PROVIDENCE CONVENT, KOZHIKODE – 1932

“Call it Providence Cottage,” suggested Father Zanetti Mathew to Mr. Theophilis Barbosa, who had purchased a house from the proceeds of a Derby sweep he had won. And Divine Providence truly took over the destinies of that little cottage.

What appeared to be a disaster soon proved to be a blessing in disguise. In 1906, a government order mandated that St. Joseph’s European School, Calicut, come under the code of regulations for European schools, limiting the enrollment of non-Europeans to only 15%. This posed a problem for Indian students, who then flocked to the already existing St. Angela’s Upper Primary School but found the standard of education unsatisfactory. In response to the local public, leading officials, and the business community who desired English education for their children, Providence School was established on 23rd June 1919, with 79 students and nine teachers, and Sr. Leonora as the Headmistress. The school began in Providence Cottage, and by 1920, student enrollment had increased. The first batch for SSLC exams was sent up in March 1930.

Lack of space resulted in the withdrawal of government sanction. Five acres of land and a two-story building on Evans Road were purchased from Mooliji Banji. During the Khilafat Movement of 1921, Gandhiji and the two Ali brothers spent a night in this building, preserving it as a historical monument. On 15th June 1932, Providence Convent was established as a filial house of St. Joseph’s Convent, with Sr. Mechtilda as the first Sister Superior and Headmistress. The initial community included Srs. Bernard, Clarissa, Marcia, Priscilla, Attracta, Archange, Georgia, and Dionysia. The convent quarters were limited to two rooms and a verandah in the bungalow. The upstairs hall was partitioned to serve as a temporary chapel, and the remaining area became classrooms.

With foresight, Sr. Leonora initiated the construction of a chapel. The bungalow’s terrace, where Gandhiji had slept as a guest of Mr. Mooliji Banji, became a sacred spot of historical significance. In 1974, our Mother General suggested establishing a Gandhiji work center, realizing that the terrace had historical importance. Before Sr. Leonora’s departure, she added a broad verandah facing west with a façade visible from passing trains. It became a cherished spot for the sisters, affectionately known as their “West Brook” holiday retreat.

On June 16th, Providence Convent had the privilege of reserving the Blessed Sacrament, with Rev. Fr. Manuel Coelho offering daily Mass. On 13th June, the Papal Decree of the Canonical erection of Providence Convent was received, officially establishing it as a full-fledged convent.

In 1934, under Sister Gabrielle, the school experienced significant growth. She introduced the school song “Providence, Providence” and the motto “Semper Sperans.” In 1946, Malayalam became the medium of instruction. By 1961, classes I-IV were restructured as a separate Lower Primary School per government orders. Parallel English Medium classes from Std. V upwards were sanctioned. Providence Junior School offered private English Medium classes from Nursery up to Standard IV for students desiring English-medium education.

In 1964, Providence High School secured the 5th rank in the SSLC, and in 1977, won the Chakkeri Trophy for the Best School in the State. Plus one classes began in July 2001. On 30th July 2003, the L.P School building was inaugurated by K. Muralidharan, M.P., and blessed by Bishop Dr. Joseph Kalathilparabil of Calicut. In 2007, the foundation stone of Mother Veronica Memorial Block was laid, and a Drinking Water System was inaugurated.