St Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Cuddalore

St Joseph's Higher Secondary School is one of the oldest and  well-established schools of India located in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The school is known for large campus and large pupil/student strength (more than 10000).

St Joseph's High School which was started in 1868. This school was elevated into a college in 1884 through the efforts of Father Tarbes and was affiliated to the University of Madras. The District - Gazetteer, Cuddalore District has recorded that the prime educational institution and the only college in the District in the 19th century was the St Joseph's College. It once again became a High School in 1909 due to the financial constraints.

Since then there have been several attempts to revitalize the college. The college was reborn as the St Joseph's College of Arts and Science in 1991. The college was inaugurated on 11 October 1991, at a stately function presided over by Bhishma Narain Singh, the then Governor of Tamil Nadu.

The School bears the Motto Labor omnia vincit, meaning "Hard work conquers all".

History
1852 The site "Colonel Garden" acquired by Mgr. Bonand, D.D. Vicar Apostolic of Pondy.
1868 Inauguration of St. Joseph's High School through the effort of Rev Father L Renevier, the First Principal.
1884 St Joseph's raised to the status of a Second Grade College with Humanities and Mathematics.
1909 Downgraded to the status of High School.
1957 St Joseph's Industrial School inaugurated.
1962 St Joseph's Hostel inaugurated.
1968 Completion of a century.
1969 Centenary celebrations
1979 Upgraded into a Higher Secondary School.
1982 St Joseph's Nursery School started.
1984 Sports Authority of India adopts the School for promotion of sports activities.
1988 Industrial School becomes Industrial Training Institute(I.T.I).
1991 St Joseph's College of Arts and Science inaugurated by Bhisma Narain Singh, Governor of Tamil Nadu.
1993 Completion of one Hundred and Twenty Five years.
1994 Post-Centennial Silver Jubilee Celebrations.

Mission
Wholesome and integral Education that will help the students to find their footings in life.
Ethical and social values that will help the students to brave up to the challenges of the Nation.
Human and community values that will help the students in building up the solidarity of all Indians.

Principals
 Rev. Fr. L. Reneuvier 1868–1872
 Rev. Fr. Seegmuller 1872–1873
 Rev. Fr. Bottero 1873–1875
 Rev. Fr. Tarbes 1875–1888
 Rev. Fr. J. M. Bertho 1888–1895
 Rev. Fr. Durier 1895–1898
 Rev. Fr. J. M. Bertho 1898–1906
 Rev. Fr. P. Verdure 1906–1934
 Rev. Fr. Mirande 1934–1936
 Rev. Fr. P.A. Swamikannu Interim
 Rev. Fr. H. Escande 1937–1941
 Rev. Fr. H. Cailleauit 1942
 Rev. Fr. A.M. Gnanapragasam 1942–1961
 Rev. Fr. M. Peter 1961–1981
 Rev. Fr. R. Ratchagar 1981–1997
 Rev. Fr. G. Peter Rajendiran 1997–2002
 Rev. Fr. V. Aruldass 2002–2007
 Rev. Fr. V. Agnel 2007 -2013
 Rev. Fr. G. Peter Rajendiram 2013-2015
 Rev. Fr. P. Arul Nathan 2015-till date

Amenities
Known for its infrastructure, St. Joseph's High School has the following amenities:
 Playground (2 football, 2 hockey, 6 volleyball, 6 basketball, 2 badminton, 6 ko ko, 400 m track and many kabhaddi courts etc.)
 Gym
 Auditorium
 Library
 School buses
 Laboratories
 Biology
 Chemistry
 Computer Science
 Physics

Extracurricular activities
Sports has been at the forefront of the School ever since its establishment. It is noted for its excellent facilities and strong focus on sports such as football and basketball and placing equal importance on academics. The school has often been referred to as the "Karnal Thottam".

Co-curricular activities
The activities of the school are tailored to give every child the opportunity to become a holistic individual with a balanced view of life and to use their potential to excel in the fields for which he has the aptitude.

Spirituality is encouraged by imparting faith education through moral science classes from Std I to XII. Social service is encouraged by getting the students to be members of National Cadet Corps,  and Red Cross volunteers. The experience of working in the community contributes to the students' understanding of community issues. Much emphasis is placed on sports and physical education by organizing training, coaching and competitions between classes, etc. fostering teamwork and fairness in competitions.

Alumni
 Most Rev. Dr. Michael Augustine, Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore.
 Most Rev. Dr. Yvon Ambrose, Bishop of Tuticorin,
 V. Vaithilingam, Former chief-minister of Pondicherry
 Ere. Elamvazhuthi, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Cuddalore constituency of Tamil Nadu from 1967 to 1970 representing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
 D. S. Amalorpavadass, a third-world theologian who played a vital role in the renewal of life and mission of the Roman Catholic Church in India.
 E. Pugazhendi alias Ela. Pugazhendi, politician and current head of the Students' Wing of DMK
 Duraisamy Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy, Indian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church

Category:Catholic secondary schools in India
Category:Christian schools in Tamil Nadu
Category:Primary schools in Tamil Nadu
Category:High schools and secondary schools in Tamil Nadu
Category:Education in Cuddalore district
Category:Educational institutions established in 1868
Category:1868 establishments in India