ST XAVIER'S SCHOOL, ALIPURDUAR

THE FOUNDER

In the 16th century, St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions established the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits, in Spain. These devoted individuals engaged in global evangelization, with a strong presence in 112 nations. Their multifaceted mission encompassed education, research, and cultural pursuits. Jesuits provided retreats, ministered in various settings, promoted social justice, and embraced ecumenical dialogue.

The heart of their educational efforts lies in 18,565 institutions worldwide, spanning 65 countries and educating around 1.8 million students. In India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Society of Jesus oversees 153 high schools, 38 university colleges, 14 technical institutes, and additional institutions, involving over 91,000 lay educators and Jesuit members, teaching a diverse student body.

St. Ignatius' vision, rooted in the Spiritual Exercises and approved by Pope Paul III, emphasized obedience to the Pope, allowing Jesuits to serve worldwide. They are often referred to as "God's soldiers" due to their readiness to undertake any mission. Over the years, they have been pivotal in the Counter-Reformation and embraced the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.

Today, the Society of Jesus, headquartered in Rome, continues its sacred mission under the patronage of Madonna Della Strada. In 2013, Pope Francis, a Jesuit, emerged as the first Pope from the order, symbolizing their enduring influence in the Catholic Church.

THE   IGNATIAN VISION

• "To seek the formation of the whole person"

• "To help each person to be more for them selves and for others"

• "To live in an attitude of discernment seeking God's will in all"

• "To labour to extend the Greater Glory of God"

The Ignatian Teaching Model is framed around a number of guiding questions:

• Context: What do we need to know about our students?

• Experience: What is the best way to engage our students in learning?

• Reflection: How do our students reflect more deeply on what they have learned?

• Action: How do we encourage students to move beyond knowledge to action?

• Evaluation: How do we assess our students' growth in mind, heart and spirit?

FamousEducational Institutions owned and managed by Jesuits in India:

• St. Xavier's School & College : Kolkata.
• St. Xavier's School & College : Mumbai.
• St. Xavier's School & College : Ranchi.
• St. Xavier's School & College : Jaipur.
• St. Xavier's School & College : Ahmadabad.
• St. Xavier's School & College : Patna.
• St. Xavier's School : Delhi.
• XLRI : Jamshedpur.
• XIM : Bhubaneswar & Mumbai.
• Loyola College : Chennai.
• St. Joseph's School & College : Bangalore.

OUR SISTER INSTITUTIONS:

• Joseph's School- Darjeeling.
• St. Alphonsus School, Kurseong.
• Loyola School, Mogulkata ( near Banarhat).
• St. Vincent's School, Hatighisa.
• St. Peter's School, Gayaganga.
• Gandhi Ashram (music) School, Kalimpong.
• St. Joseph's School, Mungpoo.
• St. Joseph's College, Darjeeling.
• North Bengal St. Xavier's College, Rajganj.
• Loyola College of Education, Namchi (Sikkim).

Some Eminent jesuits

• Fr. Matteo Ricci SJ : Mathematician and Astonomer at the Chinese Court.
• Fr. Scheiver SJ : discovered the sun-spots.
• Fr. Georgoire de St. Vincent SJ : Founder of the analytical geometry along with Descartes and Fermiot.
• Fr. Gusamao SJ : invented the first air-balloons.
• Fr. Secchi SJ : did the topographical survey of the moon, special studies of nebulai and the first classification of stars.
• Fr. De Vico SJ : discovered several comets and was one of those who observed the transit of Venus.
• Fr. Cecil Saldanha SJ : Taxonomist. He has done extensive research and published volumes on Hassan and Karnataka Flora.
• Fr. Santapau SJ : Taxonomist,  had collected more than 100,000 specimens and was an internationally recognized authority on Plant-taxonomy and Systematics. He led a delegation of Indian Botanists to USSR and Edinburgh. He was bestowed with 'Padma Shri' Award.

The darjeeling provience statement:

Inspired by the person and teaching of Jesuits Christ, we, the Darjeeling Jesuits aim in our educational ministry at a radical change of heart in our students , staff, parents and the community so that they be compassionate, competent, conscientious and commited to bring about a visibly just society.Jesuits education aims at the internal personl formation of youth. To accomplish this special efforts are made:

• To help the students become mature, spiritually oriented man and women of character.
• To encourage them continiously to stive after excellence in every field.
• To value and judiciously use their freedom.
• To be clear and firm on principles and courageous  in action.
• To be unselfish in service of their neighbours.
• To become agents of needed social change in their country.