Second Term at St. John's was packed with many events. There was an exhibition spanning two days. The highlight of the exhibition was the Philately Exhibition which drew numerous positive comments from various segments of the community. On the 4th of May, our College celebrated its 190th anniversary. Though St. John's was 'born' 190 years ago in 1823, she was 'conceived' five years earlier in 1818 as the following historical account clearly records:

''In 1817 the Anglican Church Mission Society (CMS) approved the establishment of missions in Ceylon. On 20th December 1817 four clergymen - Joseph Knight, Samuel Lambrick, Robert Major and Benjamin Ward - and their wives left England and sailed to Ceylon on board the Vittoria. They arrived in late June 1818. Knight went to , Lambrick went to Colombo, Major and his wife went to Galle and Ward and his wife to . Knight started his missionary work in 1818 in Nallur. He held service in his bungalow and opened up 8 schools in different parts of the . Unfortunately there was an outbreak of cholera. Many people including the students of the eight schools were greatly affected. Following this, Rev. Joseph Knight selected seven students from the eight different schools and established the Nallur English Seminary in March 1823. The school was initially located in Knight's bungalow.''

''In 1845 The English Seminary was transferred to and was renamed ''The Chundikuli English Seminary.'' The Old Portuguese Church of St. John the Baptist at Chundikuli was handed over to the C.M.S and services were held in the Church by Rev.Johnstone and the students of the Seminary attended these services. In 1846 Johnstone went to U.K on furlough due to ill health and Rev.Robert Pargiter who was appointed Principal shifted the school to a large hall adjoining the east end of the old church. In 1891 The school celebrated the Jubilee of its work at Chundikuli and to mark the occasion was given the name 'St. John's College.' ''

From the above record, it is apparent that the seed was sown 195 years ago!!

St. John's has a long - a very long history of delivering excellent all round education to countless generations of young people. Unlocking an individual’s potential means fostering a culture that encourages successful learning and creative thinking while rewarding initiative and independence. It also means creating an environment in which pursuing personal passions outside lesson time complements the achievement of academic success. Learning is fun and from the earliest years takes place both in the classroom and elsewhere around the school. The College's ultimate aim is to give its pupils the support and freedom they need to flourish into balanced, fully-rounded and confident adults who are inspired for life. With this in mind, the following extra-curricular activities were held during the second term.

 Library Day  Environmental Day  Science Day  Boarders' Day  Workshop on Constellation Studies  Scout - 97th Anniversary  Indoor Games Award Ceremony  Prize Giving  English Day  Science and Young Inventors' Exhibition

St. John’s College Jaffna Lower Primary School (Grades 1–3)

190th Anniversary Exhibition – 2nd & 3rd May

At the exhibition - a presentation by the Grade 2 Students during a group activity inside the classroom students about “Our Country.” All the students eagerly participated in the exhibition, and they were awarded Scouts’ Annual Camp certificates and gifts from the principal.

College Day – 4th May

16 Cub Scouts from Grade 3 participated in the Annual Camp of the Scout Troop of St John’s College held at the on 25th May.

Library Day Fancy Dress competitions – Grades 1 & 2

World Environment Day

Students donating books to the College Library at the Library Day held on 9th May. Handwritten magazines displayed.

ACHIEVEMENTS P. Priyan of Grade 1 won the 2nd place at the Zonal Level Art Competition.

J. Ebenezer Nesakumar and J. Omshiyamsankar of Students engaged in a Shramadana organized in Grade 3 won the 2nd place in the Light of the World connection with the World Environment Day during Speech Contest organized by the YMCA. the first week of June.

St. John’s College Jaffna Upper Primary School (Grades 4&5) English Day 190th Anniversary Exhibition The English Day was held on the 1st of June. We presented an Action Song “Be Happy,” which won the applause of the audience.

Cub Scouts 12 Cub Scouts from Grade 4 participated at the Unveiling of the Restored Scout Statue at Kandy Road, Jaffna - a project by a Johnian Scout for President’s Scout Award held on 6th May.

Kids on a Boat made of waste plastic bottles The 190th Anniversary Exhibition was held on 2nd 19th “Battle of the Babes” – Reds Vs. Blacks & 3rd of May. Most of the students actively Grade 5 Cricket participated in this exhibition. Students from other schools and people from outside viewed the exhibition.

English Inter-Class Drama Competitions

Members of the Teams “Reds” and “Blacks” The match was held on 30th July. The “Reds” won the match by 6 wickets. Best Batsman J. Jayalathan Best Bowler S. Sanoj English Inter-Class Drama Competitions for Best Fielder S. Thivian th Grades 4&5 were held on 27 of May. Grades 4B Best All-Rounder S. Ebenezer Johanan and 5B came first in their respective classes. Man of the Match J. Jayalathan

Shramadana ACHIEVEMENTS

English Day Competitions M.Joseph Jayshan of Grade 4 won the 2nd place in the Divisional Level and 1st place in the Zonal Level English Day Competitions organized by the Department of Education.

P. Sudharon of Grade 5 won the 3rd place in the Divisional Level Art Competition organized by the Department of Education held on the 26th of April. A Shramadana was organized during the first week of June in connection with the Global Newsletter Competition - Term 1 Environment Day, and children from Grades 4&5 The Upper Primary School won the 1st place in the actively participated and cleaned the Primary Newsletter Competition organized among the School premises. Nine Sections / Units of the College.

Class library

We donated a set of books to our library

G.Aaron Melvin got Creative Writing – Class library was formed this term. This will st Divisional level - 1 develop reading skills among students. Place Talent search conducted by YMCA Vocal – 1st Place Instrumental – 2nd place Light of the World st Dengue Awareness Programme Speech Contest –1 Place 190th Anniversary Talent Search- Instrumental-1st Place

Mas. G.S.Nithyajeevan got 190th Anniversary Talent Search – Singing – 1st Place 190th Anniversary “Exhibition” Mas. D.David st nd Livingston got 1 Role Play – Gr 6 & 7 – 2 place in Social Place Science Competition Remushan J.S –Dictation -1st in Zonal Level Place & Copy Writing – 2nd

ay ay Divisional Place D Nisayeesan. S – Creative

Writing – 3rd Place Level competitionsLevel

English

190th year College Day Celebration was held on 4th May 2013. Senior secondary students organized an IT exhibition on 3rd May 2013.

190th Anniversary Celebration of Thanksgiving was held on 5th July, 2013 at 4.30 pm. Senior Secondary students participated in the choir.

A Talent Search was conducted by the Old boys of Canada. Jeffery Waston.T of Grade 10E won the cash award of Rs.4500/=

Our Annual Prize Day was held on 6th June, 2013 at 10 am. Shane Joel .V of our section recited the poem ‘Past and Present.'

English Day was held on 1st June 2013. Senior secondary students participated in a debate. It was appreciated by all.

Our Under 15 A Cricket Team played 8 matches and won all. A team was chosen for the 2nd round of the Division III matches; Mas.P.Somaskaran of our section captained the team. Jeni Flemin.S scored an unbeaten 175 runs against Jaffna College.

T. Brahman of Grade 11 was invited to participate in a tournament for the selection of individuals to represent at the Asian Games (For Chess). The tournament was held from 13th to 15th of August at Royal College, Colombo.

* EDUCATION: - STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT – Percentage Pass 2013 120 TERM 2 100

80

60

40

20 TERM 2

0

* CO-CURRICULAR ACHIVEMENTS

I) SPORTS & GAMES

A) Weight Lifting: - C) Tennis M.Kabilesh(Captain) Vinothkumar.U: Junior D) Badminton: -S.Meshack - Provincial 1st National 1st E) Athletics: - M.Kabilesh : Provincial 1st Relay R.S.Meshack- 1st Victor John : Provincial 2nd 5000MRace S.Sam David - 1st B) Carom: -R.Logathieswar Discus Throw M.Kabilesh 3r (Team member) -Provincial 3rd II) Tamil Oratory Gold Medal: -R.Logathiswar - 1st Place

English Oratory Gold Medal Speech: -G.Abraham Anojan -2nd Place III) Leader ship : -G. Abraham Anojan was appointed as a Senior Prefect from ARTS STREM (After 36 years in our School History) IV) Clubs &Societies: - Social Science Forum - Shramadana Agriculture Science Club – Environment-Friendly Activities v) Exhibition organized to mark the 190th Anniversary Newsletter Commerce- Collegiate level a publication of commerce section OF st.john’s college, jaffna - August 2013 Issue 02 MAJOR EVENTS OF THIS TERM Mas.P.Thuvarakaseelan has been selected for under 17 National

Cricket Squad.

P.Thuvarakaseelan A.Ghanamirthan S.Kabilraj

Mas.A.Ghanamirthan and S.Kabilraj

have represented the Northeast

Provincial Cricket Team.

Mas. S.Sharmilan, and Mas. T.Regno Romesh from Commerce Stream A.Anojan st participated in the Scout Camp held in Mas.A.Anojan secured the 1 place in the 800m and established a new Norway. ground record as well. In addition, he rd J.Titus Faith Mark S.Jonathan secured the 3 place in the 400 m,

Mas.J. Titus Faith Mark and 1500m and 4X400m relay in the S.Jonathan have been selected Provincial Athletic Meet. to follow the Aviation Course free of charge by AAC Institute.

Mas. Mas.S.Poulin Androok rd has secured the 3 place in the Long S.Naveen Smith Jump in the Provincial Mas.S.Naveen Smith has secured the 3rd

S.Poulin Androok Athletic Meet. place in the 4X400 m relay in the Prize Giving Provincial Athletic Meet.

President Award -SCOUTS

P.Birunthujan M.Vintharakan

M.Jevinth Mas.M.Jevinth secured the 1st place in the Tennis and 3rd in . J.Dilan C.Atchuthan Mas.C.Atchuthan secured the 2nd place the Badminton in the Provincial in English prepared oratory in the Level Tournament. Divisional Level Competition.

J.B.Ragul Y.Kajakuxshan

The second term was packed with many activities & competitions.Students from the Science Stream secured places at Divisional, Zonal, District & Provincial Level in various competitions. Details of the winners and their achievements are given below.

Apart from the above achievements, Agnew Rathan became Third in Triple Jump at the Divisional Level Athletic Meet. He also is a member of the U19 Provincial Relay Team.

All the students took part in a shramadana campaign to mark the Environmental Day. Every nook and corner of the school was cleaned, including places outside the school.

Students from UPVIE got together to paint and rearrange the Bio Lab.

Students from LVIE collected stationary to the tune of Rs. 80,000 from school students and staff and distributed them to the needy children in Karuna Nilayam in Kilinochchi. A photo of the beneficiaries is given below.

190 years and the journey continues...

''It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it is the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.'' From the Principal's Pen:

In 2012 November, I visited the following countries on the invitation of the Old Boys:

Canada Visit: Attended the 25th year of PPA Celebrations in Toronto. Also visited Vancouver to attend the OBA Annual Get-together.

UK Visit: To attend the PPA Annual Get-together. Visited the British Council’s Global School Partnership Schools Castle Tower , and Victoria Primary, in Northern Ireland.

Norway Visit: To attend the OBA Annual Get-together. Visited the Scout Leaders Friendship Link in Bronnoysund.

In August 2013, I was invited by the old boys in Singapore, New Zealand, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to celebrate the 190th Anniversary of our College along with their Annual Get-together.

I am extremely grateful to our high-minded old boys, the great pillars of this noble educational institution for their commitment to elevate St. John's to be on par with international standards.

The gates of St. John's will always be open wide for our old boys and well-wishers. You are always welcome to come and see for yourselves the numerous facilities St. John's offers to your kith and kin. We also stand with open arms to welcome anyone who wishes to give your time and talents to your brothers under your Alma Mater's care. Every little helps; every little counts....

NEEDS OF THE HOUR! To mark the 190th anniversary, we would like to embark on a fundraising. This is our immediate concern!

I. Staff quarters (8 unitsX 5m.) Rs. 40 million. You may either sponsor an entire unit for Rs. 5 million or at least a room for Rs.1 million.

Proposed Staff Quarters - objectives in mind. Present Progress  To have a pool of staff who would be available round the clock to serve the College/hostel if and when the necessity arises.  To increase student welfare and teachers presence inside the school for the needy students to benefit.  To increase engagement of students in extracurricular activities and to provide support for needy children.  To provide help for students in their homework, to supervise night study and to provide parental care for hostel children.  To supervise students participating in community events and to run educational programs for needy children.  To ease unwarranted pressure on the part of the staff who pay large sums of money as rent and to reduce their travel time (this would give them more time to spend inside the school.)  To develop a more homely environment for the needy students and to increase security and unity among the students and staff. II. Purchase of Land (4units) Rs. 20 million. This is our priority

 Fundraising for Purchase of Land - Adjoining houses (4units) for Rs. 20 million

It is in the 1960s, during the schools take over, that St John’s had to undergo a financial struggle in order to remain a non-fee levying private school. A few properties including the land had to be sold to run the school. Hence, it is the responsibility of the present generation to rise to occasion when the lands adjoining the college are let for sale. II. III. Two block of classrooms each costing Rs 30Million. You may sponsor a class room for Rs.1 million.

Presently students are studying in sheds which do not meet the safety standards as can be seen from the photographs below.

It’s time for us to look ahead and plan for the future. I appeal to Old Boys,Parents and welwishers. Thanks for Your ardent support and dedication in the past towards the upliftment of our alma mater! - to share their expertise and knowledge in the groundwork plan for the next decade, which is in two phases. We believe, with God’s help and the support from all of you, we can accomplish!

“Lead, Lord into the future Both teacher and the taught, To seek the truth and keep it However, hard it be; To hope and pray and labour, In spite of mighty odds; And win the golden medal In life’s Olympic race.” (175th Anniversary Hymn by Rev. AJC Selvaratnam)

Payments may be made directly at the college office, through the respective OBA’s or through the banking system (Details of which are given hereunder), Name of Account : ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE, JAFFNA, SRI LANKA. Account Number: 012-155644-040 Bank Branch: HSBC, 145 KKS Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka Swift No : HSBCLKLX For further information, please contact via email: [email protected] “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” Math 25:12 With warm wishes and prayers,

Rev. N.J.Gnanaponrajah, Principal,St.John's College