Principal's Annual Report 2014
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Principal’s Annual Report 2014 My Lord Bishop, Ven. Archdeacon, Mrs. Nirmali Wickremesinghe, Dr. Narmasena Wickremesinghe, Chairman and Members of the Governing Body, former Vice Principals of Ladies College, Principals and Heads of Schools, Prize Donors, Members of Staff, old girls, parents and dear students. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our annual prize giving and to present the first Annual Report for Ladies’ College under my stewardship. Over 35 years ago I have been on this very stage in different capacities but I stand here today in awe and humility at the honoured task God has bestowed upon me. I have come back to the place which nurtured me during my childhood; back to the place which taught me the love of learning, the love of giving and sharing. Now in my new role, it is my privilege and my pledge that I will serve my dear school with my heart and with all I have to offer. We are very glad that our Lord Bishop is with us today to preside at our Prize Giving. We are thankful that despite his numerous engagements, he is able to be here this evening. I was honoured to have his Lordship conduct a memorable service of induction for me and I thank him personally, very much for his encouragement and guidance. I appreciate the meaningful sermon delivered by the Rev. Charles Jansz at the same service. Thank you for your presence here today. My dear predecessor and Chief Guest today Mrs. Nirmali Wickremesinghe is certainly no stranger to us. Yet where do I begin to introduce to you a lady who in the field of education in this country is second to none? Following in the footsteps of her grandmother Helen Kiriella Bandara and mother Ariadne Wickremesinghe, Nirmali and her sisters Amithi and Sharmini joined Ladies’ College. Nirmali excelled in oratory, debating and acting and was appointed a Prefect. After leaving school she continued with her drama and took part in several plays with veteran stage actor ECB Wijayasinghe. Her love for the performing arts placed her as a member of the Censor Board of the Sri Lanka Film Corporation. Her interests are far and wide; from enjoying a twirl on any dance floor, to a quiet moment with a book (particularly a historical novel), to icing fancy cakes or engaging in delicate embroidery, she does all this with deep interest and skill. Mrs. Wickremesinghe holds a Degree in Biological Science from the University of Kelaniya, a Teachers Diploma from Trinity College, London and a Diploma in Pre School and Primary Teaching (Montessori Method). She has been in many committees that decide policy pertaining to education. She was a member of the National Education Commission, Chairperson of the Board of Education and member of the Board of Governors of the National Christian Council, during which period she was appointed to chair the ‘Commission on the Place of the Child in the Church’, the recommendations of which were implemented by the Church of Ceylon. She was also responsible for translating science books for the Amity Schools Programme in the Ministry of Education. Her contribution on the Board of Governors of the Theological College and the Ceylon School for the Deaf & Blind has been immense. Being the first woman on the S. Thomas’ College Board, she clearly demonstrated who wore the trousers. She has travelled widely and has represented the country in many international conferences. A much sought after educationist she is presently a consultant to Gateway International College. As Shakespeare said, “Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety.” Personally I have learnt so much from Mrs. Wickremesinghe and the seed of our friendship which was sown in our school has grown to such a strong oak that still there isn’t a moment where our thoughts or company have strayed from one another. In 2003, when Mrs. Wickremesinghe was appointed Principal of Ladies’ College, she brought in 28 years of teaching experience in government, private and international schools both here and abroad. However, this was balanced with her strong Christian upbringing where her faith and trust in God was unshakable. This made her the ideal, if not perfect candidate to take the helm of this school. Her ten year tenure as Principal was a dynamic and creative period of extraordinary growth in academic, sports and extra-curricular activities. In every sphere of 1 school life she introduced her vibrant ideas with new and revamped curricula. The facilities of the school also expanded in terms of renovation and refurbishment of existing structures and the construction of new buildings. She left a strong and solid platform for Mrs. Dassenaike and me to work from; and I know with our loyal and dedicated staff, all of whom are present here today, we can go forth with confidence, because your legacy Mrs. Wickremesinghe, has provided the impetus for the future. I believe our school hymn says it best – “They reap not where they laboured we reap what they have sown.” It is said that behind every successful man stands a strong, wise and hardworking woman. In this case the reverse is so true. Miss Nirmali Gogerly Moragoda married Dr. Narmasena Wickremesinghe and they are blessed with two wonderful children Nalinaksha and Niluka. A son of a much loved priest Rev. Percy Wickremesinghe, Narme (as he is affectionately known) is a product of S. Thomas’ College and the Medical Faculty of the Colombo University. He holds a Diploma in Aviation Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians / Surgeons in London and he is a Fellow of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the same college. He was attached to the Sri Lanka Air Force and served in Trincomalee and Katunayake. Dr. Wickremesinghe was the Deputy Director at Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, Director General of Health Service in the Republic of Seychelles and Founder CEO of Oasis Hospital. He was also Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority. He too has represented his country in many international conferences and served on many committees; foremost as Chairman of the Liturgical Committee of the Church of Ceylon. Though he was an old boy of Bishop’s College I believe his love and loyalty is certainly with Ladies’ College. In his quiet ‘behind the scenes’ manner Dr. Wickremesinghe has assisted Ladies’ College in numerous ways. Not only has he judged some competitions and supported most school functions with his presence but importantly as a gifted liturgist, it is he who has written every single order of service for all our functions in our chapel (including the moving order of service of my induction) the material of which is not only spiritually uplifting but they are so comprehensive and informative that they form historical documents for our archives. As a well matched couple there is a common thread that runs through this husband and wife team, and that is one of service – service to others for the greater good. We are indeed proud of you and are truly honoured with your presence today. We are privileged to have on our stage many school dignitaries. Dr. Dan Seevaratnam who is the Chairman of our Board of Governors has lead and guided five CMS schools effectively and efficiently. Yet he has never interfered with the individual management of our schools. After my first official meeting at his office in the beginning of the year, he said something to the effect of, and which still rings in my ear – “I know you will do the right thing and I will then stand by you no matter what.” It is that kind of trust and support any leader could wish for but not every chief will give. Whilst I thank Dr. Seevaratnam I know and I endorse the opinion of all board members when I say we are indeed happy Dr. Seevaratman that you will remain the Chairman of the Governing Body for the next three years. Our sincere thanks also go out to our ‘hands on’ Manager Dr. Deepthi Attygalle not only for her sound advice on administrative matters but for her regular visits to the school to ensure that once decisions are made things are followed up. We note with sadness the demise of our former manager Mr. Sam Wijesinha who served Ladies’ College with dedication for many years. A special thank you to Mr. Jeyan Setukavalar the Chairman of the Finance Committee for his professional scrutiny of our finances and for keeping our accounts division on their toes. I am indeed grateful to the President of the OGA Mrs. Dharini Senanayake and Vice President of the PTA Dr. Enoka Corea for always supporting the school. Whilst arranging functions to foster fellowship amongst old girls Mrs. Senanayake and her able committee organized ‘Shimmer’ a fundraising dance and collected huge funds to be channeled for different projects connected with the school. Thank you very much Mrs. Senanayake. My appreciative thanks to those who in diverse ways serve on the School Advisory Committee, assisting us with their experience and wisdom. Our Chaplain Fr. Melvin de Silva is a constant source of Christian love and 2 spirituality not just to our school but for the whole Ladies’ College community. He not only acts as a counsellor, guide and teacher but he has become very much a part of us, being involved and present in all our school activities. Thank you so much Fr. Melvin. As the Bible says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness”.