The history of SJCHSS dates back to 1952 and more than half a glorious diamond years have elapsed since the seed was sown in the little town of Chittaranjan. This seed germinated and during the years has grown tremendously in strength. Today it stands as a mighty tree in the form of St. Joseph's Convent Higher Secondary School.

Heeding to the call of his Grace, Dr. Perier, the Archbishop of Calcutta, the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s of Chambery not only played a pivotal role in laying the foundation of the school, but had cradled it for 29 long years before bidding adieu to Chittaranjan. The foundation that was laid 29 years back then had now become solid.

In 1964, the school had the strength of 130 students and it obtained recognition for Primary Section from the Government of West Bengal. In 1965, the school was upgraded to Class VIII. The Government of West Bengal accorded recognition for Junior High School in January 1966. In December 1969, however, the good news of opening Class IX with 6 students was short lived as the Inspector of Schools asked to close down Class IX due to inadequate accommodation.

However, on March 18, 1972, the Government of West Bengal recognized the school as the High School. This laurel infused in the missionaries an undaunted spirit of dedication, and they did not leave a single stone unturned to fulfil the dream of the people of Chittaranjan. The first batch of 5 students who appeared for ICSE examination came out successfully securing cent percent result.

It was in 1977, sensing the need of the institution growing in number and merit, the Railway Administration leased out a plot of land along Ashoke Avenue for construction of a new school building. Indeed it was a gift to St. Joseph's to celebrate the silver yester years of its existence. Till 1980, Sisters Michael, Celine, Josephine, Claire, Pius, Philippa and Ann Charlotte headed the institution with all its ups and downs. On 31st December 1980, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery bid good-bye to St. Joseph's Chittaranjan, which they had cradled for 29 years.

The vacant space that was created due to the departure of the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s of Chambery, was then filled in by Sister of Apostolic Carmel, who then took over the administration of the school.

The Apostolic Carmel Sisters paved the way for the arrival of the Sisters of Little Flower of Bethany who were then entrusted to carry on educational apostolate. The people of Chittaranjan, the staff members and the students of the school accorded the Bethany Sisters a hearty welcome.

A new feather was added in the cap St Joseph, when in the year 2007 ISC Science, Commerce and Arts (Humanities) Streams were introduced. Introduction of computer E-learning Digiclass for all the classes for the first time in the entire North-Eastern Region added another feather to its cap. Much care is taken to keep up excellence in all spheres. All round development, value-based education, development of personality and computer education are given prime importance.

The birth of Asansol Diocese, bifurcating from the Archdiocese of Kolkata was a boon. The timely care, guidance and constant support of the new Diocese enables the institution to sail safely amidst the stormy weather. The vision for future urged the school authority to approach the CLW for more land to extend the educational service to more students. In 1998, they leased out a plot of land in Ashoke Avenue to accommodate and extend quality education to children and the construction of school building for Primary was accomplished in 2002. Still the Institution kept growing in number and merit. There was more pressure on school authority to admit more students by opening one more section. The need of the hour was met with further extension of the school building with the facility of auditorium.

After completing a tenure of 30 long years, the Bethany group of Sisters bid farewell to Chittaranjan and SJCHSS on May 2020.The baton was then passed on to the able hands of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa, who took charge in the year 2020.

Amidst the serious condition of pandemic caused by the Novel Corona Virus that had left the whole world in utter dismay and chaos, the Carmelite Sisters were considerate, generous and kind enough to accept the given responsibility that was entrusted to them by the Management and it was with Sr Jennifer CSST, the first Principal and thereafter with Sr Anupama CSST, the present Principal, the school began a new journey during this period of uncertainty.

The Principal is the most visible and the most accountable leader of a school and a true leader is the one with a clear vision and the one who has a sense of adaptability. What was important prior to pandemic, still remained important even during this incredible period- continuity of the academic journey. The Pandemic situation called in for a quick crisis plan, a plan that was much needed to start the academic learning that was brought to a sudden standstill.

Sir Winston Churchill had once said that, “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty”. The Carmelite Sisters with their optimistic vision, strategic leadership moves and Charism, paved the way for the beginning of a new chapter in the history of SJC. The pandemic however could not put a halt to the teaching – learning scenario. Even though it was virtual and off premises, bit by bit, in slow but steady pace, learning continued.

All through the journey, the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works administration saw that every need was met and every facility was provided within their limits. We hope and pray that the administration of Chittaranjan locomotives works continues to support, help and extend their kind cooperation in carrying on the journey of St. Joseph forward in future as well.

On 15th November 2021, following the orders of the Government of India and West Bengal, the school Management decided to reopen the school for the students of classes IX to XII only. For the students of KG -- class VIII, the academics however still continued in the on- line mode.

It was God’s call that they had answered and despite uncertainties and unknown challenges, they stepped in and took over. The Josephites now aim to scale new heights and achieve new feats under the able guidance and mentorship of the Carmelite Sisters.

May St. Joseph be our everlasting shepherd and guide in all our endeavours.