the founder, was sent to Pondicherry to establish the mission in India.

1894
SHY Foundation

Sacred Heart Yercaud was officially inaugurated on 16th August as a holiday home with dispensary and Tamil medium school.

1896
English Medium School

English Medium School opened with 32 pupils, 19 of whom were boarders, offering languages, music, and painting.

1908
Government Recognition

The school received government recognition and affiliation to the Anglo-Indian Board of Education.

1978-2000
Higher Secondary

Higher Secondary section was adopted in 1978 but discontinued in 2000, later reinstated in 2018.

2010
New Dormitories

Blessing of newly built dormitories to accommodate the growing number of boarders.

2019
CBSE Affiliation

Introduction of CBSE curriculum and inauguration of new school and administrative blocks on February 1st.

Educational Evolution

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 the establishment. By December 1896, there were 32 pupils, of whom 19 were boarders.

Early Years (1894–1908)

Started with a Tamil medium school and dispensary. English Medium School opened by request of European residents for languages, music, painting, and tuition.

Recognition Era (1908–2000)

Government recognition in 1908 with affiliation to Anglo-Indian Board of Education. Students appeared for Cambridge Examinations.

Modern Transition (2000–2019)

Adopted Common Syllabus and Examination with Uniform Scheme of Education in 2011. Higher Secondary section reinstated in 2018.

CBSE Era (2019–Present)

Introduction of CBSE curriculum from KG to XII with modern infrastructure, smart classrooms, and interactive learning tools.

Modern Infrastructure & Development

Infrastructure Development

As there was a need to construct new dormitories for boarders and spacious classrooms for students, demolition of some existing buildings was unavoidable. This dream came into reality with the blessing of newly built dormitories in 2010.

The majestic and spacious newly built School and Administrative Blocks were blessed and inaugurated on February 1st, 2019. These beautiful structures are built with care and attention to the satisfaction of students and parents.

The school has integrated advanced technology into its educational practices including smart classrooms and interactive learning tools, with well-equipped labs and an updated library.

Modern School Infrastructure

SHY Past Students Association (SPSA)

Founded in 1994 during SHY's Centenary year, we have a strong and active alumni association known as SPSA (SHY Past Students Association). At present, it has 1,544 members comprising old boys and girls, with one of the Sisters as its President.

The association enables alumni to keep in touch with the Sisters, Staff, School and classmates through its Annual Newsletter 'Echoes from SHY', regular committee meetings, Annual General Body Meetings, reunions and batch get-togethers organized with great enthusiasm by the members themselves.

Our Enduring Mission

Apart from maintaining excellence in education, attention to imparting moral and religious values was given prime importance. Creating an atmosphere of love, warmth and friendship, students from varied and often difficult backgrounds are being looked after, cared for, and prepared for life by committed sisters.

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 society as Ambassadors, Civil and Foreign Administrators, Journalists, Engineers, Doctors, Professionals, Entrepreneurs and many other roles.