In the initial years of the Mission Fr. Otto Hoffenmuller put a request for a Catholic school for European children. In 1905 propaganda Fidei insisted upon the need of a Catholic school for pupils.
1908 : The Prefect Apostolic Fr. Becker contacted the Mother Provincial of Loreto Sisters with the proposal of an agreement with a donation of 6 acres of land and Rs. 20,000 for the buildings with a view to opening a boarding and a day school in Shillong. The responsibility for the buildings was to be borne by the Prefect Apostolic and provision was to be made for scholarships for poorer children. Construction work was begun in the autumn of 1908.
1909 – 1938 : On the 1st of May 1909, Mass was celebrated and the House and Chapel were blessed by the Prefect Apostolic. The Chapel was built for daily Mass and the Chaplain was to receive no fee for Mass or confession. On 8th May 1909, Loreto Convent School opened with a staff of 5 Sisters, 23 days scholars including boys and 3 boarders.
Other parts of the school which were constructed included:-
- Kitchen
- Hostel (now called Mary Ward Home)
- Dhobi’s quarters
- Godowns
- Summer House
- Infirmary and Teacher’s residence and
- Parts of the school building
1939: The kitchen got burnt
1939 - 1945: During the Second World War, the school in Shillong was taken over by the government to be used as a hospital for the injured soldiers.
1943: A disastrous fire broke out which burnt down everything except the Forbes Hall and Forbes Villa.
At the end of the Second World War, a new building was laid on the foundations of the old one. The teachers’ quarters and the infirmary were constructed.
1950 : The Music room and classrooms for classes KG and I were built.
1955 - 1966: Classrooms for the Middle School and Senior School were built (Ground floor and first floor).
1972 : The rink was completely destroyed by yet another fire. It was replaced by a hall and gymnasium.
1975 : The School Hall was built.
2004: Renovation work was done to maintain the beauty of the school. The new Mary Ward Home was also built during this time.
Children are our future and we believe that 'Reading is to the mind what exercise
is to the body. Through the Library, the students can supplement their education
and we can motivate and inspire children to discover and pursue their passion in
reading so that they can take their place in the globalised world.
The School Library provides -
- Reference section for the teachers and students.
- Magazines, Newsletter, periodicals, newspapers etc.
- Course Books
- Miscellaneous books
- Fiction / non-fiction books for Classes VI to X.
The Physics laboratory of the school is well equipped with various equipments which
cater to the needs of the students to practically demonstrate what they have learnt
in the theory classes.
Facilities to do experiments on measurement of length, volume and time, magnetism,
optics, simple machines, electricity and calorimetry are provided to the girls to
gain first hand practical knowledge.
The Biology laboratory of our school is well equipped with various equipment’s like
models, charts, instruments which help the students in their practical work.
Students get practical knowledge from their laboratory activities. Practical work
on Osmosis, Transpiration and various systems of human body are done in very interesting
ways in the Biology Laboratory.
'Mary Ward Computer Center'
Initially there were very few computers but now we have 35 computers. Practical
classes for the girls of Class IV to X are taken in the Lab. Students can use the
lab as and when required. Internet facility is also accessible to the teachers and
students.
