19 June 2017 12:02 am
On August 8, 1942 the Rt. Hon. Masson, the Archbishop of Ceylon blessed and opened the first building of this school designed by Rev. Fr. Legoc.
Three Irish nuns who were eminent educationalists and firm disciplinarians served as principals for over two decades. They were Mothers Raphael, Baptist and De Sales respectively. There was a glamorous nun named Mother Dolores in charge of the Home Science section.
It was during the time of the first principal that the school anthem was composed by Mrs. Alfreda de Silva, the Elocution teacher of the Convent. “Sursum Corda” our school Motto, came into existence and we its students uphold it. Three school houses were created being Anne Marie, Gonzaga and Leonide, a fourth Sebastian was later incorporated.
St. Joseph’s Girls’ School was inaugurated on April 15, 1962. Many lay principals continued to fulfil their stewardship with diligence and authority. Ms. Moncia Ranasinghe was the first, followed by many successful principals and vice principals to the present lady Miss. P.A.A.B. Chandani Perera, who reverently upholds our motto “Sursum Corda” guiding the present generation of students. St Joseph Convent and Girls’ Schools continue to shine in the field of sports specially in Netball and Basketball. It has also shown its prowess in the educational sphere claiming many firsts. Our past student population spans the world mainly in Australia, England and Canada.
In order to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Year, the past pupils rallied round its Alma Mater to offer their humble gratitude by having organised a dinner dance on July 14, to donate money towards the opening of a new Library.