School History

Kerala, known as God’s Own country is privileged to encompass the Land of King Mahabali. Thrikkakara – the land of Mahabali and home to the unique temple dedicated to Vamana, possessed these historic distinctions yet   remained culturally, educationally and financially backward at the time.

In 1965, Bharata Matha College was founded which led to the rejuvenation of the entire locality. A college facility has little utility unless candidates are given access to preliminary education. So, His Ex. Cardinal Joseph Parecattil thought about the possibility of a High school at Thrikkakara.

It was not that easy to begin a school.  So, an initiative was made to give the students coaching to make them skilled labourers. For the same in 1975, a small building was constructed. In 1976, recognition for thirty branch schools were given by the Government. As a branch of St. Augustine’s High school, a school was sanctioned at Thrikkakara. On 28 June, 1976 with 180 students and three teachers the school became functional. It was named St. Augustine’s High School.  Rev.Sr.Anitha, Rev.Sr.Leena Paul and Sri. P.S.George were the three pioneers of the school.

The classes were held in the small building constructed for the skill course. But keeping in view the expansion of the school, a good and proper infrastructure was required. The expenses were calculated and was found to be huge. It was in every way difficult to tap the finance from the residents of the locality, as they were extremely poor. So, His Emi. Cardinal Joseph Parecattil took the initiative, the site was proposed at Judgemukku and the construction work began under the supervision of Rev.Fr.Joseph Panapally.

Eventually, the school was upgraded to ninth standard. But unfortunately, Government policies changed and the recognition given to the branch schools were withdrawn. It cast uncertainty over the future of the students who had taken admission in the branch school, which was functioning as a mixed school then. Along with this mishap there were a couple of people who wanted to stop the new initiative and filed a writ petition against the school. Consequently, teachers were not paid salaries. Without proper Headmaster and regular teachers, the future of the school was looking very bleak.

The School Management came forward with a very graceful decision of paying the teachers their salary, even though the school had lost its recognition. The only motive was to make sure that the students did not suffer due to all these political commotions. The parents of those students deserve a word of appreciation, as they cooperated sincerely during the crisis period. In spite of all the diverse challenges, the activities of the school were carried out by the teachers with great prayer, goodwill and determination.

As a result of the constant effort of many sincere people, the stay petition was withdrawn and on 31st January 1978, the new school was sanctioned. It was named Cardinal High School after its founder His Emi. Cardinal Joseph Parecattil. It was said that the school would excel in every way and become the pride of Thrikkakara. In 1998, when the schools in aided sector were upgraded, Cardinal High school also was upgraded as Cardinal Higher Secondary School. Every activity of the school received recognition along with the upgradation.

The construction work proceeded under the efficient supervisory skill of the Very Rev.Fr.Paul Kallookaran. After the tenure of Rev.Fr.Paul Kallookaran, it was under the able monitoring of Rev.Fr. Luckose Kunnathoor that the construction work was completed. On 12 February 2000, Bishop Mar Thomas Chakkiath blessed the new Plus Two Block. Thus Cardinal Higher Secondary School came into being.

Now we shall discuss about the line of veterans who managed the institution. 

The Cardinal School functioned under the St.Augustine’s Educational Agency owned by the supreme authority The Ernakulam- Angamaly Archdiocese. There were three institutions under this agency namely St.Mary’s High School Aluva, St.Augustine’s High School Ernakulam and Cardinal Higher Secondary School Thrikkakara. Besides, two Lower Primary schools also functioned under the agency. The then Emi. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese was the Manager/Bursar and Bishop Mar Thomas Chakkiath, the Joint Manager/ Joint Bursar.

We have already mentioned about the futuristic vision and noble intentions of His Em. Cadinal Joseph Parecattil which led to the establishment of the school. It would be a great pleasure to mention about the relentless hard work rendered by the other Managers. From the very beginning we have had the most coveted and sincere association of Very Rev.Fr.Mon.George Manickanamparambil. He has rendered great service as the Chancellor of the Archdiocese as well as the General Manager of St.Augustine’s Educational Agency. As the pioneer in this area, what he shouldered was something that could be called a ‘Herculean Task’. He was regarded as the pioneer of the corporate instituition, and his association with the agency remained lifelong.

Along with Rev.Fr. George Manickanamparambil, Rev.Fr.Joseph Panappally stood as a strong pillar throughout the long journey, trying to make the CARDINAL’s dream come true. The older generation of Thrikkakara can never think of Cardinal HSS without paying tribute to Rev.Fr. Joseph Panappally. There was always an understanding between Rev.Fr.Joseph Panappally and His Emi. Cardinal Joseph Parecattil.  Whatever the CARDINAL had in his mind with regard to Cardinal HS,  Rev.Fr.Panapally would instantly perceive and do the needful.

On the occasion of the first Annual Celebration of the school His. Emi. Cardinal Joseph Parecattil added the below quoted lines to the school’s report

” The person who played the most important part in the establishment of the school is Rev.Fr. Joseph Panappally”. He passed away on 24th February, 2001.

After Rev.Fr.George Manickanamparambil, we have had Rev.Mons.Abraham Karedan, Rev.Mons.Antony Payappilly, Very Rev.Fr.Varghese Njaliath as our Corporate Managers. During the time of Rev.Fr.Varghese Njaliath, Cardinal High School got upgraded to Cardinal Higher Secondary School. Rev.Fr.Jose Paul Nellissery, Rev.Fr.John Pollachira, Rev.Fr.Sebastian Ayiniyadan, Rev.Fr.Jose Edassery have extended every bit of hardwork as Local Managers to inspire and motivate the teachers as well as the students. They were closely associated with the day-to-day activities of the school, as they were deeply involved and passionate about its growth.

A special mention should be made of Rev.Fr.Alex Kattezhath, who was well aware of the initial struggles of Cardinal High school.  He anticipated similar infirmities during the initial phase of the Higher Secondary section’s take-off and was well prepared for them. He had exhibited a rare quality of expertise in bringing in the best faculty possible along with the best infrastructure.

The Headmasters of the school showed special interest in safe guarding the uniqueness of the school. As it was started as the branch of the St.Augustine’s High school, the first Headmaster was Parameswariyar sir. He would visit the school once in a while. Rev.Sr.Anitha was very able in running the school according to the desired standards.

When the sanction was given for the new school Sri.M.B Pappu from St.Mary’s School, Aluva was appointed as the new and first Headmaster. During the next twelve years he worked tirelessly to establish the initial systems of the school. During the period of Sri.V.C.Joseph, a visionary the school was upgraded to Higher Secondary and he was privileged to become the first Principal.

 Sri. P.V.Issac took over from him. He carried on the activities of the school very gracefully inspite of the difficulties experienced in the smooth running of the Plus Two section. Sri.M.G.Jose was very keen in taking forward the rich tradition of the school in every aspect.
 Parent Teacher Association is the backbone of a school’s progress. We have been privileged to have the complete support and appreciation of the first Parent Teacher Association. Prof.Kurian. J. Kadavan was the first PTA President.

The school stood exclusively for the betterment of the students. So subject centered education was not upheld. Instead, topics for study were introduced in the context of everyday practical life which helped students analyse various experiences in their own lives. The focus was on the all-round development of the individual and keeping that in mind, along with the curriculum other activities were also executed. All these efforts would not have been fruitful without the team work and dedication of the teachers.

With a sense of self-esteem, pride, and satisfaction of rendering social service, there is much to remember as we walk down the memory lane of the bygone years. We take pride in seeing our students serving successfully in various fields and at different levels. We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to each and everyone who have been associated with the Cardinal family from its beginning. With profound respect and gratitude, we commemorate all those who have passed away after rendering invaluable service for the good name and upliftment of the CARDINAL SCHOOL.