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 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 , 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 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”. (Lamentations 3:22-24)

We thank God for His faithfulness to this institution. This year has been one of change. We thank and bid goodbye to Mrs. Mala Salgado, the Director of the Department of Vocational Studies who served the DVS diligently and faithfully for 11 years. She was very ably assisted by the energetic Deputy Director, Mrs. Renuka Fernando who I know will give her support and valuable experience to the new Director Mrs. Kanchana Gunasekera who assumed her office in July this year. Whilst the DVS has continued to provide interesting courses to the community we hope to take the DVS to new heights in the future.

A new partnership was formed in our school as well. I am very pleased to welcome and present the new Vice Principal of Ladies’ College, Mrs. Deepika Dassenaike, an old girl of the school who shares my interest and learning in law. Having been 15 years in the private sector she joined the Primary Staff at Ladies’ College in 2011. She brings a different insight to administration and a renewed vigour to the teaching profession. Before, where I felt like a cherished and sheltered younger sister to my boss, I now feel like a protective guide and an older sister to my colleague. Deepika and I have certainly clicked and I look forward to leading this school, with her in the coming years.

We also welcome to our fold a new Head Matron Tanya (Tecla) Perera. She joins Ruvini and Sushila who have faithfully cared for our children for many years.

Many who walk through the gates of this school perhaps take for granted the fine buildings and facilities of this institution. Its upkeep and development is due to the skill and prudence of Rajini De Zilwa who with her efficient team - Niranjini, Sherina and Prabha work tirelessly to ensure the safety, maintenance and beauty of the school. I greatly value their services.

In a similar way the admirable financial direction given by Sepalika Hapudeniya and all those who work so hard in the Accounts Division, balance the scales which enable me to provide all what is necessary to the school yet at the same time keep my dreams for the school in check. Thank you for your valuable contribution. I also greatly appreciate the time and effort spent by Neela Shanmugam who single handedly looks into matters pertaining to human resources.

I have to place on record my grateful thanks to the Office Staff, the nerve centre of the school. From Anuradha my loyal and trusted PA and the quiet efficiency of Naomi and Champika to the dignified Susu, Mangalika and Radhika – they handle a myriad of duties. We appreciate the work they do and the dedicated services they render.

I was lucky to have Chantal Hatch as my Head Girl who was a much loved ‘Akki’ to her flock and with her unerring assessment of the students’ feelings and needs, she advised me when necessary. A talented young lady she was able to faultlessly manage her duties. We were also very fortunate to have a strong prefect body who served the school conscientiously and responsibly.

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My primary focus is and will be in years to come what is best for the students. In doing so, I constantly keep in mind the goal of Ladies’ College. Our school founder Ms. Lilian Nixon believed that the school must be a place for three things; “a place for sound learning a place for full and varied life and a place for spiritual growth within the life of the church.”

These beliefs have been practised by successive administrations. The Vice Principal and I will continue to firmly anchor our goals on that base but which we will adapt to suit students of the 21st century.

The importance of Child Centred Learning has come to stay in both government and private educational institutions. Yet Student Centred Learning has to allow for flexibility as each child is recognized as unique and therefore their learning capabilities are different. We are glad that at Ladies’ College we are able to adapt curricula to suit our particular student population. This would involve expanding or enhancing the government syllabi, re-examining our teaching methods and tools or learning from our children, for at times they are our best critiques and advisors. Keeping this in mind, this year I carried out teacher evaluations by the children from primary to upper school, where students anonymously made their observations and comments on a tabulated questionnaire. This was a rewarding exercise as we teachers and administrators could learn first hand of our strengths and weaknesses and make necessary changes or adjustments, be it in our teaching methods, class control or character.

We believe as our founder did that “education through the college must be based on newest and best methods” and that we have to provide focused training to teachers. Throughout this year our teachers participated in workshops and seminars in Mathematics, Science, Languages, History, Religion, Drama & Music. Being mindful of the ‘whole child’ - apart from subject based seminars they also attended workshops on soft skills, and ‘how to detect problems in eye sight in young children.’ In addition the Vice Principal and I participated in an international conference for Heads of Schools on ‘Managing Change in Schools.’

As much as we learn from others we like to share what we know and practice. Accordingly we were delighted to host from Nallur, Jaffna, the Principal Sister Mary Gnanadharshini and 15 teachers from St. Benedict R.C. Vidyalayam, who spent a whole day at Ladies’ College observing classrooms, the nursery sports meet and our variety entertainment production ‘Serendipity’.

After being neighbours for over 50 years, for the first time a Russian Ambassador His Excellency Alexander Karchav paid a courtesy call on Ladies’ College. He was very interested in our school and talked about a similar institution in St. Petersburg – perhaps a future link could be forged. Currently, our two Students Exchange Programmes to Germany and Pakistan are very popular and continue to be enriching, learning and family experiences.

You feel the pulse of the school and where we stand in our community, when you have an open door policy. Parents, teachers, old girls and students feel free to walk into my room with their problems, suggestions, birthday cakes and thank you cards. This has proved to be a two way meaningful and rewarding exercise.

We, at Ladies’ College, are here to provide true education, which is holistic, incorporating not only academics and extra-curricular activities, but also moral, ethical and spiritual values. We have tried to ensure this in all the sections of our school, keeping in mind the development potential of the mind, body and character of all the different age groups.

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NURSERY The Nursery Section strives to generate a warm and caring environment. The children learn from outdoor and indoor activities, different aspects of the world around them. From their theme this year ‘My World in Colour’ the science of animals, plants, atmosphere and the community they live in, were learnt through colours in the form of art and craft and it was demonstrated at their concert in song and dance.

Dressed in different characters they enjoyed ‘Story Book Land’ where each class acted out their favourite tales. This topic was recreated in their physical activities at their Sports Meet.

I convey my appreciative thanks to the Sectional Head Ruwani Jayatilleke and Deputy Lilamani de Sayrah along with their motherly and creative team of teachers, for devising a ‘work through play atmosphere’ for the children.

KINDERGARTEN As they embarked on their formal education, the students of Grade 1 were blessed by the Bishop of Colombo. The annual co-curricular theme for the KG was ‘Bridges and their Stories.’ Grade 1 students enacted stories around Sri Lankan bridges, while Grades 2 and 3 researched on bridges in Asia, Europe and America. In colourful costumes their tales were related on this stage through music and dance. While the girls encountered their first lesson in physics, understanding new terms such as lever, pivot and beam, they grasped that bridges are technical tools that overcome obstacles and learnt importantly that bridges breakdown barriers, foster relationships, bringing communities together.

Animal mimicry was their science topic where children researched and exhibited their knowledge. Book Day was celebrated where well loved fairy tales were related by the children in their own words. Their creativity was presented through writing, handicraft, song and drama.

The nursery children joined the kindergarteners to celebrate the Harvest Festival, Easter and Nativity services in the chapel. They offered fruit, eggs, and Christmas gifts at the altar which were distributed amongst the underprivileged children.

Diedre Theogarajah our Sectional Head and Deputy Darshini Daluwatte with their innovative team of gifted teachers worked tirelessly throughout the year and I thank them.

SPECIAL EDUCATION UNIT The presence of our special girls have had a positive impact on all the students at Ladies’ College. Our endearing children in the unit convincingly proved their case when they presented ‘We’re more alike than different’ at assembly and brought the audience to their feet. They continue to participate in the main extra- curricular programmes of the school. This year, we were thrilled when Nuwani Fernando’s entry to the Photographic Competition won the first place in the Monochrome Category. I applaud the skilled teachers who serve these children with great patience and understanding not forgetting the teachers in the Learning Support Unit which provides added benefit to our children. I thank Shakunthala Seneviratne for her professional expertise in co-ordinating these two units.

We continue to be proud of the three special differently abled teachers who assist the school in music, art and dancing.

PRIMARY Where information is instantly available at a press of a button the children were fortunate to be addressed by Prof. Neluka Silva on the ‘Value of Reading.’ In the classrooms they played maths games, bombarded visitors with math quizzes and made origami models in their first term project ‘Into the World of Maths’.

Class trips serve both as bonding and learning experiences. They learnt about invaders and architectural skills of the Dutch as they visited interesting sites in the Galle Fort. Others visited Dambulla and the Sigiriya Museum while archeological ruins of the palace of King Parakramabahu were explored at Panduwasnuwara.

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The 450th birth anniversary of Shakespeare was celebrated by the Primary and Middle School children. Open air activities in our back garden included painting and assembling the Globe Theatre where children acted excerpts from Shakespeare. Tents displayed food and music during that period, aspects of Shakespeare’s life and famous buildings of Stratford upon Avon.

Grade 4 students attended an enjoyable programme ‘A morning with Sybil Nanda’, an interactive session with storytelling with Mrs. Sybil Wettasinghe.

My appreciative thanks to Deputy Sectional Heads Rajitha Wijesinghe and Amutha Skanthan along with their dedicated teachers who in the absence of Triveni Mahadeva administered the section.

MIDDLE SCHOOL At assemblies, whilst students of Grade 8 presented ‘Evolution of Dance’ tracing the history of dance through the ages, students of Grade 9 presented ‘Moral Heroes – Inspirational men, women and youth throughout history.’ They also displayed their eloquent debating skills, on a well argued Debate in English.

Five students participated in the ‘World Water Day’ quiz organized by the International Water Management Institute. 33 schools participated and Ladies’ College was placed second.

Their class excursions took them to Matara, Galle and Puttlam where their history lessons came alive and they observed the workings of wind turbines and salterns.

The high standard of singing prompted us to go ahead with a full length musical which was indeed the highlight of the Middle School activities. The spontaneous and spirited performance of over 100 children in (Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein) ‘The King and I’ proved to be a delightful and polished production which was well received by the public. Whilst I sincerely thank our old girl Director Kshama Kapukotuwa and Choir Directresses Beatrice Devasagayam and Bhagyanee Benedict, I have to place on record my deep appreciation to the quiet and committed Sectional Head Veronica Adams and Deputy Suvendrini Gnanaskandan along with their dedicated team who pulled ‘the act’ together not just for this production but for the year’s curricula.

UPPER SCHOOL Whilst the students made informative presentations such as ‘Nelson Mandela – Icon of our times’ and ‘Independence’ at assemblies they also ventured out and participated in field trips, seminars and competitions which broadened their learning experiences.

Visits to factories in the apparel industry in Biyagama and plantations in Nuwara Eliya, to the Money Museum at the Central Bank and treks to Horton Plains, the children were exposed to the workings and processes involved in these fields. Students who follow Travel & Tourism as a subject, were taken on a tour to Malaysia/Singapore as a part of their curriculum and they were also invited by the SL Conventions Bureau to assist in the annual event in ‘Sancharaka Udava 2014.’

Five Grade 13 students took part in the All Island Business Competition organized jointly by D.S. Senanayake College, the Ministry of Education and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Our students’ project proposal on ‘Manufacturing’ was placed 3rd out of 130 participating schools.

Seminars in Mathematics, Science, History, Sinhala Language, Business Studies and Religion were held for the students sitting the forthcoming GCE Ordinary Level Examination. Similarly the Advanced Level students were also given opportunities to attend workshops and seminars organized by local and foreign speakers.

Several senior students attended a meeting with Rev. Michael Lapsley – Director of the Institute for Healing of Memories, Cape Town which conducts workshops that assist victims and perpetrators alike.

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Apart from the meeting we have with O/L students and parents regarding selection of subjects for the Advanced Level, this year we had an informative meeting for Grade 12 students and parents, to discuss the processes involved in admissions to universities and other professional educational institutions, and career opportunities after A/Levels. This was a success and was greatly appreciated by the parents.

At Ladies’ College the ground work was completed this year for the introduction of B-Tech (Business and Technological Education) an internationally recognized course under the aegis of Edexcel Pearson UK, as a new avenue for O/Level students. They could obtain a diploma in Hospitality or Sport to pursue a career or to continue in undergraduate studies in those fields, in recognized universities overseas. I would like to place on record my grateful thanks to Mr. Naguleswaran for his committed effort to see this new programme take effect.

Although there is much more to a school than its academic results the performance of our senior students continue to shine. I am happy to announce that out of the 22 subjects offered at the GCE Ordinary Level Examination in 2013, 100% passes were obtained in 15 subjects and over 94% passes in six subjects. Over 50% ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades were obtained in every subject and Ladies’ College was placed 10th in the island. From the 113 students who sat the exam, 105 qualified for the Advanced Level.

The 2013 Advanced Level results were also very good. 82% qualified to enter universities and students gained admission to Biological Science, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Law, Management, Commerce and Arts faculties in Sri Lanka. Ladies’ College was ranked 6th in the island in the Science stream and 12th in the island in the Commerce & Arts streams.

The results of the London AS and A2 Level Examinations held in June this year were excellent and students have gained admission to prestigious universities around the world. Maya Wijeyeratne and Dharini Gnanapragasam were placed first in the island in English Literature and Psychology respectively at the AS Level. Leanne Amunugama was placed first in the island in English Literature at the A2 Level Examination. We had two world prize winners at the A2 Level Exam. Aquila Hassen in Mathematics and Suthashine Selvaraj in Accounting. We congratulate these students on their exceptional performances and I thank their teachers who were responsible for obtaining these outstanding results.

My heartfelt thanks go out to our Upper School Heads and committed teachers who have the arduous task of keeping a fine balance between ensuring on one hand good examination results in a world which encourages vicious competition and on the other hand providing a stage for our children to enjoy learning and to prepare them morally and socially for life. I am proud of our O/L Sectional Heads Shalini Alawwa and Asirini De Mel, A/L Sectional Head Ayesha Fernando and Deputy Indu Mallawarachchi and London A/L Sectional Head Aiyadurai Naguleswaran and Deputy Indira Ratwatte for keeping this fine balance in an excellent manner.

Though public exams always loom large we strive to give an important place to sports activities and to give the children enriching experiences in the performing arts and other areas of learning.

SPORTS Thinking of sports one is reminded of what Aristotle propounded in 350 B.C. that “the results of good physical education are not limited to the body alone but they extend even to the soul itself.”

Opportunities are given to the girls in the school to participate in 15 sports. We have qualified professional coaches for all the sports and I thank them not only for their training programmes in gearing our athletes for competitions but for looking into their physical fitness and health in general.

Our main in house sport events – the Inter House Sports and Swimming Meets are eagerly looked forward to events in the school calendar. The Principal of the School for Deaf in Ratmalana Mrs. Samanthika Jayasuriya was our Chief Guest and all were delighted that she brought some of her hearing impaired athletes with her. We were also very happy to have our former Vice Principal Mrs. Manisha Peiris as Chief Guest for the Swimming Meet. The newly relayed Tennis and Basketball Courts were opened and blessed by the Archdeacon of Colombo Ven. Perry Brohier.

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Outside, in the school sports arena we won some and lost some but across the board we have maintained very high standards in sports.

Our Rowing Crew has performed exceptionally well in both local and foreign regattas winning almost every event they participated in. Anoushka Tissera, Shannon Perera, Nihara Warawita, Davina Koch, Yellani Rasaputhra, Dihanie Amarasinghe, Thiranya Fernando, Anika Ahamed, Tarea Karunaratne, Nashali Goonetilleke, Isabella Sansoni, Tehani Walpola, Ashmitha Gunaratne and Chanika Goonetilleke represented the school abroad. In Dubai, our oarswomen had a wonderful opportunity to row in an eight for the first time and in this event they even beat the boys.

The U-13 &19 teams were placed first and Ladies’ College was placed second overall at the Sri Lanka Schools Tennis Tournament. We won the overall championships at the All Island School Tennis Competition and Medhira Samarasinghe was adjudged the ‘Best Player’ of this meet. She went on to represent Sri Lanka at the Federation Cup in Kazakhstan and Malaysia. Sethara Ambawatte was selected to participate at the Development Camp in Thailand.

In Table Tennis, the U-12 & 14 ‘A’ teams emerged champions in the ‘B’ division All Island Inter School Table Tennis Tournament and the U-15 team were the overall runners up at the Western Province School Tournament.

In Swimming, we were placed third at the National Age Group Championship. The U-19 team was champions and Ladies’ College was placed overall second in the SL Schools Swimming and Diving Championship. I was pleased that after many years we were able to enter a diver for the meet who fared very well in her events.

We were the overall winners at the National Age Group Synchronized Swimming Championship and were happy when Jerusha Perera, Shenaya Mendis, Shiyanka De Silva, Yeshaya Perera and Amritha Perera represented Sri Lanka at the 9th Singapore National Synchronized Swimming Championship. In Water Polo, the U-15 team emerged champions in the National Age Group and SL Schools Water Polo Tournaments.

Ladies’ College was placed second at the All Island Inter School U-14 Badminton Tournament. Two of our Hockey players represented the Colombo Team at the National Hockey Tournament. The team that was captained by one of them emerged champions at this meet. Whilst the U-19 team was placed third at the Western Province Schools Chess Tournament, Anaisha Choksy (U-11) represented Sri Lanka at the 10th Asian Schools Chess Championship in Taiwan. We emerged ‘B’ division champions at the All Island Scrabble Tournament and Thirandi de Silva represented Sri Lanka at the World Youth Scrabble Championships.

Ladies’ College is relatively new to Squash yet within a year we were placed first in three age categories at the novices. Our girls also fared well in Basketball and Karate, although they did not live to their same reputation in Athletics.

Through sports we continue to foster friendship with other schools. At the annual friendly encounters we won the Ladies’ College/Musaeus College Regatta and were joint overall winners at the Ladies’ College/Bishop’s College Hockey Tournament and the Ladies’ College/Visakha Vidyalaya Water Polo Encounters.

I extend my most grateful thanks to Kamala Kulatilake and her team in the ‘Sports’ section and the other teachers in charge of sports for their deep commitment and the countless hours they spend with our children, sacrificing their weekends and holidays.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Members of all the clubs and societies were involved in numerous activities throughout the year. Apart from being actively involved in their community outreach programmes, interesting presentations were done at assemblies on varied topics related to each society.

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'Spark a Reaction' a newsletter was published by the Student Christian Movement and the Annual SCM Camp was held on the theme 'Lighthouse – You are the Light of the World.' The Buddhist Society went on their annual trip to Kandy and members attended a Dhamma retreat held at the BMICH. Students of the Hindu and Islamic Societies actively participated in inter schools programmes.

The Sinhala Day was held on the theme 'Hela Gee Waruna’ which portrayed the value of songs in Sinhala culture. “Lamps and Peacocks” was the theme of the Tamil Day which highlighted the significance of Tamil traditions.

Ladies' College was placed second in the Tamil Drama Competition and the Interact Drama Competition organized by Royal College. We won awards for the Best Script, Best Backstage Crew and Ashwini Premashankar was adjudged the ‘Best Actress’ in the Tamil Drama Competition. Shalini Corea was awarded the ‘Best Actress’ award in the Interact Drama Competition.

The members of the English Literary Societies of Ladies' College and Royal College organized an annual Inter School Oratory Competition named 'Speak Out'.

The children were given the freedom to showcase their multicultural talents in the performing arts in ‘Serendipity’. I thank Indira De Silva for co-ordinating this variety entertainment show.

A friendly debate between the School for the Blind and Ladies’ College was organized by the Sinhala Debating Society.

The ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams of the English Debating Society were the finalists at the Dr. N. M. Perera Debate tournament organized by . Maya Wijeratne represented Sri Lanka at the World Schools Debating Championship in Bangkok and she was also adjudged the Best Debater at the SL Schools Debating Championship.

Chantal Hatch, Senanee Abeyawickrama, Vaishnavi Rudra, Thevuni Halangoda, Awahnee Mendis, Shanelle Wickramanayake, Shalini Corea, Sihara Jayasekera, Shenali Uragoda, Amali Wijeratne, Ashwitha De Mel, Malisha Fernando, Jezla Mohomed, Zahabiya Adamaly, Yasu-e Karunaratne and Nimaya Harris represented school in Debating abroad.

We are happy to announce that Chantal Hatch, Awahnee Mendis, Vaishnavi Rudra and Thevuni Halangoda have been selected to the National Debate Pool in 2015.

The Little Friends & Girl Guides celebrated the 93rd Anniversary of the Guide Company of Ladies’ College and a ‘Butterfly Unit’ was launched in school for the KG students. A Thanksgiving Service was held in the chapel to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the 5th Colombo Little Friends Movement. Shanaya Weerasekera, Shayala Jayasekera and Mahisha Gunawardena represented Sri Lanka at the ‘XPLORE 14’ International Guiding Camp in Ireland. The Annual Company Camp was held on the theme ‘Camp Disney’.

The St. John’s Ambulance Services formed a St. John's Brigade in school. Students followed the first aid course and carried out a presentation on First Aid at assembly. Certificates were awarded to students who completed the course.

Members of the Hewisi Band and Dance Troupe participated in the Centenary Celebrations of the National Christian Council. Our English Choir and the Dance Troupe together with 14 other school choirs participated in 'Colours of Friendship’ – a benefit concert of music and dance in aid of the schools for the Deaf and Blind, Ratmalana and Jaffna which was held at the Ladies' College Hall. It raised over a million rupees. The Sinhala Choir will be performing during Christmas at different events.

‘An Evening of Carols’ will be organized by the English Choir for elders on 6th December. The renowned choristers from the hills, the ‘Trinitians’ readily agreed to join our girls to add colour to the festive season.

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"Amici della Musica" - a combined Orchestra Concert was organized by the students of Ladies’ College with the participation of the students of Bishop’s College and S. Thomas’ College at the LC Hall. Pop and Rock Music was introduced as an extra-curricular subject to the students.

Many special events were organized to commemorate Children’s Day and the school took on a carnival atmosphere.

In appreciation of the service of our Support Staff the students eagerly volunteered to do the daily routine duties of the staff giving them a day off. They were treated with food and fun activities.

Over the past 114 years the school has drawn it strength and has been enriched by the dedication of its staff which has given the school a standard of excellence in all fields of education and activities. My heartfelt thanks to all our staff for their devoted service to our school. I am also grateful to those who take on extra duties as teachers-in-charge of the clubs and societies. The words in our school hymn “One Family Unbroken” resonates the bond of togetherness we share. As a body we were deeply affected and saddened by the long drawn illnesses of Ratnasiri and Chathuri and we were saddened by the demise of a former staff member Ms. Leela Jeyaraj, yet we rejoice and congratulate the teachers who married this year and those who achieved accomplishments within their families.

We also congratulate Yamuna Makalande in the Accounts Department who completed 25 years of silent and loyal service to this institution. The Staff Guild organized an enjoyable trip to Dambulla and the Support Staff was sent for eye check ups and many were given spectacles. Due to migration or family commitments twelve teachers leave us this year and we thank them for their service to the school. We also warmly welcome fourteen new teachers into our midst whose expertise in chosen fields, I am sure would enhance the college.

I am drawn back to our founder Ms. Nixon’s envision of who a Ladies’ College student should be. To use her own words – ‘a Ladies’ College girl is independent, upright without being pretentious.’ This year’s Nobel Peace Prize co-winner and the youngest recipient of this award Malala Yousafzai perhaps, in Ms. Nixon’s eyes could have been a Ladies’ College girl. The impact this young girl has had on our world has been tremendous. She said, “one child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

At Ladies’ College collectively many children, many teachers, many books, many pens and (may I add) many faiths work together to make our world a better place because as our school motto declares:

“THIS IS THE VICTORY EVEN OUR FAITH”

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