GSIS nurtured me, protected me, gave me a home. It made me realise that I had the potential to do a lot more than I thought I would or could. It gave me a family that I didn’t realise then, but one I would come to love forever.
As a GSIS graduate I appreciate the all-round education (academic, sports & community) that GSIS offered. This prepared me for the many opportunities and challenges I met throughout my career path including my current position as a Physician Attending at Bon Secours Richmond, Health System in Virginia, USA.
The years I spent at Good Shepherd remain some of the best years of my life and have shaped me into the person I am today. The memories as well as bonds forged through friendship are lifelong and that’s why I will always remain a proud Sheperdian!
A pleasure to be in this remarkable school, set in such a picturesque surrounding with its exceptional world-class facilities and its all-round aim of excellence. It was wonderful seeing the campus and even using the medical facilities! Thank you for the warmth of your welcome, the superb (and thoughtful) organization and the kindness Elsamma and you have shown throughout. If an institution is the lengthening shadow of one man, you – Dr P C Thomas – have cast a giant shadow. With all good wishes for you and GSIS – continued success.
Having had the opportunity of having visited many schools in India and abroad, I have yet to visit a school better organized than Good Shepherd International School – it’s marvelous infrastructure, it’s educational, co-curricular, health & sports facilities have greatly impressed me. GSIS is a school the CISCE can indeed be proud of. May GSIS be a Lighthouse of service, love, peace and communal harmony to the neighbourhood.
Our visit to the GSIS has been memorable in so many ways. Dr Thomas and his gracious wife, Elsamma personify the best in human kindness, warmth, dignity and grace. Their hospitality has made us feel truly at home. The GSIS is a model institution, and the care and dedication with which it has been built, brick by brick, over the years, shines through every arch and alcove. The students are so energetic and filled with good cheer. The Founder’s Day celebrations were a feast for the eyes and ears. GSIS sets a very high bar for other schools to emulate. May you continue to inspire others to learn from the power of your example. Your vision and commitment make us proud.
The experience of attending and speaking at the Investiture and Graduation Ceremony today is quite hard to express in words. The journey of Dr Thomas in bringing this remarkable school to its present milestone speaks volumes of his visionary ambition, unfitting spirit and the impeccable attention to detail. Thank you Dr Thomas and Mrs Thomas for welcoming me warmly to the GSIS family and I wish the school further heights and more accolades!
For us it has been an exceptionally rewarding experience. We were inspired to see the pursuit of excellence that characterizes GSIS. The education of the young is the perennial challenge before the society. On interaction with the young, the faculty and above all with the Principal Dr. P.C. Thomas and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas have given us the comforting conclusion that all that is possible is being done. The Principal and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas are perfect and flawless in their hospitality and there is nothing that escapes their attention. All the very best for the GSIS family.
Dr. P. C. Thomas is our country’s pride. The great institution he has dreamed of, built and nurtured-the Good Shepherd Educational Complex is indeed a place of pilgrimage for all educationists. We now know that the links between Education policy of a country and its economic progress are so strong that we ignore quality education only to our peril. If you do not prepare students for the future challenges, we will be lost.
What a memorable visit and what an exceptional school! The meticulous attention to academic excellence is matched by an inspiring range of extra-curricular activities. There is so much to admire, but music is clearly a particular strength as illustrated by the high standard of performance at today’s Graduation Ceremony. Congratulations to Dr P C Thomas and his team on the creation of a unique institution and best wishes to all the students for their future endeavours.
It is indeed a matter of pride to be addressing the students of an elite school. GSIS has created a special place for itself in the world of learning and building the future leadership of not only India but several countries. The academic activities, cultural inculcation and environment made available is laudable. Our compliments to Dr P C Thomas, his team and staff who are relentlessly striving to develop the children. Best wishes for the growth of GSIS in every sphere
It has been a fascinating visit to the school and to participate in the 33rd Founder’s Day celebrations. The facilities that have been created and the overall atmosphere of caring and guidance is about the best that I have seen in any school. Your contribution to the holistic growth of your students is commendable.
Our journey with Good Shepherd International School started 7 years ago leaving our children in the care of Dr. P C Thomas and his entire school team. With two children having different aspirations and qualities, finding a school is a challenge but it was the perfect decision we could have made.
GSIS has provided a sound foundation for both the children whether it be academics, co curricular activities or living within a diverse community. Staff have always been warm and helpful towards their small needs and strive to provide excellent facilities so that they do not miss the comforts of home and family.
Teaching has been of a very high standard and has shown through the excellent progress both children have achieved in their respective board exams.
There is so much more the school has to offer other than education. We have appreciated the values of the school which are very important to us. In particular we appreciate the service to the community which instills a sense of responsibility and maturity in our children.
As parents we are always concerned about day to day developments with our children and have been happy with the excellent communication and response provided to settle any queries whenever asked. Our daughter Harina has now moved on to University of Exeter and our son Harshul is now studying for his IB.
We will miss our dear Principal especially his smile which was always welcoming and reassuring that our children are safe in his care.
We are at our wit’s end to write a eulogy about the school founded by late Dr P.C. Thomas, who needs no introduction or testimony. We have been associated with the Good Shepherd International School for more than 15 years. The relationship started with the admission of our children in the school and blossomed into a sociocultural edification.
The children here not only learn various subjects but also discipline and culture. They turn out to become model citizens. The norms of the school are very strict but are imposed with kindness to mould the children for reaching higher echelon.
The faculty consists of highly qualified teachers, well trained and devoted to imparting quality education and training. It will not be an exaggeration to say that I was not fortunate enough to study in this school like our children and so many others.
Our son, Sriniketh Krishnan, joined GSIS in Grade 5 in 2013, and went on to complete Grade 12 (IB Diploma Program) in 2020. Sriniketh entered GSIS as a shy 10-year-old boy. Thanks to his loving, caring and encouraging teachers, coaches, and mentors, Sriniketh was able to break out of his shell in his early days and enjoy every aspect of his curricular and extra-curricular learning at GSIS.
The excellent learning opportunities Sriniketh availed while at GSIS include, collaborating with the town administration in promoting environmental awareness within the local community, leading the Model United Nations program as the Secretary General, and serving as the School Captain for 2019-20. These experiences, and more, helped Sriniketh develop leadership skills, taught him the art of team building and inculcated in him the quintessential human values of ethical behaviour, respect, humility and empathy.
The staff at GSIS encouraged and supported Sriniketh at every step during this journey. They motivated him to confidently take on several challenging responsibilities and deliver them successfully. Sriniketh’s remarkable transformation from a shy 10-year-old to a healthy, confident, and academically well-equipped 18-year-old is largely due to the excellent learning environment and developmental opportunities provided at GSIS.
In our experience, GSIS has been more than a “home away from home” for our child; it has been an institution that has laid a strong foundation for a purposeful future life. We most respectfully pay our homage to Late. Dr. P. C. Thomas, the founder of GSIS, and thank you and all members of the management and staff of GSIS for providing us a truly enriching life experience.
We hope to stay in touch with the GSIS family and continue to live and contribute to the vision, mission and values of this fantastic institution.
My daughter, Namratha Anil and son, Namith Anil graduated from Good Shepherd International School and the school has truly been like a home away from home, providing so much care to my children. We never had any kind of worries – from studies to behaviour to health or safety when they were in the school. Amazing teachers and the management’s passion towards good education resulted in a good experience overall. We are so proud to be a part of the Good Shepherd International School community.
In today’s world with distractions from social media where kids are so hooked to gadgets, we truly feel that we took the right decision to send our kids to Good Shepherd International School as they were able to participate in all extracurricular activities and at the same time focus on studies.
Namratha is now studying at University of Toronto, Canada and Namith has joined Ohio State University, USA after completing their IGCSE and IBDP from Good Shepherd International School. We are so fortunate to have chosen GSIS for our children and will highly recommend the school to all the parents.
Feeling of gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not gifting it.
Both our kids Aarya and Devya have studied at Good Shepherd International School since grade 7 under the charismatic leadership of the Principal, Late Dr. P. C. Thomas.
We appreciate the strife for perfection of Senior Vice Principal Ms. Sheila Alexander, loving guidance of Director of Counselling Ms. Anila Mathew, supportive senior management team of Ms. Elsamma Thomas and Ms. Julie Pradeesh with competent co-ordinators and teaching faculty imparting international exposure to students along with an Indian set of values. The school offers a team of experienced medical, dining and emergency facilities, reinstating our faith and confidence in GSIS.
Thank you team GSIS !!
Principal & Director, Good Shepherd International School
A remarkable leader and a seasoned educator, Dr. Madhav Deo Saraswat brings with him a wealth of expertise, with over three decades of experience in Teaching, Academic administration, Team building, and Community Development Programs. He has served as the CEO of the Sapkal Knowledge Hub and Founder-Principal of the Orchid International School in Nashik. Additionally, Dr. Saraswat spent 16 years as a Teacher and Housemaster at The Doon School (1989-2005) in Dehradun, as the Principal at Scindia School, Gwalior (2015-2022) and most recently, as the Principal of Hyderabad Public School. Dr. Saraswat succeeds Mrs. Sheila Alexander, who has retired after 37 years of dedicated service. The appointment of Dr. Saraswat as the new Principal and Director is a significant milestone for GSIS.
At the Doon School, Dr. Saraswat led various curricular and extracurricular activities, initiating service projects, infrastructure development, and fostering inclusivity and compassion among students and staff. He is a proponent of ‘Leadership through Service’ and promotes a culture of excellence and meritocracy in all school activities. Dr. Saraswat holds a Postgraduate Degree in English, Hindi, and Sanskrit, and a Doctorate in Hindi Literature.
As the principal of the school, he would be responsible for all aspects of administration and management of the school, including implementation, evaluation and development of academic programs, various co curricular and leadership programs, and overall development of staff and other school personnel. He would also engage extensively with the GSIS alumni across the world.
Primary Years Program Coordinator (Grade 3 – 5)
A postgraduate in Chemistry from C.V. Raman University, Bilaspur, Ms. Meera Chhabria brings with her an overall experience of 13 years in the field of education. She has 10 years of experience in the PYP programme with 6 years as the PYP Programme coordinator. During her impressive tenure of 10 years with Oakridge International School, Mohali, she piloted diverse projects such as Compassion project, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion project and CAS projects (community related projects), created a robust curriculum for primary years, and also contributed tremendously to student learning. As a team lead, she also played an integral role in the school’s IB authorization in 2015 and led the school’s first evaluation in 2019.
During her visit to the International Baccalaureate headquarters in The Netherlands in 2020, she collaborated on curriculum design for GenZ learners and facilitators and got the opportunity to learn about the urgent needs in the education sector.
She is an advocate for student’s voice, choice and ownership and believes in equality, diversity, and inclusion. She enjoys gardening, travelling, reading stories to a classroom full of engrossed children, and going on a journey with her family to explore new places!
A versatile and competent management professional, Krithiga Kingston brings with her more than 13 years of experience in HR, General Administration, and Operations Management. As the Head of Admissions at GSIS, she has played an integral role in the admissions team since 2018.
Jacob Thomas is the son of Dr. P.C. Thomas and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas, co-founders of Good Shepherd International School. He took over as the President of Good Shepherd International School in 2020, following the untimely passing of his father, Dr. P. C. Thomas.
Sara Jacob joined Good Shepherd International School in 2020 as the Sr. Vice President of Student & Staff Welfare. With over 17 years of experience in various fields of law, Sara brings her legal and communication expertise to her role at GSIS.
Sr. Vice President of Student & Staff Welfare
Sara Jacob joined Good Shepherd International School in 2020 as the Sr. Vice President of Student & Staff Welfare. With over 17 years of experience in various fields of law, Sara brings her legal and communication expertise to her role at GSIS.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, Sara’s primary focus is the overall welfare of the students and staff at GSIS – from their social, emotional, physical, and academic well-being to their safety, happiness, and nurturing when they are here at GSIS and beyond. Sara also brings her consulting skills to the Marketing and Admissions teams at GSIS, to put GSIS on the map as the best international school in the world.
Sara did her schooling at Sishya, in Chennai, and went on to earn her B.A. LLB. at the Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College in Chennai. She spent the last 20 years studying and working in Canada and the USA and has now returned home to India to work at the school. She is married to Jacob Thomas (President of GSIS) and they have two children – Rhea and Zackary, the latter being a current student at GSIS.
Higher Secondary School & IBDP Coordinator (Grade 11 &12)
Suresh Thangarajan currently serves as the school’s IBDP and HSS Coordinator. He has over 24 years of teaching experience at GSIS and is responsible for the operation of the IBDP curriculum at the school. In addition to his IBDP responsibilities, he teaches IBDP Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL to Grade 12.
Prior to the above designations, Suresh was the Coordinator for Curriculum and Professional development from 2013 to 2019 in GSIS. He also holds a range of IB certifications for AFL/ATTL/CAS/EE/TOK. He is a member of the DP Mathematics Curriculum Review team and has been an honorary participant twice in meetings held in The Hague, Netherlands. He recently presented PD sessions in Incheon, South Korea and Abu Dhabi. He also presented virtually in the IB India Manthan 2021. Suresh is a certified Concept-Based Curriculum & Instruction Trainer.
Principal
Sheila Alexander is a seasoned educator with 33 years of experience in the field. She started her career as a Biology teacher in 1987 at Good Shepherd International School. Subsequently, she served as a Deputy Headmistress, Headmistress, Dean (Academics), Vice Principal, IBDP Coordinator, and Senior Vice-Principal (Academics).
Through her active engagement and commitment, she rose to the position of Principal at GSIS. She has played an instrumental role along with the Founder Principal, Late Dr. P C Thomas, the Co-Founder, Mrs. Elsamma Thomas, Senior Leadership Team, staff and students in the transition of the school to one of the leading fully-residential international schools in pastoral care, academic excellence and holistic development in India and abroad.
As an Academic Head, she has played a central role in planning, implementation, evaluation and development of various international and national curricula, co-curricular and leadership programs, accreditations, affiliations, certifications, reviews, awards, and overall development of staff and other school personnel.
Middle Years Program Coordinator
Ms. Rita Chandran has over 30 years of experience in the field of education. She started her career as a teacher in a CBSE school in Jamshedpur and then taught the IBDP and IGCSE curriculum in Jakarta, Indonesia.
During this tenure, she has been the Head of the department for Humanities and also been the Principal of a CBSE school. She joined the Good Shepherd International school and quickly rose to the position of the Head of the Department for Humanities and has now taken up the mantle of the IB MYP Program Coordinator.
She continues to teach Business Management and Economics to the IBDP students. She is an examiner for IBDP Economics EE, Internal Assessments and for Paper 2 of the board examinations. She has been trained by IB for AFL/ATTL/CAS/EE/TOK.
President
Jacob Thomas is the son of Dr. P.C. Thomas and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas, co-founders of Good Shepherd International School. He took over as the President of Good Shepherd International School in 2020, following the untimely passing of his father, Dr. P. C. Thomas.
Jacob spent his childhood in Ooty and completed his Grade 10 from the Good Shepherd Public School (now Good Shepherd International School). He attended the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, for his undergraduate studies in Business Administration and then pursued his penchant for technology.
Jacob worked in a few up and coming technology companies in Bangalore, before joining NetApp Inc., a Fortune 500 data management company headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA. He worked at NetApp Inc. for over 17 years, in various leadership positions with global responsibilities – most recently as the Senior Director, Worldwide Partner Services.
Jacob brings his strong background in technology and general management to envision the school’s future and to leverage the increasing role of technology in all aspects of our lives and how learning will evolve with its effective use. Jacob is married to Sara and has two children – Rhea and Zackary, the latter being a current GSIS student.
Co-Founder and Sr. Vice President
Mrs Elsamma Thomas is the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Good Shepherd International School. She was married to the late Dr. PC Thomas for almost 50 years and together they dreamed of and started Good Shepherd Public School (GSPS) in 1977 in Ootacamund. They grew the school from 54 students in the first year to over 850 students in the years to come. Mrs. Thomas is the quiet driving force behind the dynamic and extraordinary vision of her late husband and has worked by his side for the last 44 years.
Elsamma Thomas holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Zoology) from the BCM College in Kottayam and an MBA from Mumbai University.
Over the years Elsamma Thomas has worked tirelessly at the school and in several local and international charitable organisations. She was the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Nilgiris West in 2003 and the Assistant Governor of Rotary in the Nilgiris District. She is blessed with two children and four grandchildren – Jacob Thomas, who has now taken over as the President of Good Shepherd International School, and Julie Pradeesh, who works beside her husband in his family business.
Middle School Coordinator – IGCSE & ICSE (Grades 6 – 8)
Deepa Suresh joined Good Shepherd International School in 1997 and currently serves as the coordinator for Middle School. She has teaching experience of 12 years and has been teaching History for ICSE (Grade X) and AICE A levels (Grade XII).
Deepa is a trained coordinator for the Cambridge Primary program of the Cambridge Assessment International Education. During her 24 years at GSIS, she has been responsible for different roles: Coordinator (Middle School), Coordinator (Primary School), and Vice-Principal (Fernhill Campus), along with overseeing the entire administration of the Fernhill Campus in addition to her academic leadership in the Primary School.
Special Projects Coordinator
An academician by passion and profession for the last two decades, Bonbon is currently leading Special Projects at the Good Shepherd International School. She plays an active role in shaping and creating the “Future of Education” road map for GSIS. Before joining GSIS, Bonbon was the Dean at the Good Shepherd Finishing School where she led the 18-year-old institute, grooming and coaching young women and helping them achieve their highest potential through life skills.
Bonbon has worked at The Assam Valley School Tezpur, Delhi Public School Agra and various other schools across India as a teacher and a tutor. Bonbon is a graduate in English Literature and a post graduate in Human Resource Management.
Director of Activities
Dominic Jude Hurst joined Good Shepherd International School in 2011 and started handling English for the High school. He served as the Middle School Co-ordinator from 2013 – 2019. With the support of the Founder Principal, he initiated the DEAR reading program. Before becoming a part of the GSIS community, Dominic served different schools of Kolkata for ten years as an English teacher and in the UAE as the Activity Coordinator in the GEMS group for 8 years.
In his capacity as the Director of Activities at GSIS, he constantly explores new avenues to enhance the holistic development of students through the various co-curricular activities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and facilities provided by the school.
High School Coordinator (Grades 9 & 10)
Kalyan joined Good Shepherd International School in 1997 as a Counsellor and currently serves as the High School Coordinator.
Having graduated in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, trained as a Psychological Counsellor from Christian Counselling Centre, Vellore, and worked as a Director of a substance abusers’ rehabilitation center, Kalyan has an experience of working with children of different age groups. Being a Counsellor and working with teenagers in a residential setup, he was able to gain insights into their learning, behaviour and coping strategies.
In his current role as the High School Coordinator, Kalyan is responsible for coordinating the academics and ensuring the social and emotional well-being of the students in grades 9 and 10.
Director of Counselling
Anila Ann Mathew joined Good Shepherd International School in 1996 as a counsellor, to set up the Counselling Department at a time when counselling was very new in India.
As a member of the Academic Council, she also helped in making the school a center for IELTS and SAT examinations, a necessity for most of the students as they pursued their studies abroad. In addition to this, as the Head of the Dept. of Psychology, she has been teaching IB Psychology at the Higher Secondary School for 19 years. Travelling for school admissions and university tours in India and abroad helped her connect with Shepherdians(alumni) globally. With the additional portfolio of Alumni Coordinator, she took forward the efforts and dreams of the Founder Principal, Late Dr. P C Thomas, and the then Headmaster, Late Mr. Victor Selwin, by initiating the establishment of a strong GSIS Alumni Association and hosting the Back2Roots event every year.
Currently, as the Director of Counselling, she collaborates with her section counsellors to ensure the emotional and psychological well-being of every child in the school and helps them get prepared skillfully to face the ever changing world.