• FOUNDERS’ DAY COMMEMORATION

20^th January 2023 : Church of St Michael & All Angels, Polwatte

The Founders’ Day Commemoration Service will be held at the Church of St Michael & All Angels, Polwatte followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and school flag at the school premises. The highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the launch of the Webpage and the Logo to commemorate 150 years of Bishop’s College.

• BISHOP’S COLLEGE CHOIR

10^th February 2023 : Jaffna

Bishop’s College Choir – Fun and Fellowship with the children of the Ranie Mather Asirwatham Memorial Hostel, Jaffna.

• HAIRSPRAY

17th & 18th February : Bishop’s College Auditorium

A celebration of music and drama at Bishop’s College. The Middle school students kick start the much anticipated 150^th anniversary of Bishop’s College with this famous musical production. With over 60 students taking part, the production is directed by Past pupil Dmitri Gunatilake. Tickets will be available from 1^st February 2023 at the BC Auditorium. This event is open to the public.

• SING-A-LONG

25^th February 2023

An interactive and enjoyable evening is being planned for the parents of Bishop’s College by the Parent Teacher Association. This will help foster community and friendship amongst the parent body. Await further details. This event is open to the public.

• FESTIVAL OF COLOURS

March 2023 – BC Grounds

It’s a carnival with non-toxic colours, food, dance and music. It’s an event to reunite and have fun while giving back to our Alma mater as she forges ahead towards her 150th year. Organised by the PPA in collaboration with the Oriental Dance Society of Bishop’s College. This event is open to the public.

• BRING, BUY & SELL!

April 2023          

A sale within the Polwatte community will raise funds to pay tribute to our Founders – the Sisters of St. Margaret. This event is open to the public.

• ADI THAALAM

11th & 12th May 2023              

An oriental dance & drum performance organised by the students of the Primary section with guest performances by invited schools. This is a fundraising project to purchase new band equipment for the Primary Hewisi band. Tickets will be out in April 2023. This event is open to the public.

• AMAZING RACE

June/July 2023

First held in July 2019 for all the students of Bishop’s College with the generous support of parents and past pupils was a day of fun and unbounded spirit. The PTA will reignite the Bishopian spirit once again this year on a grander scale with challenges that will test your knowledge of our beloved school and test your sporting prowess and team spirit.  Await further details.

• REACH OUT COMMITTEE (ROC) BOOK READ & TEA PARTY

August 2023

Our seniors have been our strength and inspiration throughout the 125-year history of the BCPPA. We owe them an opportunity to showcase their talent and hope to schedule a book read followed by tea as we begin yet another eventful year.

• TEACH THE BEAT

Coming up in 2023

A much awaited and loved BC event ‘Teach the Beat’, presented by the Teachers’ Guild will be held this year. Await more details. This is open to the public.

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”

“Educate a girl and you educate an entire family.”

Marian Wright Edelman

The recognition of education as the main vehicle for the upliftment of girls led to a series of initiatives, to establish in Ceylon a school for education for girls in English. Beginning in 1857 right through to 1875, Bishopsgate school as it was first known was carefully fostered and nurtured by a succession of Christian missionaries and their spouses, making every effort to create an environment of security at a time when education for girls was not considered a right or even a requirement.

Bishop Chapman, the Bishop of Colombo from 1845 – 1862, took great interest in expanding the scope of education in Ceylon. Along with his wife Frances Chapman, a small school was set up first in Mutwal in their own home. It is to Mrs. Chapman that Ceylon largely owes the beginnings of women’s education. Parents felt a sense of confidence to send their daughters to be educated at the school that was directly under her influence, since she and her daughters taught in the school.

In its early fledgling stage, the school faced many challenges when Mrs Chapman had to return to England due to ill health. The school had to be temporarily closed and reopened in 1875 with Mrs Drew as Principal. Bishop Copleston who came to Ceylon as the 4^th Bishop of Colombo in 1876, devoted his energies to the running of the school and subsidised the school’s expenses from the Bishop’s Special Fund. Subsequently, the school shifted from Mutwal to Fairfield House on Darley Road in 1885, marking a new beginning in the history of the school.

On October 25, 1887, three Sisters of St. Margaret; Sisters Joanna Mary, Bridget and Verena arrived in Colombo from East Grinstead, Sussex in England. From December 1887, Sister Joanna Mary, with the assistance of Mrs Matthew, wife of the Vicar, was asked to help run the school.

In 1887, Venerable Walter Edmund Matthew, Vicar of St. Michael’s Church, Polwatte, invited the Sisters of St. Margaret to establish a branch in Ceylon. The Vicar’s vision was that a dedicated band of Sisters could play a significant role in the management of the Girls’ School, amongst other missionary work.

These years formed a watershed in the history of the school. The Principal and teachers who had come to Ceylon to fulfil the goals of Christian and colonising missions often had to leave with bewildering rapidity, due to ill health, inability to adapt to the tropical climate, and personal reasons. The connection with the Sisters of St. Margaret was then to afford the school important years of stability. St. Margaret’s was able to supply a long line of dedicated Principals who guided the school for an unbroken period of 60 years.

In 1892, Bishopsgate School moved from Darley Road to a property that was previously a cinnamon estate near Boyd Place. With this, there was also a change in the name of the school since it had moved out of the Bishop’s private residence, and was called Bishop’s College. The school had seventy pupils on the roll.

The Sisters played a pivotal role in inculcating the students and teachers of Bishops College, with the tenets of charity, community spirit and public service upheld by the motto of Bishop’s College itself Non Sibi Sed Omnibus –Not for Self but for All.

Changes came rapidly now in the development of the school to upgrade the education standards of the school. In many fields, the Sisters were ahead of their time. A decision was made that “No teacher may under any circumstance strike a pupil unless the Principal should find it necessary as a definite punishment, in which case it must be reported the same day to the parents of the child.” This was indeed a bold and innovative measure, progressive even by today’s standards when corporal punishment is not unknown in some schools.

Of particular historical interest, is that some past pupils of the school met and with the Bishop’s approval they founded the Past Pupils Association on December 5^th 1896.

The building of a chapel on the school premises commenced in 1895, and in January 1900, the chapel was dedicated by the Bishop to St. Agnes, the Roman virgin and Martyr of the 4^th century A.D.

The 20^th century which had begun for Bishop’s College with 47 children on the roll, soon increased to 90 in 1906. Buildings too necessarily needed extension and expansion. Bishop’s College was now run on English Public School lines and became one of Ceylon’s leading girls’ schools. The book “20^th Century Impressions of Ceylon” edited by Arnold Wright, published in 1907, refers to the school as “A high school, considered to be one of the best colleges in the island.”

In 1908 Sister Letitia arrived from England and took over as Principal. Her tenure was a long one of 16 years and gave the school firm direction and stability. During this period, the curriculum expanded rapidly, with First Aid classes called the Ambulance Class being conducted, Drill was introduced in 1896, Drama classes became a school fixture and playlets were performed at the prize giving becoming an annual feature. Funds were collected and a tennis court was built in 1913.

Although Bishop’s College was a Christian mission school with the explicit goal of upholding the values of the Church, it is quite evident that the Sisters’ of St. Margaret adopted a more pluralistic approach to religion. In 1909, the 100 or more students on the roll showed a diversity of nationality, race and religion – among the students were Sinhalese, Burgher, Tamil, Parsi and Moor students.

During the tenure of Sister Mary Kathleen’s stewardship as Principal of the school from 1933 – 1942, it was a period of steady and vigorous progress in all spheres of school activity. The expansion of the school took place with the purchase of Arncliffe – a large house adjoining Bishop’s College with two road frontages on Boyd Place and General’s Lake Road. This allowed the school to expand with living quarters for the Principal and other Sisters, resident teachers, dormitories for hostellers, bathrooms, toilets, sick room and a dispensary, in addition to the previous buildings which housed, the Principal’s office, staff room, classrooms, library, school hall, kindergarten, domestic science room, refectory, toilets, kitchen and staff quarters.

The concept of total education was actively nurtured. The focus on both academic excellence along with a wide range of extra-curricular activities meant that a student was encouraged to have a well-rounded experience of subjects. The medium of instruction was English, and along with English literature and English grammar, a second language of French, Sinhalese or Tamil was offered as subjects. History, Geography, Botany, Mathematics, Hygiene and Physiology, Mechanics, Art, Needlework and Domestic Science were featured in the curriculum. Popular non-academic activities included Swimming, Ballet, Singing, Netball, Tennis, Athletics, Guiding, and Drama among other activities. In 1933, it is recorded that Sister Mary Kathleen accompanied 12 senior girls on a school trip to Anuradhapura, Pollonnaruwa, Mihintale and Kalawewa, evidence of inculcating an appreciation of local history and culture.

Sister Mary Kathleen was well-loved, and there remain several letters of appreciation written in her honour, which speak of her vision and great devotion to the school and its pupils.

Soon after the death of Sister Mary Kathleen, an atmosphere of uncertainty prevailed with the shadow of the Second World War cast on Colombo. The war was getting closer with the possibility of a Japanese invasion and air raid precautions meant that for a short period, students were moved to Fernhill on Bahirawakanda in Kandy. The kindergarten section of the school was requisitioned by the military and Peiris House was taken over as quarters for officers. Ceylon, however, did not become a theatre of war, except for the short period of Japanese bombings that occurred. As a result, the war did not impose too many hardships on the school, except for a few memories of blackouts and food rations. Recollections by past pupils speak of happy, fun-filled, carefree days at Fernhill.

In August 1945 the main hall was handed back to the school by the Army. The following years saw the transition of Ceylon from a colony to an independent nation in 1948. The socio-political changes and a more nationalist outlook within the country were to have a significant impact on the school in the coming years. The school was almost 75 years old by then and would now see a period of constancy ushering in a period of glorious achievement in academics, sports and other extra-curricular activities. In 1954 several girls were admitted to the university on their performance at the examinations.

By 1955, the Sisters of St. Margaret handed over the running of the school to the first non-missionary Principal Miss L.Y. Pode marking the beginnings of a new chapter in school affairs. The Sisters of St. Margaret who had nurtured and guided the destiny of Bishop’s College, through two World Wars and the transition from a colony to an independent Ceylon, left an indelible impression on the school. To this day, the connection between the Convent at Polwatte and the administration remains strong. The annual oration in memory of the Sisters of St. Margaret is a testament to the memory of the dedication of the Sisters’ and the gratitude of an establishment that has changed the course of education of girls in Ceylon. Tens of thousands of pupils who have walked through the gates of Bishop’s College are proud beneficiaries of the vision and dedication of these women missionaries.

The list of dedicated Principals who have ably guided the destiny of students and the institution of Bishop’s College is several.

As we begin our journey towards celebrating 150 years of being one of Sri Lanka’s leading girls’ schools in 2025, Bishop’s College looks back at the men and mostly the women whose hard work, dedication and vision made it all possible. The coming months will see a series of events, remembering and giving thanks to the numerous Principals, administrators, teachers, parents, staff and students who have impacted Bishop’s College and whose lives have been enriched as a result of that experience.

In the words of Sister Mary Kathleen who wrote in a letter: “Loyalty to one’s old school seems to me to be of the same nature as our duty to our parents, and when they need help, we must be ready to give it.” This sentiment encapsulates the motto of our school: Non Sibi Sed Omnibus-Not for Self but for All. May the celebrations be grand and memorable and may the success of Bishop’s College go from strength to strength.

Principals and Vice Principals of Bishop’s College

Principals of Bishop’s College

Vice Principals of Bishop’s College

Period	Name
1951-January 1955	Miss L Y Pode
January 1955	Miss Kilvert (Acting)
September 1955-December 1956	Mrs Budd Janze
January 1957-October 1957	Mrs T Samarasekara
June 1969-December 1979	Mrs B Jayasinghe
January 1980-December 1988	Mrs L Jayasuriya
March 1989-December 1996	Mrs M Hills
July 1997- June 2002	Mrs N Wickramasinghe
July 2002-December 2013	Mrs M C P Cooray
January 2014 -March 2021	Mrs Chemali Goonetileke Herath
September 2021- to date	Ms Chrishnika Galbadage

150 represents the steady, long journey embarked in 1875, marking the milestone of 150 years of existence in 2025. The combination of colours that contribute to the richness of the Royal Purple represents plurality, diversity and inclusivity of the student and staff body. Majestic Gold represents the hidden treasures within each individual, discovered, moulded, and refined to shine, demonstrating their unique abilities at Bishop’s College. The subtle effect of the Batik design woven into the numerical 150 is inspired from the design found on the pallu of the Hewisi Band costume. The Mitre, the ceremonial head-dress of the Bishop as the head of our beloved college, is a symbol of our ever-lasting relationship with God and the church. Blessed by the grace of God and driven by the spirit of our motto Non Sibi Sed Omnibus. Benevolent just as our founders intended. Bishop’s College, now home to many, written in Old English font, is a constant reminder that we are part of an amazing journey that will continue to touch the lives of everyone.

Our Winner of the Logo Design Competition

Nimaya Nanayakkara, Grade 14 Commerce, London.

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Our alma mater will mark a massive milestone in 2025, for it will have educated and nurtured young girls into adults for 150 years. A logo competition was held among the students of Bishop’s College to commemorate this significant occasion. The winner of this logo competition is Nimaya Nanayakkara of Grade 14 Commerce London, a friend and peer. Nimaya embodies the virtues of a Bishopian as she is equally versatile in both academics and extra-curricular activities. She is the Captain of the Swimming Team, President of the Social Service Club, Secretary of The English Drama Society, Vice President of the UN Club and is an active participant in possibly every other activity Bishop’s College has to offer! She is also the Graphic Design Editor of the Media Unit. Among her friends, she is known as being the number one logical problem solver for every mess they make and for that they are forever grateful.

We interviewed Nimaya as she will be a part of history for creating the first illustration that inspired the 150^th Anniversary logo of Bishop’s College.

• What made you want to take part in the competition? 

The 150^th anniversary is going to be a monumental event in our school history, so when I heard about the competition and that this will be the inspiration for all 150 anniversary related events in school, I thought of giving it a shot because it would be an honour to be a part of school history.  

• Tell us a little bit about the logo and how you came up with it ?

When I was thinking of ideas, I wanted to incorporate all elements important to this milestone, such as the name, Bishop’s College, 150 years as well as the school motto. I wanted the logo to be simple and elegant-keeping with the spirit of Bishop’s College. I used photoshop to create this logo.

• How do you feel about being selected as the winner of this competition?

It’s an honour as I said to be a part of this milestone. I am very happy that my logo was selected among others that I am sure were equally good.

Sarah Hashim, Shalom Martyn and Michelle Abeywardene

The launch of the webpage to commemorate 150 years of Bishop’s College (1875-2025) begins an extraordinary journey. A journey to reflect on and celebrate the genesis of women’s education; based on the tenets of ‘charity, community spirit, and public service’ upheld by the motto of our school ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’ –Not for Self, but for All!

Since its inception, Bishop’s College has continued to evolve to provide a holistic education for women, whilst staying true to its founding values. Therefore, it is only apt that the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary in 2025, beginning with the Founders’ Day commemoration in 2023 embrace the ethos of the school towards the upliftment of charity, scholarship, and unbounded spirit. 

The webpage aims to be a user-friendly platform; to highlight special events scheduled in the coming years leading up to the 150^th year in 2025, feature articles of significant historical milestones, recognise and applaud the people who have contributed both professionally and personally, call attention to the major funding projects, and most of all, provide a space to share the wonderful memories and stories that have made the school, a second home to all.

I am deeply grateful to the Principal, Vice Principal, and all the executive members of the ‘150th Anniversary Commemoration Executive Committee’, for their untiring efforts. I hope that the website will serve as an archive of Bishop’s College, and a record of the lives of everyone it has touched. 

Thank you. May Bishop’s College grow from strength to strength.