History

October 27, 1793

Founder of the Holy Family

Rev. fr. Pierre Bienvenu Noailles the founder of the Holy Family Congregation was born in Bordeaux, France.

19th of October 1902

The Holy Family sisters arrived in Sri Lanka

The Holy Family sisters arrived in Sri Lanka for the 1st time. They were the 1st missionary nuns

1903 to 1908

Moved the school premises several times

The Holy Family sisters were forced to move the school premises several times. From Laurie’s rd. they shifted to a house on Galle road then to Clifford road & Melbourne Avenue.

Prior to 1903

Establish a Roman Catholic school

The parishioners of Bambalapitiya appealed to Rev.Fr. Euze the parish priest of St. Mary’s church Bambalapitiya, to establish a Roman Catholic school in their parish. He spoke to his grace archbishop Andrew Melizan on their behalf.

February 3rd 1903

HFC Bambalapitiya opened its doors to new students for the 1st time

HFC Bambalapitiya opened its doors to new students for the 1st time, with mother celeste Marchal at its head. There were only 28 students, both girls and boys on roll. The original building was a house- the clock house rented on Laurie’s rd., with one single classroom.

February of 1908

HFC gradually expanded with Rev Mother Mary of Jesus as the principal

The Holy Family sisters purchased a property on retreat rd., and along with another property on the same road bequeathed to them, HFC gradually expanded with Rev Mother Mary of Jesus as the principal.

1910 - 1922

The school development continued rapidly with many more buildings

The school development continued rapidly with many more buildings such as boarding school, the kindergarten section, & a science lab being constructed. More students joined the school to increase the number of around 350.

1910

The school held its 1st prize giving

1924 - December

The 1st school magazine “Refreshing Breezes”

The magazine was published for the 1st time with Ms. Concy Weerasooriya as its editor

1926

The word “Familian” was officially coined for the 1st time

1928

HFC celebrated its silver jubilee & The school uniform was introduced

Late 1930's

The school song was composed by Ms. Wendy Whatmore

September 14th 1930

The house system was inaugurated

The houses were named after three superiors and two Rev. Mothers

August 29th 1933

Construction of the school chapel

The construction of the school chapel comes to an end, providing the school with a much needed place of worship of its own.

March 17th 1934

The PPA was inaugurated by Rev.Mother Gonzaga

1940

The green hall, art room and the library were opened. The house system was introduced to the primary school

27th of September 1941

The grotto is unveiled and blessed by Rev.Fr. Le Goc the rector of St. Joseph’s college

1942 – 1947

Location was shifted

The location was once again shifted to a house in order to make room for a British military hospital.

1950

Facilities, sports, teaching & education were set up well

The system of having streams (English, Sinhala and Tamil) in education was set up. Chemistry, Physics & Biology labs, library, assembly hall, radio extensions, sport facilities were set up. Practical courses such as home science, cookery, dressmaking and arts and crafts were taught to those who did not intend to proceed to university.

1953

Celebrated its golden jubilee amidst pomp and pageantry

The school celebrated its golden jubilee amidst pomp and pageantry. A funfair titled “GOLDEN NIGHTS” was held as a fund raiser.

1960

The school became a non-fee levying private school

The school celebrated its golden jubilee amidst pomp and pageantry. A funfair titled “GOLDEN NIGHTS” was held as a fund raiser.

18th of November 1960

The welfare society was formed and had its inaugural meeting

The school celebrated its golden jubilee amidst pomp and pageantry. A funfair titled “GOLDEN NIGHTS” was held as a fund raiser.

1963

The diamond jubilee of the school was celebrated

The school celebrated its golden jubilee amidst pomp and pageantry. A funfair titled “GOLDEN NIGHTS” was held as a fund raiser.

1968

Rev.Sr. Helene marguerite, the 1st Sri Lankan principal was appointed

Mid 1970

The O/L exam was replaced by the NGCE. Morning prayers were conducted over the public address system for the 1st time.

1971

1st Sri Lankan superior Rev. Sr. Benigna was appointed

1972

The PTA was formed

3rd of February 1978

The 75th jubilee year was celebrated

1978

The No. of students on roll exceeded 2000

1980

The GCE O/L examination was re-introduced

1985

Computer science courses for A/L students were introduced

1990

Many clubs and associations were formed and flourished.

The “LIFE EDUCATION” program for post O/L students was begun. The construction of the auditorium was completed

2003

The Philatelic club, interact club, familian theatre circle & familian IT club was formed

The teen art club organized an art exhibition for the 1st time in which the primary school too joined. It was held at the national art gallery.

2003

Celebrated 100th jubilee year

The senior choir of the school was placed 2nd in the youth choir category at the Llngotten risredfod music festival held in wales

2004

The nature club joined hands with the nature club of St. Peter’s College and organized an ecofriendly fashion show. The senior choir of the school was placed 2nd in the youth choir category at the Llngotten risredfod music festival held in wales The 5s project was launched

2005

The foundation stone was laid for the new administrative building, auditorium, medical centre and dancing hall. The teen art club organized an art exhibition for the 1st time in which the primary school too joined. It was held at the national art gallery.

2006

A well-equipped multimedia room/ library & transpotation

- The college library was refurbished and a well-equipped modern library was provided under the 4 year development plan.
- A well-equipped multimedia room too was refurbished.
- The welfare society was able to fulfill a long felt need for transport by purchasing a brand new Ashok Leyland 52 seater, air conditioned bus for the use of the school

2007

- Our school choir staged “WINDS OF CHANGE” a choral concert joining hands with Jayawardena Maha Vidyalaya, Dangedara in Galle.
- The majority of these students were tsunami victims and were from less privileged families. HFC was selected as a pioneer school by the India-Sri Lanka foundation
- School auditorium was completely refurbished with air conditioning, sound proofing, new seating and modern sound and light system.

2008

- 13 teachers with over 25 years of service to the school were felicitated.
- Five old science labs were refurbished and brought up to modern standards to meet the needs of 21st century science education. The primary library was also refurbished.
- Ronali Perera was placed 1st in the CIMA Spell master competition

2009

- “IMPRESSIONS 2009” an art exhibition showcasing the talents of our young familians was organized by the Teen Art Club
- The British high commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes and his wife Mrs. Kristy Hayes were the chief guests.
- A well designed and planned school Archive was inaugurated
- Study camp for IDPS
- A visit by the students of Jaffna
- The green hall was refurbished and extended to accommodate 550 students

2010

- The college computer lab was refurbished. 40 new computers with LCD monitors were installed. And also additional classroom space for 24 lecture chairs. A new multimedia projector and screen were also provided
- Security cameras were installed which enables the principal to monitor the approaches to the school as well as key points within the school
- A name board was donated for the school the school by the prefect’s batch of 2009 on their last day of school, 19th of July 2010

2011

- Eucharistic day was celebrated on the 3rd of February 2011
- UNESCO world book day was celebrated
- “FACT OF THE MATTER” the inter house English drama completion was held.
- Renovation of the basketball court
- Inter school Shakespeare drama competition
- Chapel was refurbished
- School website was redesigned

2012

150th Anniversary of Holy Family sisters

Girl Guide’s avurudu festival was held
REUNITE was organized by the prefects’ guild of 2012
Holy Family sisters celebrated their 150th anniversary.

2013

110th anniversary of HFC

- Holy Family Convent celebrated their 110th anniversary and the holy mass was conducted by His Eminence Malcom Cardinal Ranjith.
- Inauguration of the design club
- “IMPRESSIONS 2013” was organized by the teen art club
- Grades 6, 7, 8 and 9 classes were renovated
- Oriental music room, Primary Computer lab washrooms were also refurbished

2015

- The familian choir took part in “LACRIMOSA” and evening of ,.Latin classical sacred music, organized by St. Joseph’s college under the patronage of the Archbishop.
- Six students attended IYCCE conference, Lucknow, India

2016

- Holy Family Convent started their school year with a new Principal
- “ARJUNA” public show was held
- Walk was organized by the PPA. And the theme was “Let’s change for Climate change”
- An Open day was held to introduce new clubs and unions