NEWSLETTER
Visakha Vidyalaya Old Girls' Association (VVOGA)
January 2004
Dear Members,
We wish all of you a Very Happy New Year. This newsletter is sent once again to keep you informed of news of Visakha and the activities undertaken by the Executive Committee of the OGA. It is our fervent hope that all Visakhians whatever generation they may be will continue to sustain their bond and interest with the destinies of their Alma Mater.
There has been a change at the helm, with a new President taking over. We take this opportunity to warmly welcome our new President, Mrs. Rupa Amarasinghe, who has just assumed duties as Principal at Visakha.
It is evident in our newsletters, the contribution by the OGA towards maintaining standards at Visakha is immense. On behalf of the Executive Committee we thank all members who have contributed in many ways during the past year. We hope that you continue to do so in the coming years. Your support has gone towards helping the present Visakhians achieve many successes and whilst we rejoice in their success, we are also aware that there are many of you who have made outstanding achievements in your own fields. Our congratulations go out to them.
May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you all!
Theja and Chandani
Visakha's new Principal to pay emphasis on audio visual aids in teaching
Mrs. Rupa Amarasinghe recently assumed duties as Visakha Vidyalaya's newest principal thus joining a long line of such distinguished persons who have contributed to the excellence of the school over a 85 year period of time. A graduate of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, she holds a B.Sc. degree in Science and a M.Sc. in Educational Management, in addition to Postgraduate Diplomas in Education and Educational Management.
With 15 years experience as a teacher of science and 08 years as a science lecturer at the Teacher Training College in Unawatuna, Mrs. Amarasinghe has also been a Zonal Director of Education and a former principal of Girls High School in Kandy.
Mrs. Amarasinghe's main focus of work for the school is the establishment of an audio-visual unit. She said she strongly believed in the effectiveness of modern methods of teaching. "The choke and talk" method is just not good anymore and is not effective anymore, I have plans to introduce the audio-visual system since it is far more interactive and benefits both students and teachers".
Describing her relationship with the students, Mrs. Amarasinghe said "As a teacher and mother myself, I understand a girl's psychology from Year 1 - Year 12. Praise, recognition and support are very important where necessary. This is far more effective than a whole book of rules.
She added that she counted herself very fortunate to have capable and reliable Deputy Principals and a very good staff to work with.
An area she stresses on is the importance of parent-child relationship, which is critical for a child's psychological makeup. Mrs. Amarasinghe went on to say that Visakhians, lead both in academic and non-academic fields, and that she would like to maintain this at all times.
"We already have English as a medium of instruction from Year 06 onwards. The recent Dinner Theatre project by the OGA was mainly to assist in this cause. If we are to go beyond geographical boundaries, it is critical that our girls are exposed as much as possible to the English Medium", she said.
Commenting on how she would balance Visakha's traditional image with the changing times, Mrs. Amarasinghe said, "I do not want to be modern and go with the tide merely for the sake of doing so. Visakha has a great tradition with sound values and principles. I see a constant dialogue taking place between myself, the staff, the old girls and students to maintain a rounded and responsible image for all Visakhians.
EVENTS UNDERTAKEN ...
Re-union trip
This event was held on the 5th of July 2003. It was a trip to 'Nugawela Walauwa', a beautiful Mansion, and the old girls had an enjoyable time.
Medical Camp
This was hekld on the 20th of July 2003. A panel of Medical Officers, consisting of past Visakhians, offered their services to the members of the Staff both present and past.
Susan George Pulimood Oration
This prestigious oration was held on the 23rd July 2003 and delivered by an eminent Old Girl, Dr. Asoka Bandarage.
"30 Days in September"
A Dinner Theatre was presented by the OGA on the 24th of August at Hotel Taj Samudra, which brought in substantial funds for the school.
World Elders' Day
Our members entertained the old ladies at the ACWBC on 2nd October in honour of the World Elders' Day.
Visit to Pamankada Sri Sanghamitta Vidyalaya - 25th November
Some members visited this school and donated shoes and socks and provided Buns and Milk to the needy students to mark World Children's Day.
"Guru Upahara" - 29th November
A Social to felicitate past teachers was very successful and most appreciated by the past teachers.
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On Saturday 13th of September about 450 bhikkus who attended the funeral of Ven. Madihe Pannaseeha thero, were served dana in our hall. It was at the request of the Vajirarama Dayaka Sabha. Many old girls participated. Some joined the funeral procession.
...
The Batch that entered School in 1959 had a Batch Get together in School with the blessings of the Principal.
EVENTS TO COME ...
Our 70th Anniversary
Our Association will complete 70 years next year. The OGA hopes to mark the event with a big celebration - gathering of the clan & the publication of a Souvenir. Please let us know the names & addresses of your schoolmates who are around 80, so that we may contact them. We would also like to know of your achievements, present position etc.
Visakha Walk - 28th February 2004
Organized by the SDS with the OGA assisting.
Aurudu Pola 2004 - 20th March 2004
This is scheduled for the 20th March and we hope to organize this on a grand scale. We need your patronage and support to obtain Trade Stalls and Banners. Those wishing to obtain Stalls, please confirm and give your details to the Secretariat at Tel. No. 2588229 or Jt. Secretaries Theja (Tel: 2501098) or Chandani (Tel: 2489287/2665083).
Requests
Members who could spare their time are required for various duties on a voluntary basis. Please Contact Jt. Sec. Theja/OGA Secretariat.
Old Girls who will have time to teach and guide in Computer based activities are also required.
Science Block
Our very first building is in a very bad state and needs urgent repairs. Send in your generous contributions. Donations to be sent by cheques 'Repair of Science Block'.
VVOGA Credit Cards
We need more members to obtain the VVOGA/Sampath Bank Affinity Credit Cards.
By doing so, your routine transactions will automatically bring in funds to the OGA. So please contact the OGA Secretariat or Sampath Bank to obtain your Affinity Credit Card.
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Congratulations! ... Dishni Wijesundera for being appointed Head Prefect 2003/2004. Her sister Asangi was Head Prefect 2000/2001. Their mother Dr. Anula Wijesundera nee Samaranayake was Head Girl in 1968/1969 and Anula's sister the late Manthri Ramasamy was Head Girl in 1965/1966. |
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Medical student N.G. Chandrani Pushpa Kumari who needed assistance was assisted by Ms. Lakshmi de Zoysa of the UK branch. |
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – 2003/2004
President : Ms. R. N. Amarasinghe (Ex-officio) Vice Presidents : Clodagh Fernando Sumana Saparamadu Joint Secretaries : Theja Nanayakkara Chandani Nanayakkara Treasurer : Devika Samaranayake Assistant Treasurer : Asha de Silva Committee Members : Updating Constitution: Vigilance Sub Committee: Samidhi Devapura Himani Rajasuriya Shantha Gunaratne Sharmini Almeida Religious Sub Committee: Anjalee Waidyaratne Education Sub Committee: Samitha Samaranayake Kuamri Guruge Anoma Abeysinghe Hemali Pasqual Social Sub Committee: Tuck Shop Sub Committee: Anusha Gallage Nita Liyanage Chamari Obeysekara Arunika Samaranayake Sports Sub Committee: Secretariat: Eranthi Premaratne Harini Gunawardena Vipula Amarasinghe Fund Raising Sub Committee: Sabitha Gunawardena Shrimathi Jayasuriya Sharmini De Almeida Publicity Sub Committee: Tharindra De Silva Social Sub Committee: Thilini Samarakoon Sita Siriwardena Damayanthi Rajapakse |
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