St. Francis Higher Elementory School has vast history that spread over 114 years of dedication and excellence. At the time inception of this school, there was no other school in the vicinity of Belman.

The people in and around of this place were in total darkness with regard to education and knowledge. In order to impart quality education, as a first step, Fr. Nicholas Carniero built a small hut of mud and stone in the church campus and started the primary school in 1896. Childred of the vicinity responded to the brave decision of Fr. Carniero. Thereafter, Rev.Frs. Rosario P.B. Lewis, Immanuel Vas, Peter R. D'Souza, Anthony A.E. Colaco and P.L. Bothelho worked hard for the development of education in this area.

During the years 1914-1934, Rev.Fr. Denis R. Lewis constructed a new school building in front of the church, in the other side of the main road. The school was known as St. Joseph Higher Primary School and was popular within no time. A dwelling well was dug near the school ground in order to quench the thirst of students. After twenty years of selfless service to the people, the school was handed over to Catholic Board of Education for further management. In 1957, Rev.Fr. Nicholas J. Pereira took over the reigns of the school, and the number of students increased; thanks to the tireless work by him round the clock.

At the time where 600 students were getting quality education, the more experienced teacher, Mr. Narayana Shetty was appointed as the Head Master of school. The number of teachers also increased from 13 to 21, to cater to the educational needs of the students. At this time, in view of future alround deveolopment of the school, the assistance of the religious sisters (nuns) of Mangalore, was called for. As a result, they reached Belman on 1st June 1966 to accept their new role. Sr. Christeeta was appointed as the Head Mistress of the school. She offered selfless service for six years till Sr. Antoneitta took over. During the early days of her service, Rev.Fr. N.J. Pereira was transferred from this place and Rev.Fr. Louis Rodrigues became the Correspondent/Joint Secretary of the school.

As there was of paucity of space for the ever increasing number of students, Fr. Rodrigues thought of building a spacious hall and immediately put his thoughts in to action. But unfortunately, Fr. Rodrigues met his untimely dealth during the construction work was in progress. Fr. Lawrence Gomes, his successor, completed the dream structure of his predecessor, and named the hall as "Fr. A. Rodrigues Memorial Hall", a fitting tribute to the late Correspondent/Joint Secretary.

On 1st June 1978, Sr. Maura took of the responsibility as Head Mistress. During her tenure, the alround development of the school took place. The students were deciplined. They excelled in extra-curricular activities. As a result, in 1982, this school was recognised as the Best School in Karkala Taluk. In 1985, Belman JayCees also recognised it as the Best School and a Shield was given to the school. At the same time, the team of teachers of the school was termed as the Best Staff.

In order to get the cooperation from the parents to impart quality education to the tiny tots, 'Parent-Teacher Association' was founded. Well experienced resource persons in education field were invited to address the teachers and the parents as well in the interest of the students. During the tenure of Sr. Maura, the school was stepping towards progress. Her service to the school and the society did not go unnoticed. In 1990, she was rewarded with the National Award instituted for teachers. The flag of the school was flying high at Delhi level and this credit goes to Sr. Maura. Sr. Roshni took over from Sr. Maura and so Fr.John Fernandes took over as the new Correspondent/Joint Secretary of the school.

Fr. Fernandes was noted for social service. He concentrated on the educational needs of the poor students. After eight years of devoted service, Rev.Fr. Thomas D'Souza took over as the Correspondent/Joint Secretary. He was visiting the school premises very often. During the rainy season, water was seeping through the sinking roof of the school building. The students were making use of the wet floor. He did not like it. He consulted with the Head Mistress and called a Parents' meeting in 1995. The 10th anniversary of the school was to be celebrated in 1996. To commemorate that event and keeping in view of the security of the students, the decision of the Management to build a spacious building was announced. The people who gathered there applauded the decision and they pledged full cooperation. As a result, within a year, a new spacious school building having 16 rooms came up. In addition, a levelled play ground was made available to the students. The anniversary was celebrated in a befitting way. Within a short period, the very popular Correespondent/Joint Secretary, Fr. Thomas D'Souza breathed his last after a brief illness.

In place of Fr. D'Souza, an intelligent, educated, deep thinker, and an experienced teacher in the person of Rev.Fr. Lawrence Rodgrigues took charge of the school as the Correspondant/Joint Secretary. He showed much interest in the school activities. In the year 2003, Sr. Roshni got 'Best Teacher' award at the district level. On her transfer, Sr. Prema was the Head Mistress for the next two years, before Sr. Monica took over the responsibilities. With the active cooperation of the Correspondent/Joint Secretary, headmistress, teachers and the parents as well, mid-day meal was made available to all the students free of cost.. To cope with the latest trend in the educational field, computers were provided with the helping hand of donors. Satellite television was provided for the use of the students to enable themselves to update with latest news around the world..

Fr. Rodrigues was transferred in June 2009 and Fr. Lawrence D'Souza took his palce. At present eight teachers extend their selfless service to 286 students of the school. Computer Instructor and the Physical Training Instructor offer free service for the students. The cooperation of the parents and the donors is worth mentioning. Old Students' Association(OSA) came into existence. Lions Club, Rotary Club and the OSA have been extending monetary help to the school at the need of the hour.

The school was honoured as the 'Best School in the Taluk' in the year 2007-2008. Repeat performance is anticipated. No doubt, with the able and efficient involvement of the new Correspondent/Joint Secretary and the headmistress, the school is marching towards progress very fast.

St. Joseph's High School took its birth on 2nd June 1982 with the temporary recognition from the Govt. of Karnatka. With the noting of the all round development, the school got permanent recognition from the government later on.

St. Joseph's High School, Belman, intends to impart quality primary, secondary and high school education in a Christian atmosphere, primarily for the benefit of Catholic boys and girls. We also admit other children regardless of religion, caste, class, and creed. The students are under able, efficient and eloborate training by the well trained teachers who prepare them to appear for the year end/state-level public examination in a hope to bring them out successfully in flying colours. The school caters to the needs of the pupils and ambitious students in and around the vicinity by upgrading the quality of education every year.

At present, Smt. Renilda Pereira is the Head Mistress of St. Joseph's High School, Belman, who has been officially appointed as Head Mistress of the school by the Catholic Board of Education, Mangalore, in 2007, by promoting her..

The educational service of St. Joseph's high School is inspired by the person of Jesus Christ and guided by His teaching and example. We aim at the integral development of the students' personality - intellectual, physical, social, cultural, moral, and spiritual. St. Joseph's High School strives to form the pupils' interest to grow up as good men and women, good and useful citizens of the nation, who will contribute to the building up of the nation based on truth, love, service, justice, and peace.

Great has been God's grace and blessing upon the school for which it is truly greatful. An overview of the academic co-curricular and extra curricular achievement brings a warm glow of satisfaction. The joint venture of the management, the parents, the staff and the students have been very fruitful.

This academic year commences in the last week of May every year with a good number of students on the rolls. When viewed a cross section of students, one can drive great satisfaction from the fact that each student in someway or the other has grown in physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual stature.

It is a matter of pride that the school has a good reputation in and around Belman. Thanks to the dedicated staff who keep service above self. The school has sufficient teaching and non-teaching staff members who strive for excellence in every field by their dedication, spirit of service and hard work. Surely, joyful service and cooperation of the staff members has helped to run the school well. Well qualified teachers having excellent academic records handle maths, science, arts subjects and the languages. They prove to be the best among others.

The Student Council is ably directed by the concerned teachers and they give great encouragement for games and sports. Ample chances and encouragement are given to the students to take part in sports and games and other co-curricular activities; such as elocution, quiz, recitation, drawing and singing, in and out of the school. The students take part in hobali level, taluk level and district level sports tournaments.

At the beginning there was only one section - 8th std. In the year 1983 and 1984, 9th and 10th std. respectively, were started. On 7th January 1984, the new building of the high school was blessed and opened by Rt.Rev.Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore In 1995, the first batch of 10th std. appeared for state level examination and 51% of the students got through. in the years 2004 to 2008, the school got 99% result and in 2009, all the students who appeared for SSLC examination passed, thus getting 100% results for the school.

Rev.Fr. Lawrence Gomes
(From 1982 to 1985)

Rev.Fr. Thomas D'Souza
(From 1994 to 2001)

Sr. Giscella Fernandes
(From 1982 to 1995)

Sr. Stephania D'Souza
(From 1989 to 1994)

Sr. Ambrosia Rodrigues
(From 1995 - 1989)

Sr. Helen Mendonca
(From 1994 to 2000)

Contact Us:
Rev.Fr. Lawrence B. D'Souza
Parish Priest
St. Joseph's Church
Belman - 576111
Karkala Taluk, Udupi Dist.
Karnataka INDIA
Phone: (08258) 274248
E-Mail: belmanchurch@yahoo.com

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