History
Founded in the year 1896, Sacred Heart Convent, Galle is among the prestigious girl’s schools in the southern Sri Lanka. SHC has been acclaimed with the honor of pioneering a school for women even long before the advent of free education.
Dedicated
and committed to sphere heading women intelligentsia, SHC has successfully
traversed 116th long years in her path.
On the special invitation of Arch Bishop Rev.Vanreeth and Rev.mother Mary Bernadette a Belgium delegation arrived at the island in 1896. This delegation consisted of Rev. mother Mary Amal , Rev. sis Mary William, Rev. sis Mary Alexandra , rev, sis Marcia and Rev. sis Mary Alberta who were the pioneers of SHC.
Founded
in hollowed precincts of Calvary as a mixed school SHC was later transformed to
a girls school of which the founder principle was REV. sister Mary William.
In an era when the women was much not exposed to education SHC made strides in developing wisdom, discipline, fortitude, decorum and manual dexterity among the female community in the southern Sl. This effort today has become a great strength this proudly wielding its prowess.
SHC
aid a solid foundation since its inception by letting children absorb good
qualities knowledge, self esteem, high decorum, fortitude. This is. In fact,
achieved by shedding differences – creed, religion-and empowering the women to
productively contribute to the progressive development of the society.
The
Rev, sisters of yesteryears gave a new lease of life to pillow lace industry,
which was unique to southerners as a cottage industry there by bringing the Sri
Lankan identity and dignity to focus. Thereafter a technical education unit for
adult students was set up for the first time in SL and thus craftsmanship of SL
women was introduced to the local market signifying a golden era in the
history. The construction work of SHC hostel of the school was also started in
1897 which saw the beginning of pillow lace industry. Besides, welfare program
was initialized to foster the needy children.
The
heartians who presently displays their talents both locally and internationally
in sporting arena, made their debut in 1912 by bringing glory to school with
several achievements in sporting events the year 1939 as saw the alimentative
of girl guide activities, which was aimed that training school girls for social
concerns.
Though
SHC had become a Sinhala medium school by 1945 the medium of instruction in
secondary classes was English. The first university entrant from SHC was
reported in 1946. In other outstanding achievements, all the students who sat
the G.C.E (senior) examination- a highly recognized exam of the era- had passed
with 100% results.
SHC
has record 7 principles who empowered the southern girls to climb up in their
social ladder by exposing themselves to numerous competitions- aesthetics,
multi languages, environmental affairs, quiz competitions, technology, science,
commerce, religion etc. These pillars of success of SHC remain as giants
forever in our minds.
Rev.Sr.Disna Siyaguna (2000 – 2010)
Rev.Sr.Pradeepika Perera
Rev.Sr.Patsy Nesamalar (From 2013- 2020 )
Rev. Sr. Sandya Rani Fernando (From 03- June- 2020)
Sacred
Heart Convent – undoubtedly the most sought after school in the Southern
Province marked its quasquicentennial year in 2021. It was quite heartening to
see Heartians around the country gather around the most sacred and closest
place to their hearts to mark the 125th year of their
beloved Alma Marter.
A commemorative school calendar was launched to mark this special milestone in the school history at an event held at the Centenary Hall of Sacred Heart Convent on 29th January. The former deputy principal Ms. Elizabeth Senanayake graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
SHC bade farewell to their exceptional
principal Rev.Sr. Patsy Nesamalar who retired from active service. She is a
marvelous person and strict disciplinarian. She guided the school with
initiative, energy and wisdom. Under her the school was upgraded an every
sphere of activity revitalized and she had an uphill task in maintaining the
standard of the school. SHC expresses its sincere gratitude to her for all her
exceptional contribution to the development of the school.