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“ALL SHORTS DAY” - S. THOMAS’ COLLEGE MT.LAVINIA CLASS OF ’75 O/LEVEL GROUP GOES  BACK TO SCHOOL!!

Celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of the establishment of the S Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia, Class of’75 (O/L) Association, over 50 old boys of that group made their way to the hallowed precincts of their alma mater on 8^th March 2008, all clad in blue shorts, white shirts, white socks and black shoes which caused a visiting coach of another school to remark that he didn’t realise STC had such a large rugby squad! But the event was more than just a trip down memory lane, as the old Thomians had gathered also to felicitate the teachers of their era – those who’s contact details were available - who were responsible for moulding them in the true traditions of their Alma Mater.

Dr. Frank Jayasinghe, Kalasuri Arisen Ahubudu, Messrs. Russel Batholameuz, S.C. Coperahewa, N.B. Arputharaj, Ananda Weerasekara, Daniel Edirisinghe, Jackson Karunarathne, M.S. Brodie, G.K. Mandawela, Siri Edirisnghe, G.J. Arulananthan, Mmes. M.L. Fernando, U.P. Kalupahana, Lorna Mendis, Rani Perera, R. Samuel, C. Ashubodha and Ila Mendis along with the two daughters Ganga and Deepika of the late Mr.Leo de Silva were warmly welcomed at the main block class room entrance opposite the quadrangle by cheering old boys lined up in a guard of honour. While waiting for Mr. Russell Batholomeuz to make his way towards the class rooms, having completed his solo tour of his former domain, the Chapel of the Transfiguration, the rest of the teachers spent the time with their former students reminiscing of old times in familiar surroundings.

The teachers & the old boys then packed themselves into class room Upper 4 A, with the teachers at the head table and the boys occupying the seats in the class room. The former students paid tribute to their teachers for the magnificent contribution to the school during their tenure of teaching at STC saying “the teachers of our era went out of their way to discipline and educate us. They took it upon them selves to correct us, sometimes even sacrificing their own leisure time in detaining us after school hours, giving us slower ones extra hours of teaching attention etc. It’s no surprise that even some of us O’ level drop outs too excel in our own spheres of life thanks to these wonderful people now in the evening of their lives”. The proceedings also had their lighter moments with the revelation of a few well kept secrets of events that took place over 30 years ago, some which will hopefully never be repeated!

After re-living the atmosphere of a classroom, both teachers and old boys moved out for the traditional group photograph in front of the chapel steps. Getting over 50 not so old boys and 20 teachers together proved no easy task for the hapless cameramen, but eventually after the clicking of many a camera, still and movie, it was time to plant an indigenous tree to commemorate the occasion and where else but at the prominent location opposite the book cupboard where 'Jackie' had his office! The planting was carried out by old friends 'Ashu' and 'Coperaya' as they were fondly referred to, before being lead into the College dinning hall passing the lavos.

Following a sumptuous meal, generous cash gifts were handed over to the teachers with a fitting laminated note of appreciation which included a photograph of the Class of ‘75 group. The words inscribed therein said it all – “The lessons you taught us in the class room have never been forgotten and have stood the test of time in our lives. We sincerely owe a great debt of gratitude to you for what we are today”. The teachers responded appropriately with brief addresses to the audience of old boys who avidly listened to the teachers as they did in yesteryear. Mr. Russel Batholameuz's memorable and well articulated words perhaps epitomizing greats like Wardens Stone and De Saram echoing the halls of fame in years gone by drew keen attention from the gathering with pin drop silence in contrast to typical school days.

In keeping with tradition, the college song was sung prior to the sad parting after digesting nostalgic memories for both teacher and pupil alike of days gone by of the much loved school – the school by the sea. It was a joy to see the happy faces of the teachers who were moved by this magnanimous gesture by a group of a relatively few former students out of several thousands who walked along those corridors of learning! The parting farewells for some may perhaps well be their last. Since then already numerous appreciations and thank you notes from the teachers are pouring in. Mrs. M.L. Fernando’s words in particular says it all in a nutshell. “I thank my God for the opportunity given to me to teach in a prestigious school like S. Thomas’ College, Mt.Lavinia where I have met pupils who have been so thoughtful and kind to their teachers even after leaving school. It was a pleasure and privilege to be with you all on 8^th March 2008. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt thanks."

In sharp contrast to the events of the morning, that same evening the group in formal attire, met with their spouses at Hotel Taj Samudra Colombo for the Annual General Meeting which was followed by a gala dinner with a band in attendance to dance the night away. A fitting finale indeed for a day filled with unforgettable memories. The seed has been sown at the “On-Golden-Pond” Banquet Hall and entrusted to a new committee to strive and grow towards the next ‘golden’ milestone of the Class of ‘75! Long and firm may we keep the bonds of friendship established in our youthful years at S Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ESTO PERPETUA !!