History

Don Bosco School, Oodlabari, established in 2007, is a Catholic Minority English Medium school for boys and girls, owned and administered by the Salesians of Don Bosco (North India). The school is affiliated with the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination, New Delhi, with the affiliation number WB366.

The school came into existence as a result of the bifurcation of the Don Bosco Siliguri campus in 2007. It is located in a small township of Oodlabari, which, according to the 2011 census of India, had a population of 14,194 people and covers an area of 9.2766 square kilometers. The region is characterized by its picturesque tea gardens and tea estates, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and affectionately known as the 'Dooars.' The geographical area of the school includes tea gardens close to the Baikunthapur forests and the Kadambari ranges, which are home to elephants and other wildlife that often, pose challenges to the tea garden workers. The Leesh River borders many of these tea gardens, providing sustenance to both humans and wildlife.

The school was the brainchild of Fr. Francis V. L., who served as its first principal from 2007 to 2010, starting with classes UKG and 1. Following Fr. Francis, the school was led by Fr. Panapurayil Mathew (2010-2012), Fr. Tomy Mathew (2012-2016), and Fr. Sanjay Manohar Kujur (2016-2022). Since 2022, Fr. Tijo Thomas Puthentharayil has been serving as the principal of Don Bosco School, Oodlabari.

Surrounded by beautiful nature and greenery, the school is an integral part of the community, contributing to the education and development of children in the region.