A Voice That Found Its Home:

The Story of the Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent

Chenuki Munasinghe & Suette Kumarage

Vihara Seelanathakuruppu

Rasali Rodrigo

Founded in 2022 by student Oneli Nonis, the Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent has grown from a small idea into a leading platform for young speakers and leaders. Marking its official inauguration in October 2025, the club stands as a symbol of confidence, unity, and resilience. Guided by dedicated teachers, it continues to inspire Bridgeteens to find their voices and lead with courage.

It was on a random Thursday afternoon in September 2022 when something truly extraordinary began within the walls of St. Bridget’s Convent. 

What started as a simple idea among a handful of determined students soon blossomed into one of the most dynamic and inspiring clubs in the school -the Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent.

Its founding was not easy. It was a journey that began with ambition, perseverance, and faith. It was “a great moment,” as many recall, yet one that required immense effort, determination, and teamwork. 

Behind the laughter and applause of today’s meetings lie the long nights of planning, discussions, and challenges faced by a group of young Bridgeteens who believed that every voice deserves to be heard.

Three years later, as the club celebrates its official inaugural installation ceremony, its story is more than just about speeches and meetings, it’s a testament to resilience, friendship, and the power of shared dreams.

The Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent was born from the vision of a young Bridgeteen, Oneli Nonis, who served as the club’s founding president. 

Her vision was simple yet profound: to create a space within the school where every student could speak, shine, and grow.

“Looking back, life during that time was truly a whirlwind,” Oneli recalls. “I remember walking back and forth, trying to balance my studies for the O/Ls while also dreaming of creating something meaningful, something beyond marks and exams. That’s when the idea of starting the Gavel Club was born.”

She explains that her vision was not to create another traditional club where titles took precedence over people. 

“I wanted to build a space where students could speak, shine, and grow, because I saw so many talented children around me who just needed a chance. In every other club, there was competition for positions, but what I wanted was a place for voices, not titles. That’s the difference I hoped the Gavel Club would make.” The very first meeting of the Gavel Club was an emotional milestone, filled with anticipation, excitement, and nervousness. Oneli still remembers the words she spoke to her peers that day:

“Life will give you lemons, so please kick those lemons and make lemonade out of them.”

The road ahead was not smooth. There were challenges in forming the committee, setting up structures, and finding the right support. Yet every obstacle only strengthened their resolve.

“I owe my deepest gratitude to my parents, who stood by me through it all,” Oneli continues, “to our teachers-in-charge, and especially to our Grade 11 teacher back in 2022, Ms. Dilini Thanthirimudali, who constantly encouraged me. To our beloved Maths Sir, Mr. Nishantha, who scolded us for focusing on club work during O/Ls but still cheered us on, and to Ms. Lekha Basnayake, who kept the Gavel spirit alive along with Ms. Sanduoni Fernando, thank you from the bottom of my heart. When everyone said no, you were the ones who said ‘Yes, let’s do it!’”

Her gratitude extends to the friends who walked beside her every step of the way. “To my best friends, Maria and Thisali, thank you for standing beside me through every high and low, and to my incredible Gavel Committee and our Rev. Sister, your support meant everything.”

The journey of the club began under the guidance of Sr. Jeewani Martinus, who was the Principal of St. Bridget’s Convent at the time of its founding. Today, the Gavel Club continues to flourish under the stalwart support and encouragement of the incumbent Principal, Sr. Sujani Fernando.

Time has passed, but the pride remains.

“Success isn’t about titles or applause. It’s about growth, unity, and the courage to speak.”:

Oneli Nonis, Founding President

“The Gavel Club gave me more than confidence — it gave me a family that believes in every voice.”:

Svetlana Perera, 2nd President

“From a handful of dreamers to one of the school’s strongest clubs, our journey proved what teamwork can build.”:

Thenumi Senaratne, Vice President Membership

“Being a Gavelian takes school life a degree higher — it teaches responsibility, equality, and mutual respect.”: 

Ms. Lekha Basnayake, Teacher-in-Charge

“Our students built this club on dedication and heart. Their spirit continues to lift the Gavel name higher each year.”: 

Ms. Sanduoni Fernando, Teacher-in-Charge

“When I left school after O/Ls, I never imagined I’d one day return as a guest at a Gavel inauguration ceremony. But I was, watching the next generation take the stage, and I couldn’t be prouder. I am truly proud to be a Bridgeteen and forever proud to be a Gavelian.”

She smiles as she reflects on the journey. 

“There were so many beautiful memories made while establishing this club, moments I will cherish forever. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll always be remembered as one of those girls who had wheels on her legs, always running around to make things happen.”

Her words capture the very essence of Gavel, the determination to keep moving forward, even when things get tough.

“Life isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. There will be ups and downs, the rollercoasters of joy and struggle, but never give up. If you want to achieve something, manifest it. Aim for the moon, and even if you don’t reach it, you’ll land among the stars.”

“Be grateful for everything you have, believe in yourself, and always keep our school flag flying high.”

The Teachers Who Believed

Every student-led movement has mentors behind it, those who guide, uplift, and keep the flame alive when things get difficult. For the Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent, those guiding lights were Ms. Sanduoni Fernando and Ms. Lekha Basnayake, who played pivotal roles in nurturing the club’s foundation and growth.

Ms. Sanduoni Fernando, reflecting on the journey, stated:

“I recall with deep appreciation the unwavering efforts of our students who deserve full credit for founding the Gavel Club. Since its inception, they have shown remarkable dedication and commitment, passing down the same spirit and enthusiasm to successive committees that have continued to elevate the club to its present stature.

It is with immense pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Gaveliers on the remarkable success they celebrate today. A special note of gratitude goes to Ms. Lekha Basnayake for her exceptional dedication and guidance, which have been instrumental in leading the Gavel Club to such great heights.

May you continue to grow in confidence, leadership, and eloquence, inspiring others through your passion for public speaking. Wishing the Gavel Club continued success and many more milestones in the years ahead.”

Her words reflect the immense pride and fulfillment of a teacher who has witnessed her students blossom into confident leaders and speakers.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lekha Basnayake, who has been the heart and soul of the club since its inception, shared her perspective on what makes Gavel truly special:

“The occasion is the culmination of three years of Gavel at St. Bridget’s Convent. It is a much-anticipated celebration of perseverance and thriving despite difficulties. Though the Gavel Club focuses on personal development, the camaraderie and mutual growth which occur simultaneously are invaluable to the Gavelians.

School life is perhaps the most cherished part of anyone’s life. Being a Gavelian takes that experience a degree higher, as the Club enables the members to take on key roles of responsibility, strive to serve up to the expected level, and engage with one’s peers on an equal footing. Thus, the different age groups mingle and learn from one another in an amicable setting.”

Her insight beautifully captures the spirit of unity and equality that defines Gavel SBC.

She adds:

“When learners seek knowledge and skills of their own volition, deep and active learning occurs. It is that serendipitous moment when learners own the learning process completely.”

This very philosophy is what allowed the Gavel Club to become more than just an extracurricular group, it became a transformative journey for every student involved.

The Voices That Built the Legacy

The Gavel Club’s story would be incomplete without the voices of its founding committee, the group of girls who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to turn a dream into reality. Their reflections echo the club’s core values: perseverance, leadership, and self-growth.

Svetlana Perera, who later served as the 2nd President, shared her thoughts as the Vice President Education of the founding committee:

“Being a part of the Gavel Club has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The journey from establishing the club to achieving stability has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. It required dedication, perseverance, and collective effort to build a strong foundation within the school. However, the unwavering support and guidance from our teachers-in-charge and the school administration greatly facilitated this process, making our path smoother and more fulfilling. Through the Gavel Club, I have found more than just a platform for personal growth, I have discovered a family of passionate, talented, and like-minded individuals who inspire and support one another. I am sincerely grateful for the invaluable experiences, skills, and friendships I have gained as a member of this remarkable society.” Her reflection speaks volumes about the emotional and personal connections fostered within the club, a family bound not by titles but by shared aspirations.

Thenumi Senaratne, who served as Vice President Membership, fondly remembers the early days of effort and enthusiasm.

“After having many scheduled Zoom meetings, making club proposals, and constantly seeking support from teachers and other mentors, we finally had our inaugural meeting on a Wednesday in September 2022.

Not knowing what Gavel is really about, we had a fresh start by having a membership drive with participation from around 300 students and chose the most eligible 60 students. Starting there, we came along a long journey, having weekly meetings on Wednesday evenings, succeeding day after another.

Looking back to today, we have accomplished many achievements and are recognized as one of the most functioning clubs at St. Bridget’s Convent. From organizing an intra-school speech competition ‘Speakfest 2024’ to the Inaugural Installation Ceremony, St. Bridget’s Gavel had remarkably outshone the journey.”

Her words remind us that Gavel was more than weekly meetings, it was a continuous classroom of life lessons.

As she continues:

 “Gavel gives the chance to enhance our speaking skills and helps the enthusiastic young speakers shine brightly amidst an audience. Gavel certainly changed me. Not only did it help me develop my speaking skills, but it also strengthened my organizing abilities. As the Inaugural Executive Committee, we bid adieu with pride, and I wish all Gaveliers and the incoming members of the Executive Committee the very best as they continue this legacy and let the name Gavel SBC fly high!”

And finally, Rasali Rodrigo, the club’s first Treasurer, shares her heartfelt gratitude: “I’m genuinely grateful to be a part of the starting board of the Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent, a club that was put into action in order to build the public speaking skills of our fellow sisters. We might have not been professionals, but we always had the commitment to bring it into our school.

It was a different experience to start off a new club with zero ideas yet continue with endless passion. The club has grown very fast within these few years and I believe the club will keep on moving into greater heights while shaping young Bridgeteens.”

Her reflection beautifully captures the sincerity, teamwork, and persistence that carried the club through its early stages.

On October 15h, 2025, a Wednesday, St. Bridget’s Convent proudly celebrated the Inaugural Ceremony of its Gavel Club. The choice of day was symbolic, Wednesdays were always the day when the club gathered, laughed, and grew together.

The ceremony was not merely a celebration of achievements but a moment of reflection, a realization that what began on a random Thursday afternoon in 2022 had now become a legacy. The Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent stands today as a beacon of courage, eloquence, and leadership, a place where voices found a home and hearts found confidence.

As Oneli, now a guest at the very ceremony she once dreamed of, watched the next generation take the stage, her heart swelled with pride.

“When I left school after O/Ls, I never imagined I’d one day return as a guest,” she says. “But seeing the next generation carry the legacy forward made me prouder than ever. I’m truly proud to be a Bridgetian and forever proud to be a Gavelian.”

And as the applause filled the hall that evening, the founders knew, the torch had been passed.

Three years later, the story of the St. Bridget’s Convent Gavel Club is no longer just a story, it’s a legacy.

What began as a simple dream on a Thursday afternoon became a voice that echoes through every Bridgeteen who dares to speak, lead, and inspire. It is a story of faith, courage, and resilience, of young girls who turned challenges into opportunities, and of teachers who turned belief into guidance.

The Gavel Club has become a living testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. It is where timid voices became powerful, where self-doubt turned into confidence, and where friendships blossomed through shared dreams.

Perhaps what makes it so special is not the trophies or the applause, but the quiet transformation that happens within, the moment a student realizes that her voice matters.

The Gavel Club has indeed reached for the stars, and found them within every Bridgeteen who has ever stood before a microphone, heart racing but spirit shining.

And as the story continues, one thing remains certain, the Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent will forever be where voices found a home.

The Gavel Club is no longer just an organization; it is a legacy, one built on the voices of young Bridgetians who dared to dream and on the love and guidance of teachers who believed in them.

Line of Presidents:    Founding President – 

Oneli Nonis  2nd President – 

Svetlana Perera  3rd President – 

Vihara Seelanathakuruppu  Current Co-Presidents – 

Chenuki Munasinghe and 

Suette  Kumarage

The Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent stands today as a beacon of courage, eloquence, and leadership, a place where voices found a home and hearts found confidence.

It is a journey that taught its members that success is not about titles or applause, but about growth, unity, and the courage to speak. The club’s ever-growing membership remains its greatest strength and its brightest hope for the future.

As the club looks to the future, its message remains timeless, believe in yourself, find your voice, and let it be heard.

Because at St. Bridget’s Convent, Gavel isn’t just a club-it’s a journey of hearts, words, and dreams.