Message From The Deputy Principal of the Senior School - 02.11.2017

With true BSC Lion spirit, many of our students and staff remained very busy over the half-term break with lots of activities accomplished!

Our intrepid Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participants took part in a series of journeys that are a crucial part of their respective award categories; our Debating Team remained busy participating in a range of workshops designed to hone their skills, as well as taking part in a competition hosted by Holy Family Convent last weekend; our Choristers participated in the prestigious 4th Asia-Pacific World Choir Games, here in Colombo, competing against choirs from around the world. Participating in a range of events throughout the week, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies hosted at Temple Trees, in the presence of the Prime Minister, our Choir’s competition event took place at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. In outstanding form, our Choir was awarded the Silver Medal in the Grand Prix Category for Pop/Jazz/Show. This is another remarkable achievement for our Choir who have worked tirelessly in preparation for the event. I must thank and congratulate Ms Shamistha and her team for leading the Choir to another world class accomplishment.

I must, indeed, thank all staff members and our ever-supportive parents who helped to make the range of activities possible over the half term.

As the new half-term began, the Senior School payed tribute to the outgoing team of Prefects in Year 13, who have served the British School with dedication throughout their time in office. As the now focus on the demands of their approaching Mock Examinations, we were delighted to welcome the new Prefect Team who were presented with their Prefect Badges in Monday’s Assembly. We wish our Prefects every success in their year in post.

It has been a pleasure this week to see the distribution of many Certificates for Full Attendance during the last half-term. These certificates were presented during Key Stage Assemblies this week. I am delighted to see so many students being recognised for their full attendance and I hope that all students in all Key Stages were inspired to aim for full attendance in the weeks ahead too!

Wednesday saw the arrival of one of the most highly anticipated events in the House Competition Calendar; the Inter-House Athletics Competition. Our Houses took ownership of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama once again for another memorable day of competition! From impressive, colourful and innovative House Decorations; hearty House cheers and a programme of outstanding athletics, our Houses and House Teachers presented a wonderful day of sportsmanship and fellowship. I must thank Mr Mark and Mr Warren and their respective teams for the immense amount of organisation and preparation that makes an event such a this a success. I also thank the many parents and family members who were present throughout to support our Houses and athletes. We also greatly appreciate the work of the PTA Team who kindly provided refreshments throughout the day to keep our competitors and supporters in tip-top condition!

Thursday saw an important event in the Interact calendar, with the annual Interact Installation in the Auditorium. The Interact Club of the British School in Colombo has achieved great things over the many years of its existence. I know that this year’s elected Committee and team members will continue to support the local and national community in the range of charitable endeavours they have planned for the year ahead. I wish our in-coming Committee a very successful year and I thank our Teacher-in-Charge, Ms Tania Bartlett for the support she has given to this most worthwhile and very successful Society.

I hope you enjoy this edition of The Lion!

With my best wishes,

Simon Harwood

Deputy Principal (Head of Senior School)