UPDATES FROM THE HEADMASTER AT GURUTALAWA

AN UPDATE FROM THE HEADMASTER – 29TH APRIL 2009

HEADMASTER'S COMMENTSSTCG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING – APRIL 2009

Gentlemen,

I don't have much news for you this month as we have been on vacation and will be reopening on the 4th of May. However I have some matters about which I wish to keep you informed and updated.

1. G C E Ordinary Level Examination 2008 ResultsThe above were released just as we were to close for the vacation. We are more than satisfied with the outcome, despite the fact that only less than 50% have passed English. The poor performance of the Class of 2008 is all the more disappointing given the fact that the teacher that these boys had was the best we have – Fr Harold Goodchild who took great pains to prepare the group. There is no doubt that the poor performance is due to the lack of a proper grounding at Lower and Middle School levels or in the earlier schools attended. Our programme for the development of the teaching of English put in place by Panini Edirisinghe continues and we hope that there will be an improvement.The overall percentage of passes in all three media reflect better performance than previous years on the basis of statistics from 2002. The first batch of the bilingual stream (that is 5 subjects – Maths, History, Science, IT, & English in the English language and 4 in Sinhala or Tamil) presented performed very well. There were 100% passes in Divinity, Islam, Saivism, English Language, History, Entrepreneur Studies, Link Language (Tamil), Art, Dancing, Music, Health &Physical Education & IT. While an average of 60% of the 58 students who sat the exam have qualified to follow Advance Level courses the three best Performances were from among the 12 who formed the first bilingual batch:

A. W. S. T. Gomes – 9 'A'sW. K. M. L. S. Bandara – 7 'B's & 2 'C'sV. R. Premkumar – 7 'A's, 1 'B' and 1 'C'

A more detailed analysis will be given at the Prize Giving but I am more than satisfied. Over 15 of our boys have secured entrance to STCML to follow Science, Maths, Commerce and Arts A/L courses in the January intake and there will be at least another 10 going in May.

2. OBA Sub CommitteesI have been asked to clarify my position with regard to the sub committees I have requested the OBA to form – Education & Faculty Development, Sports Development & Infrastructure Development. My expectation is threefold – advice, fund raising & resources and the sharing of expertise, skills & knowledge. However, I wish to reassure those who have misgivings that such sub committees will not lead to unnecessary conflict between the Management of the School i. e. the Headmaster or Board of Governors & the OBA, as these sub committees are expected to serve a purely supportive role. I shall be free to accept or reject proposals and recommendations and I am sure those who form these sub committees already know their limits and boundaries. Nothing canbe started without my knowledge and my consent. My primary purpose in seeking the formation of these sub committees is to tap in to the vast resources that I know are available among the Old Boys of Guru that remain untapped and when I use the word 'resources' I am not referring only to money.

If I cant turn to the old boys who can I turn to for such support? I shall forward in due course a list of proposals and points of reference to the Chairmen of each of these sub committees to clearly show what I expect from each. Please send me a list of the membership of the three committees with contact details as soon as possible. We can consider co-option of old boy experts who are not in the Ex-Co as well at some point down the line. I look forward to working closely with thesecommittees, but gentlemen, your patience is essential as is a right perspective on things. Please keep in mind the limitations and ground realities at Guru and that progress is often slow.

3. College WebsiteMuditha Dissanayake has now furnished me with all the information required to take over and run the College website. I think it would not be out of place to record our thanks to Muditha for his contribution as Web Master over the past years. I shall keep the Ex-Co informed as to the progress of the reconstruction of the site.

4. Dates for your Diaries

Friday 16th MayAppreciation & Farewell Assembly for Jacques Huyghebaert at which theLord Bishop of Colombo will preside and the Board of Governors will be

present. Members of the Ex Co are cordially invited to attend.

Saturday 23rd MayRevived annual Uva Thomian Cricket Encounter at the BandarawelaEsplanade. I am told transport arrangements are being made by AnandaGalearachchi for those who wish to travel from Colombo for the event.

Friday 3rd JulyAnnual Prize GivingChief Guest: Mrs Nirmalie Wickremesinghe, Principal of Ladies' CollegeMembers of the Ex Co are cordially invited to be present.

Esto Perpetua.

Warm Regards,

Headmaster

29th April 2009

AN UPDATE FROM THE HEADMASTER – 6TH APRIL 2008

Dear Friends, A glance at how our Class of 2008 has performed at the GCE O/L exam of 2008 shows satisfactory performances. Of the 60 who sat 1 has obtained distinctions in all 9 subjects (the 2008 Head Prefect and Jayatilleke Scholar) while one has obtained 6 'A's and 3 'B's and another has obtained 6 'A's, 2 'B's, and a 'C'.  I shall forward detailed statistics when they have been completed. These results are a morale boost to our struggling community and I am grateful to my teachers for the hard work they put in to prepare these children. Successes such as this give us hope for a better future for STCG. As always Laus deo! Good wishes, Marc B.The Rev'd Marc BillimoriaHeadmasterS. Thomas' College at GurutalawaTel/Fax: 0094 57 2280000

Hotline: 0094 77 3876060Web: www.stcguru.com

HEADMASTER’S REPORT PRESENTED AT THE EX-CO MEETING OF 6TH FEBRUARY 2009

From: Headmaster S. Thomas' College at Gurutalawa [mailto:hmstcguru@gmail.com]Sent: 06 February 2009 16:08To: dinushac@singersl.comSubject: Re: STCG - Ex.Co. Meeting Minutes

Dear Dinusha,Thank you for the minutes. As I informed you when I received the notice I am unable tobe there for the Ex Co meeting but I would like the following points mentioned under thesection 'Headmaster's Report'.

Gentlemen,

I am sending a very brief report. I shall be presenting a comprehensive one at the AGM.1. The increase in school fees by Rs 500/- has resulted in a drop in numbers. Ouradmission drive continues but unless we reach 500 sooner than later the financialsituation will be unresolved. All those in arrears are not being taken back to School as ofJanuary with the approval of the Board. The fee increase was inevitable and unavoidable.Maintaining numbers will be by far our biggest hurdle this year. Without 500 soon wewill face difficulties. The Board has approved certain methods to raise our numbers and Iam prepared to do everything necessary to do so as without the right numbers we will notsurvive.

2. For the first time in a number of years a budget was prepared for 2009 in consultationwith the Board. This process has highlighted a number of areas where we have beenlosing money although we were breaking even at the end of 2008. The audit of the 2008accounts will be undertaken by B. R. de Silvas within the next two months. However,2009 will be different as our budget indicates if we do not raise numbers and the Board ofGovernors has approved certain remedial measures to prevent serious problems.However, contrary to popular myths our finances in 2008 were certainly not as 'bad' assome have tried to make out and our financial controls will be further strengthened thisyear. Mr Lincoln Fernando will concur with this estimate.

3. Mr Jacques Huyghebaert has voluntarily withdrawn from his role as FinancialController and Advisor although he is still available for these functions at my request. Iwould like it noted that his decision was in no way connected to what some people havepurported to be differences of opinion with me. He and I are on good terms and he is stilla strong support to me despite him not coming in on a daily basis. He felt that after twoyears of voluntary service it was now time for him to withdraw. His contribution to thesurvival of Guru can never be forgotten and while I accept that there were differences ofopinion from time to time between him and some members of the OBA over certain

matters I don't think anyone can deny the very significant role he played in the years2007/2008. In fact there was still much that he could have contributed to the work that isbeing done but I have reluctantly accepted his decision. On a request by me to the Boardthe Financial Controller of the 4 schools employed by the Board and based at MountLavinia is now monitoring the accounts that are up to date after many years.

4. I have been able to establish a link with Dr Hayman's alma mater Sherborne inEngland. They are actively involved in raising funds for infrastructure development atGuru and are also sending gap year students to help with sports and English. This linkwill be very beneficial to the School. Also a Trust in England has financed the bakerywiring and we should have the mixer operational by mid February. This Trust has alsosent funds that will be utilised for laboratory equipment.

5. I have now planned much of the things at my end for the Golden Jubillee celebrations.I have already sent an email to Mahen outlining a programme. Please let me know whatthe Ex Co decides. The Service on the 7th at Mount Lavinia will be followed by thelaunch of the Hayman Foundation. May I propose that the Ex Co organises somerefreshments to be served at a time of fellowship especially since there will be a numberof seniors who may not be able to make it to Guru the weekend before. The Bishop is notavailable on the 7th and I have thus invited him to the service on the 1st for which I havenot yeat had a response. I shall keep you posted.

6. The toilet and washroom block is looking very good - thank you to all who helped inthe project and with fund raising, but thank you especially to Mahen for his dynamic andproactive leadership in making the project a reality. I dont think it would have beencompleted without Mahen's constant attention and leadership. It has not been easy toraise the funds but despite the financial constraints the project has now been completed.On behalf of the students I want to place on record my thanks to the Ex Co for thisbuilding.

7. The pool was emptied in December and the surfaces scrubbed. Unfortunately it wastoo late in the holidays and we had trouble refilling before the children returned. We aretrying to have it looking good for the OBA reunion.

8. Despite all the little problems faced in 2008 I want to assure the ExCo that we are notlosing hope. It is frustrating sometimes and there have been times whenI have thought ofjust chucking up. But I believe in Guru and I will do all I can to maintain what has beenstarted.

As this is the last Ex Co meeting for the year I want to say thank you to all of you foryour patience with my inabilty to be present at meetings. It is just impossible to get awaytoo often and I only do so for Board Meetings as you know. I also seek yourunderstanding if some of my decisions have not been in accord with your thinking. Wemust continue to agree to disagree from time to time. Thank you also to those of you whohave always stayed in touch and clarified matters before believing every rumour thatemanates from this strange and complexed little world that is our Guru!

I look forward to welcoming all of you and other Gurutalawians for the reunion weekend.

With warm regards,

Rev. Marc BillimoriaHeadmasterS. Thomas' College atGurutalawa(0094) 57 2280000 (Tel/Fax)(0094) 773876060 (Hotline)www.stcguru.com

HEADMASTER’S MID YEAR NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2008

Dear Fellow Old Thomians and Gurutalawians,

Greetings from Guru.

I am writing this newsletter at the request of many old boys, benefactors and friends of STC at Gurutalawa to keep you abreast of progress being made at STCG.

I have now had the privilege of being Headmaster for just over one year and have found that it was all I expected it to be – and more! It has been an action packed period with much progress in the spheres of education, discipline, the life of the Boarding, the College Farm and the infrastructure development programme that was initiated in 2007. As I have said over and over again STCG is on an even keel after many years – a fact that all those who know something of what existed pre 2007 have to concede whether they like to or not! Sadly there are some areas where there has not been the level of progress that I would have wished but everything cannot be put right at once. Below I shall attempt to provide a brief overview of some of the highlights and then add at the end a ‘wish list’ for those readers who may want to extend support and solidarity.

Education:Education is the primary task of a School and no less at STCG. Our numbers stand at 520. Our admissions drive for 2008 has commenced. Of the 52 students (including 3 girls) who sat the GCE Ordinary Level Examination in December 2007 the majority qualified to follow Advanced Level courses and a number were admitted to STCML to follow Science, Maths, Commerce and Arts. The Warden has commended them to me for their discipline and character. 1 of the girls obtained 5 As and 5 Bs and is now at Hillwood College, Kandy on a full scholarship. One of the boys obtained 7 As, 1 B & 1 C and is in the Biological Science stream at STCML. On the whole our results were not as bad as were actually expected. The Class of 2007 made us all proud in addition to making us think more about how we treat children – these were all boys condemned as amounting to nothing who were merely given a second chance to prove their worth. The Class of 2008 is expected to do even better. We will be presenting our Amity Programme students for the O/Ls for the first time in December.

We presented 17 boys of Upper 3rd (Grade 5) for the Government Scholarship exam in August and we are awaiting results.

Discipline:Compared with previous years discipline has improved greatly conforming slowly to traditional systems but not in the same way. New philosophies of education have warranted new methods of discipline and while we struggle as a staff to accept the changes and use the alternative methods I am happy to report that the reintroduction of the traditional prefectorial system of peer discipline is working. Further we have also reintroduced in full the On Report System for poor work or conduct, Detention and Suspension. Thankfully I have not had to expel anyone yet, but that is the final solution. If boys in the Middle & Upper VIth are prone to minor acts of indiscipline and mischief this is perhaps indicative of the mental and physical changes they are experiencing as they grow from adolescence to adulthood rather than a problem peculiar to STCG. I am also happy to report, yet again, that the culture of violence and vandalism among students is no more. Those who visited the School in recent times will vouch for what they have seen with their own eyes.

Boarding:The life of the College Boarding is at the heart of STCG. We are a Boarding School first and foremost. We have returned in full to the House System in the division of the Hostels. We have Dorm Masters for each dormitory, who despite their obvious limitations not being familiar with the traditions of a Boarding School, are doing their best to support me in maintaining discipline and good order in the dormitories. Fr Harold Goodchild functions as Senior Boarding Master and offers guidance to the Dorm Masters. I have recommended to the Board of Governors the appointment of a full time Hostel Warden or Boarding Administrator who will be responsible overall.

I have appointed a Boarding Council that is convened monthly. The seniors also have the monthly Boarding House meeting chaired by the Head Prefect to discuss common concerns at which the masters and I are present as observers to offer advice if requested.

There is a basic dress code for preparation and dinner and cutlery is mandatory at lunch for the boarders.

Surprise visits are made even late at night to inspect the dormitories and while I do have high expectations for order and cleanliness in the dorms I am also conscious that for the Boarders this is their ‘home away from home’ and so I am not keen to enforce a military school type of discipline. This philosophy is working well so far.

The quality of food is quite good now, although there are the occasional traditional protests at watery dhal or stones in the rice or leathery fried eggs!! Once we start the growing of fruit trees on the farm we hope to give bananas and papaya as a dessert.

Through the generosity of an old boy and a parent the senior, junior and Keble boarders now have access to Dialog TV for educational, sports and news channels as well as films.

The Friday night film is still a much awaited weekly event and we have also received a new 28” television for the TV room adjoining the Office.

College Farm:The College Farm is an integral part of the College and in keeping with Leslie de Saram’s wish is very much a part of the College. Since the revival of the School in 2007 the Farm has been transformed. We receive between 500 to 600 eggs per day. The children are given an egg per day. We are now getting up to 50 litres of milk per day once again for our own consumption. Chicken is served twice a week and we now have enough vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beetroot, cabbage, knokol, radish, turnip, cauliflower, baby corn etc) for our own consumption as well as to sell at retail prices at a stall by the main gate. I have no doubt Leslie de Saram would be more than satisfied. 2 acres are being cultivated at present and we are expanding to the 4 acres stretching below the classrooms towards the tennis courts. Once the lease is renewed we hope to also develop the 9 acre block. The Board of Governors has approved our plans to enter joint ventures with individual farmers to make this a reality. Obviously we will have agreements signed ensuring that the land remains our property as years go by. We are convinced more than ever that the Farm must remain in the control of the School for the moment.

Infrastructure Development Project:1. Water – For the first time in years August has not witnessed a water problem despite

the high consumption due to the cultivation, thanks to the implementation of the water collection and distribution systems implemented by Jacques Huyghebaert.

2. Toilets – A new set of night toilets are now in use in the Keble Dormitories (courtesy theOTAUK); a new toilet wing for girls is in use in the Blanchard Dormitory (courtesy Ladies College, Colombo); new staff room toilets and toilets for students of the Middle and Upper Schools (courtesy Brandix); new night toilets in the Junior Dorms (courtesy the STCG OBA); work is under way as I write on a new set of for night toilets for the Senior Dorms (courtesy the S.Thomas’ College OBA Australia).

3. Davidson Dormitory and Wickremesinghe Block - This block that will house the A/L students is being refurbished. The timber used for the roof came from our own trees as did the timber for the repairs to the stable roof.

Accounts: The MYOB accounting package has been installed in the office and the office has also been networked courtesy an individual old boy. Once the accounts are updated we will have everything easily accessible and up to date. It is encouraging to note that although there are arrears in school fees to be collected the School is financially out of the red after many years. Cost cutting and financial controls are in place despite fears that this is not the case. Everything is purchased on purchase orders and requisition forms unlike in the past when things were purchased ad hoc and bills submitted for reimbursement. Jacques Huyghebaert continues to render yeoman service in this area as well and will continue to do so.

Collection of fees continues to be a problem but steps are being taken to reduce the amount that is owed. For the first time since I took over I have sent a number of children with large amounts in arrears back home.

All donations received are acknowledged despite some delays due to a lack of fine tuning at this end, but all this will be sorted out soon. Everything is certainly much better than it was.

Intra-School Communication:All supervisory staff and many others who wished to are now part of a virtual private network telecommunication sollution offered to us by Dialog GSM thanks to Dr Hans Wijeyesuriya. This has made communication on the campus and after hours much better and seems to be a much better option than having an intercom system.

Computers:The STCG OBA was instrumental in clearing a large number of computers that came from Australia. These were distributed to senior staff offices, the main office and to both the Lower School computer unit and the senior IT unit. The OBA of Canada has recently given us a donation to enable us to purchase brand new computers for the use of the O/L students studying IT as a subject who require Windows XP as the basic operating system. After having studied three quotations we will be purchasing 5 new machines with all accessories early next week.

Future Plans:1. Advanced Level: The Board of Governors having considered our proposal very

carefully has given its approval (subject to some provisos) for us to recommence A/L classes from January 2009. Only Pure Arts subjects in Sinhala and Tamil, a minimum of 50 students to make it a financially viable venture, a full time supervisor, etc. The Wickremesinghe Block and the Davidson dormitory close to my bungalow will be made ready to house the A/L students and their classes et al.

2. Prize Giving: I have already received some new prizes given in memory of some persons to be awarded from this year’s prize giving. We are also rationalising the prize giving in order to return to a more ‘Thomian’ format. Any old boys who would like donate a prize or contribute towards an existing prize or towards the cost of the event please get in touch with me soon.

3. Sports: Regretably I have nothing much to report on Sports. I am not satisfied with how we are doing sports at STCG and have begun to reorganise. While dorms are locked between 3.30 and 5.20 each afternoon and it is still compulsory for all boys to engage in at least one sport or game I have not been satisfied with the level of participation. A lack of competent coaches, adequate basic equipment and up to date facilities may be cited as reasons, but are, more often than not, in my view, excuses to cover up the more fundamental problems of a lack of interest and commitment on the part of both staff and children. The Prefect of Games and I are planning some radical changes this term.

4. Staff Development: Many of our senior staff appear to have lost their passion for teaching and need to be enthused afresh. Most of the young new staff are not trained

as teachers despite being graduates. Knowledge of child psychology and modern methods of teaching are a must today and I would like very much to offer in service training in these areas to all my teachers to raise their levels of efficiency and competence. Any input old boys in training and HR Development can offer would be more than welcome.

5. Infrastructure: I am giving below a list of things that still need doing where infrastructure is concerned. If anyone is interested in any project please get in touch and I can provide estimates et al.1. The roof of the Read junior dormitory and Junior dorm toilet block 2. The roof of the Keble Dormitory Block3. The roof of the Lower School classroom block4. The Keble washrooms and day toilets5. Staff Quarters (for both single and married staff)6. The Jayasinghe and former Winchester (now Hayman Junior) Dormitory toilets7. The Middle School Classroom block (roof and floor)8. The Upper School Classroom block (roof and floor)9. The Junior Dormitory toilet block (undertaken already by the STCG OBA)10. The Senior Dormitory toilet block11. The Old Dining Hall cum Kitchen (we plan to convert this into some sort of hall

for gatherings, classes etc.)12. We want to have a cold room below the kitchen to store our farm products and

require chest freezers.

Important Dates:4th October – Patronal Festival of the College Chapel. Revd. Christo Balraj will be Guest Preacher. 9.00 a.m.8th October – Annual Prize Giving. Mr Gerald de Alwis will be Chief Guest. 10.00 a.m.

Concluding Remarks:What has been possible so far would not have been so had it not been for constant support of the Bishop and the Board, the solidarity of old boys and well wishers, the advice and collaboration of Jacques Huyghebaert and the loyal backing of my staff and my prefects. If anything has been achieved it has been the result of a team effort.

Part of the history of STCG has been a sad culture of attempts to cause mischief from within. I would request all old boys, friends of the School and other concerned individuals to please clarify all doubts and concerns with me before believing negative things about the school or the administration. There may well be lapses on our side but it is constructive criticism that will be welcome not unfair comments that results in demoralisation and destabilisation. I am very grateful to those old boys who are in regular communication with me and offer me their guidance from time to time. Their faith in me is encouraging to say the least. Thank you.

Our problems are far from over. There is much still to be done. I look forward to the continued solidarity, support and partnership of all old Thomians in continuing to raise this unique branch of S. Thomas’ College to standards of excellence in every sphere.

Esto Perpetua!

With all good wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Revd Marc BillimoriaHeadmaster

HEADMASTER”S REPORT - STCG OBA – EX CO MAY 2008, GURUTALAWA

Much has taken place since my last Report submitted at the AGM in February.

1. Academic:The results of the G. C. E. Ordinary Level Examination of December 2007 were released in April. Of the 54 who sat one of our boys secured 8 As and 2 Bs, One secured 7 As and 3 Bs, another obtained 6 As and 4 Bs. One of the three girls did well to obtain 5 As and 5 Bs and I have just secured a full scholarship for her to complete her A levels at Hillwood College, Kandy. On the whole our results were much better than I expected although they were by no means as good as they should be for a School within the Thomian family. An analysis has been prepared of the results and we are looking at ways of ensuring that there are better results this year – which I believe is achievable from all reports and knowing the children concerned. Special extra classes are given privately and for groups after school and on Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of private tuition outside for which I am not permitting the boys and girl to leave the campus. I have given the Upper VIth formers permission to have Third Prep after night prayers and it is encouraging to see that a number of them have availed themselves of this facility sometime studying until 1 or 2 in the morning. The Head Prefect maintains order and discipline during this time and they are monitored by the night security from time to time. The Upper 3rd children are receiving extra tuition as well to prepare them for the Year 5 Scholarship exam.

2. Discipline: Compared with the recent past discipline is now much better. There have been no gang fights since June 2007. The discipline at prep and mealtimes is well maintained. The various events that were organised in the first term saw no incidents. Students are observing the various codes of discipline that have been introduced.

3. Staff: No problems to report. I have introduced new systems to raise standards. The age old and universal problem of personality clashes continue but nothing serious and nothing that cannot be remedied. On the whole the staff at all levels are cooperating with me. Where they do not then we have a dialogue from time to time. Staff attendance and discipline are much better than before. The perennial problem that continues is that of recruiting

teachers. The majority of applicants tend to be women. We have tried our best to employ as many men as possible but for some subjects there are only women applicants and thus we are left with very little choice. Our other major concern is with teachers of English. We cannot find suitable teachers of English. I am told that other Schools also face a similar dilemma. Thankfully we have Panini and Fr Goodchild still with us and together with the other teachers teaching English. The problem is not just to do with us it is a common problem for all.

4. Infrastructure:Our plan for infrastructure development continues and as and when funds are available we are able to put things in motion. The night toilets for the Keble boys are complete courtesy the OTAUK. The Middle & Upper School toilets in the Simon Perera Block are being upgraded courtesy Brandix Lanka who have also sponsored two upgraded toilets for the Middle & Upper School Staff Room. The STC OBA in Melbourne have approved funds for the Senior Dormitory Night Toilets on the same lines as those of the Junior Dorms done by the STCG OBA Sri Lanka. We are planning for a new washroom and shower room for Keble and Staff toilets for Keble teachers. In addition we are going to repair the roof of the Davidson Block that is now the aesthetics zone of the School housing the classrooms for Music, Art and Dancing. The Swimming pool is working well and Fr Goodchild has started regular training of the swimmers.

5. Dormitories:The general order of the Senior Dormitories is, in my view, satisfactory. After Mahen’s last visit and guidance the dorms are now looking as they should. Soon all the children will be given identical blue-black bed spreads to ensure more uniformity. All new students are now required to buy their cupboards, towel racks and mattresses from the school to ensure the same. Unfortunately the Junior Dorms are too full for us to really do much with the arrangements but we are trying our best. A new intermediate dormitory was opened to house Grade 9s who are still not ready for the senior dorms and I have named it after Headmaster Lyn Illangakoon. The Keble and Blanchard Dormitories are at last being run the way I have always wished by a Matron who is a force to be reckoned with. There is still much to be done but we are getting somewhere. An inter dorm competition is now on and I have promised a prize for the winning dorm.

6. Sports:You are all aware of the revival of the so called Big Match between STCB and STCG. I arranged for the awarding of a new Trophy to honour the man who started the encounter – Headmaster Patrick Gunawardene. It was unfortunate that we lost but it was by a very narrow margin indeed. We continue to fair well in Athletics and Volleyball at Zonal Level and we will be starting our Rugby season soon. Hockey too will start soon. Scouting has been revived by Fr Goodchild and Mr Mawahib has promised to help us. Swimming too has started with much enthusiasm.

7. Societies & Clubs:

A number of Clubs and Societies continue to function the most active being the Culinary Arts Club, the Horse Riding Club and the Interact Club. The TV & Film Society too is doing well. We have received donations of Dialog TV connections for Keble and the Upper Schools as well as new TVs too. My hope is that if the OBA plans materialise and we are able to rehabilitate the old dining hall that would be the best place to house an E Resource centre and audio-visual centre.

8. College Farm: We have recruited an excellent and qualified Farm Manageress who has been able to do in a few months what was not possible for years – the cows are being milked twice a day giving us enough milk for tea and for the community. We have enough eggs to give an egg a day to the children as well as to sell to outsiders and we have enough chicken to feed our community as well as to sell. In addition we have begun cultivating as you will be able to see when you go around. Our plan is to cultivate vegetables and fruit first for our own consumption and then to sell the excess. We will soon have a roadside stall where Gurutalawa Farm produce will be sold. We hope to go in for drip irrigation as soon as we can due to the water problems that are experienced here later this year. Any help that old boys can offer us concretely towards this will be welcome. As we expand the cultivation we hope to go over to the 9 acre block as well.

9. Important Dates for your diaries:The annual Inter House Swimming Meet will be held on August 8th with Mr M. P. D. Perera as Chief Guest.The annual Feast of the Chapel will be held on October 4th.The annual Prize Giving will be held on October 8th and I plan to invite Mr Gerald de Alwis as Chief Guest.

10. Personal:On the 1st of next month I shall be completing one year in office as Headmaster of the School. It has been an interesting year with both ups and downs – more ups than downs! My vision for this school has not decreased. I have many plans and many dreams that I am slowly trying to put in place. I want to thank all the members of the Ex-Co for their support over the year and record also my thanks to some individual members for their advice and support at all times. I may have made some mistakes. I crave your pardon. I welcome constructive criticism but will not accept destructive, ill informed and baseless criticism. I look forward to the plans you have for the future and believe that together much can be achieved for our School.

Thank you.

Rev. Marc BillimoriaHeadmaster

30th March 2008

Dear Friends of STC at Gurutalawa, STC at Gurutalawa revived the annual cricket fixture between us and STC, Bandarawela after a long break, but on a very small scale this year. The limited over match was played at the Gurutalawa grounds on Saturday 29th March.  STC at Gurutalawa lost the match having come to the end of the last over not having been able to score the required 1 run to win proving the 'glorious uncertainities of cricket!' It was a thrilling match with some fine displays of bowling and batting by our team.  The Bandarawela team carried away the Headmaster Patrick Gunawardene Memorial Challenge Trophy (named in honour of him as he started the fixture in 1983) that was presented for the revived encounter by a well wisher, while 3 of our boys won the best bowler, best batsman and man of the match awards.  STC, Bandarawela has agreed to organise next year's match at Bandarawela. We at Guru are thankful to the STCG OBA, the OTAUK and the Melbourne OBA for the support already extended to and promised for development of Cricket at Gurutalawa and I have already warned Bandarawela that the Trophy will return to Gurutalawa next year!!! Warm Regards, Marc B. Rev. Marc BillimoriaHeadmasterS. Thomas' CollegeGurutalawaTel/Fax: (0094) 572245202Email: stcgurutalawa@gmail.com, pirosha@sltnet.lk Website: www.stcguru.com

15th December 2007

A BRIEF REPORT OF PROGRESS AT STCG

Gentlemen,

I am sorry I am unable to be present at the Ex-Co meeting, my presence being required here at Guru as the O/L exams are going on. I am however, sending this brief Report for Mahen to read out on my behalf.

The past six months have witnessed a continuation of the recovery and revival of the School initiated by Mr Jacques Huyghebaert in January.

NumbersAs at 7th December 2007 our numbers stand at a total of 538 students. 120 children are scheduled to be admitted in Term 1 2008 at al levels.

School StructureFrom January there will be a return to more ‘Thomian’ systems such as the traditional division of the School into Lower, Middle & Upper Schools with Sectional Heads and parallel classes will replace language based classes at all levels.

Jacques HuyghebaertOur friend and advisor Jacques Huyghebaert continues to journey with us as financial controller and is also in charge of infrastructure development. He is an asset to the School that I continue to treasure. We have developed a very good working relationship and we are working well together. I am indebted to him for his guidance and experienced advice. I am renewing my suggestion to the OBA to consider making him an Honorary Life Member of the OBA for his continued contribution that cannot be measured. Perhaps this should be put on the Agenda for the AGM. I am hoping that he will stay with us for as long as he can.

StaffThe Academic Staff have been very supportive over the past few months and I am looking forward to their continued support in the New Year too. All those in supervisory roles have given me the fullest support and have been fully part of the continued revival of standards at the School. We had a seminar just before we closed for the Staff to prepare them for the changes due to come into effect in January that will put us back in tune with the ‘Thomian Way’!

BoardingWe returned to the House System in full in November and with Fr Goodchild’s help the Senior Dormitories are now divided according to the four Houses. The Junior Dorms will follow in January. I was able to secure a donation of some paint and the boys spent a couple of Saturdays doing a shramadhana painting their dorms. It was not a perfect job, but at least they did it with joy and the dorms do look cleaner on the outside. Furthermore as part of our insistence on self discipline and self reliance for the boys I have stopped sending sanitary staff to the senior dorms and the boys now do everything themselves by roster. A system of fines has also been introduced for dirty dorms and dirty toilets. The 5 o clock morning run is also going well. We now have some dynamic young Dorm Masters who are supporting me wholeheartedly in maintaining order and discipline there while Fr Goodchild and some others continue to maintain good standards in the Junior Dorms. We lost the services of our Keble House Matron Miss Jayani Masthoff at the end of the year. She was a woman of many talents, a fact we discovered too late. She will be missed by all.

HousesInter House Activities will commence in full force from January and a points table has been drawn up to judge the best house for the Challenge Trophy. House meetings were held in the Third Term and the boys have been very enthusiastic about the plans for next year’s House activities.

Examinations

One of our boys qualified at the Year Five scholarships but has opted to stay on at Guru for now. 51 of our children are presently sitting for the O/L exams. Based on the results of our internal Pilot exam we are hoping for satisfactory results from this batch of students perhaps even 1 or 2 with distinctions in all subjects. For all other forms we decided that this year we should enforce the system of not promoting anyone automatically at the end of year exams. A number of children are therefore not being promoted as they failed to obtain the required 40%. This action is essential if we are to raise the standards of academia here. In the process of sifting we have discovered that a number of students who did not get the 40% are victims of severe learning disabilities. We have decided to promote such children conditionally but with the proviso that the parents will have to have them assessed and get advice if they need to go to schools that have special facilities for such children.

SportsWe were successful at Under 16 and Under 18 levels at Rugby Football in the Third Term and I have shared news of these successes with the OBA already by email. A Rugby Coaching Camp was organised in November led by Mr. M. E. C. Perera and four others that was a success and the coaches were of the opinion that the Guru ruggerites have tremendous potential. We hope to develop Cricket too once the Turf Wicket is restored next year. We are grateful to Mr. Gerald de Alwis for his commitment to this project. The School is in no position financially yet to put in any money towards this project but he has promised that he will see it through. The OTAUK has also promised support for the development of Cricket. Other sports continue and we are most grateful to Mahen and all those members of the STCG OBA who contributed towards the sports equipment that he brought up when he was here last. We are looking for a squash coach if you know of anyone.

Clubs & SocietiesWe are planning to fully reorganise the way Clubs and Societies are run at STCG. I have appointed Mrs Manomani Wickremage as Prefect of Clubs & Societies and she has a number of plans to rekindle the interest of the children in this direction of extra curricular activities.

Other ActivitiesOur Oriental Singing Group emerged first at Zonal and Provincial Levels and has qualified for the Nationals to be held in Colombo at the end of December. I shall keep you informed so that when they come to Colombo those of you who wish to could meet them as an encouragement. They are hoping to stay at STCML. Our children also took part in the Zonal English Day Competitions and one of our boys qualified for the Provincial Competition.

Outdoor ActivitiesDue to Jacques keenness and interest the tradition of hiking has been revived in earnest. The Third Term witnessed two hikes – one over the mountains to Bandarawela and the second to Pattipola. The children really enjoyed these two hikes and we are now planning to have at least one hike per month in 2008.

Student LifeThe special valedictory assembly and events for the outgoing Class of 2007 were well received and the children who left were sent off in a truly Thomian manner. An account has already been forwarded to the website. Our Children’s’ Day Christmas Programme too was a success. Santa Clause entered the Hall on a horse!!

Horses

Both Faith and Hope are pregnant! The horses continue to be of great interest and the boys of the Riding Club are enjoying looking after them.

English DevelopmentOur own Panini Edrisinghe, Senior Supervisor of the Amity Programme is rendering yeoman service by heading up the development of English and the teaching of English at Guru. An English Language Expert Mr. Patrick Hall was with us on two occasions to guide us with regard to this and we are looking to go all out to develop English starting with the Lower School in 2008.

ITWe are all very grateful to the STCG OBA for having facilitated the donation of computers to the School from Australia. We are now trying to obtain ADSL/Broadband access so that IT can be used more and more by the children here. Please record the thanks of all of us to Mr. Mahen Ranasinghe and all the others who worked tirelessly to help us get these computers. I have already written to Ed Rowlands in Australia to thank him for the role of the Aussie Old Thomians. Computers have been provided from this batch for all the Supervisors and the Office as well after sufficient machines were installed in the two IT units.

Swimming PoolThe Swimming Pool pump engine packed up during the August Vacation. We were struggling to get the problem sorted out with little success until the intervention of one of our own old boys who does not want his name mentioned. He worked selflessly and tirelessly, coming up to Guru at least four times and spending a couple of days at a time and finally the engine is now up and running with new parts. The Pool will be cleaned and ready for our children when they return in January. I want to record my thanks to him and his other classmates who contributed towards this project being a success.

Infrastructure & WaterOur infrastructure rehabilitation work is continuing. Although slow, the work is going well. The toilets for the Blanchard Dormitory will hopefully be ready for the girls when they return in January through the support of Ladies’ College, Colombo that has sponsored the project in full. Our friends in the OTAUK have come forward with the funds required for the complete refurbishing of the Keble Boys’ toilets that we will start as soon as the Blanchard ones are completed. We are looking forward to the Junior Dormitory toilets being renovated by the STCG OBA and I have obtained the information that Mahen requires for this. The water problem is slowly being resolved with the four rehabilitated tanks and the tube well. There are inevitable problems as a result of the new system but these will hopefully be resolved in the New Year and then once we have the large tank built thanks to money given by the Bishop and repairs to pipe lines etc the water problem will be under control. We have also managed to reconnect the two water board lines from Ohiya but use them only as a back up to save on the bill. We are simultaneously going to cover two of the main wells to ensure a clean water source for portable water in addition to the tube well at Keble and the two lines from Ohiya.

FarmWe are looking for a good ‘hands on’ man to be Farm Manager. We have not yet begun to turn our attention to the Farm but it is clear that what we need is a Manager who will ensure the maximum utilization of our cultivatable land for vegetables and fruit as well as more experience in poultry and cattle farming. We are still awaiting a firm proposal from Jagro with regard to the 9 acre block. If they are unable to come up with a proposal that is acceptable we will be open to other options. I shall keep you posted on this. We have now employed a cow boy who milks the

cows! We receive approximately 20 bottles of milk a day as well as eggs and chicken for the kitchen. A good Manager will be able to turn things around. I shall be setting up an Advisory Committee for the Farm as recommended by the OBA in 2008. The Farm Club is to be revived in January to enable interested children to be engaged in the activities of the Farm – even if this means losing a few eggs!!??

Co-op Shop Due to a number of problems relating to children taking items of credit and parents refusing to pay thereafter we have decided not to sell certain items at the Shop and focus instead on the Shop being a place for the staff and children to buy essential items, stationary and college items only. Furthermore nothing will be given on credit for a while. The Tuck Shop, which we have given out on contract, will sell eatables for the children from January at prices agreed upon and monitored periodically by me. I am appointing an internal committee of Staff and boys to manage the new ‘College Shop’ from January 2008.

ConclusionGentlemen, from this Report you will be able to judge for yourself as to how far the School has come in 2007 from where it was at the end of 2006. I think I have covered everything. It has been a year of change, transition, revival and restoration. But it has also been a year of healing and reconciliation particularly among the children. The fights between the Middle & Upper 6 th

formers, for example, are things of the past. For the first time in many years the O/L boys left the School without vandalism and violence in their wake. Boys who had assaulted each other earlier in the year are like brothers in arms today. Even now as I write the boys are behaving themselves to the point of disbelief apart from some minor acts that indicate that ‘boys will be boys’ I have no complaints where they are concerned.

But our troubles are far from over. Financially we are just about breaking even. The fees are coming in but I have had to issue a threat to parents that non payment of the 2007 dues in full by 31st December will result in the child not being admitted on 7/1/2008. There are still a number of buildings and facilities that need rehabilitation and many infrastructure needs as well. While the fees cover our day to day operational costs we depend entirely on the solidarity and good will of all old boys, parents and well wishers of the School in order to complete the additional work and we do what we can as and when the funds are made available. We are looking forward to the continued support and solidarity of the STCG OBA in this regard.

My family and I have over the past six months come to love this School and I am so thankful for the possibility of being able to contribute something towards it. Some of you were concerned that I may be leaving and were asking me if the recent advertisement by the Board was for Guru. The advertisement was for 2 vacancies at Mount and vacancies for Deputies at Bandarawela and Colpetty. My contract is for a full 4 year term and I intend, God willing, to see it to the end. I am aware of my lapses and inadequacies and that I still have much to learn about Guru, but I hope that those of you who have been so very supportive of me since June will continue to support me in my task – not for my sake but for the greater good of the School that is our ultimate goal. There is much that still needs to be done. Let’s look to a new year of partnership in raising Guru to a position of eminence.

May I wish you all and all those with whom you share life and love a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with Peace, Prosperity and Happiness.

Yours,

Rev. Marc Billimoria

11/XII/2007

 November 27th 2007

The proposed Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance has had to be postponed to Saturday January 12th 2008 at 9.00 a.m. due to the non availability of the Chapel on the 8th of December due to other events taking place at STCML including their Colours Night. As the School will be on holiday from then till 7th January, the next available date when the Choir will be available is 12th January 2008. This will give us adequate time to plan a fitting service.

November 26th 2007

We are having a special service at Guru at 3.30 p.m.on 27th November for the School community at which Fr Goodchild will deliver the Eulogy.

I have spoken to the Warden and Chaplain of STCML and the latter has suggested Saturday 8th December 2007 as a suitable day for a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for Mrs Hayman at the Chapel of Transfiguration .If it should be done at a later date we would have to wait for the School to reopen in January as the Choir will not be available after 8/12.

October 15th 2007.

Having won the inaugural Provincial Rugby Tournament last week our boys did well to emerge as Plate Champions of Division 2 at the Under 16 (12 a side) Rugby Tournament 2007 organised by the SLSRFA at Kurunegala over the weekend. As you can imagine this has been a tremendous morale boost for the School. The team was coached by Mr. V. W. Dikkumbura of our Staff. 

October 10th 2007.

You may be happy to hear that our senior team (U 16) won the  Cup final against S. Thomas' College, Bandarawela in the Uva Province Schools Rugby Tournament concluded at Bandarawela this afternoon. They will take part in the National Tournament on Friday and Saturday this week in Ratnapura. Photos will be posted soon.