Balehonnur is a fast growing town situated in the Western Ghats, south-east of Sringeri. Alongside its rich topography and economy, it has also sustained its social and religious affluence. Sisters Frances D’Souza, Laureen Vas, Magdalene Souza, Speciosa Alvares and Joanina Patrao arrived at Balehonnur, in response to the invitation of Rev. Fr Nelson Vaz, the parish priest of Our Lady of Victories Church, Balehonnur on Jan 22, 1962 their objective being education and health ministry. They resided in the guest house of the parish for a period of eight years. In 1970 Sisters constructed a modest residence of their own in a plot (one acre) given to them by the Diocese of Chickmagalur.
The main focus to start the school was the education of the children of the locality. Despite the résistance from a section of the people, the Sisters started the nursery classes in 1962 in their own residence and within a few months got permission to start a primary school ( Classes I –IV). In the years following permission was granted for Classes V, VI and VII. With the upgrading of the school a school building was an immediate necessity.
Sr Joanina Patrao was the first headmistress of Nirmala Convent Lower Primary School. In the succeeding years Sr Maryline Fernandes (1963-65), Sr Winnifred Lobo (1965-66), Sr Eliza Pinto (1966-67), Sr Serena D’Souza (1967-72), Sr Rosepha Lobo (1972-84), Sr Carmella D’Souza (1984-88), Sr Irene D’Souza (1988-92), Sr Irene Mascarenhas (1992-96) Sr Alice Mascarenhas (1996-2003) and Sr Lilly D’Souza (2003-2009) have left an indelible impression of their dedicated and efficient service. They believed that success is a process and not destination which they achieved through teamwork, focus, commitment and adherence to the fundamentals. Sr Irene Mascarenhas, a person of optimism, enthusiasm and positive energy became headmistress of the School serving a second term.
At present Sr Jessy Veigas is the Headmistress of the school. In the consequent years the school has seen a change in the building structure. First floor containing a big hall and 3 rooms were added. Interlocks worth Rs 240000/- were arranged to the ground in front of the new school building to keep the school clean, and avoid dust. The painting of the old as well as new school building costing Rs 62,000/- is done. In 2017-18 the school has been selected for District Level ‘Parisara Mitra’ award.
The School takes credit for educating more than 5,000 students during the past 52 years.