St. Anne’s College, the oldest English Medium School in the historic city of Kurunegala inaugurated her 150th Jubilee celebrations on May 16 2017 with the participation of Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, the Bishop of Kurunegala, Rev. Bro. Christy Croos, the Provincial Visitor of De La Salle Brothers, Rt. Rev. Dr. Kumara Illangasinghe, the Bishop Emeritus of the Church of Ceylon - Kurunegala, and a distinguished gathering of parents, past pupils and well wishers.
The Jubilee activities of the College will commence on Friday, August 4 with religious services. The Catholics will participate in a Thanksgiving High Mass presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Norbert Andradi, OMI the Bishop of Anuradhapura at St. Anne’s Cathedral, Kurunegala. The Buddhist and the Muslim students will hold their religious services at the Athkandhe Raja Maha Viharaya and the Jamie Ul Asher, Bazar Jumma Masjid at Kurunegala. On Saturday, August 5 the Jubilee Walk will begin from the College. Thereafter other Jubilee activities are lined up until the end of 2018.
Great Institution
Great Institutions never grow old. As they grow in years, they also grow in greatness and stature. In this process of growth and advancement, the present generation should not forget the splendid yesteryear of the institution, neither the giants of the past whose efforts have underscored the school’s victorious 150 year journey.
All the missionaries, philanthropists, past principals, devoted teachers, old boys and their parents who have gone to their eternal reward are still green in the minds of the people of Kurunegala, and they remain bright stars shining eternally in the sky above the College.
Kurunegala, the city of Kings became a Parish in 1861. French priests, Fr. Adrian Duffo, OMI and Fr. Peter Boutin, OMI who pioneered the beginning of this school in Kurunegala are fondly remembered for their incomparable vision and mission.
De La Salle Brothers
The name of St. Anne’s School first appears in the Government Blue Book in 1867. The Archbishop lavished his favour on the education of youth in Kurunegala.
The first group of students numbering 101 was housed at the parish hall opposite the church.
It was at the invitation of Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Marque, OMI and the recommendation of Chevalier C. L. W. Perera that the De La Salle Brothers assumed duty at St. Anne’s School on December 1, 1934. Bro. Hugh Farringdon, an Englishman, with two other Brothers joined the staff. The arrival of the De La Salle Brothers at the royal city paved the way for an awakening of discipline and quality education. Soon, 12 acres of land adjoining the church was purchased for the school. The Old Boys’ Association was formed in 1935 and on June 9 the same year the Old Boys’ Day was inaugurated. On March 1, 1940 the first Prize Day was held in the open air by Bro. Casimir Ernest, a Czech Brother.
The foundation stone for the first building was laid in 1941, and the Brothers, together with 360 boys and 50 hostellers moved into the new uncompleted two storied building in 1942. Bro. Theodoret of Mary who succeeded Bro. Casimir in 1943 set up a laboratory and started Science classes.
Vision and mission
The Missionary School like all normal schools was funded by the Government and also regularly supervised by the Education Department.
A De La Salle Brother headed the management of the school supported by several other Brothers along with a dedicated lay staff. With the introduction of Swabasha Education by Dr. C.W.W. Kannangare in the Primary section the school joined the new system in1946.
Then in 1951, with further school reforms by the government St. Anne’s opted to join the Free Scheme of Education. Thereafter with the School Take-Over by the Government in 1960 St. Anne’s College became a Non-Fee-Levying Private School. But, the financial constrains were too much and the school was handed over to the Government in 1964.
The College educates 2,500 students at present in both, primary and secondary education. They are 58% Buddhist, 40% Catholic/ Christian and 2% Islam. The Staff numbers 120. The administration of the Hostel is by a Brother. The selfless service extended by the few Brothers to the Principal, together with the dedicated Staff is greatly appreciated by one and all.
Golden era
Bro. Alban Patrick assumed Directorship of the School in 1946 when the golden era of St. Anne’s began. St. Anne’s College became the first Grade 1 School in the North Western Province in 1947 and the school’s results at public examinations continued to be the best in the Province.
The student population had risen to 1,340 by 1955. The Science Bloc donated by Chevalier C.L.W. Perera, an eminent lawyer and a great benefactor of the school was declared open in 1949. In the same year the Main Bloc was completed and a Cadet Corp started in 1952.
The two storied Primary Bloc was constructed in 1953. By 1954, most of the buildings were completed, providing the school with a solid footing. Minister of Education, E.A. Nugawele, praised the Annite performance when he presided at the school Prize Day in 1949.
The number of students who gained admission to the Ceylon University from St. Anne’s College testifies to the efficiency of the teachers and the guidance of the Principal. Annites were present in practically every Department of the University.
School traditions
The College motto is “Possumus”, meaning “We Can” in Latin. Although the school is affiliated with the Catholic Church, it is a secular school with students of all faiths admitted. Nineteen Principals have steered the College since 1934, when the De La Salle Brothers assumed duty.
Among them seventeen have been De La Salle Brothers. Principals who have rendered a yeoman service for more than five years are Brothers Casimir Ernest, Alban Patrick, Lawrence Justinian, Alexander Cyrillus, Augustine Brendon, Eustace Bastian, Ignatius Warnakula and Denzil Mendis.
The present Principal, Rev. Br. Tarcisius, with a strong vision and mission, continues the same De La Salle spirit without limiting his services to the classroom but extending it to a variety of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities and inculcating human values in the students. The Holy Bible assures that, “those who have instructed many people to do what is right will shine like stars forever.” (Daniel 12: 3)
Under eagle’s wings
A school under the watchful eyes of religious leaders invariably is well administered and well managed.
Great men are not shaken by obstacles; neither do they retreat when challenges advance. The magnitude of their strength becomes more visible and pronounced in such circumstances. So it has been with the Principals of the present and the past.
By working together, taking stock of where we have been, and discerning the future of the mission of the Brothers and the teachers to educate youth in the cause of justice, peace and love, the De La Salle Brothers, teachers, parents and old boys can make a powerful contribution to the future of society in Sri Lanka. May St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala be blessed in abundance to produce more and more disciplined loyal citizens to the nation and to the world at large!