Mount Carmel Convent Anglo-Indian Girls High School
Mount Carmel Convent Anglo-Indian Girls High School (abbreviated as MCCAIGHS or MCC) was founded on 22 July 1885 in the Kollam District in the state of Kerala, India, by Mother Veronica of the Passion, the foundress of The Congregation of the Carmelite Religious (earlier known as the Third Order Apostolic of Our Lady of Mount Carmel).
| Mount Carmel Convent Anglo-Indian Girls ISC School | |
|---|---|
 Main Gate and Chapel of the school | |
| Location | |
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| Coordinates | 8.8839°N 76.5650°E |
| Information | |
| Motto | Hold your light up high |
| Established | 1885 |
| School district | Kollam |
| Classes offered | LKG to Standard XII |
| Song | Flower of Carmel |
| Publication | Carmeline |
| Affiliation | CISCE |
It consists of a boarding house located within the convent and a day school. The school is situated in the town of Tangasseri, with the Arabian Sea as the backdrop. Tangasseri, the site of ancient Portuguese, English and Dutch settlements, has an Anglo-Indian community. The school celebrated its sesquicentennial (150 years) anniversary in July 2018.
The school was founded by Mother Veronica to cater to the educational needs of girls, empowerment of women and the less privileged. In 1889, it was recognised by the erstwhile Madras presidency as a 'European Convent School'. The establishment changed its name to Mount Carmel Convent Anglo Indian Girls School when India gained independence in 1947, before which it was known as The Mount Carmel European School. The strength of the school is around 4000. The school is affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. The students are known for their fluency in the English language.
The school is headed by Rev. Sr. Elsy Paul.
MCC offers classes from LKG up to Std XII. The students are divided into four houses: Blue, Green, Red and Yellow. The Inter-House Cultural Fest known as the Youth festival and the annual athletic meet fosters the competitive spirit and sportsmanship of the houses. There are clubs and groups like The Literary Club and The Eco Club. A science exhibition is held annually.
The school offers education in various subjects like Maths, Science, Economics, English, etc. It offers Science and Commerce stream in the higher secondary level. The school provides classes in various extra-curricular activities like- classical dance, music, karate Zumba etc. The school hours is from 8:45 AM - 3:45 PM. The school offers classes in Catechism, Moral Science and Value Education for the spiritual well-being of its pupils. First Friday Holy Masses and rosary recitals are conducted for the Catholic students. Scapulars are also provided to the Catholics. Every year, the students from Classes VIII to X visit old age homes and provide alms to the poor.
The school motto is 'Hold Your Light Up High'.
Le Revenir - the homecoming of the Carmelites
The maiden alumni reunion of the institution was held on 16 July 2011, on the feast day of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel. Styled Le Revenir (French- "The Return"), the function was inaugurated by Mrs. Lida Jacob, Chairperson of the Commission for Right to Education Act. The website of the school was launched by leading playback singer and former student Chitra Iyer, who was the celebrity guest.
Youth festival
The school hosts an Inter-House Cultural Fest, dubbed the Youth Festival, every year to bring out the budding talents in its pupils. The current champions are the Red house.
School magazine
An annual magazine, christened Carmeline, is published by the school. It has literary articles, poems, short stories in English, Malayalam and Hindi languages and artworks including pencil drawings,paintings and ink sketches featured in it.
Former Principals
Some of the former Principals who contributed to the growth and flourishing of Mount Carmel with each of their unique touches:
- Sr.Lawrence
- Sr. Bertha
- Sr.Mary Patricia - who was at the helm for nearly three decades, making her the longest-serving Principal of the school
- Sr.Mary Antoinette
- Sr. Angel Thomas
- Sr. Helen Lois
- Sr. Pramila Fernandez
- Sr. Elsy Paul
School anthem
Flower Of Carmel
Flower of Carmel, shining bright,
You're our day star, our beacon light,
Guide our footsteps, great and small,
Pledge we to be always yours.
Truth, goodness and beauty will we divine,
Love, kindness and generosity shall be our sign,
Watch your children with loving care,
Mother of God, Mother of mine,
Mother of God and Mother divine.(2)
Next we offer thee a prayer that
Mount Carmel, on the shores of
Tangasseri fair be blessed with copious
Graces and blessings rare.
Mother of God, Mother of mine,
Mother of God and Mother divine.(2)
