St Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia

This article is written like an advertisement. Please help rewrite this article from a neutral point of view. For blatant advertising that would require a fundamental rewrite to become encyclopedic, use {{db-spam}} to mark for speedy deletion. (October 2009)

S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia
Esto Perpetua (Be Thou Forever)
Location
Mt. Lavinia, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Information
Type	Private
Established	1851
Founder	Rt Rev James Chapman, DD
Gender	Boys
Color(s)	Blue and Black
Affiliation	Anglican
Former pupils	Old Thomians
Website	Official website

The College of St Thomas the Apostle, popularly known as "St. Thomas' College" and "S.Thomas'College", is a private Anglican school providing primary and secondary education in Sri Lanka. It has a very long list of distinguished former pupils, including four former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka.^[1] and has claimed to be one of the most magnificent schools in Sri Lanka.^[2]

"What I conclude on behalf of S. Thomas' is that year in year out, she has sent out into every walk of public life so many men not necessarily born with the advantage of wealth & influence, not too well endowed with the enviable gift of superior intellect but nevertheless decent men who marry decent wives and by their own endeavors set up decent homes: men who will stand firm against the bogus doctrines which emerge from time to time in the life of every nation: men who stand for common sense, integrity, courage and faith in the tradition of liberty and fair play"

—Hon. Justice E.F.N. Gratiaen

History

S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, is an Anglican school, founded by the first Bishop of Colombo, the Rt Rev James Chapman. It was his vision to build a College & Cathedral for the new Diocese of Colombo of the Church of Ceylon. On 3 February 1851 the College of St Thomas the Apostle, Colombo was opened with the objective of training a Christian clergy and making children into good citizens.

Students from all races and religions have studied at S. Thomas'. The school originated and remained at Mutuwal for more than 60 years. But school wardens decided in 1918 that the dusty environs of Mutuwal were not the best location for pupils and the College moved to its current picturesque campus at Mount Lavinia. Since then, eight (8) wardens have ensured that the well preserved traditions and values are handed down from generation to generations. In 1951 it became a private fee levying school and is today one of the foremost educational institutions in Sri Lanka.

The College, which is under the Church of Ceylon, is run by a Board of Governors which is chaired by the Anglican Bishop of Colombo who is also known as the ‘Visitor of the College’. The administration of the College itself is headed by a Warden assisted by a Sub Warden. There is also a Chaplaincy connected with the College and the famous College Chapel of the Transfiguration. The College consists of 3 schools, namely Upper, Middle & Lower Schools and is further divided into six main sections under Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and Sectional heads viz. (The Upper School – Arts and Commerce, the Upper School – Science, the Upper School – London A Levels, the Upper School, the Middle School, and the Lower School.)

The entrance to the school is marked by the awe-inspiring Chapel of the Transfiguration, which towers over the rest of the campus. The Chapel is a vital element in the education of STC and is the centre of the spiritual life of the College. Beyond are the famous Quadrangle, the Main school buildings, the College Hall, the Dormitories and Library.

S. Thomas' provides a sound education in both Local (G.C.E. A/L & O/L) & London Examination systems. Instructions are given in all three mediums (English, Sinhala & Tamil) from Kindergarten to College Form classes (A/L). The School has a dedicated staff of qualified experienced teachers, whose skills were developed through years of association with the College.

STC has many facilities for sports and extra curricular activities. S. Thomas' was the first School in Sri Lanka to have a swimming pool, gifted by Dr RL Hayman in 1933. Two of the best playing fields viz. The Big Club and the Small Club – probably the finest school grounds in the island – afford Thomians the facilities for sports, namely cricket, rugby, soccer, athletics and hockey. There are also well laid courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball. In 1994 the indoor cricket nets were added and the pinnacle of all facilities the Indoor Sports Complex in 3 phases was completed in 1996. The sports complex which houses Table Tennis facilities, Badminton Courts, 3 glass back squash courts and a basketball court – all of an international standard, together with one of the most modern and well equipped gymnasiums. The Annual Cricket Encounter between us & Royal College Colombo 7 (The Battle of the Blues or the popular "Roy-Tho") is one of the oldest cricket matches, which is being held without interruption even during the World Wars. Rowing also takes a high place in the field of sports

S. Thomas' also boasts in more than 50 societies of diverse interest. The Student Christian Movement with the other three (3) religious societies takes a high place in fostering religious education on the Thomian youth. The College choir continues to maintain the highest standards in Anglican Choral music. The Annual Service of Nine lessons and carols is a much eagerly awaited event. The carol service is styled along the same lines as that of Kings College, Cambridge. The Guild of All Souls also takes a vital place in the Chapel. The Servers Guild as it is better known assists the College Chaplain at Chapel Services. The other clubs and societies range from different fields from educational to social welfare, including the Society for the Preservation of Thomian Traditions, English Literary Society, Drama Society, Thomian Chamber Orchestra, the Science Associations, Commerce Society, Interact Club, Computer Club, !6th Colombo Scout Troupe, the Cadets Battalion, and the Culinary Arts Society.

S. Thomas' also has modern laboratory facilities in the New Science Laboratory. The up to date Computer Center is also housed here and has a fine collection of computers. The newly built Information Technology Room (IT Center) provides IT facilities to students at a nominal rate. The School also runs a Boarding – Hostel, which since the inception of the College has provided many Thomians from more distant regions of Sri Lanka.

The achievements of STC and its products are far too numerous to be mentioned here. But it must be said that it is one of the foremost educational institutions in Sri Lanka, which has made a significant contribution to the nations progress over its 150 years of existence. Among its proud products stand a host of Christian clerics, four former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka (Rt Hon DS Senanayake, Hon Dudley Senanayake, Hon SWRD Bandaranaike, Hon W. Dahanayaka), cabinet ministers, members of the judiciary, scientists, scholars, diplomats, artists, doctors, engineers, accountants musicians, dramatists, et al.

S. Thomas' College is an institution rich in tradition, characterized by nearly one and a half centuries of hard work, dedication and achievement, all imbibed with the legendary Thomian Spirit. A pioneering institution which has understood and nurtured the very best in youth; where mere boys went in and great men came out to be "men and gentlemen always" men who beat the odds with the legendary "Thomian grit" and gentlemen who up held the motto of the school - Esto Perpetua!

Motto

Esto Perpetua - Pro Deo et Ecclesia

(Be Thou forever for God & His Church)

Administration

The College which is under the Anglican Church of Ceylon, is run by a Board of Governors which is chaired by the Anglican Bishop of Colombo, who is also known as the "Visitor of the College". The administration of the College itself is headed by a head master. Admission to the College is at the sole discretion of the head master.

School Terms

There are three academic terms in the year

• Lent - from January to April
• Michaelmas - from May to August
• Yuletide - from September to December

"Live for S. Thomas'. Do anything for her whenever you are asked to do it; if necessary die for her"

—Rev. W.A Stone 8th Warden of S. Thomas' College

College Song

"Thomians young and Thomians old,
Thomians staunch and true!
Rally round the College Flag,
The Blue, the Black and Blue
To your Alma Mater sing,
Thomians near and far
Loudly let the echoes ring,
For all we have and are.

Chorus

Esto Perpetua
Esto Perpetua
Esto Perpetua
The Blue, Black and Blue forever!

Like the serpent keen and wise,
Harmless as the dove,
By the cross we’re knit in one,
Holy bond of love.
Loyal to our Church and King
Both in peace and war,
To the College we will sing
For all we have and are.

Chorus

In the field of intellect
Many a prize we’ve won,
And upon the field of sport
Thomians yield to none.
Be it work, or be it play,
We will do and dare.
To the College therefore sing
For all we have and are.

Chorus

We rejoice in victory,
When our foes we beat,
We have learnt, when fortune frowns,
How to take defeat,
All unfriendly rivalry
From our lives we bar
To the College therefore sing
For all we have and are.

Chorus

When into the world we go
For our life’s career,
As the call of duty sounds,
We will answer clear
Onward to the goal we press,
Guided by our star.
To the College therefore sing
For all we have and are. Chorus

Scholastic Division

The College consists of three schools - Upper, Middle & Lower. It is further divided into six main sections under Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and Sectional heads viz. (The Upper School- Arts and Commerce, the Upper School – Science, the Upper School –London A Levels, the Upper School, the Middle School, and the Lower School.)

The College has a population of a little under 2500 students, divided into 14 grades. Years One to Five, or Kindergarten to Upper 3rd is the Lower School. Years Six to Eight or Lower Fourth to Form Five comprise the Middle School.

Years 9-11 are the GCE O/Level years. The Upper School is demarcated as Lower, Middle and Upper 6th. The College Forms are the last three years in student life. They are College Form B (beginning), A (advanced) and E (examination). The three grades are also divided according to the subjects. There is the Science, Maths, Commerce and Arts section. One could say that these are the three most important years in College as all the office bearers of clubs societies and team are from these grades.

Facilities

The facilities available to the students in the main campus, range from a cricket, athletics and rugby-football grounds, two outdoor clay tennis courts, two outdoor basketball courts, an audio visual room, rifle range, indoor cricket nets, two canteens, an infirmary, a 25m swimming and diving pool, various laboratories, two libraries, a bookshop, bank outlets. Apart from this the College has its own sports complex with a gymnasium, squash courts, badminton courts, table-tennis tables and its own grounds.

Student Support Unit (S.S.U.)

The College in collaboration with the Parent Teacher Association has set up a Student Support Unit in order to offer assistance to boys with learning differences. At present the S.S.U has retained the services of a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist who advices the unit on student evaluation, intervention and accommodation in order to successfully include the students within the mainstream classrooms. Limited remedial support evaluated on a needs basis is also offered to boys within school hours at the moment. The S.S.U. is located on the right wing to the entrance of the Main Hall.

Sick Room/Dental Clinic

A health check will be done for all students in collaboration with the P.T.A. Services of the sick room can be made use of with the prior approval of the Head Master. A dental clinic is available for all students and services can be availed of by prior appointment.

Audio Visual Room

The college has a fully equipped Audio Visual Room. This room may be used by students and teachers in educational and recreational activities with the approval of the Sub Warden.

Houses

There are 5 Houses at "STC", four of which are "Day houses", for those who do not live in the Boarding House. It was in the time of Warden McPherson that an organized House System was introduced, so to encourage boys to take part in extracurricular activities. In 1926, the day boys were divided first into 5 houses, namely Wood, Buck, Stone, Jermyn & Baly. Boys were allotted in them according to the location of their residences. Wood house consisted of boys from Ratmalana, further south and from Nugegoda and Borella. Stone & Buck housed children from Mt. Lavinia, the former consisting of those whose surnames starts from A to M, while the latter of the rest. Baly housed boys who lived in Wellawatte and Bambalapitiya. Children who were from Dehiwala, Slave Island & Fort were allotted in Jermyn House. This system was not found successful.

At the end of the year boys of the day houses became three in number (Wood, Stone & Buck). Students were allotted in houses according to their forms (A,B,C)

De Saram House

• Colours  : Green, Black
• Motto  : Strive, Achieve, Preserve

Wood House

• Colours  : Sky Blue, Maroon
• Motto  : Fulfillment of Prophecy

Buck House

• Colours  : Sky Blue, Silver Grey
• Motto  : Mens Sana in Copore Sano (Sound in mind & body)

Stone House

• Colours  : Chocolate, Silver Grey
• Motto  : Sauitier in modo; Fortiter in re (Gentle in manner, Brave in action)

Boarding House

• Colours: Maroon, White
• Motto: Ducimus Nos Sequnter Alli (We lead, others follow)

Sports

The College has an extensive list of sports and games for its students. Cricket, Rugby-Football, Hockey, Volleyball, Tennis, Table Tennis, Basketball, Rowing, Soccer, Squash and Karate are just a mere inkling of the variety of sports available in College. Every sport is well funded with ample facilities provided for its advancement. A Master-in-Charge and a coach oversee all activities regarding every sport. Students are encouraged to join at least one sport on the basis of the belief in the famous adage

Mens sana in corpore sano

—Sound in mind & body

• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Hockey
• Karate
• Rowing
• Rifle/Pistol Shooting
• Rugby
• Soccer
• Squash
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

The most prominent sports are those classified as the "Royal-Thomian". These sports take precedence because of the importance given to the clash between S. Thomas' oldest rival, the Royal College, Colombo.

A cricket match between these colleges takes place in the first term of Lent every year. As the rains begin in Michaelmas Term, the rugby season has kicked off and the main encounter is the Royal-Thomian Rugby match. As the year ends with the term of Yuletide, the highlights are the Royal Thomian Regatta and the Boat Race for the oarsmen of the two Colleges and simultaneously the two leg Water Polo encounter.^{[citation needed]}

Royal-Thomian

The Royal-Thomian, is the annual cricket match between the Royal College, Colombo and S Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia is the second longest uninterrupted cricket match series in the world, even older than the Ashes, having being played for 130 years continuously.^{[citation needed]}

A Thomian flag at the 129th Royal Thomian

The original match was played between the Colombo Academy and S. Thomas' College in 1879, with schoolmasters participating as well as schoolboys. From 1880 onwards, only schoolboys were allowed to play in the match. It is the only school boy cricket match in Sri Lanka to be played over three days.^{[citation needed]}. The match is played for the D. S Senanayake Memorial Shield, which was first presented in 1928. From 1979 matches were played for 3 days except in 1985 which was a 2 day match.

A limited overs match (50 Overs) was introduced in 1975 and is played for Mustangs Trophy.

Royal-Thomian Regatta

The Royal-Thomian Regatta (or Boat Race) is the annual rowing race between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia, having begun in 1962 the event has evolved into the Royal Thomian Regatta or The Regatta in 1966 and now is made up of 6 events. The races are rowed over a distance of 1000 yards and take place on the Beira Lake in Colombo. The regatta takes place in the month of October and is usually held on the last Saturday of the month at the Colombo Rowing Club. The Royal Thomian Regatta is the oldest inter-mural rowing regatta in Sri Lanka.^{[citation needed]}

Clubs and Societies

College has a myriad of Clubs and Societies which one can join. Many of these clubs and societies organize several projects on an annual basis. The Computer Club, The Interact Club, The Radio Club, The Aeronautical Society, the Stamp Club, the Senior Science Association and the Red Cross Society are just some of clubs and societies at S. Thomas'. All of the above are fully or partially funded by the College. Joining and actively taking part in club activity is strongly recommended. All such clubs and societies are supervised by a Master-in-Charge and have their respective President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer elected from among the students.

• Art Club
• Association of Science and Technology
• Astronomical Society
• Automobile Club
• Bridge Club
• Buddhist Students' Association
• Cadetting
• Carom Club
• Choir
• Chess Club
• Classical Association
• Classical Music Association
• Commerce Society
• Computer Club
• Culinary Arts Society
• Current Affairs Forum
• English Drama Society
• English Literary and Debating Society
• Environment Conservation Society
• Hewisi Band
• Hindu Society
• Interact Club
• Islamic Society
• Junior Science Association
• Kennel Club
• Leo Club
• Library Club
• Model Parliament
• Model Railroad Club
• Numismatic Society
• Philatelic Society
• Photographic Society
• Physical Culture Club
• Productive Citizens Society
• Quiz Club
• Radio Club
• Red Cross Unit
• Road Safety Patrol
• Scouting
• Scrabble Club
• Senior Science Association
• Servers Guild
• HNB Students' Savings Unit
• Sinhala Literary and Debating Society
• Society for the Preservation of Thomian Traditions
• Society for Social Work and Welfare
• Student Christian Movement
• Sub Aqua Club
• Tamil Drama Society
• Tamil Literary Society
• Thomian Chamber Orchestra
• United Nations Club
• Western Band
• Wild Life Society

The College Magazine

First published in 1875, the College magazine resides in the highest echelons of student journalism. The magazine is compiled by a committee consisting of a master and two senior students who act in the capacity of co-editors. The aims of the College Magazine are threefold. Firstly, it records events connected in anyway with College, secondly, it binds past and present members of College, finally and most importantly it encourages original writing among the students.

Bursaries and Scholarships

The following Bursaries and Scholarships are available;

• Bishop's Scholarship
• Duke of Edinburgh Scholarship
• Gregory Scholarship
• Prince of Wales Scholarship
• Herbert Acland Scholarship
• H.L Wendt Memorial Scholarship
• C.P and W.H de Silva Scholarship
• Ilangakoon Memorial Scholarship
• Lady Obesekere Choir Scholarship
• F.J.M de Mel Anniversary Commemoration Scholarship
• C.E.A Dias Scholarship
• Mrs. H.J Peiris Trust
• Bishop Chapman Scholarship
• Schneider Scholarships No. 1 & 2
• S.J Anandanayagam Memorial Scholarship
• Rev. A.S.P Goonetilleke Bursary
• Godrey Rajasooriya Memorial Scholarship
• R.L Hayman - A.J Foster Scholarship
• Jayaweera Scholarship
• Nicolle Scholarship
• T.L.V Perera Memorial Scholarship
• R.L Haymen Memorial Scholarship
• Andrew W. Kannangara Memorial Scholarship
• Edmund Clement Fernando Memorial Scholarship
• Eline Fernando Memorial Scholarship
• Edward Anthonisz Scholarship
• Dr. & Mrs. L.E.J Salgado Scholarship
• Colvin Sirimanne Memorial Scholarship
• Roger and Gladys de Mel Memorial Scholarship
• Dr. Nihal C. Chacko Memorial Scholarship
• S.P.A Fernando Memorial Scholarship
• Major W.A Gunatilleke Memorial Bursary
• Canon R.S de Saram Bursary
• Esme Satarasinghe Scholarship
• L.A.H Arndt and Brian Thiedman Memorial Scholarship
• Ivor Palipane Scholarship
• Dr. R.L Haymen Memorial Scholarship
• Derek Samarasinha Scholarship
• Rev. Withers Scholarship
• Dr. V.T.E Fernando Bursary

Wardens of S. Thomas' College

1. The Rev. Cyril William Wood D.D. 1851 - 1853
2. The Rev. Joseph Baly M.A. 1854 - 1860
3. The Rev. George Bennet 1863 - 1866
4. The Rev. James Bacon B.D. 1871 - 1877
5. The Rev. Edward Miller M.A. 1878 - 1891
6. The Rev. Philip Read M.A. Lit.Hum. 1892 - 1895
7. The Rev. W. Armstrong Buck M.A. 1896 - 01
8. The Rev. William Arthur Stone M.A. 1901-1924
9. The Ven. Kenneth C. McPherson M.A. 1925-1931 (Archdeacon Emeritus of Bombay)
10. The Rev. Canon Reginald Stewart de Saram M.A. O.B.E. 1932-1958 (The First Ceylonese & Old Boy Warden)
11. Mr. Charles Henry Lambert Davidson M.A. Dip in Ed. 1959-1965 (The First Lay Warden)
12. The Rev. Anton John Chandiah Selvaratnam B.A. B.D. Dip. in Ed. 1965-1970
13. Mr. Samuel James Anandanayagam B.Sc. 1970-1977
14. Mr. Michael Llewelyn Christopher Ilangakoon M.Sc. 1977-1982
15. Mr. Wilfred Michael Neville de Alwis B.A. L.L.B. L.L.M. 1983-1998
16. Dr. David Arjunan Ponniah B.Sc. M.Eng. PhD. MBA. CEng. MICE. 2001-2008
17. Rev. John Charles Puddefoot M.A. (Oxon) B.D 2009-

Sub-wardens of S.Thomas' College

1. The Rev. G. Bennet B.D. (Lambeth) 1870-1871
2. The Rev. T.F. Faulkner B.A. F.S.A. (Cantab) 1872-1879
3. The Rev. P. Gethen M.A. (Cantab) 1888-1892
4. The Rev. G.A.H. Arndt B.A. (Calcutta) 1892- 1908
5. The Rev. J. Parker M.A. (Oxon) 1908-1910
6. The Rev. O.J.C. Bevan M.A. (Cantab) 1911-1917
7. The Rev. Canon P.L. Jansz M.A. (Oxon) 1917-1919
8. The Rev. G.M. Withers M.A. (Oxon) 1919-1926
9. The Rev. R.S. de Saram B.A. (Oxon) 1926-1932
10. Dr. R.L. Hayman D.Phil. M.A. (Oxon) 1935-1957 (The Longest Serving Sub-Warden)
11. Mr. C.H.L. Davidson M.A. (Lond.) Dip-in-Ed. 1957-1958
12. Mr. F.J. Senaratne 1959-1962
13. Mr. S.J. Anandanayagam B.Sc. (Lond.) 1962-1966
14. Mr. F. Jayasinghe B.A. (Lond.) 1968-1971
15. Mr. E.St.P. Gunawardene B.A. Dip-in-Ed. 1972-1977
16. Mr. O.A. Abeynaike 1977-1981
17. Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha D.Phil. (Oxon) 1981-1982
18. The Rev. D.K. de Chickera B.Th. (Cey) M.Sc. (Oxon) 1983-1989 (The Present Bishop of Colombo)
19. Mr. D.A.Pakianathan M.Sc. (Lond.) Dip-in-Ed 1991- 2002
20. Mr. H D Perera L.L.B 2002

Old Thomians

Past students of S. Thomas' are referred to as Old Thomians. STC has produced the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka ^[3]and many top professionals from every conceivable profession. Most importantly, the college has unfailingly produced real gentlemen regularly.^[4]

The following is a list of well-known Old Thomians:

• List of Old Thomians

"You belong to one of the best schools in the world, a school with splendid traditions and a most honourable name and I charge you to try and hand down those traditions and that name to those who come after you, untarnished and unimpaired. Be proud of being Thomians, and make the college proud of numbering you among its sons. Remember that whatever you do and wherever you go, your life and your action will reflect either credit or discredit on the college where you were trained and to which you owe so much. You have learned the best lessons in the world at S. Thomas' College. I trust, not only English and Classics and Mathematics, but true manliness and truth, courage, purity and all those things that make a man and a gentleman. Try never to forget them but be men and gentlemen always"

—Rev WA Buck, M.A (CANTAB) 7th Warden of St Thomas' College

References

External links

• Official website of St Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia
• Official website of St Thomas' College Old Boys Association
• Official website of the Royal Thomian Encounter
• Official website of St Thomas' College, Bandarawela (STCB)
• Official website of St Thomas' College, Bandarawela Old Boys Association
• Official website of St Thomas' College, Gurutalawa (STCG)
• Official website of St Thomas' College, Gurutalawa '62 Group
• Official website of Old Thomians Association of California (OTAC)