Mary Immaculate Convent will be 70 years on May 10
View(s):By May 10, Mary Immaculate Convent, a leading school in Negombo, will be reaching 70 years and grand celebrations are in order to celebrate the event.
The present principal of the school, Rev. Sr. Jasintha Fernando
On May 10, 1943 when our country was still a British Colony a little school was opened in the village of Tudella. It was named Mary Immaculate Convent. It was built on a land donated by Mrs. Josephine Gunawardene and Miss. Daphney Mendis played a major role in founding this school. Shortly afterwards, it came to be administered by the Rev. Sisters that rendered an incomparable service to the school with Rev. Sr. Loyala being a prominent person in this regard.
Since then many sisters and Rev. Mothers have been leading the school and has been rendering a dedicated service to develop it to what it is today. Some of them are: Rev. Sr. Mary Patronilla (1970 -1981), Rev. Sr. Mary Adeline (1978 -1981), Rev. Sr. Euphrasia (1982 -1990), Rev. Sr. Thresa Jenet (1991), Rev. Sr. Henryeta Perera (1996), Rev. Sr. Hubert Marie (1996 – 2006) and Rev. Sr. U.M. Grace Fernando (2006 – 2011).
The present principal of the school, Rev. Sr. Jasintha Fernando assumed duties on March 30, 2011, since then she has been instrumental in bringing the school to its present level of development.
It was in 1946 that the present premises and most of the buildings that the school posses were constructed. In 1943, there were only 43 students and it was gradually increased by 1944. In 1948 it came of the age when it was registered as a State –assisted English school with a student population of 350 girls. By 1959, it came to possess a well established building system and was rewarded with a home science laboratory as well. However, after it was taken over by the state in 1962, its medium of instruction changed over to the vernacular, which marked the first turning point.
1979 marked a second turning–point of the school when it came to administer G.C.E. advanced level classes and in 1996 it developed further with the construction of a three storied building and well-equipped laboratory.
Eventually, the Mary Immaculate Convent achieved great stature and is now known as a leading school in the region. It is also recognized as 1 AB school which consists of 2477 students and 87 teachers. They are all very proud today that it has become on of the schools producing excellent results.
In 2011 the school topped the list in G.C.E O/L among the provincial schools in the Negombo zone and in 2012 the G.C.E (Advanced Level) examination results were exceptionally good. Their students have done well in all streams: Art, Science and Commerce. There are 12 students who have obtained passes with 3 ‘A’ s.
The primary sector is equally strong and worthy of praise. At the moment, there are 864 students in this section and it is served by 25 dedicated lady teachers. The teacher-in-charge of this section is Mrs. Marie Fernando and under her guidance the pupils receive, not only a sound training in co-curricular activities, but also in music as well as spiritual training. “Little Friends” (Kuda Mithuri) is a new concept envisaged by the primary staff to train students in extra-curricular activities such as music, dancing etc. The staff works even during the vacation and holidays to train the pupils of the primary classes in a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Mary Immaculate Convent has excelled in the sphere of sport as well. One of the school’s pupils received a gold medal for shooting at SAARF Games. Since Chandrika Shayamali Wijesooriya won her gold medal for shooting the school has produced a large number of other winners in a variety of sports activities. Among them is Jayasuriya Kuranage Maheshika Rukini Perera who obtained the first place at the all island championship in gymnastics in the years 2010 and 2011.
The 70th Anniversary Invitation
It’s noteworthy to mention here that a variety of driving forces to support the school. First and foremost is their Rev. Sr. Principal and the staff – both primary and secondary – who are undaunted in whatever obstacles that cross their path. The staff members receive whole hearted co-operation, support, encouragement and recognition from all the parents without exception. Then the Past Pupils Association extends to them their whole-hearted support, moral, financial and even advice where necessary, at all times. There are also well-wishers who contribute in no small measure for the welfare of the school. In addition the school maintains perfect harmony with the staff of the zonal and departmental staff who helps, monitor and guide the students where necessary.
There is one very important personality whose name the school cannot do without. It is Rev. Fr. Don Cecil Kumara who not only grant the students spiritual guidance but also assist them in numerous ways. Rev. Fr. Cecil Kumara is in charge of Tudella Parish. He is available whenever the students need advice or guidance.
By May 10 this year Mary Immaculate Convent will be reaching the mature age of 70 years and to mark this occasion a ‘walk’ was organized on May 4. This march was held an among other things with the intention of raising funds in order to acquire a three storied building with the intention of providing space for a playground, an unfulfilled requirement in the school. A majority of girls are very interested in sport.
A Ruvina Fernando of Mary Immaculate Convent stated: “I would like to invoke the blessings of God so that Mary Immaculate Convent of Tudella will continue to serve the community and make an unbeatable record in the field of education”.
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