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Dear
Thomian Old Boy , S Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa
I am addressing
this letter to you as a loyal old Thomian. You
may have heard that Gurutalawa is going through a financial crisis. Its
appeal to parents and boys has diminished vastly from the time of Dr
Hayman and Fr Foster. There are many reasons for this. In 1989 the then
Headmaster was murdered at night in the Headmaster’s Bungalow. Since
then, the administration has also weakened. Coupled with the upgrading
of National Schools in the vicinity and the lack of attention given to
English as a taught and spoken language and to sports, hiking, farming
and other extra-curricular outdoor activities for which Gurutalawa has
had an enviable tradition, the numbers seeking admission has dropped
considerably. This has resulted in a weakening of the financial
viability of the school. We
have now a good Headmaster in Gladwin Canagasabey who is enthusiastic
and committed. The Board of Governors, of which I am Chairperson, and a
group of loyal old boys are working with the Headmaster to address the
weaknesses in the present scheme of things as we are all convinced that
Gurutalawa for which the de Sarams, Hayman and Foster spent themselves,
must go on. It still has a relevant contribution to make to integrated
education in While many old boys have rallied round to support the re-construction of the infra-structure of the school such as the refurbishment of the Dormitories and swimming pool, providing computers, building of an English Laboratory etc. an equally vital aspect that requires support if this endeavour is to succeed is the need for bursaries for boys from modest homes. It
is for this reason that I invite you to participate in a scholarship
scheme, recently approved by the Board, for 100 students at the rate of
Rs 1,000/- per month for two years: you personal friendship over the
years gives me the confidence to call you. Your contribution at this
rate could be paid monthly or as a lump sum. For very obvious reasons I
look forward to a prompt and encouraging response from you. On
hearing from you, the Hony Treasurer of the Board of Governors will
communicate with you. With
Peace and Blessings. Yours sincerely, Chairperson
– S Thomas’ Board of Governors |
