Former Principals

In 1946, an English school with a handful of pupils was started. Sr. Marie Bernard Laudsberger was the one who took charge of the School in 1946. In 1948, Sr. Imelda Barthelot replaced her. Sr. Eugene Kalpini was named Headmistress in 1949.

(1952 – 1967)

Sr. Peter Claver Kaufmann (1952-1967) played a prominent role towards the growth and development of the School. When she took charge of the School, Std VII, a new class, was started. The School uniform – blue and white was introduced in the year 1955 to the 224 pupils. The same year, after the transfer of Pondicherry to the Indian Union, the School applied to the University of Madras for recognition. This was a time when the State had no Matriculation School for girls. Recognition was granted in 1956 and the School sent its first batch of students for the Matriculation Examination in March 1957. It is an opportune moment now to mention that the “Merry Band of Cluny” which could wield drums, trumpets and the like, could not but bask in the hands of a “Mistress-Musician” like Sr. Peter Claver. The School song that is sung at Assembly everyday was composed and set to music by Sr. Peter Claver.

(1967-1972)

Sr. Marie Edel (1967-1972) During this period the School celebrated its Silver Jubilee in February 1972 with the Lt. Governor as the Chief Guest. Sr. Marie Edel bid adieu after five years of dedicated service. Spoken English was stressed upon and Elocution Competition was held every year. Sr. Marie Edel taught and personally supervised the Elocution classes. Active participation in Literary Association activities and dramatics was greatly stressed upon by Sr. Edel.

(1972 – 1973)

Sr. Aloysia (1972-1973) carried on the noble task as Headmistress with great zeal and devotion.
Sr. Aloysia harped upon good values, etiquette, deportment of the students and made great changes in Academics. She tried to make learning more fun and enjoyable.

(1973-1977)

Sr. Agnes (1973-1977) During her period the strength of the Institution touched 1610 as against 1023 in 1963. Due to the increasing number of admissions in the primary section, a new wing with 6 classrooms was constructed. The cafeteria in Lawspet campus was constructed in the same year.

(1977-1978)

Sr. Bernard (1977-1978) took charge of the School replacing Sr. Agnes who took up her new mission in Yercaud. The construction of a hall with rooms on the top to serve as Laboratory, was an achievement of the year. A foreign missionary who hails from Irish. She loved to spread the word of God through her Catechism classes.

(1978-1981)

Sr. Blanche (1978-1981) took the responsibility of guiding the school in its prime of youth. The Scholastic year1979 – 1989 commenced with 2649 students on the roll. With the commencement of the Hr. Sec. Classes the school turned a new leaf in its story. The new course began with one group – Mathematics with 11 pupils on the roll. The most significant event of the year 1979 – 1980 was the celebration of the 200th birthday of Anne Marie Javouhey. The year being the “International year of the Child”, Anne Marie Javouhey’s interest in children found a prominent place on the stage. In June 1980 the second group for the Higher Secondary Course was added. The compound wall and the grotto at the entrance were constructed. A playground for the School was made possible through the enterprising enthusiasm and assiduous efforts of Sr. Blanche.

(1981-1986)

Sr. Rose (1981-1986) the successor of Sr. Blanche began the academic year 1981- 1982 with 2550 scholars on the roll. A grand event of the year was the Annual “Sports Day” held in the new playground at Lawspet.

(1986-1989)

Sr. Suzanne (1986-1989) assumed responsibility of piloting the school which had a strength of 2973 students in the year 1986. The year saw the celebration of “Vanamahotsava” in School. In 1987 a new computer centre was formally opened. A novel venture launched during the year was the inaugural meet of the ‘Past Pupils’ Association to enable the past pupils, experience the warmth of their ‘Alma Mater’.

(1989-2000)

Sr. Agnes (1989-2000) The academic year began with a strength of 3181 pupils. Cluny Parents Teachers Association became a reality. An additional block consisting of 21 classrooms and a spacious staff room was constructed during the year 1991 to 1992. The surprise visit of Mother Teresa on 3rd February 1995 marked a memorable day in the annals of Cluny School. The Human Christmas Tree was presented in the school on 7th December 1996. There was a “Sound and Light” programme depicting the life and works of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey to observe the Bi-centenary year of her birth. The dream of a grand, magnificent and spacious auditorium came true and the new auditorium named as Nanette Hall was blessed by Rev. Fr. Nellikunnam on 1st November 1997. In September 1999, Sr. Agnes decided to take the children to the Andaman and Nicobar islands. She organized the H.R.P. – Handful of Rice Project which is being continued even today.

(2000-2012)

Sr. Emiliana (2000-2012) Rev. Sr. Emiliana is a strong self reliant person whose loving bonds unites the sisters, teachers, students and parents, transcending barriers of caste, creed and religion. During the past 19 years Sister lived, loved and breathed Cluny. The students were her top priority. She loved them as her own. A creative architect, an excellent entrepreneur Sister used her skill and talent in the building of the Prashanth Vanam – A centre for wholeness and inner healing. She made the edifice rise from nothing. The construction of the new blocks in the Montessori and Primary sections stand mute spectators to Sr. Emiliana’s love for challenges that she surmounted with great ease with the help of the Lord, for as she very humbly and simply states “I walk with the Lord and He leads me”. An able administrator, a great organizer, Sr. Emiliana’s commitment towards the running of this institution is greatly commendable.