s the mighty oak has its beginnings in the humble acorn, the history of Apostolic Carmel can be traced back to the passing word: a simple conversation between Sr.Theodosia with the then Archbishop of Bombay, Valerian Cardinal Gracias that resulted in the transfer of the Girls Section of St.Andrew’s High School into the hands of the Carmel Sisters. Soon after Mother Sylvia and Mother Carol acquired the present property with the school building and furniture from Reverend Fr. Henry Remedios, Parish priest of St.Andrew’s church. A new building, was erected, Mother Celine took over as Superior with Sister Aimee as Headmistress aided by Sisters Helena, Marita and Mafalda. The little band of sisters heard mass in the chapel which was then, as always, the heart of the Carmel community and proceeded to begin their apostolic work of education and social upliftment bY JUNE 1953 THE FIRST admissions to the school began though recognition for this came only the following year for the Primary Department and the year after for the school itself. Thereafter it was allowed to function as an independent girls school with English as the medium of instruction. In 1957 the school building was extended and the new chapel was blessed. Gradually the student strength increased and cultural activities were encouraged. By 1962 the High School classes were shifted to the new building block and in 1971 an additional floor was constructed over the hall to provide a spacious library by Sr. Maria Rosa. A much required basketball court was laid to enable the students to have adequate exposure to games and physical exercise. The next year saw the construction of the Biology and Physics Laboratories over the Library to provide better facilities to students. The Sisters of the community were busy with STC work and Religious instruction as well as doing courses in Hindi and Marathi, typing and social work. The school continued to expand with more buildings on the westward side to include a Chemistry Laboratory and Mini Auditorium and later, on the other side, a Home-Science Section and another staircase.
