St. Joseph’s takes the plunge to give Kegalle students a pool

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

Having a swimming pool has been just a dream for schoolchildren in Kegalle, but it may soon become a reality.

St. Joseph’s Convent

The Past Pupils Association of St.Joseph’s Convent (Colombo branch) have made it their mission to give their old school this much-needed facility.

St. Joseph’s Balika Vidyalaya (formerly St. Joseph’s Convent) is one of two girls schools in Kegalle. Founded in 1910 by Father A.H.Westratan as an English school, the first head of the school was Sr. Wilmer. Initially, the school had only ten students, and they were even trained in opera by an Irish lady teacher.

Due to the highly disciplined environment and hostel facilities, many students joined the school and the numbers grew. In 1934 the students were able to sit for the Cambridge Junior Examination under the guidance of Sr. Aquinas from England.

The school was taken over by the government in 1962 and in 1984 it became a national school. Today there are 3902 students on roll and the school continues to produce talented children who not only excel academically but also in extra curricular activities.

Principal R.N.C.K. Atapattu

“We believe the girls have talents in swimming too, that’s why some of the students are sent to be trained at the Ambepussa Army Camp swimming pool. This has encouraged parents and people in the area to put their maximum effort to build a swimming pool,” said Principal Ms. R.N.C.K.Atapattu.

“Most of the talented students come from poor families. If we can have a pool it will not only benefit the school but many school children in Kegalle,” she said.

Parents are now getting organized to clear the area where the swimming pool is to be constructed on a government property that has been donated to the school. The PPA of the Colombo branch, meanwhile, has been working hard to make this project a success.

On May 7, they organized a musical show to collect funds for this development but more funds are needed.

"We are trying our best to organise many ways to collect funds and hope many will help us to make this dream come true" says Rita Perera, President of the PPA Swimming Pool Project of the Colombo branch.