Sacred Heart Convent – Galle Legacy of Learning – 128 Years Stronger
View(s):Sacred Heart Convent, Galle, a leading girls’ school in the Southern Province proudly celebrates its 128th anniversary paying tribute to the revered pioneers who bequeathed the nation with a hallowed institution committed to providing quality education to thousands of girls in a highly disciplined environment. This historic milestone makes the Heartian community reflect on the long and remarkable journey the school has traversed with memories of challenges, commitments and accomplishments.
A ray of light illuminated the skies as five Reverend Sisters arrived in the city of Galle on 24th November 1896 with the intent of initiating the mission of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary (SCJM) in Ceylon. They arrived in the island from Belgium upon the invitation by the Belgian Jesuit Priest Mgr. Josep Van Reeth, the first Bishop of Galle Diocese.
The group of Reverend Sisters comprising Rev. Sr. William Brennan, Rev. Sr. Alexandra Cooreman, Rev. Sr. Marcia Bossaert, Rev. Sr. Alberta Donny and Rev. Sr. Amelia Janssens established Sacred Heart Convent School on the hills of Mount Calvary on the very day of their arrival with Rev Sr. Wiiliam Brennan serving as the pioneering principal.
The school was under the stewardship of foreign missionaries until it was handed over to the state in 1978. Today, Sacred Heart Convent is a fully fledged school fulfilling the requirements of achieving the national goals of education. Maintaining the highest standards of discipline, integrity and moral rectitude is the hallmark of this blessed abode with her motto ‘One Heart, One Soul’ emphasising the need to work in unison towards a common goal.
Presently, 2400 girls are receiving education in both Sinhala and English medium from a faculty of 115 teaching professionals under the visionary leadership of Rev. Sr. Sandya Fernando as the Principal.
Apart from recording benchmark achievements at the national level examinations, the Heartians showcase their prowess in sports, arts and music, science and innovations etc. Synonymous with their impressive academic feat is how a well-rounded individual is moulded with a strong emphasis on personality development through many extra-curricular activities.
The multi-cultural and multi-religious atmosphere at Sacred Heart Convent has created opportunities for children to take part in diverse activities respecting each other’s sentiments in achieving social and cultural cohesion aligning with the school creed.
Sacred Heart Convent is blessed to be fostered by a strong Past Pupils’ Association whose members are spread world over functioning under several sub committees and a dedicated parent community.
Thus, the humble step taken by the founders 128 years ago has now grown exponentially, achieving remarkable progress in the forward march to excellence.
128th Anniversary Celebration of Sacred Heart Convent was held recently in the School Centenary Hall with Very Rev. Fr. Michael Rajendram, Vicar General of Galle Diocese. attending as the esteemed Chief Guest. This momentous occasion was graced with added glamour by the respected presence of the Mother Superior of Sacred Heart Convent
Rev. Sr. Deepthika Silva, as the Guest of Honour. Much solemnity was brought to the occasion by the honoured presence of several other Reverend Fathers and Sisters.
At the outset, a moment of silence was observed in memory of the pioneers and all those who had sacrificed their time and energy in bringing this Sacred school to its present state.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering the Principal, Rev. Sr. Sandya Fernado, reflected on the yeoman service rendered by the founders and explained why they should be fondly remembered at such an occasion. She further elaborated on the great sense of resilience and steadfastness manifested by the ancestors in the face of adversity and paid tribute to those who created a blessed place with unique qualities for the children to grow. Thus, the Principal emphasised the need to be spiritual and generous as the best form of being grateful to the past visionaries.
The grandeur of the event was enhanced by several students representing each grade extending their heartfelt wishes for continued success and prosperity in the future. The prestige and magnificence of this epic journey spanning 128 years was celebrated with a cake cutting ceremony that seamlessly complemented the festive spirit of the occasion.
Staying true to their school creed which enunciates the need to stand with their suffering comrades, some packages of dry rations were donated to be distributed among the needy. This act of generosity perfectly aligned with the noble purpose of celebrating the pride of their alma-mater.
The Chief Guest Very Rev. Fr. Michael Rajendram, Vicar General of Galle Diocese, in his insightful speech thanked Almighty God for having showered blessings on Sacred Heart Convent for this phenomenal achievement and wished the school a happy anniversary. Then, he conveyed the greetings from the Bishop of Galle Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe on this special occasion.
Rev. Fr. Rajendram further elaborated how he was impressed by the distinctive qualities of the Heartians with the highest standards of discipline and orderliness. Their motto ‘Cor Unum Anima Una’ – ‘One Heart, One Soul’ is well reflected in the way they work together uniting all the communities within this hallowed precinct. He also appreciated the valiant efforts of the missionaries in founding this school.
He further observed that this multi-cultural atmosphere at Sacred Heart Convent is highly conducive for achieving socio-cultural harmony and cohesion and underscored the significance of being spiritual in all our pursuits. He urged the children to be a light to the world emanating wondrous love and kindness that Jesus has bestowed upon us.
‘The world needs changes. That change should come within you; it should be guided by moral principles and proper decorum going with your Sacred school creed’, asserted the Chief Guest.
And thus, the 128th Anniversary Celebrations of Sacred Heart Convent saw a successful conclusion with all the participants making an unwavering pledge to carry forward the noble ideals bequeathed to them by their ancestors and wishing Sacred Heart Convent continued growth and success to inspire and empower generations in the years to come.
Asela Kankanamge
Academic Staff
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