OLV Moratuwa continues to uplift the values of children
Our Lady of Victories Convent Moratuwa is an English Catholic school which was inaugurated in 1886 with just two teachers and nine students. The Convent now has more than 2200 students and 100 teachers. Nearly 42 of the teachers are past pupils.
A large crowd was gathered at the Moratuwa Station on March 9, 1886 to welcome the sisters, Mgr. Bonjean with his vicar seven priests and eleven Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, descended from the train. Out of the eleven nuns who arrived at Moratuwa only seven remained, the other four formed the nucleus of the nursing staff of the General Hospital in Colombo. The first Principal of the Convent was Rev. Mother Mary of St. Philip. It is indeed a coincidence that the sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary celebrated 125 years of service in Sri Lanka in 2011.
The objective of Our Lady of Victories is to build a different and better world, more humane and peaceful. With this in view the school continues to uplift the values of children to mould them in a strong religious environment to be builders of a God fearing society, inculcating the positive attitudes of peace and solidarity with the poor and needy which is a necessity today. The purpose of the school is to give the students a deep spiritual formation highlighting the school motto ‘By Truth to Charity’.
Special attention is given to religious formations through daily prayers, the liturgy of the Eucharist, the sacrament of penance and the preparation for First Holy Communion. The teachers educate the children to work on these aspects in the classroom and at home as well.
The students take part in competitive examinations organized by the Ministry of Education and other recognized institutions and bring reputation and glory to the school. 165 students sat for the G.C.E. (A/L) examination in 2012 and 128 qualified to enter University while 13 students obtained ‘A’s in all three subjects and 12 students obtained ‘A’s in two subjects.
141 students sat for the G. C. E. (Ordinary Level) examination in 2011 and 126 qualified for the G.C.E. (A/L). 15 students obtained 9 ‘A’ and 10 students obtained 8 ‘A’s. They record with pride the fact that in the analysis of the overall results of the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination 2011 issued by the Department of Examination and Lady of Victories was placed first in the Piliyandala Education Zone. Last year they were placed fourth in the analysis of the results of the G.C.E. ( A/ L) Examination 2011 issued by the General Manager of Catholic Private Schools.
The OLV students continue to receive awards and certificates at competitions organized by the Ministry of Education and various organizations. Uthpala Gajamanne, a Grade 11 student was awarded the first place for the “Classical Sitar Solo” in the open category at the All Island Music and Dancing competition, 2012 for the third consecutive year. Achini Perera obtained a Bronze Medal at the Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition, 2011. At the English Day Competitions, 2011 organized by the Department of Education, 20 students were able to secure places at Divisional Level and six students obtained places at Zonal Level.
The students have also displayed their talents by participating in many sports such as netball, badminton, basketball, chess, carrom, athletic and gymnastics. They take part in National and International tournaments. One of their badminton players participated at the First Youth Olympics held in Singapore. Their shuttlers have performed extremely well in 2012. The Under 14 team emerged 1st runner up in the All Island B – Division Inter Schools Championship, 2012. The Under 19 team secured first runners-up berth at in the All Island Super A – Division Team Championship 2012.
The basketball teams of OLV had a successful season during the year 2011. The Under 17 team emerged the first runner up. OLV netball players were able to bring honour to their Alma Mater on several occasions while the under 15 team emerged champions, the under 17 and 19 teams emerged runners- up at the Regional Level matches.
The students also engage in co-curricular activities such as the Environment Society, Library Society, Science Society, Sinhala Literary Society, English Literary Society and the Commerce Society. The Western Band and Western Choir have showcased their talents at many functions as well as various competitions. The OLV dancing troupe adds colour to school functions and they also participate in various competitions. The students also participate and win awards at National and International level Art Competitions. The Girl Guides and Little Friends participate in camps and are taught various skills like handwork and needle craft.
The present principal is Rev. Sr. Sujeeva Nonis, who was the fourth past pupil to be appointed as the Principal in the Convent School. She commenced her duties in the year 2007 and was able to guide the school to achieve many honours following in the footsteps of past principals in the school which has a history of over 125 years.