St. Philip's High School and College

St. Philip’s High School and College has established itself as a reputed institution in North Bengal. Since 1951, the school has built a reputation for quality education. Initially limited in scope, the institution has expanded significantly in response to community needs. Today, it comprises five sections: (1) Pre-primary Section (2) Primary Section (3) High School Section (4) College Section and (5) Mother Teresa Charity School (Part-time/Afternoon Section), which provides an affordable or free education for economically disadvantaged students.

The Aims of Establishing This School and Missionary Healthcare Initiatives:

When the Dinajpur Diocese was created in 1927, the P.I.M.E. Missionaries made an unprecedented effort to establish schools and hospitals in the region. Recognizing a significant need, they aimed to provide services to underprivileged communities. As an initial step, they built the ME (Minor English) School in Dinajpur to both educate and support the spread of the Gospel. Alongside their educational mission, the P.I.M.E. Missionaries took steps to build hospitals, such as St. Vincent Hospital in Dinajpur to serve the indigenous populations in need. Today, numerous such institutions across the country continue this legacy of service. In 1930, the foundation stone for what is now St. Philip’s High School and College was laid with the purpose of educating indigenous people in the area. Currently, the institution is open to all classes, providing access to integral formation and quality education for the benefit of Bangladesh. The core mission of the school remains the cultivation of authentic, morally grounded human beings.

Major Achievements (2000–2019):

During the tenure of Ex-Headmaster Edward Rozario, former Principals Bro. Subal L. Rozario, CSC, and Bro. Nirmol F. Gomes, CSC (the then Acting Principal), and present Principal Bro. Kajol L. Costa, CSC, St. Philip’s accomplished the following:

• Construction of Academic Buildings: Academic building 1, 2, and 3 were constructed, significantly enhancing the school’s appearance. These buildings are equipped with modern facilities to foster a comprehensive educational experience.

• Best School Award from SEQAEP (2014): St. Philip’s High School and College was named the best secondary school in Dinajpur Sadar Upazila by SEQAEP, a leading initiative of the Ministry of National Education in Bangladesh.

• Sher-E-Bangla Golden Award 2019: St. Philip’s High School and College received the “Sher-E-Bangla Golden Award 2019” from the Alokito Banglar Mukh Foundation on July 5, 2019, in recognition of its role in expanding educational opportunities in Bangladesh.

• Mother Teresa Golden Award 2019: The school was also awarded the “Mother Teresa Golden Award 2019” by the Ancholik Bhasha O Bangalee Sanskriti Parishad on August 2, 2019, for its contributions to preserving local dialects, cultures, and practices. The St. Philip’s family is proud of these achievements and expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God for such blessings.

• National Basketball Runner-Up Trophy: In 2019, the basketball team of St. Philip’s High School and College competed in divisional and national-level winter sports tournaments. With determination, they won the divisional basketball championship. Much credit for the team’s success goes to Bro. Sumon J. Costa, CSC, for his dedication to developing the team. Following his example, the team worked tirelessly to achieve excellence. Special acknowledgment is also due to Monower Islam, Lecturer in the English Department, and Mr. Ranjit Kispotta, a high school teacher, for their invaluable support. Representing the Chapa Region in the national tournament, the team faced the Padma Region’s delegate, St. Joseph’s School and College, Dhaka, in a competitive match. Although they narrowly missed the championship, they proudly secured the national runner-up position in 2019.

• Construction of New Gate: Under the direction of Principal Bro. Kajol L. Costa, CSC, construction of a new gate began on August 23, 2019. Prior to construction, a committee of four members, led by the principal, was formed. The gate’s foundation was laid on September 22, 2019, and it was inaugurated by the institution’s chairman on December 15, 2019. Faculty, staff, and distinguished guests attended the inaugural ceremony. This new gate has significantly enhanced the institution’s appearance.

• Construction of New Administrative Building: Under Principal Bro. Kajol L. Costa, CSC, construction of a new administrative building began in January 2021. The project was inaugurated by Rev. Bishop Dr. Sebastian Tudu on January 5, 2021.

• Construction of Academic Buildings: During this period, Academic Building 1, 2, and 3 were constructed, enhancing the school’s aesthetic appeal. These buildings are equipped with modern facilities to provide students with a comprehensive education.

• Construction of New Primary and Academic Building: Construction of a new academic building commenced on May 23, 2023, under the supervision of contractor Md. Fazlur Karim Rana from Mina Traders, funded by the Diocese of Dinajpur. On the same day, construction of the third floor of the old Preprimary Section building was completed. At a ceremony on the morning of May 23, 2023, Most Reverend Bishop Dr. Sebastian Tudu blessed all six floors of the new academic building, including the underground level in the presence of Principal Bro. Kajol Linus Costa, CSC, Assistant Head Teacher Sr. Sandhya Helen Purification CIC, priests, and other guests. The Diocese of Dinajpur funded the construction.

Furthermore, in 2024, under the principal’s initiative, a lease was secured from the municipal authority for an area adjacent to the school on the east side, where a tin shed was constructed to serve as a motorcycle garage for teachers. Additional construction projects are planned to support the school’s continued growth.

According to the Dinajpur Diocesan Education Commission’s policy, the bishop of the diocese serves as the school’s chairman and owner as a successor, holding this position by virtue of being ex officio.

• Grand Inauguration: Upon completion of the new academic building, an inauguration ceremony was held to mark its opening. His Excellency Bishop Sebastian Tudu, Chairman of the School Management Committee, St. Philip’s High School and College, presided over the ceremony. The event was attended by the principal, vice-principal, assistant head teacher, faculty, and invited guests.

• Unprecedented Development (2001–2024): Over the past few years, particularly from 2001 to 2024, significant infrastructural development has been achieved at St. Philip’s High School and College. Development efforts are ongoing and are expected to continue in the future. However, it is also crucial to prioritize the holistic development of teachers and students to serve the institution’s and the country’s best interests. Special attention is continually given to supporting the tribal communities in the region, as the founding missionary priests originally established the school to provide educational opportunities for them. We hope to see continued progress at St. Philip’s toward overall improvement in the coming years.

• It is worth mentioning that St. Philip’s High School and College is currently managed by the Holy Cross Brothers of Bangladesh. We look forward to seeing this institution continue to develop at every stage.