Western Province

“Education has to be the powerful tool for the uplift of the poor, marginalised and girls” RFC Mascarenhas. The horse stalls turned into neat, spacious full-fledged classrooms preparing girls to face the challenging world. This was possible because of the toil, tears, sweat, united efforts, ready obedience and dedication of the brave Bethany sisters whose inspiration is our Father Founder RFC Mascarenhas the Servant of God.

The bungalow which was surrounded by a garden of chikkoo, guavas and mangoes was handed over to the pioneer sisters Sr Gertrude, Sr Crescentia, Sr Placid and Sr Prescilla who had decided to convert it into a home for the aged. But after a survey to the surrounding areas, they felt the need of blazing a trial in the field of education, more than opening a home for the aged; thus started a Kannada medium school for the neglected girls of the area with 25 students in the bungalow gifted by a generous donor Mr Guider.

A new door was opened to the residents of Dharwad on 21st Nov. 1939 on the feast day of Presentation of our Lady the Blessed mother, blessed by the Holy hands of our Fr Founder RFC Mascarenhas.  It was not a piece of cake to start working on a new mission. It would cost an arm and leg.  But still the sisters approached people, faced the challenges arising because of the financial hardships, new setup and other difficulties. Their motherly, caring and hospitable attitude won over the residents of Dharwad. The response of the poor, working classes, Catholic, non-Catholic in all aspects was gratifying.

The faith, courage, optimism and religious spirit of Mother Prescilla as the first Headmistress, along with Sr Gertrude, Sr Crescentia and Sr Placid as the Pioneers, enabled Presentation to flower, bloom and spread its fragrance of education in Dharwad. The affectionate, approachable attitude of Sr Antoniette, Sr Corona, Sr Laura, and their total trust in God in times of trials has placed them as the pillars of Presentation. They encouraged girls and motivated them through non-formal education.

The aided Kannada medium sections from 1 to 7th and the unaided English medium (1997-98) sections from 1-7th with dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff, beautiful garden, big playground, spacious classrooms is not an achievement of a day. All the Headmistress moved mountains to make Presentation reach at its peak. Gradually the old building was replaced by the new one with enough of infrastructure and basic facilities.

Presentation School which started in 1939 with a humble beginning with 25 little stars has now become a galaxy of 2410 twinkling stars, 48 staff members to nurture the students with productive soil of knowledge and values. It has steadily grown in number and in merit. As it has stepped into its last quarter to complete its century it has its remarkable achievements in academics, sports and co-curricular activities. Presently the school is on its path of progress because of the continual support and guidance from BES Management. Currently Sr Jessy Lasrado heads this prestigious institution and Sr Pierineis the Correspondent of the school.
 
Protected under the Mantle of Mother Mary blessed and interceded by our Fr Founder, the school is scaling heights, winning laurels creating milestone in every field and spreading Bethany values in the eroded society.  The products of Presentation have spread for and wide in every corner of the world and have become torch bearers spreading the light of Bethany.

 Sr Shalet Mendonca BS
Correspondent

Sr Veditha BS
Headmistress

 Parallel English Medium

Sr Archana BS
Headmistress

School Staff

School Building