The Saints go marching on
All Saints’ College which celebrates 110 years of service has indeed passed many a milestone to reach its present heights.
In the early years of British rule, Punchi Borella, then more or less like a jungle was opened up for settlement with the construction of houses for the guards and engine drivers of the Railway Department. As a result many job opportunities were generated and more and more people settled in the area.
The school’s Western band
Next came a need for a place of worship for the large number of Catholic residents. On this site was constructed the All Saints’ Church. It was customary at that time for a school to come up alongside a church. Thus the embryo of All Saints’ College emerged in 1904, under the auspices of the Good Shepherd nuns. Rev. Mother M. Gerald was the first Principal managing the school from 1904 to 1913. The school was run by them up to 1942. In May 1907 it was registered as an assisted school, in 1928 as a Junior Secondary School and in 1941 as a Senior Secondary School. It was in 1941 that the school was named All Saints’ Girls’ School.
From 1942 to ’45 the records show that Mrs. Gladys Perera was in charge of All Saints’ School.
On June 1, 1945, at the request of Archbishop Masson O.M.I, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary took charge of the school of All Saints’ Parish and they named it All Saints’ College, English Elementary School. Rev. Mother Wulstan was the Principal. The increasing number of pupils, the lack of space and the need for more teachers compelled the Franciscan nuns to discontinue their work at All Saints’ by 1951.
The change of management is recorded in the annals of Carmel Convent thus “In September 1951, Rev Fr. D.J Anthony O.M.I General Manager of ‘Catholic Schools’ approached the Apostolic Carmel for two sisters for All Saints’ College, Borella.” Sisters Annette and Domitilla took charge of All Saints’ on December 11, 1951.
The following Apostolic Carmel Sisters served at All Saints’ as Principals.
Sr. Annette A.C. 1951-1955, 1964-1971
An active and vibrant school life: All Saints girls at an exhibition
Sr. Mary Joseph A.C 1955-1960
Sr. Lidwina A.C 1960-1964
Sr. M.Gloria A.C 1971-1977
Sr. M. Constantia A.C 1977-1979
Sr. M. Lenita A.C 1979-1989
Sr. Stella Maria A.C 1989-1993
Sr. Preethi Fernando A.C 1993-2007
Sr. Charlotte Paranavithana A.C. 2007-
2010
Sr. Anne Christine A.C 2010-to date
A noteworthy event in 1961 was the takeover of the school by the Government. Though designated a Government School where the Sinhala language became the main medium of studies, All Saints’ College continued in the same vein, with the Carmel Sisters in charge.
A significant step forward in the school curriculum was the inauguration of Advanced Level classes in Commerce in July 1986 and in Arts in June 1987. All Saints’ commenced bilingual classes from Grades 6 to 11 in 2003 and English medium classes for Advanced Level Commerce stream in 2014. Over the years, a number of buildings were added as the student population increased.
All Saints’ Balika celebrated its centenary in 2004 and today has 1100 students and 54 tutorial staff.
In the recent past the school has recorded several notable performances. In the Grade 5 scholarship examination 75% of the students got over 100 marks. Over 80% of the G.C.E. Ordinary Level applicants qualified for the Advanced Level. Among the Advanced Level students about 60% were qualified for university entrance.
The Saints have exhibited their abilities in sports and in other areas. The volleyball teams have secured many places at the provincial level. The Saints have also come out with flying colours in the karate tournaments conducted at various levels.
The girls have fared well in the English Day Competitions and primary competitions conducted at zonal and provincial level; some even at All-Island level. All Saints’ girls have won All-Island level victories in Magul Bera and Drama while the primary, junior, and senior choirs secured places in the English singing competitions at the provincial level consecutively for three years even though the school does not have Western Music as a subject.
At present, All Saints is endeavouring to build all-round students. Associations such as an English Speaking Club, Sinhala Literary Association, Eco Club, Carmel Blossoms, Young Christian Society, School Bible Society etc. have been launched to give students the opportunity to shine in other fields.
The Past Pupils’ Association, with love and loyalty to their Alma Mater, is working hard to help the school in the best way possible.
Education has gone through many changes and has faced many challenges in this country. Principal Sr. Anne Christine A.C. and the members of the staff have taken immense trouble to spread the light to all those who pass through the school’s portals, with an emphasis on cultivating proper values, to build the nation by being faithful to the school’s motto ‘Truth and Virtue’.