Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala

Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala is a leading Catholic girls school in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. It was established in 1870. It provides primary and secondary education.

History

Mother Xavier of Holy Family Convent Jaffna sent 6 sisters to find a convent of the Holy Family at Kurunegala on 29 August 1870. The Parish Priest and Parishioners welcomed them warmly when the six Irish sisters arrived at Kurunegala on 8 September 1870, The six Irish sisters founded Holy Family Convent in Kurunegala. They were assisted at Benediction in the Parish Church, and they had their first meal in the Mission House.

Mother M. Josephine Bastide Took charge of the new community in November, 1870. The first building of the school was located where the Kurunegala Post Office stands today. Classes began in this building. Sisters lived in two houses, one was then known as Daniel’s House. By 1871, classes in both English & Sinhala medium had begun. The total number of students were 42. When visited by the school inspectors, they promised to get the school approved, because there were more than 40 students. The subjects taught were music, painting, needle work, English and French.

In 1872, Archbishop Bonjean paid his first visit to the new community. In June of the same year, the Director of Education visited the school and a government school with its furniture was handed over to the sisters. A piece of land was bought (where the present school stands). Plans were made immediately to work for the new school. By December 1873, sisters went to the new Convent building and in the 1870s the new boarders were received.

In June 1876, the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes statue was presented by Rev. Fr. Duffo O.M.I. and it was inaugurated in the school premises. The statue of the sacred heart arrived from France.

The Sinhala School was built in 1882. In 1886 orphans were given a more spacious residence. Boys up to age 10 were also allowed to come to the sisters’ school. In 1988 June, there were 116 children in the mixed Sinhalese school. The wok done was satisfactory.

College Anthem

Blue of the rolling ocean
White of the wind-swept foam
Blue of the radiant heaven
With the white clouds sailing home
These are the colours for you and me
The colours of the Holy Family
Blue & white, White & Blue
Yours and mine and the whole world’s too.

Yours and mine, they flutter and they fold
High over the school we love so well
White for purity, Blue for Truth,
Honours and Loyalty, Love and Ruth,
Then sing, Girls sing, let your voices swell
With the chorus loud and bold,
Let the echoes ring with the song you sing,
Inspired with love untold.

Courageously and faithfully – Through life we’ll fight our way
With love and truth unceasingly – O’er hearts we’ll hold a sway
With honour, labor, and charity – To help all in trouble we’ll ready be
Side by side, hand in hand – Unity is strength and that is how we stand.

Past Principals

1870–1880 – Mother M. Josephine

1880–1886 – Sr. M. Stanislaus

1886–1903 – Mother M. Ambrose

1903–1911 – Sr. M. Carmel

1911–1931 – Sr. M. Brenda

1931–1937 – Mother Aquinas Flynn

1937–1965 – Mother Aquinas O’Neil

1965–1976 – Sr. M. Raphael

1977–1988 – Sr. Yves Marie Cadados

1988–1996 – Sr. Ida Perera

1996–2003 – Sr. Henrieta Perera

2003 onwards – Sr. Sriyani Rodrigo

External links

• Official Website