St. James Higher Secondary School, Palakurichy

In 1958, Rev. Bro. Montfortof the cross took from Bro. Antony Francisco the establishment of St. James High School.

The Chief Patron behind the establishment was Rev. Fr. Justin Diraviam who later became the Arch Bishop of Madurai.

Then the Bishop of Trichy Rev. James Mendonz was another person.

In 1958, The province accepted the invitation of Rev. Fr. Justin Diraviam and the Bishop of Trichyto take charge of St. James High School, Palakurichy.

The peopl who played a prominent role are,
1. Mr. Sebastin Pillai (Village Munsiff of Palakurichy)

2. Mr. Michael Pillai who always extended a helping hand by providing financial assistance without any interest and time limit. The out houses (a thatched shed) of Mr. Michael Pillai served as the abode of the brothers till a new brothers quarters was constructed.

3. Mr. Muthusamy, Palakurichy sold his land at acheap price to construct our Juniorate.

The visit of Mr.Kamaraj, Chief Minister of Madras State to lay the foundation Stone for the school and to inaugurate the brothers quarters is greatly cherished. That was the first time and too a Chief Minister visited Palakurichy, and his visit remains a History even today. He was given a grand welcome with silk umbrelass, crackers and decoration from the entrance of the village to the school.

After 15 days of his visit and his usual promise 'Parkalam' we got a written promise from from the Chief Minister's Secretariat, "If everything is ready, permission to start IX class will be given to St. James School on report from
the Deputy Inspector of Pudukkottai."

On the last day of May, 1959, the postman brought the eagerly expected permission from the Department of Madras, signed by the D.P.I ., Mr. Sundaravadivelu.

There was a great jubilation in Palakurichy and all the surrounding villages.

Later the Primary School and Elementary were started on the year 1997, headed by Retired village school master Y. Swaminathan.