Dear Students, Staff, and Parents, Hope is a powerful force — not wishful thinking, but a mindset that fuels perseverance, creativity, and courage. In a world often shaken by conflict, uncertainty, and unexpected challenges — from global pandemics to personal struggles — hope is what keeps us grounded and moving forward. It’s the quiet belief that no matter how tough things get, we can adapt, learn, and build something better. As Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Hope is what gives us the strength to keep laying down those dots — to keep trying, failing, and rising. For students, it’s the belief that hard work today builds a stronger tomorrow. For educators, it’s the passion to shape minds and inspire growth even on the hardest days. For parents, it’s the trust that nurturing values and resilience at home will shape a generation that leads with heart and vision. Pope Francis reminds us, “Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope.” In those few words lies a profound truth — that hope must be protected, nurtured, and passed on. At our school, we live that message. We strive to be a place where challenges are met with innovation, where kindness guides our path, and where every learner feels the strength to believe in what’s possible. Let us continue to walk forward — together — with open minds, strong hearts, and an unshakable hope in the goodness that lies ahead. To a remarkable year ahead…

(Meet Our Community Leader)

An alumnus of St. Augustine's High School, Maharashtra, Brother Augustine Jairaj was inspired by the Christian Brothers and joined the Order in 1983 immediately after Class 10.

His diverse teaching career began in Kolkata, working with marginalized children at St. George's School, a vocation he remains committed to. Following his degree and teacher training, he served in various capacities, including Principal of St. Mary's Orphanage and Day School, Kolkata.

Brother Augustine spent 12 years as the Director of the Training Institute for young Brothers, and served as Deputy Provincial in the Province Leadership team from 2014.

He was appointed Principal of St. John's High School, Chandigarh, in April 2024. During his tenure, he significantly improved the school's infrastructure, particularly enhancing the sports program, which brought the school many laurels.

Presntly, Brother Augustine Jairaj is serving as the Community Leader of St. John’s.

Brother Ryan Fernandes (2023-2024)

Mrs Kavita Chatterjee Das began her journey in the school in 1997 as a senior teacher of English, and went on to become the Principal in 2007 - a position she served in for 16 years. Her tenure spoke of her love for her children and her care for her staff. For her, the Happiness Quotient of the school was of primary importance. The marginalized had a special place in her heart and she made inclusion a reality, with a stress on Community Outreach Programmes. A fifth-generation teacher, she chose to change the teaching strategies from traditional teaching to experiential learning, with an emphasis on skill development, spirituality, values and personality enhancement. She added greatly to the infrastructure of the school and upgraded St. John's to the Senior Secondary level. She thus made the school NEP ready and gave it a heart for “God and Country”. St. John's High School was declared the number one boys' school in India in the Education World India School Rankings 2020-21. She retired from St. John’s High School in the year 2023.

Mrs. Pushpinder Cheema, a seasoned educationist, joined St. John's School in 1985. Before being appointed as Co-ordinator, she taught English and Social Studies, and later assisted in setting up the computer laboratory. As the Learning Centre's special educator, she worked with children who had learning difficulties. As the first lay Principal, she guided the school by the foundational principles of Blessed Edmund Rice, prioritizing both teacher empowerment and in shaping young hearts and minds. Under her guidance, the Creative Learning Integrated Program flourished (CLIP). She upgraded the computer labs, making teachers tech-savvy, and introduced initiatives like Indradhanush for marginalized students and the Big Buddy program.

Mrs. Cheema emphasized sports, academics, and creative pursuits, introducing the Equestrian Display on Sports Day. The school won national and international sports laurels during her tenure. She fostered a warm learning environment with strong teamwork and invited experts for General Knowledge and personality development sessions.

Mrs. Cheema was awarded the Endeavour Award in Education by the Australian Government and visited Christian Brother Schools in Australia. Her dedication to education and leadership has left a lasting impact on St. John's School.

Brother Constantine Joesph D' Abreu (1996-2001)

Br. Sobino E. D’ Souza (1990-1996)

Br. Adolph Francis Pinto completed his School Education in Our Lady of Salvation School, Mumbai, a school run by the Christian Brothers. He then joined the Congregation after completing his schooling. In 1979, after completing his training and studies in Shillong he has been teaching in various schools of The Christian Brothers, in Calcutta, Mount Abu, Shillong and Asansol. In May 1987 he was called to be Principal of St. John’s School, Chandigarh. He took over as Principal of St. John’s School from Br. Whiting. In May 1990, he left here to take up a new assignment in St Edmund’s College.

(The Architect of Vision)

Brother Robert Cataldus Whiting began his life in Kew, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, in 1923, before dedicating himself to the Indian mission. He arrived in 1958 and was immediately assigned to St Vincent's Technical School, Asansol, in the heart of India's coal belt. Highly gifted, he dedicated many years to the institution, becoming its Superior and Principal in 1967, while also serving as Superintendent of the Technical School.

After fifteen impactful years in Asansol, Brother Whiting’s talents as a builder were needed elsewhere. In 1972, he was asked to move to Vasai (outskirts of Mumbai) to establish a new school. His administrative expertise led to his appointment as Provincial Bursar in 1979, residing at the Provincialate in Calcutta.

In 1986, Brother Whiting brought his vision to St. John’s, Chandigarh, serving as Superior and Principal. With a marvelous capacity to foresee and plan, he immediately envisioned major extensions. The imposing new block that now graces the campus stands as a testament to his foresight.

His quiet competence, genial ways, and strong support for the new principal made him deeply respected by all—the bishop, the community, parents, and especially the old boys, who were delighted by his efforts to mark the school's Silver Jubilee. It was during his tenure that the schools alumina SJOBA started.

Because of his health deteriorating in 1989, which lead to his transfer to St. Mary's Orphanage, Dum Dum, where he spent his remaining days. He passed away in Kolkata on May 5, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of vision and foundation-building in every school he touched.

(Humble Servant)

Brother Gilbert Paul Bela's long and humble life of service began in Kolkata, where he was educated at St. Joseph's, Bow Bazar. In 1953, at the age of eighteen, he joined the Novitiate at Mt. Carmel.

Over the next fifty-six years, he served the Province with quiet distinction, holding roles in almost every school. Though he spent two years studying at the Brothers' Institute in Bangalore, served six years as a Provincial Consultor, and held various posts as Principal, Superior, or Bursar, he was always known for his humility, politeness, and easy approachability.

At the age of sixty-nine, Paul was transferred to St. John's, Chandigarh, before moving on to Shanti Nivas in Goa. It was there that his journey concluded.

Brother Bela passed away in Shanti Nivas on August 12th and was laid to rest the following day in the picturesque cemetery at St. Francis Xavier's Church, Chicalim, Goa. His memory endures as one of unwavering dedication and grace.

(The Resilient Missionary)

Born in Mountrath, Co. Laois, in October 1921, Brother Patrick Tynan's life was defined by his dedication to the mission fields of India and Africa.

Selected for the Indian mission in late 1951, Pat’s initial two-year stint in Calcutta was followed by a transfer to the boarding school at St. Patrick’s, Asansol, in 1954. Armed with his First Arts Certificate, he was soon deemed ready to teach a Senior Cambridge class at St. Joseph’s, Naini Tal, later that year.

Pat then spent a whirlwind six years (1956–1962) moving between New Delhi and Shillong before settling in New Delhi for a consistent nine-year stretch. His next significant role began in December 1970, when he was transferred to St. John’s, Chandigarh, as Superior. In an unusual assignment, Pat held the dual role of both the junior Brother and the community’s leader.

After completing his six-year term at St. John's in 1977, Pat was transferred back to St. Patrick’s, Asansol, to manage the Junior School and serve as community bursar. His ministry saw several more moves, including a term as Sub-Superior at St. Edward's in the Simla Hills (1978) and short stays in Kurseong and Delhi. In 1983, he joined the relatively new foundation in Bassein, Maharashtra.

The final chapter of Pat’s missionary work took him to Africa, where he served in The Gambia beginning in March 1992. After a brief return, he went back for one more year in 1997 before finally retiring to Ireland in 1998.

May Brother Pat, a resilient servant who crossed continents for his mission, rest in peace.

(Servant Leader)

Born in Co. Cork on August 8, 1912, Brother Charles Athanasius O’Shea dedicated his life to education in India. His service began in October 1933, when he joined the staff of St. Michael's, Kurjee, near Patna, on the banks of the River Ganges.

Decades later, in 1965, Brother O’Shea was posted to St. John's, Chandigarh, serving first as Sub-Superior. By the end of that year, he assumed the crucial dual role of Superior and Principal of the school , taking the helm in Le Corbusier's newly planned capital for Punjab and Haryana. For five successful years, Brother O’Shea was instrumental in establishing St. John's as a well-regarded institution.

Having impacted many young lives across numerous Christian Brother schools in India, Brother O'Shea finished his long journey of faith and service. He passed away in Kolkata on November 5, 1995.

(Pioneer and Builder)

Brother Joseph Urban Morrissey made an immense and lasting contribution to the India Province of the Christian Brothers. His journey began in 1937, when he arrived in India at the young age of 18, leaving his unique stamp on institutions like St. Edmund’s, Shillong, St. Columba’s, New Delhi, and especially St. John’s, Chandigarh.

He holds a foundational place in our history as the first Principal of St. John’s High School, which began in 1959. As an exceptionally able administrator, Brother Morrissey's dedication was transformative. He famously converted the school grounds—once described as a snake-infested jungle—into the "garden of delight" that the campus remains today.

Beyond his administrative success, he was an accomplished academic. His insightful thesis on Anglo Indian Education in West Bengal earned him a prestigious Fellowship in the Royal College of Preceptors, London. Furthermore, he authored a popular series of Geography text books that were widely used in ICSE schools across the country.

Brother Morrissey’s life of service concluded on January 27, 1980, when he collapsed and passed away in St. Columba’s, New Delhi—dying, as many believed, the way he would have wished: while actively serving the mission he loved.

(Honoring a Legacy)

Born in Liverpool, Brother John Joseph Crease's life was a testament to dedication, quiet leadership, and unwavering faith. His journey with the Christian Brothers began swiftly, as he arrived in Quilon, Kerala, on November 18, 1935, at the age of just twenty-one, ready to teach at the newly acquired St. Aloysius High School. His remarkable ability to adapt saw him appointed Headmaster of the school five years later, a post he held for eight fruitful years.

Following a brief return home, Brother Crease's leadership was sought for a greater task: in 1950, he became the Principal of St. Columba’s, New Delhi. Under his guidance, St. Columba's flourished, quickly becoming recognized as the premier school in the Capital. His wisdom was further acknowledged when he was appointed Consultor in 1953. His later years of service saw him impact young lives across various institutions, including St. Patrick’s, Asansol, St. Mary’s Orphanage, Dum Dum, and St. Joseph’s, Bow Bazar.

Brother Crease’s final, and perhaps most notable, posting was to St. John’s Chandigarh. He was the first Brother to be associated with the school , arriving to oversee the complex building work. Even at 55, as the junior member of the community, he embodied the virtues of humility and quiet service. Few realized that this gentle, decent man, who spoke little of his past, was a genius who had held high offices within the Province.

On August 6, 1976, Brother Crease fell ill during class. He suffered a heart attack and passed away shortly before 1 a.m. the following morning. His life remains an enduring inspiration—a quiet, powerful example of commitment to God and Country.