Notices
“ALL SHORTS
DAY” - S. THOMAS’ COLLEGE MT.LAVINIA CLASS OF ’75 O/LEVEL GROUP GOES
BACK TO SCHOOL!!
Celebrating the 25th
Anniversary of the establishment of the S Thomas’ College Mount
Lavinia, Class of’75 (O/L) Association, over 50 old boys of that
group made their way to the hallowed precincts of their alma mater
on 8th March 2008, all clad in blue shorts, white shirts,
white socks and black shoes which caused a visiting coach of another
school to remark that he didn’t realise STC had such a large rugby
squad! But the event was more than just a trip down memory lane, as
the old Thomians had gathered also to felicitate the teachers of
their era – those who’s contact details were available - who were
responsible for moulding them in the true traditions of their Alma
Mater.
Dr. Frank Jayasinghe,
Kalasuri Arisen Ahubudu, Messrs. Russel Batholameuz, S.C. Coperahewa,
N.B. Arputharaj, Ananda Weerasekara, Daniel Edirisinghe, Jackson
Karunarathne, M.S. Brodie, G.K. Mandawela, Siri Edirisnghe, G.J.
Arulananthan, Mmes. M.L. Fernando, U.P. Kalupahana, Lorna Mendis,
Rani Perera, R. Samuel, C. Ashubodha and Ila Mendis along with the
two daughters Ganga and Deepika of the late Mr.Leo de Silva were
warmly welcomed at the main block class room entrance opposite the
quadrangle by cheering old boys lined up in a guard of honour. While
waiting for Mr. Russell Batholomeuz to make his way towards the
class rooms, having completed his solo tour of his former domain,
the Chapel of the Transfiguration, the rest of the teachers spent
the time with their former students reminiscing of old times in
familiar surroundings.
The teachers & the old boys then packed themselves into class room
Upper 4 A, with the teachers at the head table and the boys
occupying the seats in the class room. The former students paid
tribute to their teachers for the magnificent contribution to the
school during their tenure of teaching at STC saying “the teachers
of our era went out of their way to discipline and educate us. They
took it upon them selves to correct us, sometimes even sacrificing
their own leisure time in detaining us after school hours, giving us
slower ones extra hours of teaching attention etc. It’s no surprise
that even some of us O’ level drop outs too excel in our own spheres
of life thanks to these wonderful people now in the evening of their
lives”. The proceedings also had their lighter moments with the
revelation of a few well kept secrets of events that took place over
30 years ago, some which will hopefully never be repeated!
After re-living the
atmosphere of a classroom, both teachers and old boys moved out for
the traditional group photograph in front of the chapel steps.
Getting over 50 not so old boys and 20 teachers together proved no
easy task for the hapless cameramen, but eventually after the
clicking of many a camera, still and movie, it was time to plant an
indigenous tree to commemorate the occasion and where else but at
the prominent location opposite the book cupboard where 'Jackie' had
his office! The planting was carried out by old friends 'Ashu' and 'Coperaya'
as they were fondly referred to, before being lead into the College
dinning hall passing the lavos.
Following a sumptuous meal,
generous cash gifts were handed over to the teachers with a fitting
laminated note of appreciation which included a photograph of the
Class of ‘75 group. The words inscribed therein said it all –
“The lessons you taught us in the class room have never been
forgotten and have stood the test of time in our lives. We
sincerely owe a great debt of gratitude to you for what we are
today”. The teachers responded appropriately with brief
addresses to the audience of old boys who avidly listened to the
teachers as they did in yesteryear. Mr. Russel Batholameuz's
memorable and well articulated words perhaps epitomizing greats like
Wardens Stone and De Saram echoing the halls of fame in years gone
by drew keen attention from the gathering with pin drop silence in
contrast to typical school days.
In keeping with tradition,
the college song was sung prior to the sad parting after digesting
nostalgic memories for both teacher and pupil alike of days gone by
of the much loved school – the school by the sea. It was a joy to
see the happy faces of the teachers who were moved by this
magnanimous gesture by a group of a relatively few former students
out of several thousands who walked along those corridors of
learning! The parting farewells for some may perhaps well be their
last. Since then already numerous appreciations and thank you notes
from the teachers are pouring in. Mrs. M.L. Fernando’s words in
particular says it all in a nutshell. “I thank my God for the
opportunity given to me to teach in a prestigious school like S.
Thomas’ College, Mt.Lavinia where I have met pupils who have been so
thoughtful and kind to their teachers even after leaving school. It
was a pleasure and privilege to be with you all on 8th
March 2008. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt thanks.”
In sharp contrast to the events of the
morning, that same evening the group in formal attire, met with
their spouses at Hotel Taj Samudra Colombo for the Annual General
Meeting which was followed by a gala dinner with a band in
attendance to dance the night away. A fitting finale indeed for a
day filled with unforgettable memories. The seed has been sown at
the “On-Golden-Pond” Banquet Hall and entrusted to a new committee
to strive and grow towards the next ‘golden’ milestone of the Class
of ‘75! Long and firm may we keep the bonds of friendship
established in our youthful years at S Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia
ESTO PERPETU !
