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History of St. Michael's and All Angels
and the Sisters who served there 1900-1947
and the Sisters who served there 1900-1947
This short history of the school is an extract from the school's 1966 newsletter
History Of Our School 1/7
Sister Lois arrived in Rangoon to help Sister Francina the end of 1900. The Sisters arrived in Maymyo in June 1901. A grant of land was made by the Government and the news reached the Sisters on St. Michael’s Eve (28 Sept.) 1901 so the new school was called St. Michael's.
The school in Maymyo opened in temporary premises (what was Pigott's bungalow and then became the Salvation Army Soldier's Home of Rest) on Feb. 5th 1902. There were 6 boarders and 12 - 18 day pupils and Sister Lois was the head mistress. While waiting for the new building to be completed school was held temporarily for 4 months in the newly built Freemanson's Lodge.
In 1903 Sister Blanche who had been appointed Organising Sister for Burma by the Community arrived in Maymyo, 0n 2nd July the school was formally blessed by the Bishop.
When school opened in Feb. 1904 there were 31 children, of whom 7 were boarders. By Oct. there were 62 children of whom 14 were boarders.
In 1905 Sister Francina was here in place of Sister Lois from April for several months.
In 1906 a new wing was built and a high Department opened. There were 104 children with 27 boarders. There was also a flourishing Sunday School. In 1906 all boys over the age of seven had to attend the boy's School.
There were several earthquakes in Feb - Mar. 1907.
The school was the leading one in Burma for needlework.
In May Miss Vermide became matron and Sister Nina came temporarily.
The school in Maymyo opened in temporary premises (what was Pigott's bungalow and then became the Salvation Army Soldier's Home of Rest) on Feb. 5th 1902. There were 6 boarders and 12 - 18 day pupils and Sister Lois was the head mistress. While waiting for the new building to be completed school was held temporarily for 4 months in the newly built Freemanson's Lodge.
In 1903 Sister Blanche who had been appointed Organising Sister for Burma by the Community arrived in Maymyo, 0n 2nd July the school was formally blessed by the Bishop.
When school opened in Feb. 1904 there were 31 children, of whom 7 were boarders. By Oct. there were 62 children of whom 14 were boarders.
In 1905 Sister Francina was here in place of Sister Lois from April for several months.
In 1906 a new wing was built and a high Department opened. There were 104 children with 27 boarders. There was also a flourishing Sunday School. In 1906 all boys over the age of seven had to attend the boy's School.
There were several earthquakes in Feb - Mar. 1907.
The school was the leading one in Burma for needlework.
In May Miss Vermide became matron and Sister Nina came temporarily.
History Of Our School 2/7
In 1908 Sister Amy came from Trimulgherry, India, to be on staff. She taught French and music.
Sister Nina left the Community.
In April 1910 an Infirmary was built and a vestry added to the Chapel. By this time there were 130 pupils of whom 50 were boarders. Sister Ada also joined the staff.
In 1912 Sister Francina came back to be in charge while Sister Lois had some time in England.
The normal Kindergarten Training College began in 1914 under Miss Pippet.
St. Michael's School colours were white with a pale blue sash or ribbons.
1915 saw the start of the School Savings Bank, the first in Burma. At Easter the Old Girls’ Club began. It was known as St. Michael's Guild and the motto was "I serve".
The staff in 1916 consisted of Sisters Lois, Amy and Ada plus the secular staff. Sister Nora came to help with advanced French, some music and became Sister-in-charge of St. Gabriel's and superintendent of the Boy's Sunday School.
In 1917 the new High School building was completed and the student quarters known as St. Gabriel's. The school magazine Loyalty first appeared and the High School Debating Society began. Miss Cook left in December.
In February 1918 Sister Harriet became the new Headmistress and Miss Baxter came in April to be the new Kindergarten Mistress.
Sister Elsie joined the staff in 1921 and Sister Ada went for a visit to England.
Sister Nina left the Community.
In April 1910 an Infirmary was built and a vestry added to the Chapel. By this time there were 130 pupils of whom 50 were boarders. Sister Ada also joined the staff.
In 1912 Sister Francina came back to be in charge while Sister Lois had some time in England.
The normal Kindergarten Training College began in 1914 under Miss Pippet.
St. Michael's School colours were white with a pale blue sash or ribbons.
1915 saw the start of the School Savings Bank, the first in Burma. At Easter the Old Girls’ Club began. It was known as St. Michael's Guild and the motto was "I serve".
The staff in 1916 consisted of Sisters Lois, Amy and Ada plus the secular staff. Sister Nora came to help with advanced French, some music and became Sister-in-charge of St. Gabriel's and superintendent of the Boy's Sunday School.
In 1917 the new High School building was completed and the student quarters known as St. Gabriel's. The school magazine Loyalty first appeared and the High School Debating Society began. Miss Cook left in December.
In February 1918 Sister Harriet became the new Headmistress and Miss Baxter came in April to be the new Kindergarten Mistress.
Sister Elsie joined the staff in 1921 and Sister Ada went for a visit to England.
History Of Our School 3/7
A chalice and paten were presented by the Old Girls in Sept. 1923.
In 1925 the Sisters took possession of a piece of land adjoining their compound.
In March 1926 St. Raphael's was built. It was the little boy's hostel and Kindergarten block. [the High School classes were held downstairs.] Miss Cook was the music mistress and Miss Coton the Senior Mistress.
Sister Angela's Profession
On the feast of St Peter, July 29th, 1991, Doris Howson, Kitty Duncan and I, (Olive Justice) were invited by Sister Angela, one of our Sisters, to attend the Service when she made her Life Profession in the Community of the Sisters of the Church.
It was a very solemn and moving experience to witness Sister pronouncing her vows. Mother Judith presented her to Bishop Peter, of Kingston, who conducted the Service. Holding a single candle, she knelt before the altar with Mother Judith beside her, while she made her vows and was blessed by the Bishop. The sobering thought occurred to me that three Old Girls of St. Michael's, Maymyo, were witnessing a religious ceremony at which, years ago, our Maymyo Sisters made the same vows. As a result of their dedication we reaped the benefit of a spiritual and academic education.
At the end of the Service, the Sisters and Sister Angela's numerous guests repaired to the refectory, where the long tables were laden with a sumptuous buffet lunch, Sister Angela had designed the decoration on the large square cake. It depicted symbols relating to the life of St. Peter and she used the same design on the altar frontal. For us it was a day to remember. I am sure all of you will join with me in wishing Sister Angela many, many happy years as a professed Sister.
The "House" system was introduced into the school in 1928. The houses were St. George, St. Andrew, St. Patrick and St. David.
In 1929 a new wing was added to St. Raphael's and a play shed for the Kindergarten children. Sister Elsie went to England for
In 1925 the Sisters took possession of a piece of land adjoining their compound.
In March 1926 St. Raphael's was built. It was the little boy's hostel and Kindergarten block. [the High School classes were held downstairs.] Miss Cook was the music mistress and Miss Coton the Senior Mistress.
Sister Angela's Profession
On the feast of St Peter, July 29th, 1991, Doris Howson, Kitty Duncan and I, (Olive Justice) were invited by Sister Angela, one of our Sisters, to attend the Service when she made her Life Profession in the Community of the Sisters of the Church.
It was a very solemn and moving experience to witness Sister pronouncing her vows. Mother Judith presented her to Bishop Peter, of Kingston, who conducted the Service. Holding a single candle, she knelt before the altar with Mother Judith beside her, while she made her vows and was blessed by the Bishop. The sobering thought occurred to me that three Old Girls of St. Michael's, Maymyo, were witnessing a religious ceremony at which, years ago, our Maymyo Sisters made the same vows. As a result of their dedication we reaped the benefit of a spiritual and academic education.
At the end of the Service, the Sisters and Sister Angela's numerous guests repaired to the refectory, where the long tables were laden with a sumptuous buffet lunch, Sister Angela had designed the decoration on the large square cake. It depicted symbols relating to the life of St. Peter and she used the same design on the altar frontal. For us it was a day to remember. I am sure all of you will join with me in wishing Sister Angela many, many happy years as a professed Sister.
The "House" system was introduced into the school in 1928. The houses were St. George, St. Andrew, St. Patrick and St. David.
In 1929 a new wing was added to St. Raphael's and a play shed for the Kindergarten children. Sister Elsie went to England for
History Of Our School 4/7
a time. The new wing housed the classrooms for the senior girls. (Standard 7 upstairs and Standards 8, 9 and 10 and the Library downstairs. The old St Michael's building became the Kindergarten. In between the new and old buildings was a small home, where Sister Elsie, who was in charge of the little boys and Mrs Weaver-Hurst, the Vice Principal, lived with the boys' Refectory downstairs.
In 1930 Sister Harriet went for a visit to England and Sister Edith Mary came out in May.
The Kaiser-i-Hind medal was awarded to Sister Lois in June 1931 and presented in Sept.
Sister Ada went to England for the year in 1933 and returned in January 1934 and Sister Amy then went for a visit to England.
Sister Ada died in hospital at Maymyo on 7th January 1935 and Sister Edith-Mary returned to England later that year. Sister Lettice came out from England to do the housekeeping and look after the boarders.
In 1936 a Commercial Class was started.
In 1937 Sister Lois was in charge and Sisters Harriet, Elsie, Amy and Lettice were also there. Sister Ethel joined them from May to December.
Sister Amy died at Maymyo on 18th September 1940.
In 1942 Sisters Lois, Harriet, Elsie and Lettice went by plane to India as invasion by the Japanese was imminent. They stayed with the Wantage Sisters at Panch Howd, Poona for the duration of the war. Part of the school was damaged.
Sister Lois died on 25th November 1944 and was buried in the Wantage Sister's plot. Sisters Harriet and Lettice returned to England in February.
In 1930 Sister Harriet went for a visit to England and Sister Edith Mary came out in May.
The Kaiser-i-Hind medal was awarded to Sister Lois in June 1931 and presented in Sept.
Sister Ada went to England for the year in 1933 and returned in January 1934 and Sister Amy then went for a visit to England.
Sister Ada died in hospital at Maymyo on 7th January 1935 and Sister Edith-Mary returned to England later that year. Sister Lettice came out from England to do the housekeeping and look after the boarders.
In 1936 a Commercial Class was started.
In 1937 Sister Lois was in charge and Sisters Harriet, Elsie, Amy and Lettice were also there. Sister Ethel joined them from May to December.
Sister Amy died at Maymyo on 18th September 1940.
In 1942 Sisters Lois, Harriet, Elsie and Lettice went by plane to India as invasion by the Japanese was imminent. They stayed with the Wantage Sisters at Panch Howd, Poona for the duration of the war. Part of the school was damaged.
Sister Lois died on 25th November 1944 and was buried in the Wantage Sister's plot. Sisters Harriet and Lettice returned to England in February.
History Of Our School 5/7
Sister Elsie returned to England in March 1945.
In 1947 there was correspondence between the Archdeacon of Rangoon and Mother Rosemary. There were no Sisters available to return to the School which was eventually taken over by the Bishop and rent paid by the Diocese.
In 1959 the first copy of the Newsletter of the St. Michael‘s (Burma) Old Girl's Guild was printed.
The school grew from modest beginnings. Special thanks to Sister Marguerite who kindly collated all the following information from the old magazines "Our Work." (The magazine of the Sisters of the Church.)
In 1947 there was correspondence between the Archdeacon of Rangoon and Mother Rosemary. There were no Sisters available to return to the School which was eventually taken over by the Bishop and rent paid by the Diocese.
In 1959 the first copy of the Newsletter of the St. Michael‘s (Burma) Old Girl's Guild was printed.
The school grew from modest beginnings. Special thanks to Sister Marguerite who kindly collated all the following information from the old magazines "Our Work." (The magazine of the Sisters of the Church.)
|
Year
1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1915 1935 1936 |
Boarders
7 11 11 30 32 27 41 50 50 54 145 58 76 60 80 |
On Register
19 35 62 100 82 104 109 126 136 132 137 170 190 251 10 resident students and 7 non-resident students 333 13 resident staff and 5 non-resident staff |
History Of Our School 6/7
Sister Lettice, C.S.C.
On February 7th, the Reverend Mother wrote to the Sisters:
"I know you will want to hear more about Sr. Lettice whose sudden death on February 2nd was unexpected even at the hospital.
She had been ill for nearly 10 months and had various treatments both at Kingston and Hammersmith with increasing weakness and inability to take food. She was very patient and usually calm and cheerful, though I don't think she expected to get any better. She was just 71 years old and was professed in 1923 at Kilburn.
She had an eventful life in the Community, as she went to S. Africa in 1926, coming home in 1931 and then in 1935 got to Maymyo Burma. She was evacuated by air with Sr. Lois, Sr. Harriet and Sr. Elsie, just in front of the Japs, in 1942 and worked with the Wantage Sisters in Poona till 1944, when she came home with Sr. Harriet. She was not at all well and had several bad attacks of Malaria, but she got better for a time and worked at S. Anne's Weston and Liverpool, till in 1957 she came here to help Sr, Margaret with the workroom, a work she much enjoyed and she seemed well and vigorous till a year ago.
She was brought to Chapel yesterday evening at 5.45 and we had Vespers, etc of the dead, praying also for Sister Carlotta who passed away at St. Raphael's rather suddenly on Sunday morning. The Requiem this morning was also for both our Sisters. Then at 9 we had the Absolutions and Burial Service and went to the Community plot in Paddington Cemetery where Sr. Lettice was laid to rest.
To me a Sister's funeral rites are always very inspiring and an incentive to perseverance, as we see one of our number who has been faithful unto death. I prayed for perseverance for the living as well as for the departed."
Sister Harriet
Sister Harriet died peacefully at St. Raphael's House Broadstairs, on October 7th, after some months of increasing weakness, although she was fully conscious to the last day of her life. She was eighty six years old.
On February 7th, the Reverend Mother wrote to the Sisters:
"I know you will want to hear more about Sr. Lettice whose sudden death on February 2nd was unexpected even at the hospital.
She had been ill for nearly 10 months and had various treatments both at Kingston and Hammersmith with increasing weakness and inability to take food. She was very patient and usually calm and cheerful, though I don't think she expected to get any better. She was just 71 years old and was professed in 1923 at Kilburn.
She had an eventful life in the Community, as she went to S. Africa in 1926, coming home in 1931 and then in 1935 got to Maymyo Burma. She was evacuated by air with Sr. Lois, Sr. Harriet and Sr. Elsie, just in front of the Japs, in 1942 and worked with the Wantage Sisters in Poona till 1944, when she came home with Sr. Harriet. She was not at all well and had several bad attacks of Malaria, but she got better for a time and worked at S. Anne's Weston and Liverpool, till in 1957 she came here to help Sr, Margaret with the workroom, a work she much enjoyed and she seemed well and vigorous till a year ago.
She was brought to Chapel yesterday evening at 5.45 and we had Vespers, etc of the dead, praying also for Sister Carlotta who passed away at St. Raphael's rather suddenly on Sunday morning. The Requiem this morning was also for both our Sisters. Then at 9 we had the Absolutions and Burial Service and went to the Community plot in Paddington Cemetery where Sr. Lettice was laid to rest.
To me a Sister's funeral rites are always very inspiring and an incentive to perseverance, as we see one of our number who has been faithful unto death. I prayed for perseverance for the living as well as for the departed."
Sister Harriet
Sister Harriet died peacefully at St. Raphael's House Broadstairs, on October 7th, after some months of increasing weakness, although she was fully conscious to the last day of her life. She was eighty six years old.
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In the early years of the century she taught at St. Hilda's Paddington, under Sister Mary and in 1909 she entered the Novitiate at the Kilburn Convent and was professed in October, 1912.
Soon after her profession she went to India, to work at our school at Ootacamund in the hills and in 1918 she went to St. Michael's School Maymyo. Except for three short visits home she worked in Maymyo until 1942, latterly as Principal of the School. She was much loved and respected there and she was devoted to the school and the girls.
Many of the ”old girls" from Burma, now in England, have written to her. There were many inquiries about her at their re-union party last August.
In 1942 when the Japanese over-ran Burma and were within a few miles of the school, Sisters Lois, Harriet and Lettice were evacuated to India in an army plane, taking only what they could carry.
They lived with the Wantage Sisters at Poona for two years and then Sister Harriet and Sister Lettice came home in a troopship.
That same year Sister Harriet helped with the move of the Convent to Pont Street and later to Brancaster and York and Liverpool. Since 1961 she had lived at S. Raphael's. R.I.P.”
Soon after her profession she went to India, to work at our school at Ootacamund in the hills and in 1918 she went to St. Michael's School Maymyo. Except for three short visits home she worked in Maymyo until 1942, latterly as Principal of the School. She was much loved and respected there and she was devoted to the school and the girls.
Many of the ”old girls" from Burma, now in England, have written to her. There were many inquiries about her at their re-union party last August.
In 1942 when the Japanese over-ran Burma and were within a few miles of the school, Sisters Lois, Harriet and Lettice were evacuated to India in an army plane, taking only what they could carry.
They lived with the Wantage Sisters at Poona for two years and then Sister Harriet and Sister Lettice came home in a troopship.
That same year Sister Harriet helped with the move of the Convent to Pont Street and later to Brancaster and York and Liverpool. Since 1961 she had lived at S. Raphael's. R.I.P.”