St. Joseph's College Grandpass celebrates her centenary:

Heading for success through virtue and truth
 

BY AJITH Perera

St. Joseph's College Grandpass, one of the oldest pioneering schools of De La Salle Brothers solemnly celebrated her centenary on March 17, 2005. The Thanksgiving Holy Mass was officiated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Marius Peiris, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo at 9.00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Grandpass.

Though the college was handed over to Christian Brothers in 1905, in 1870 it was initiated by Very Rev. Fr. Peter Ilari who firmly believed that a church is complete only with a school. Originally the school in the church premises was meant for both boys and girls.

Most of the Reverend Brothers who rendered a yeoman service to the College have gone to their eternal reward.

They who have served in good spirit, for the well being of the College while following the footsteps of the Patron Saint of the College, St. Joseph and St. De La Salle the founder of Christian Brothers are rewarded on earth and in heaven as well.

His Eminence Thomas Cooray, Cardinal, then Archbishop of Colombo donated part of the land which was marshy land and also contributed a large sum of money for the building of the new school.

Later, Chevalier J.E.M. de Saram, renowned old boys, donated another part of the land for his Alma Mater. Reverend Brothers, teachers, old boys and well wishers who contributed to put up the new premises in 1959 are also gratefully remembered.

The main building of the College is a great monument of the modern era of St. Joseph's College, that was dawned by Rev. Bro. Cassian Charles, the Principal (1943-1945, 1956-66) a reputed architect and a disciplinarian, still stands with majesty and dignity. A College house has been named in honour of him for undying faith and courage.

Rev. Bro. Lewis of Jesus (1966-71) is fondly remembered for his praised worthy commitment and dedication.

The successful regime of Very. Rev. Bro. Thomas Philip (1971-1987) in which he devoted his brain and brawn and made very possible efforts to give an all-round education to Josephians. He knew full well that education and discipline go hand in hand.

Therefore he was very strict in maintaining discipline and for that he is honoured forever. Rev. Bro. Ignatious Warnakula (1987-89) devoted himself in child centred education and paid much attention on backward children who excelled in education in later years.

Rev. Bro. Placidus Fernando, the present Director together with his cooperative hard working staff geared St. Joseph's College to a new destination. Though lacking in many facilities like classrooms, and furniture that such a school should have, they still endeavour to give the children the best they can in their studies, extra curricular and co-curricular activities and games.

We note with great satisfaction that St. Joseph's College has always followed a policy of introducing new branches like Scouting, Environmental Pioneer Brigade, Western Band etc. and indoor games like Table Tennis, Chess and Karate to cater to the academical and extra curricular needs of her students with a laudable aim of creating balanced personalities.

Needless to say a very large slice of the burden is brawn by the Deputy Principals, A.D. Jayasinghe and L.D. Lawrence creating a very friendly atmosphere with the fellow members on the staff.

Three parallel classes for each grade from grade one to Ordinary Level are in progress at present in order to mould, guide and train youthful minds to be fruitful citizens.

She is very much interested in Advanced Level education under her wings but classroom space due to rapidly increasing student population and issuing of governmental funds, for such a worthy cause have become a serious problem.

St. Joseph's College is a Catholic identical institution. She welcomes the non-catholics as well. Buddhists and Muslims eager to seek refuge under her wings as they admire her disciplinary education.

Whatever is said and done by the shortsighted extremists, they know that they can't deny the fact that Catholic educational institutions are the ideal places for complete disciplinary education which is the timely need of the country.

Religious dignitaries, engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, business entrepreneurs, civil servants etc. have been proudly yielded to the world. They are the versatile goodwill ambassadors of St. Joseph's College and the Christian education.

If St. Joseph's College is lent the generous hand of the provincial government, especially at the time of need the journey towards the century wouldn't have been so hard. She deserves the due support for a smooth run.

She is heading for success with a dire need of fifteen teachers especially primary teachers. Even a three storeyed building for which approval was granted in 1997 as it was realized that the college deserves such a building is still a dream. This is sheer step-motherly treatment.

Rev. Bro. Principal, who still young at heart and his sportsmanship is still visible when he is in the play field. The absence of a P.T.I. master for long has never been felt and it has not been a hindrance to the achievements the boys have grabbed in the island and overseas.

The school values sports and games as a remedy for disturbed minds of present day children. We have seen how children are wonderfully coached in physical, mental, spiritual and social balancing. We are compelled to state that St. Joseph's College playground, the best venue for the children of Northern and Central Colombo which is still inundated even after a drizzle is neglected by the authorities.

Instead of cursing the darkness Josephians engage in sports practices in this marshy land and excel in cricket, Football and Basket Ball. St. Joseph's College has never gone to the extremes but follows the middle path.

Cultural activities, inter religious activities, langauge activities and day celebrations are introduced to the bays in order to minimize unnecessary competition among beliefs, opinions and acceptances - class caste or creed.

St. Joseph's College, the super train runs swiftly on the two railway lines of School Development Society and her well-wishers. She is ever grateful to Almighty God and her Patron Saint St. Joseph for this guidance, enlightenment and blessings.

Provincial visitor Very Rev. Bro. Henry Dissanayaka and his predecessors who have been behind the success of this long expeditions are respectfully and affectionately remembered. De La Salle firmly has always joined hands in the hours of happiness and sadness too.

The school under the religious leader is always well administered, managed and looked after as they are at the school premises itself. Rev. Bro. Placidus Fernando who follows the teaching of the founder of his congregation. St. De La Salle, leads a modest life in keeping with the solemn religious vows and sacrifices devotes himself round the clock, throughout the year.

It is widely accepted that St. Joseph's College and Christian Brothers are like two sides of the same gold coin. If there are no Christian Brother's administration and management there won't be St. Joseph's College in the same spirit of virtue and truth as it is in the College motto.

Our paramount expectations and earnest wish are to see St. Joseph's College, Grandpass shining forever setting an example to other schools in producing balanced personalities with human and spiritual values able to shoulder any responsibility, in society forgetting their personal interests and gains.