Pallikaranai is a fresh water swamp adjacent to the Bay of Bengal situated 22 kilometers to the south of Chennai. It is another fast-developing urban area in Chennai. The place was merged with Chennai Metropolitan Corporation in 2011. It has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the National average of 59.5%.
It was in the year 1994 Most Rev. Arul Das James, Archbishop of Madras – Mylapore invited Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to the Archdiocese. The then Superior General Rev. Sr Edilburga with a great vision of extending the mission sent Sisters Edwina Saldanha, Bridgit and Milly D’ Souza to Pallikarnai in Velacheri. They involved themselves in social work, pastoral work and youth ministry staying in a rented house.
Having studied the local situation, the Sisters decided to go for holistic development of the marginalized through promoting literacy. Rev. Fr Vijay Kiran and Rev. Fr Vincent Monteiro, brother of Sr Edilburga Monteiro were instrumental in buying a piece of land in the year 1995 where a convent for the Sisters was built. Infant Jesus Nursery School for kids was started in this convent building on June 1, 1995 with 35 students on the roll.
Slow but steady, the growth of the Institution gave rise to the Higher Secondary School. The Institution places on record the remarkable contributions of the Principals, Sr Leena Fernandes (01.06.1995 to 31.05.1996), Sr Hilda Goveas (01.06.1996 to 31.05.2002), Sr Gracy Pinto (01.06.2002 to 31.05.2011) Sr Anitha D’Souza (01-06-2011- 2016) and presently Sr. Marina Crasta. All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. The unique selling point (USP) of Infant Jesus School is the good rapport the management has with the people, officials and schools in the neighborhood. A committed and dynamic staff, dedicated and thoughtful community members and talented and lively students are an added blessing. The heavenly blessings have been unlimited which have brought Infant Jesus School to the heights of glory.