Memories at St. Joseph’s: A writer’s experience at a hallowed educational institute

St. Joseph’s College Colombo10 is one of the leading Catholic Schools in Sri Lanka and has produced many esteemed students who are now holding positions of authority in society.  
St. Joseph’s College is committed to offering a balanced and holistic education that not only prepares students to carry the name of the school forward, but also helps them face government examinations with distinction. The education received at St. Joseph’s also helps students live meaningful lives and be of service to others. Josephians have stood out in serving the motherland and the countries they adopt as their second home after immigrating.  

The school maintains its high standards in education, sports, co-curricular activities and spiritual upliftment. It has produced a galaxy of multi-talented Josephians who are excelling in their chosen professions, in all walks life; locally and globally.  

In recognition of the school’s efforts to offer a high quality education, aimed at building a complete individual, this education institute has not only done extremely well in its academic achievements, but also has won numerous awards in sports and co-curricular activities. These goals have been achieved thanks to the effective systems and processes implemented successfully by the teachers at the school.  

Josephians are affectionately addressed as ‘Joes’ and they comprise a group of former and current students of the school. When the products of these school mingle in society a group of Josephians can be easily spotted because they have a lot in common.  
The commonalities of Josephians have helped build strong bonds among generations of Josephians, far and wide. Whenever the call comes to perform and take up challenges the Josephians are daring and ready to perform. Being the advocates of “actions speak louder than words”, Josephians are down-to-earth, persistent and resilient.

In the face of challenges and setbacks they strive hard to attain their goals with no flinch and fear. They are enthusiastic about thinking out of the box, bringing new solutions to old problems and overcoming obstacles with perseverance. The Josephians are obedient to their teachers and get along with their fellow students and friends well. They are also loyal to their Alma Mater. Josephians are committed to excellence. They are dedicated, disciplined, trustworthy, labouriously work at tasks given to them and are honest individuals.  
Josephians are valiant and true. They are also creative and innovative. They are true to their standards and would not yield to go with the flow. When they are at a crossroads in life, they will not waver over possibilities. They judge with their wisdom and move forward with courage and determination.  

Josephians are exponents of Labour and Virtue. “Work hard, play hard” is always their watchword. Whether they are doing sport, competing, studying or working, they will do their utmost. They won’t hold back if the call is to meet a challenge that demands blood, sweat and tears.  
Apart from gaining remarkable achievements in life, Josephians also care about the people and events happening around them. They open their hearts to listen, share and render help and support to those in need.  

The instilling of good qualities cannot be done overnight. It is attributed to the consolidated experience of Visionary and Eminent Reverend Father Rectors, past and the present, Eminent Rev. Fr. Vice Rectors, past and the present, Eminent Principals of the Primary School, Past and the Present, Eminent Priest Community and the Pedagogues and Educators, Administrators past and the present, who had dedicated to students’ education over the decades. It’s due to their tireless efforts that Josephians are able to deliver in all departments in life.  

Let the ‘Blue and White’ spirit in you surface always. Let the Josephian ethos always be in your mind.  
We wholeheartedly thank our Patrons and the school for showering us with blessings and shepherding us in our journeys.  
May our hallowed educational institution continue to be the tower of strength and be the guiding light to all Josephians.   
(The writer has been penning articles for publications for the past 34 years and counts 25 years as an editor. He also serves the Old Boys’ Union of the school. He has held several vital positions in the OBU, including Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, served in the Newsletter Committee and the Public Relations Committee. He was also the Founder President of Josephian Group of ‘88’)