| St. Peter's College | |
|---|---|
|
Virtus ET Veritas
- Virtue and Truth - |
|
| Location | |
| Bambalapitiya, Colombo 04 Sri Lanka |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Roman Catholic Secondary School |
| Established | 1922 July 9 |
| Founder | Rev.Fr.Maurice J. Le Goc |
| Staff | 400 |
| Grades | 1 to 13 Local Syllabus
London A/L's |
| Gender | Boys |
| Age | 5 to 19 |
| Colour(s) | Blue, White & Gold
|
| Website | www.stpeterscollege.lk |
St. Peter's College is a distinguished boys only primary to secondary (inclusive) school in the Bambalapitiya zone of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1922.
In 1919, just after the end of World War I, Rev. Fr. M.J. Le Goc, Rector of St Joseph's College, Colombo, had a vision of a college in the southern suburbs of Colombo. While he was traveling one day on his famous motor bicycle with this idea in mind, Fr Le Goc spotted a block of cinnamon land in Bambalapitiya which belonged to Mr. E.C. De Fonseka.
The construction began on July 7, 1921 and was carried out under the supervision of Mr. J R J Jayesuria, an alumnus of St. Joseph's College. In December 1921, Rev. Fr. Le Goc confidently announced at the Josephian award ceremony that St. Joseph's College South would open in January 1922.
The buildings were designed by Rev. Fr. Le Goc himself and because of his enthusiasm, the buildings sprung up in six months. The quadrangle in front had an oval drive running around it. Fr. Le Goc also incorporated the concept of open-air classrooms.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday January 18, 1922. The Railway Department made special arrangements for the transportation of students from St. Joseph's College who was participating in the ceremony. A total of 204 students were admitted on that day and by the end of the year the number had risen to 268. The First rector was Rev.Fr.D.J.Nicholas Perera O.M.I., while the Current Rector is Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel. The total amount in roll at present is 6088
Contents |
St. Joseph's College, Colombo was founded in March 1896 and by 1921 St. Joseph's College was 25 years old and the founding of St.. Peter’s College under the name St. Joseph’s College South could well be considered as a silver Jubilee gift of St. Joseph’s to the nation. The land was purchased from E.C. de Fonseka for a sum of Rs, 75,000/- and on the broad shoulders of Fr. LeGoc fell the responsibility of bringing St.Joseph’s College South into being. Building operations began on this neglected cinnamon land bordering the Galle Road and alongside the Wellawatte Canal, on the 7th July 1921.
On the 18th January 1922, Fr. LeGoc with a large number of Josephian students and Staff arrived by special train and alighted near Kinross Avenue at 2 p.m. and marched to St. Peter’s for the opening. The Josephian Magazine of 1922 described it thus, “Great St. Joseph’s by the lake was setting out this bright January day to open and inaugurate the little St. Joseph’s by the sea. “His Grace the Archbishop Dr. Anthony Coudert blessed the building and premises and Hon. Mr. Edwin Evans Director of Education formerly opened the new school.”
Thus was St. Joseph’s College South born on 18 January 1922. Rev. Fr. D. J. Nicholas Perera was appointed President of the College, with classes from Grade 1 to Grade 7, while the number on roll was 204. [1]
The period 1956 to 1977 covers the Rectorships of Five Rectors, all of whom were dogged by the problem of the Schools Take over bid, with severe financial constraints consequent to the decision by St. Peter’s not to be vested with the State but to function as a ‘Non Fee Levying Private School’. Nevertheless and notwithstanding each of the five Rectors of this difficult era made their individual contribution to the progress of St. Peter’s never succumbing to problems of the times.
Rev. Fr. Arthur Nicholas Fernando who succeeded Rev. Fr. Basil Wiratunge as the Third Rector of St. Peter’s from 1956 to 1963 will be remembered for the encouragement and support he gave to the development of Aesthetic Studies. He it was who started the first schools Fife and Drum band on June 30, 1956. A Cultural Centre to promote Music, Drama, Dancing and Art was started in November 1956 with the help of Rev. Fr. Mervyn Weerakkody and Rev. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody. Kandyan Dancing, Oriental Singing and the formation of Western and Oriental Orchestras came about. Rowing was introduced to St. Peter’s in 1959, as also a unit of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade. Rev. Fr. Arthur Nicholas it was who first had to beat the direct impact of the Schools take over from December 1, 1960 when St. Peter’s decided to remain as a Private Non Fee Levying institution. The Welfare Society came into being under his astute leadership. A fine organiser and administrator he installed a modern Canteen to supplement the much needed finances. He also set up the College Boarding.
Rev. Fr. Mervyn Weerakkody succeeded Fr. Arthur Nicholas Fernando and was the Fourth Rector from 1963 to 1971. Fr. Weerakkody took office at a most turbulent period but his genial qualities helped him to attract benefactors to help the College. He encouraged the Old Boys’ Union and the Old Peterites Sports Club to invite more members. Perhaps his greatest contribution to St. Peter’s was the formation of the Parent Teacher Association which brought both parents and teachers together in the interests of the students. More authority and responsibility was passed on to the lay teaching staff with the formation of Boards of Discipline, Studies and Sports. He established the Employees Provident Fund for the Teaching Staff. On the 24th, July 1971 he left St. Peter’s to take up the Rectorship of St. Joseph’s. Many have been the Peterites who chose Music as a career as result.
Rev. Fr. Theodore E. Peiris O.M.I. who had been on the Tutorial Staff of St. Peter’s in the 1940s succeeded Rev. Fr. Mervyn Weerakkody and was Rector from 1971 to 1975. To him fell the honour of presiding at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the College on 18 January 1972. Even though the College still had a struggle on its hands where finances were concerned Fr. Theodore was able to muster support for the celebrations, which continued throughout the year.
The Sixth Rector of St. Peter’s Rev. Fr. Claver Perera was welcomed with much jubilation being the first fully fledged Peterite to adorn the Rectorial Chair. His stay lasted two years from 1975 to 1976. However within that short period he decentralised the administration with the appointment of Sectional Heads from Grade 6 to the Advanced Level. Under his guidance and training the Peterite Choir reached great heights a trend which exists up to today. Fr. Claver was instrumental in enlarging and renovating the College Chapel for the first time in 50 years.
Rev. Fr. Francis Madiwela took over the reins of office from Fr. Claver Perera and his stay also lasted two years from 1976 to 1977. Yet in the short time he was Rector he organised a number of Seminars for the Teachers to help them refresh their minds in all aspects of teaching. Fr. Francis Madiwela will best be remembered by the Old Boys’ Union because of his conviction that the Old Boys should have their own President, with the Rector who was President since 1927 being Patron. This change came into effect on 4 December 1977, shortly before his transfer to St. Thomas, Kotte as Principal.
Rev.Fr Joe.Wickramasinghe took over the Rectorship in 1978 and steered the college for 16 years.He transformed the school into a modern institution and raised its profile academically,in sports and discipline. He built the vocational training centre complete with a modern computer Lab,an audio visual studio,a Three storied science Laboratory building,the swimming pool complex,new primary school building.He created scholarship funds to support students entering university and established a board of administration to assist him in managing the school.It was during his Rectorship that the first branch school in Gampaha was opened.He also built a new dental clinic,a modern canteen and a mini zoo for the primary school.
Rev.Fr Travis Gabriel is Rector today of this Institute. The newly completed A/L Section Building is one project done during this year.
The branch, St. Peter’s College, Gampaha was inaugurated by his Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis on 2 February 1993, as the first Branch school in Sri Lanka after the schools take over act No.8 that was passed in 1961. In a short period if time the branch has achieved unpredicted success and developing admirably, both in spiritual and educational spheres. Presently there are more than 14 staff members who are working hard to shape the leading Catholic School in the city of Gampaha.
His Grace the Archbishop Oswald Gomis, the Archbishop of Colombo initiated opening Branch Schools of the Catholic Colleges in Colombo and introducing in the rural areas to provide better education to the children in the villages and remote areas. St. Peter's College Branch School at Gampaha was the first of 10 branches opened so far and Udugampola Branch School was declared opened on 24 September 2005 by Archbishop Oswald Gomis and appointed Rev. Fr. Siri Cooray as the Principal of the Branch Schools of both Gampaha and Udugampola in January 2007 and gave Rev. Fr. Suranga Fonseka as a Assistant Priest to the school in January 2008.
New Chapel
New Chapel at St. Peter's College Branch, Udugampola was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop Oswald Gomis on 21st Oct. on the occasion of the 4th Anniversary of the Branch School.
After blessing of the New Chapel, Archbishop preside at the Eucharistic Celebration with Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel Rector of St. Peter's College, former Rector Rev. Fr. Felician Ranjith Perera and Rev. Fr. Ranjith Madurawela the Archdiocesan Manager of Catholic Schools and Catholic Education.
The Staff and the students found the occasion to pay their respect to late Very Rev. Fr. Joe E. Wickramasinghe, for Rector of St. Peter's College and who laboured so much to put up the first buildings at Gampaha branch school.
Rev. Fr. Siri Cooray, Principal addressing the gathering paid a glowing tribute to Very Rev. Fr. Joe E. Wickramasinghe for his dedication and untiring efforts to open the branch schools of St. Peter's at the request of Archbishop Oswald Gomis.
15 March 2009 all the Old Peterites of Gampaha & Udugampola gathered to the Udugampola School college hall to form the 1st Branch OBU under Main OBU at St.Peter's College Colombo 04.Under the Guidance of
Rev.Siri Cooray (Principal - Udugampola & Gampaha) Mr.Bernard Fernando (Vice Principal) Mr.Thilak Rodrigo (Vice Principal) Mrs.Chandani Perera Mr.Suranga Senevirathne - President of SPC OBU Mr.Lasantha Dissanayake - Vice President of SPC - OBU
The First step been already taken now it's up to the Peterites from both Gampaha & Udugampola to make OBU a happening one Unlike other Times.
Objectives of the Old Boys Union -
main Site of Old Boys Union of St. Peter's college, Gampaha & Udugampola
Senior Prefects are selected from amongst the Junior Prefects, students who study in grade 13. The Head Prefect is selected along with two Deputies and they bear ultimate responsibility of the Prefect Body, which includes the Junior Prefects and House Stewards. Senior Prefects duties include supervision of the Junior Prefects and Stewards in order to assist the college authorities in maintaining discipline within the primary, middle and upper schools at college. Senior Prefects play more of a managerial role in their duties. Senior Prefects remain as students of the school until the end of the year (January to December) even though all their final examinations have been complete as they are able to exert more influence upon the other students who are still studying. General duty kit of a senior prefect consists of white-on-white shirt and trouser with an engraved blue and silver metal badge with the College Crest and the words "SENIOR PREFECT" splayed across it. For official duties, the college tie, tie-pin, long sleeve white shirt, white trouser and blue blazer are worn with the College Crest pinned on to the left lapel of the Blazer.
Junior Prefects are selected from amongst the House Stewards, students who study in grade 12. All candidates are selected from a interview carried by the disciplinary board of the college. Their duties include maintaining of discipline of students, and advising the House Stewards in their duties. Junior Prefects are selected based on their academic and extra-curricular performances. Their term extends from the month of January to December of the school year. House captains are chosen amongst them to represent all 6 college houses. General duty kit consists of white-on-white shirt and trouser with an engraved blue and silver metal badge with the College Crest and the words "PREFECT" splayed across it. For official duties, the college tie, tie-pin, long sleeve white shirt, white trouser and blue blazer are worn by the Juniors with the prefect badge pinned on to the left lapel of the Blazer.
House Stewards are selected from amongst the Peterite Helpers. Main duty is to provide assistance to the Junior and Senior Prefects in their duties. Their official duty-kit consists of a White-on-White long sleeve shirt and slacks, a white plastic badge bearing the words "SPC HOUSE STEWARD" which is expected to be worn above the left shirt pocket, the college tie and tie-pin. General duty-kit consists of White-on-White short sleeve shirt and slacks and the Steward Badge.
Peterite Helpers are post-O/L students who have volunteered for this post and were introduced lately. They carry out day to day activities at school.
Primary Prefects are appointed from Year 5 and the appointments are based on nominations from class teachers. They are expected to help the teachers maintain discipline within the Primary Section of College. Duty kit includes a metal badge worn above the left shirt pocket with the College Crest and the words Primary Prefect printed on it, college tie, long sleeve shirt and shorts - white for official functions, blue or white for general duties. [2]
There are 4 houses in the Primary School and 6 houses in the Upper School.
| Primary School Houses | Upper School Houses |
|---|---|
|
|
The Battle of the Saints is the annual cricket contest between St. Peter's College, Colombo and St Joseph's College, Colombo.
St.Peter's College Track And Field Foundation
St. Peter's College, Colombo 4 has a rich history in the game of Rugby Football, being among the first four schools to take up the game in Sri Lanka; For more information on Peterite Rugby , click on the links below:
St.Peter's Collece Rugby Foundation
St. Peter's College (SPC) Latest Rugby News
St. Peter’s sports Centre is an indoor sports complex that is built alongside the extended duplication road. This is a 4 store multipurpose sports complex comprise of 4 - Badminton courts, a Basketball court and a concert hall with accommodated for 1500. Plus there is a fitness centre, Martial arts centre, Table tennis concourse, Gymnastics. The Sports complex is open to all the students, old boys and to the General Public (Membership) to access its facilities.
The western band of St. Peter’s college was formed on 30 June 1956 during the period of Rev. Fr. Arthur Fernando as the rector of St. Peter’s college. It was the first school cadet band in Sri Lanka. The maiden performance with the roll of drums, the crash of symbols with the Bugle Blast was at the Annual Athletic meet. In 1983 they were runners-up in the “Colombo School Band Display” competition. The Western Band of St. Peter’s was the first to organize an Indoor School and Outdoor School band displays and they were named as “PETERITE TEMPO” and “VERTUS et VERITAS”. They have organized another four band festivals, there are
The western band completed 50 years of great service to St. Peter’s and to God in the year 2006.
The Western Band celebrated their 50th Golden Jubilee in year 2007 by organizing a Band Fiesta "Ritmico Con Spirito", under the guidance of the Rector, Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel, the priest in charge Rev. Fr. Siri cooray.
| Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc | Founder |
| Rev. Fr. D. J. Nicholas Perera | 1922–1943 |
| Rev. Fr. Basil A. Wiratunge | 1943–1955 |
| Rev. Fr. Arthur Nicholas Fernando | 1956–1963 |
| Rev. Fr. Mervyn Weerakkody | 1963–1971 |
| Rev. Fr. Theodore E. Peiris | 1971–1975 |
| Rev. Fr. Claver Perera | 1975–1976 |
| Rev. Fr. Francis Madiwela | 1976–1977 |
| Rev. Fr. Joe E. Wickramasinghe | 1978–1994 |
| Rev. Fr. Felician Ranjith Perera | 1994–2005 |
| Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel | 2005 - * |
During the years 1982 to 1984, Rev. Fr. Jayamanne was the substitute Rector during the absence of Fr. Joe E. Wickramasinghe
Lend a Heart and lend a Hand
Let its glorious colours give
Golden gleam and silver sheen,
Set the flag a – flying Boys,
While in boyhood, here we linger,
Who will dare to point a finger
Work enduring, play alluring,
Ills all – curing health ensuring
And our flag is floating proudly
A few months after the change of the name from St. Joseph’s college south to St. Peter College, The inaugural Meeting of St.Peter’s College Old Boys’ Union took place on 15 October 1927, presided over by the rector, Rev. Fr. Nicholas Perera. From 1927 to 1977 a period of 50 years, the college Rector was ex-officio the President of the Old Boys’ Union. In 1977 Rev. Fr. Francis Madiwela mooted the idea of electing a President among members of the Old Boys’ union, with Rector becoming the patron of the union. Accordingly a 3 man Sub Committee comprising J. A. R. Felix, C.E. Maurice Perera and George Wijesinghe was appointed to draft a new constitution incorporating the new proposal. This new constitution was adopted on the 4th December 1977, and J.A.R. Felix was elected as the first President of the Old Boys’ Union. Today after a long history of more than 80 years the old Boys’ Union consists of a membership of over many thousands takes pride in the fact that the objectives of the union as spelled out in the constitution.
The AGM of the OBU is held on the mid month of June annually and the financial year of the OBU starts from the 31st of March each year.[4]
main Site of Old Boys Union of St. Peter's college
| J.A.R. Felix | 1977–1980 |
| Shelly Wickramasinghe | 1980–1983 |
| V.P.A. Perera | 1983–1984 |
| Mano Chanmugam | 1984–1987 |
| Gen. Deshamanya Denis Perera | 1987–1990 |
| Ranjith Weeraratne | 1990–1992 |
| C.E.Maurice Perera | 1992–1993 |
| C.Abeygoonewardene | 1993–1996 |
| N. A. L. Kabraal | 1996–1999 |
| Gerry De Mel | 1999–2002 |
| Mano Chanmugam | 2002–2003 (re-elected) |
| Harin Gunawardena | 2003–2006 |
| Suranga Seneviratne | 2006–2009 |
| Roshan Dharmaratne | 2009 - * |