Ever wonder how a school embodies resilience and tradition? St Bridget’s Convent does just that. Founded in 1902, St Bridget’s Convent stands as a pillar of girls’ education in Colombo. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd Congregation established it. They continue to administer it today.
Initially, classes occurred in a rented house. This house was on Turret Road. It was known as The Firs. Two sisters from Good Shepherd Convent Kotahena started the school.
St Bridget’s Convent is located in Colombo 7. It is also known as Cinnamon Gardens. The school is bordered by several significant locations. These include Maitland Crescent and Independence Square. You will also find it near C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha and Horton Place.
The school has three sections. There is a Montessori school for the youngest students. A primary school educates children in grades 1 to 5. The collegiate school provides further education. St Bridget’s Convent has a large student body. The primary school alone has 975 students. They are spread across 30 classes. Instruction is offered in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
The students proudly call themselves Bridgetines. The Good Shepherd Congregation manages St Bridget’s Convent. They provide a nurturing environment.
The school’s emblem reflects its heart. The motto is ‘Gently and Firmly’. It guides the school’s operations. The emblem includes several symbols. A fountain symbolizes learning. Dark green leaves and a shamrock represent the sisters’ Irish origins. They also show their resilience. A Shepherd’s Crook refers to the Good Shepherd sisters. It signifies God guiding his flock.
The school’s patron saint is St Bridget. She is the patron saint of Ireland. Her feast is celebrated on February 1 each year.
St Bridget’s Convent has four houses. These houses exist in both the primary and collegiate schools. Borgia House’s motto is ‘Charity to All, Malice to None’. Coudert House’s motto is ‘Fidelity to Duty is the Path to Glory’. Griaux House’s motto is ‘Onwards and Upwards’. Melizan House’s motto is ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall’. These houses are named after key figures. They were involved in the school’s early development.
Several notable women attended St Bridget’s Convent. Chandrika Kumaratunga was a former President of Sri Lanka. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the world’s first female Prime Minister. Sunethra Bandaranaike is a socialite and philanthropist. Ezlynn Deraniyagala was Sri Lanka’s first female Barrister. Mignonne Fernando is a singer and songwriter.
St Bridget’s Convent stands as a testament to education. It is a place where young women are nurtured. The school’s rich history and traditions continue to shape lives. The vision of producing shepherdesses. Shepherdesses who uphold spiritual and holistic values. St Bridget’s Convent remains a beacon of learning in Colombo.