Mother Xavier of Holy Family Convent Jaffna sent six sisters to establish a convent of the Holy Family at Kurunegala on 29 August 1870. The parish priest and parishioners welcomed them warmly when the six Irish sisters arrived at Kurunegala on 8 September 1870. The sisters established the Holy Family Convent in Kurunegala. They were assisted at Benediction in the parish church, and they had their first meal in the Mission House.
Mother M. Josephine Bastide took charge of the new community in November 1870. The first building of the school was located where the Kurunegala Post Office stands today. Classes began in this building. Sisters lived in two houses, one was then known as Daniel’s House. By 1871, classes in both English and Sinhala medium were begun. The total number of students was 42. When visited by the school inspectors, they promised to get the school approved, because there were more than 40 students. The subjects taught were, music, painting, needlework, English, and French.
In 1872, Archbishop Bonjean paid his first visit to the new community. In June of the same year, the Director of Education visited the school, and a government school with its furniture was handed over to the sisters. A piece of land was bought (where the present school stands). Plans were made immediately to work for the new school. By December 1873, sisters went to the new Convent building and in the 1870s the new borders were received.
In June 1876, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes statue was presented by Rev. Fr. Duffo O.M.I. and it was inaugurated in the school premises. The statue of the sacred heart arrived from France.
The Sinhala School was built in 1882. In 1886 orphans were given a more spacious residence. Boys up to age 10 were also allowed to come to the sisters’ school. In 1988 June, there were 116 children in the mixed Sinhalese school. The work done was satisfactory.
Past Principals
1870–1880 – Mother M. Josephine 10 years
1880–1886 – Sr. M. Stanislaus 6 years
1886–1903 – Mother M. Ambrose 7 years
1903–1911 – Sr. M. Carmel 8 years
1911–1931 – Sr. M. Brenda 21 years
1931–1937 – Mother Aquinas Flynn 7 years
1937–1965 – Mother Aquinas O’Neil 28 years
1965–1976 – Sr. M. Raphael de Silva 11 years. Served in school from 1959
1977–1988 – Sr. Yves Marie Cadados 11 years
1988–1996 – Sr. Ida Perera 8 years
1996–2003 – Sr. Henrieta Perera 7 years
2003 - 2013 – Sr. Sriyani Rodrigo 10 years
2013 - 2020 - Sr. Tricilda Fernando 7 years
2020 onwards - Sr. Priyangani Perera
Notable alumni
This is a list of notable alumni from Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala.
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