PROFILE OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY
The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity was founded in Italy in 1832 by a young, dynamic and gifted lady, Bartolomea Capitanio, with her companion Vincenza Gerosa. They consecrated themselves wholly to God, in response to His call, in order to be the visible instruments of the mercy and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God’s people wherever the need was great and urgent.
While still a young girl, Bartolomea set herself a courageous plan of personal sacrifice and piety .The environment in which she lived bore traces of war and violence. Faced with the expectations of her times, she sensed the irresistible call of charity. She became a friend and sister to all the young girls of her village and held most dear those among them in greatest need. She opened a school for girls in her own home and guided the leaders of youth groups of the neighboring towns. She enjoyed talking to the unfortunate and helped them as far as she could. Along with Vincenza Gerosa she opened a hospital as she sought to comfort the sick and the bedridden.
While she untiringly did everything she could with love for all, her attention was always turned internally towards Jesus, who during His earthly life worked only for the glory of the Father and in His mercy gave His life for all. She died in 1833 only eight months after she launched her mission so Vincenza Gerosa her first companion continued to nurture and guide the new born Institute.
Bartolomea’s vision of charity has culminated in the dedication of countless young people for a life of service all over the world. This vision has resulted in the setting up of many centers for education and health and homes for the unwanted children, the aged, the disabled, the destitute and all those in real need. In 1860, Bartolomea’s sisters known as Sisters of Charity were invited to offer their services in Bengal. Soon they were also called to other parts of our country. Today, with love and courage, they incorporate themselves into different cultures and communities and bring comfort to many with their loving services. St.Francis College for women is one of the oldest such educational centers in Secunderabad.
COLLEGE PROFILE
After being cradled in a school for twelve long years, the transition to college life is definitely a difficult one. Dr. Sr. Christine Fernandes, the Principal of the college, while addressing a prospective student, rightly says –‘Change is an inevitable part of life’. The ability of human beings to accept and adapt to the changes that are positive and progressive makes one increasingly useful to society. Caution and care is needed to make the right choice of the course at the Intermediate level as it has a direct impact on the profession one wants to pursue. The choice made at this juncture is vital since it leads up to a fulfilling career and a sense of accomplishment.
At the threshold such an important decision making phase in a young person’s career ladder, St.Francis College for Women places before you not only relevant and updated options but also challenging ones to tread new paths in making career choices.
The Management and members of the faculty have a God centered approach to guide students to build a value based life and aim at helping them realize their own capacities and inculcating in them respect for the human person and also at creating an atmosphere favoring the growth of virtues like sincerity, equality, service and above all compassion.
College
St.Francis College for Women is a Catholic Minority Institution founded by the Sisters of Charity of St.Bartolomea Capitanio and St.Vincenza Gerosa in 1959, for the education of women. St.Francis derives its inspiration from the person and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is its “norm, protector and guide.” As a minority institution it reserves for itself its inherent and constitutional right (Art.30 [1]) with regard to management and administration. It is primarily for Catholics but does admit students of other sections of society without any discrimination. If it has any leanings, it is for the economically and socially disadvantaged.
The First College for Women in Secunderabad with the student strength of 15, St.Francis College has now grown into a prestigious Institution offering Intermediate, Graduate, Post Graduate, Diploma and Certificate Courses.
The Intermediate Section of the college remains in its original campus with over 1100 students on roll.
VISION
Holistic Education of Women for their Empowerment and Transformation of Society.
MISSION
Striving to help students to develop into
Intellectually competent,
Morally upright,
Socially committed,
Emotionally stable,
Spiritually inspired,
Patriotic women of India.
COURSES AND OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Candidates for the two year Intermediate Course shall have passed the Telangana Board of Secondary Education Examination (SSC) or any other examination recognized as equivalent thereto, in one attempt, securing not less than 40% marks in aggregate.
The college offers the following courses
a) Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry (M.P.C )
The minimum marks prescribed for Mathematics group is at least 50% in Mathematics in 10th class examination.
b) Botany ,Zoology, Physics, Chemistry (B.P.C )
The minimum marks prescribed for Science group is at least 50% in Science in 10th class examination.
c) Mathematics, Economics, Commerce (M.E.C)
d) Civics, Economics, Commerce (C.E.C)
e) History, Economics, Civics (H.E.C)
f) History, Modern Language(English Literature),Civics (H.L.C)
The minimum marks prescribed for Modern Language (English Literature) is at least 50% in English in 10th class examination.
g) Public Administration, Economics, Commerce (P.E.C)
The minimum marks prescribed for PEC is at least 50% in Social Studies in 10th class examination.
Compulsory Subjects for all courses
a) General English
b) Second Language( Telugu /Hindi/ Sanskrit /French)
Choice of the Course and Second Language once opted is final .
RULES OF ADMISSION
1. Students are requested to use separate application forms for each of the combinations in which they would like their applications to be considered.
2. Documents to be submitted at the time of Registration with one set of photocopies.
· X class Marks Memo .This copy is to be replaced by the original before the admission is finalized.
· X class Progress Card.
· X class Bonafide/Conduct Certificate.
· X class Transfer Certificate.
· X class Migration Certificate and eligibility certificate from the BIE for students of CBSE/ISE and other Boards.
· Community (Caste), Nativity, and Date of Birth Certificate for SC, ST, BC issued by MRO.
· Aadhaar Card.
· Two passport size colour photos
Catholic students should submit also
· Baptism Certificate.
· Parish Family Card.
3. Selected Candidates
The selection of the candidates is purely based on merit. The selected candidates will be required to pay the fees within 3 days after the selection, failing which they lose their seat. A fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstances.
The Management reserves the right to cancel the admission at any stage in case of non-compliance with admission policy or non-eligibility of the candidate.
Caution
Beware of middlemen who entice people promising admission. St.Francis is in no way responsible as it does not accept capitation fee of any sort.
4. Examinations
· Class tests and Term examinations are compulsory for all students. No one can skip an examination without prior permission of the Principal.
· Parent Teacher Meeting will be held at the end of every term. Parents are expected to attend the meeting to note the progress of their ward and duly sign the report card.
· Parents should take keen interest in the academic work and regularity of their daughters in order to ensure their convincing performance and safety. Enquiries by parents or guardians about the progress of students will be appreciated.
· Every second Saturday of the month, parents can meet the staff members with prior intimation.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED
St. Francis College for Women is located a kilometer away from the Secunderabad railway station and bus stop. It has a clean and green campus. The two storied heritage building houses well ventilated lecture rooms, fully equipped laboratories, one of the best libraries and an impressive auditorium equipped with audio &video facilities.
The ground floor has places of students’ interest: the prayer room for solitude, the NCC and games room for leisure, the multipurpose court for outdoor games and the canteen for refreshments.
1. Academic Excellence:
Proficiency Prizes for second year group toppers and “Winners Trophies” for first year students who perform consistently well in the term exams and secure 90% and above in IPE are awarded on the College Day.
2. Faith Formation
As a Catholic Institution, St. Francis deems it a privilege to cater to the spiritual needs of Christian youth, by providing them the prospects for acquiring an experiential knowledge of the person and message of Jesus Christ, so that they live as committed Christians. To achieve this goal weekly catechism classes, Bible classes for Arts students, monthly Eucharist Celebration, Annual retreat, seminars and opportunities for Sacrament of Reconciliation are organized. Participation in all these programmes is indispensable.
3. Value Oriented Classes
Classes are conducted to guide the students to build their lives on human values and also prepare them to answer the Moral and ethics paper and protection of the environment as per the BIE requirement.
4. Counseling
A counselor is available during college hours to give a listening ear and to provide guidance.
5. Help Desk
A sealed suggestion box is available in the prayer room; students can drop in their suggestions, ideas and problems which need to be addressed without delay.
6. A Private coaching center conducts classes in the college premises for competitive exams like IIT-JEE (Mains & Advanced), BITSAT, NATA, EAMCET, AIPMT, AIIMS, CA-CPT, NIFT, CLAT & LAWCET.
ACTIVITIES TO DRAW OUT THE INNATE POTENTIALITIES OF STUDENTS
1. National Cadet Corps (NCC)
We have a strong army unit trained in our premises by an Associated NCC Officer. We also have cadets in the Navy and Air wing. Our students and staff have represented the Telangana contingent in the Republic Day parade at New Delhi and have participated in other national and international programmes.
2. Sports
Students of our college participate in various inter college, district level and national level events like Basket ball, Volley ball, Throw ball, Soft ball, etc. To persuade budding sports girls, electrifying interclass competitions are held, certificates and medals are given to the winners. Keeping in mind the importance of providing time for physical exercise, every class is provided with a P.T period per week.
3. Leaders in the Making
Every student is given a chance to come forward to take up responsibilities as a leader. They are selected after proper discernment to form the members of the cabinet and the disciplinary committee. The investiture ceremony gets them started.
4. Out Reach Programmes
The students along with the members of the faculty visit various NGO’s and Homes for the poor and the exploited and also rise up to the occasion in cases of emergencies such as natural calamities.
5. Exposure Programmes
To help students have enriching and learning experiences as well as refreshing breaks and to expose them to various places and cultures, educational tours, field trips, class picnics and the like are organized.
6. Cultural Week
The cultural week is the most awaited annual programme as it is filled with excitement. The competitive spirit which provides ample opportunities not only to build oneself and contribute one’s best but also to enhance team spirit .To mention a few competitions– the long forgotten Dramatics, much enjoyed group and solo dances and various other activities of students’ interest are held.
7. Celebrations
On the Annual College Day, all the academic achievers are rewarded and latent talents are showcased.
Ø With patriotic zeal the National Festivals are commemorated.
Ø The Teachers Day is kept up with fervor.
Ø Significant International/World days are kept up with enthusiasm.
Ø The Grand Parents Day is celebrated every alternate year with dedication.
LIFE IN THE COLLEGE
· College Timings:8.50 am to 3.35 pm (Gate closes at 8.50 am).Late comers will be sent home.
· Assembly sharp at 9.00 am.
· Electronic devices like mobiles, ipads, ipods etc. are strictly prohibited.
· Uniform with black shoes & hair plaited is mandatory.
· Any kind of colour or streaks on hair is strictly not allowed.
· The ID card and hand book should be carried daily and produced as and when required.
· It is the personal responsibility of every student to keep the class room & campus clean.
· Students are encouraged to use only the common mode of transport and are strictly discouraged from using two wheelers .
· Attending regular classes is mandatory. In case of emergency, parents with the student should meet the Principal to get the leave note signed.
· Hand book should be duly signed by the parent and counter signed by the class incharge if absent for a day.
· In case of absence of 2 or more days the student will be permitted to attend classes only after the parent meets the Principal personally.
· Participation in extra-curricular activities in & out of college is encouraged for students who are regular, disciplined & perform well in academics.
· Students will be allowed to participate in the cultural activities only if they pass in the term exams.
· Parents have to attend all the PTM (Parent Teacher Meetings)
· Meeting a student or a member of the staff during working hours is not permitted except when called for.
· Any required certificate can be collected only three days after submission of the application.
· All the applications are to be addressed to the Principal.
· All papers for signature should be submitted and collected from the reception only.
· Strict disciplinary action will be taken against those students who are found scribbling on furniture/walls or destroying it and who fail to comply with the rules of the college.
· Important information will communicated to the parents through SMS.
· Visiting Hours
Principal: 9.30 am to 10.30 am & 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Office (Parents): 8.45 am to 11.00 am
Students: Short break & Lunch break only
1. Attendance
Students’ shortage of attendance list is put up on the notice board regularly. The Board of Intermediate prescribes a minimum of 75% attendance without which students are not eligible for Board Examinations.
2. Leave Record
For those who absent themselves for a long period of time in case of illness, medical certificates are to be produced soon after recovery within the same month.
3. Uniform
Readymade uniform will be available in the college during admission period. All students should buy at least 3 sets of uniform.
The students are our primary concern. We look forward to the complete co-operation of the parents to work together for the good of your daughters.