Montfort School - Delhi

53 Golden Years Of Montfort School, Delhi

(Established in 1970)

Nestled amongst tall green trees and an expanse of lush green grass in Ashok Vihar, Delhi, is an iconic campus with a regal brick building and a rich profusion of colorful flowers. This much loved uniquely built red building, holding the center stage in a tree-lined campus sprawled over 6.4 acres, has nurtured and educated myriads of students since its inception some 5 decades ago.

Great stories often start from small and humble beginnings.

The current compound of Montfort School has been there for 50 long years and has a rich history predating 1970. In 1968, Archbishop Angelo Fernandez approached Brother John of Sacred Heart with a proposal to start a school in Delhi. Brother John was offered land stretching across 6.41 acres at Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, by him. Shortly, the pioneering work was allocated to Brother Abraham.

The foundation stone of the school was blessed & laid by Rev. Dr. Angelo Fernandes Archbishop of Delhi on 29th January 1970.
Montfort School, Delhi was commenced in scout tents on the 14th of July 1970, under the very able leadership of Br. Abraham & Br. Joseph Regis, along with 6 Lady teachers and 120 students. 10 tents were pitched and used as classrooms, Staff rooms, and offices etc., Imparting of education followed in these tents till October 1973, when the first building was completely constructed and ready for operation. On the 18th of May, 1970, Montfort received the enrolment of its first student- Ms. Sujata Kapoor, with Mrs. Wheeler being appointed as the first teacher.

Bro. Abraham was succeeded by Brother John of Sacred Heart, who reigned for 7 years, in the period characterized by stability, development, and laying the framework of the right tradition and values for the institution. Ergo, he can rightly be deemed the ‘Pioneer’ and ‘Founding Father’ of Montfort School. In the fullness of time, ensuing many sleepless nights, on 2nd Oct 1973, Montfort’s palatial building was wrapped up and inaugurated by the esteemed Vice-President of India, Dr. G.S Pathak. Despite the pinpricks from demanding situations, The school continued to add a class every year to get to grade XI in 1976-1977.

Owing to Montfort’s commitment to academic excellence and quality education, the first batch of students who took the Board Exams, in 1977, passed out with flying colours, with a pass percentage of 100%. All this was plausible due to the hard-working, conscientious, and dedicated teachers and staff members. The school bid adieu to Rev. Bro. John in June 1978. Later, Rev. Bro. Mathew was appointed as the Principal. A firm disciplinarian and adept administrator, Bro. Mathew strengthened the system by consolidating various programs for the development & growth of the institution.

A well-organized systematic house system, Artex, which was termed “Montex’ in 1993, Olympiad and basketball coaching was started during his term. Bro. Mathew bade farewell to Montfort on 30. June 1982.

Then, the liberal-minded and true cosmopolitan Bro. V.J. Mani ascended as the Principal on 1st June 1983. The period of 2 years, for which he was the principal, was tremendously pivotal to the institution, in view of the communal riots in the country. Despite the turmoil, Bro. Mani orchestrated various staff-interaction programs and in-service seminars for the teachers, to promote positivity in challenging times.

He was succeeded by Bro. Emanual P.J. in 1985. During his incumbency, the senior wing and the first-floor computer lab were consecrated, along with the commencement of the Mini Zoo. Mont cascade – an interschool creative and innovative activity was also initiated. Sundry diverse cultural and pedagogic activities and excursions took place in his tenure. He established the trend of Morning assemblies and the Unit Test Examination System. He was transferred on the 30th of June, 1988.

Thereafter, Bro. Phillip joined the school as the Principal on the 1st of July 1988. It was during his period in office, that the second and the third floors got constructed. Furthermore, Bro. Phillip also introduced computer lessons and the Play-way method for primary classes. He also initiated the ‘Pilot project of bookless education’ at the Pre-primary level, which spread across other Delhi schools. Bro. Phillip bade farewell to the staff in May 1992 to be succeeded by Bro. Jose.

Bro. Jose joined the institution in July 1992. With a clear vision and foresight, he initiated many programs for the advancement of the educational goals of the school. Therefore, he started the Literacy Classes in 1994, during the school’s second shift, for the poverty-stricken, slum children under the program ‘Education For All’. At first, pupils of grade IX, under the guidance of Sr. Gracy, got the privilege to teach the students. Later, a staff was appointed to educate them.

In 1995, Montfort spread its silvery wings on completing 25 blessed years of its existence as a top-notch educational institute. Around the same time, a swimming pool and a gymnasium were constructed. The plaque of the foundation stone of the pool was laid on 17th Sep 1995 by the honorable former Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri M.L Khurana.

In September 1996, the young & dynamic, Bro. Joy Joseph took over as the principal and initiated the process of restructuring on the modern lines. Since then, there has been a substantial alteration in the functioning of the institution. His dream of re-modeling the architecture of the school was finally achieved with the completion of the third block. The latest building was constructed for primary classes with all the then state-of-the-art facilities and had a distinct administrative block in addition. Brother Joy laid great stress on activities like Projects, chart making, model making, co-curricular, sports, etc.

In 2006, Bro. P.J Emanual joined as the principal and carried on the advancement of the institution by adding two more floors at the Brothers’ quarters. Under his proficient guidance, the Montfort Nursery was started at Shalimar Bagh, 4 km distant from Montfort School, Ashok Vihar.

In the year 2009 Bro. K.K. Monachan assumed the role of the principal of the school. During his tenure, Brother Monachan envisioned and implemented many initiatives for the institution. His pioneering plans, innovative pedagogical methods, passion, and commitment to giving his best, accord him a distinctive place among all the eminent school leaders. As the Digital Revolution swept the world, Brother Monachan introduced Smart Learning into the curriculum, which helped foster an interactive learning atmosphere through visually-rich multimedia, animation, and resourceful educational videos for the students and the teachers. Brother Monachan ensured an expansion of facilities and infrastructural development- The well-stocked, fully-computerized library; the re-modeled and restored Old Hall, the spectacular New Hall, the Pre-primary section, the renovated Office block, newly-amenitized Medical Room and state-of-the-art CCTV cameras to be vigilant of the student’s safety.

Bro. Thampy Alex took charge of the school in 2018. Endowed with an innate leadership caliber, he is leading Montfort to glory and accomplishment. Brother Alex has brought several changes to the existing system by streamlining administrative functions. To support the differently abled children, he ensured lifts were promptly introduced. Also, Brother Alex was instrumental in introducing the Humanities. His expertise in ecologically conscious methods was the driving force for several sustainable changes at Montfort which minimized the school’s carbon footprint. Multifarious sustainable, and school beautification projects have been set up and successfully accomplished under his adept guidance. The Solar Energy System, Rain-water Harvesting, and Plantations, to name a few. In our Golden Year 2020, we are adjudged as one of the two Safety Model Schools in the whole country.

The age-old, traditional NCC Scouts & Guides program subsists to cater to the needs of the pupils to be disciplined to discipline their peers. The NCC has been nationally acclaimed and has received the honourable President’s Award. Under the able guidance of Bro. Alex, Montfort School has organized two All-India level Scouts & Guides Camps at its campus.

To build curiosity about culture and art, Brother Alex has also launched a cultural exchange program with Papua New Guinea. His list of achievements is incomplete without the mention of an educational trip to Russia which was an enthralling experience for both teachers and students.

Soon after that due to Covid 19, we faced major education disruption, however with firm and strong leadership, Bro. Thampy Alex, shifted the entire system to online mode to achieve academic continuity. As the pandemic prompted, them to innovate and adapt to an online format, regular training was organized for the teachers and technological advancement took place. As the COVID-19 situation began to worsen, Bro. Alex rose up to the challenge. His humanitarian efforts were aimed at providing immediate help to the needy. Ration kits were distributed among the poor and underprivileged to feed those who were battling the chaotic world. Being at the forefront, Montfort School impacted the lives of multiple families in troubled times 2020 was an unprecedented year for both the students and the school. The global pandemic forced a reset on the traditional ways of education. however, with firm and strong leadership, Bro. Thampy Alex, shifted the entire operations online with the support of dedicated staff and eager-to-learn students. Routine training, equipped teachers with the tools necessary to gear this technological shift. Bro. Alex aspires to make Montfort School Delhi a live example of small beginnings that become mass movements of change.

Bro. Joy Thomas the current principal of the school took the baton in the year 2022 from Bro. Thampy Alex. Bro. Joy is a seasoned educational professional with experience both in academics and administrative functions of the school. Bro. Joy is a great team player who encourages teamwork among his staff and leads them by example. He is known to be a highly organized and disciplined person and cares for her student’s intellectual and emotional well-being. Bro. Joy believes in providing a learning space to children that offers both freedom and responsibility that would allow them to blossom into self-motivated, and balanced individuals. His techniques of prioritization and delegation of tasks guide him to make appropriate decisions at the right times. Optimum utilization of manpower, physical and financial resources, and ability to resolve conflicts among different stakeholders are his core competencies which have fruitfully led to an increase in the number of students and financial strength.

Bro. Joy restructured the security systems in the school for student safety by implementing rules and procedures. He ensured a safe, supportive, and stimulating learning environment for all the monfortians. Bro. Joy keeps a strong vigil on the day-to-day conduct of the institution to ensure smooth and quality operations. Brother has taken a thoughtful step by adding an attached washroom in the school’s medical room for students’ convenience.

53 years of existence in the capital of India we have strong academics, sports, and social values

Academics: Creating a Successful and Solution-Oriented Mindset

Montfort Senior Secondary School, Delhi is a co-educational school and is affiliated with CBSE. The school was established in the year 1970. The motto of the Montfort School is inscribed on the logo “For God & the Country”. The outstanding contributions of our School in the spheres of teaching-learning and charity are well acknowledged. Montfort School has been at the forefront of education as well as a key player in the course of nation-building.

Over the past 5 decades, Montfort has been progressing by leaps and bounds and the institution has won various prestigious awards for the relentless effort made by the school head to spread the true essence of Education far and wide. The school has also got an ISO certification for maintaining quality parameters. Not only that, but we are also proud to share that our teachers have been awarded and recognized by CBSE too. The school has fostered a number of Toppers/Scholarship Winners, but the most pre-eminent is, All India CBSE topper Sukriti Gupta of the 2016 Batch who scored 99.4% and was also recognized by the former President of India. The Delhi CBSE Topper, Nimisha Chaudhary of the 2006 Batch with 97.2%, was felicitated by the former Chief Minister of Delhi.

The institution strives not only for academic excellence, but also to lead the students to develop their hidden talents and abilities through a series of extra-curricular activities and students are continuously showing their mettle by achieving awards and recognition, both nationally and internationally.

The school has a rich sporting tradition as well. Today Montfort sports team is going strong, with a new generation of champions in the making and numerous achievements both on national as well as international platforms, with an impressive collection of trophies & medals has earned the school, niche status in this area. We are privileged to have a very spacious and well-maintained multipurpose playground where children play cricket, football, athletics, march past, etc 24 x 7. Our Montfortian has represented India & won laurels in International Events/Conferences in Geneva, Switzerland, Manila & Philippines. Besides the above, we have Skating Rinks, several Table Tennis Boards, Badminton Courts, Volley Ball Courts, and lawn Tennis courts. Which are all always occupied by enthusiastic youngsters. Our students won various medals at zonal, state, national, and international levels

The school organizes various community outreach programs that focus on peer reinforcement and social-norming spaces for effective behavior change. With an outreach program, students learn valuable life skills through shared experiences. This empowers them to make positive changes in themselves, their families, and their communities. This year the students of Montfort Delhi visited Old-Age homes, Orphan-Ages, Law-Courts, and even visited neighboring govt. schools for peer teaching & learning.

The school is also contributing to the sustainable environment and is awarded as the Green School in Delhi. We have developed environmentally sensitive facilities that are clean, and healthy, minimize energy consumption, and enhance the learning experience. To support the environment, we have installed electric solar panels, a water harvesting plant, etc.