IN MEMORY OF Mr. K. P. Joseph St Xavier’s College Principal 1930-1945

Called to Rest on the 14th June 1977 in India.

After the tenure of office of Dr. James T. Ratnam as Principal of SXC, Mr. K.P. Joseph was appointed as the second lay Principal to guide the destinies of SXC in 1930. His educational qualifications that included a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degree made him the most qualified Principal in the District in 1929. The arrival of Mr. K.P. Joseph from India took St Xavier’s College to a very high level. In one of his write ups Mr.Josephs mentions that “In point of efficiency, the stall of our school is second to none of its grade.”

In 1945 he joined St Mary’s College Matugama. After leaving Ceylon, he went back to India and constructed a house according to the architecture of the house that he occupied at long street, in Nuwara Eliya. His great grand-son, Bob Mathews is in touch with the OBA and visited the College few years back. As a mark of gratitude to his yeomen service, St Xavier’s OBA publishes the following article compiled by him in 1930 for the College Magazine

” We are glad that we have now been able to realize one of our long–cherished aspirations, namely, to start a school magazine. An earlier start could not have been made as our undivided attention had to be paid to other matters of great importance in the development of the school.

We publish this magazine with several objects in view. It is an organ of the school to record our school activities, to provide facilities for our boys to give expression to their ideas, to stimulate their power of original thinking and to keep the Old Boys in touch with the present boys by forming a connecting link between the two. We hope it will serve a good purpose by helping to draw forth the potential qualities of many boys whose talents are lying dormant in them. We also hope that all Old Boys of the school will welcome our venture, and help and encourage us by sending us news about themselves or other Old Boys, and by becoming regular subscribers to the magazine.

In this first issue of our magazine we think it will not be out of place to say something of ourselves.

Viewed from several standpoints, our school can claim to be one of the very best schools of its kind in the Island. Our steadily growing numbers necessitate more spacious buildings.

The education imparted in the school is on up-to-date lines of modern methods. The system adopted is one best calculated to produce young men with some practical outlook on life. Entire reliance on books and teachers is aways discouraged. The boys are trained to think for themselves. Original thinking is always appreciated and encouraged. As the school is the place where character is moulded, stress is laid on a harmonious development of intellectual and moral qualities.

THE MANAGER

Our Manager, Rev. Fr. Siriwardena has had considerable experience in the field of education, having been closely associated with several educational activities for a long period, he is noted for his mature understanding, sober judgment and wise counsel. The school is making fast progress under his fostering care.

Mr. W. M. Fernando, another member of the staff is a capable qualified teacher of long experience. He has put in nine years service in this school itself.

Mr. Senaratna Dias is also of equally long experience and ability. He is a member of the C.L.I. and is in special charge of the Physical Exercise department, the efficiency of which is highly commended.

Mr. M. Ratnasabapathy has finished his B.A. Honours course at the University College. He is one who has distinguished himself in his educational career.

Mr. Stanley Perera, who has passed the Inter Arts Examination (Lon) is a recent addition to our staff. He is a highly talented man who has made his mark in various literary activities. Our next assistant is Mr. C. M. Fernando who has finished his Inter Arts course at the University College. He is one of good teaching experience and is recognized as an efficient teacher. The children of the preparatory classes have a very energetic and capable teacher in Mrs.Senaratne Dias. Her services to the School are much appreciated.

THE SCHOOL LIBRARY AND READING ROOM.

The School has a well equipped library and a reading room in which all the leading daily newspapers are provided.

THE SCHOOL MUSEUM

The school possesses a museum containing a fairly good collection of several things of interest. Our school museum is the first of its kind and we consider it to be of very great educational value.

THE HOUSE SYSTEM.

The whole school is divided into four Houses each being under the charge of one or other member of the staff. This system has created a friendly emulation among the boys and has produced very good results.

THE DEBATING SOCIETY

Part of the school time is devoted every week to the debating society. Our boys make good use of this for acquiring knowledge and cultivating the art of public speaking. Subjects of varied nature, which awaken the interest of boys are discussed and speakers from outside are often invited.

GARDEN

The school maintains some gardens in order to create in the boys a taste for cultivation and to inculcate the dignity of labour. The well planted gardens serve a very good purpose by being an aid to Botanical studies.

OUR BOARDING HOUSE

Attached to the school there is a Boarding House under the direct supervision of our Manager. He spares no pains to provide the greatest comfort to the boys. Added to this, the bracing climate of the place fills them with full vigour. With a view to bringing the benefits of boarding house life within the reach of almost all, the charges have been made comparatively low. Most of the teachers live in the boarding house and render all assistance to the boys in their studies. The parents of the boys sent here, may rest assured that the interests of the children who are committed to the care of one like Fr. Siriwardena will be scrupulously guarded.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

The school is fortunate in having the services of Rev. Fr. Baldarelli our Manager’s able assistant, as its spiritual Director. He conducts religious knowledge classes for the boys and supervises their spiritual welfare. He is also the Director of the Acolyte Association.”

Mr.K.P.Joseph -1929