Kingswood Demands Your Heart and Soul
No matter whether you are a student or a teacher Kingswood demands your heart and soul both. “None for himself, but all for the school.” Is true to its word. If you are not willing to do that, you may study or teach there for any number of years but you’ll walk out of those gates feeling empty and unsatisfied.
My Days and Memories at Kingswood
The first time I walked through the gates of Kingswood College one January morning in 1990 little did I know that it was to be the beginning of the most memorable and beautiful eighteen years of my life. As a young teacher who had studied in a girls’ school I was very nervous when I got a teaching position as an English teacher at Kingswood College. I still remember the Principal Mr Rabukwella’s words to me. As if he had read my thoughts he said, “Mrs Winter, we call our boys gentlemen of Kingswood, and we expect them to behave like gentlemen, if you have any problem come and see me.
I never had a problem. I taught English from grade six to twelve. Every year I looked forward to being a class teacher. As a class teacher I was blessed to share the students’ journey and to be a part of it. Most of all I took pride in moulding these boys who came from every walk of life into gentlemen. All through the years I watched the small boys grow into young adults. Men, who would one day walk out of the gates of Kingswood as gentlemen in every form and manner.
I have a great respect and love for Mr Rambukella. He was the principal of the school when I started at Kingswood. You only had to look at his face. The commanding feature was his moustache covered half of his mouth. You never knew whether he was smiling or not. The ladies’ staff room was just next to his office. We could see into his office through the glass of the side door. He rarely raised his voice. When a student was called into his office and when he shut the door and took off his watch at the same time we knew the student was in great trouble. His love for the school was immense. I was fortunate to be there and to be a part of the Kingswood centenary celebrations. I know what length of trouble and sacrifice he made to print the Story of Kingswood and his keenness to start the “Our Boys” magazine again.
Mr Rambukwella steered the ship of Kingswood with pride and honour. He gave nothing but the best to the school, and expected nothing but the best from his staff and the Gentlemen of Kingswood. There were four Principals during my time in the school. But it was Mr Ranjith Chandrasekara who led Kingswood in the path of glory. Nothing stopped Mr Chandrasekara from doing the best to the school. Whether it was landscaping or building a computer lab he found a way. He was a people person who understood the value of the old boys of the school and brought them together.
We as the staff enjoyed the times of the big match. We all did the duties with much enthusiasm. Our job as the staff was made easy by the Prefects Court who undertook the biggest workload of which maintaining discipline and order was a crucial part. My sincere thanks and respect goes to all the Gentlemen who were in the Prefects Court. They did everything with pride and devotion because they loved the school. Again proving, “None for himself, but all for the school.”
One of the biggest celebrations of the school was the Kingswood week. Starting with the religious ceremonies. The week following led to the Prize Giving. It was all a family affair. Everyone had something to do. I enjoyed writing the invitations and sending them out. And training and practicing the Prologue, which is still unique only to Kingswood. We as the staff took pride in the event of celebrating the achievements of the Gentlemen of Kingswood in all aspects. I considered this to be the most glamourous event and took pride to dress accordingly. I have never missed a single prize giving day.
Another unforgettable event would be the annual all Island Shakespeare Drama competition. We all practiced hard. And put a lot of hours and effort. This was a time when there was no internet to research we learnt about the play by reading and watching the BBC productions which we borrowed from the British Council library. Though we didn’t always win, it was important for a team to be representing the college. Then in 2001 Vihanga Perera who played the part of King Henry won two awards. One for the Best Actor. It was a huge achievement. But the best thing I remember was how Vihanga was reciting his lines all the way to Colombo. And then coming back in the night after winning the awards Vihanga was again reciting his lines. I believe one main reason for winning the awards that year was team work and Vihanga’s dedication and devotion to his role. Vihanga became King Henry.in that moment of time.
Khan’s Christmas Gift
I would like to end this narrative with one funny incident (which was not funny at the time). If I remember right it was 1993: Deshan Dissanayaka was the Head Prefect that year. I was the class teacher of 7D. Mrs Dawn Liyanage and I were getting ready for the annual Christmas Carol Service with the Christian students. We needed a Christmas tree to decorate. We asked around for one without any luck. Then one morning while I was marking the register in my class I asked the children whether anyone had a Cyprus tree in their gardens that we could have. Nobody had one.
Then from the back of the class Khan lifted his hand. He was jumping up and down in his seat, “We have one madam.” He said. Knowing Kahn too well I was a bit reluctant to believe him. “Ask him madam.” said Kahn again pointing to his friend Jayasundara. Before I could say anything Jayasundara said “Yes madam, he has one.” Anyway I told him to get permission from his mother and tell me the next day. The next morning the two friends told me it was alright and that we could have it anytime we want. When I told Deshan and Dawn they were suspicious of the two but we decided to trust them.
Just to let you know why we had so much doubt was, Jayasundara and Khan were the ones who got together and stole Mr Rabukwella’s chickens. And on Fridays when Khan left school early for prayers Jayasundara would also go. When I told him that it was only for the Muslim students Jayasundara told me that his whole family had got converted to Islam. He kept doing this until I got a tip from a student and got down his mother to the school.
On the day of the carols Khan told me that someone must come with him and cut the tree. So, I sent the Head Prefect Deshan and a few boys to bring the tree. Deshan came with the tree. It was a beautiful big Cyprus tree. I was surprised that his mother let us have it.
Deshan told me “Madam I didn’t like it one bit. We had to jump over a fence and cut the tree,” he said. And when Deshan had asked Khan as to why they had to jump through a fence to his own garden Khan had said that his mother was out and that he had forgotten to take the key. We had a wonderful Carol service with the Christmas tree.
The following days were very busy making the reports for the year end. The day before the school holidays I was in my class writing the reports when Wickrama came to the class and told me that there was someone to see me. While walking to the office Wickrama told me that the man is furious because someone had stolen his Cyprus tree. He didn’t have to tell me anymore. I realised what had happened. By the time, I went to the office I was sweating. There was a big tall man with a beard standing in the corridor. I slowly walked to him and introduced myself.
He told me that he had got to know that I had sent boys to his house while he was away and cut his Cyprus tree that he lovingly grew for six years. And now he was there to see the principal and complain. By this time, Dawn and Dashan too came to the scene. I couldn’t let him go to Mr Rambukwella. I would rather die first. And to make the matter worse I couldn’t tell the principal that it was the Head Prefect who cut the tree. After much pleading, we agreed to pay him RS 1500 after the school holidays. I am not going to tell you what I did to the two scoundrels. But during the school holidays I prayed and asked God never to see that man again. And I didn’t.
When you do your job whole heartedly and respect and guide those boys you will not be disappointed. They will respect and love you back. They are not perfect but they are a lovely bunch, these Gentlemen of Kingswood.
KCK forever!
Agnes Winter taught English at Kingswood from 1990 to 2010 and played influential roles in many co-curricular programmes at the time including the school’s Shakespeare Drama outfit and the Christian Movement. Visit HERE for an interview with Mrs. Winter as she reflects on aspects of Kingswood and her time spent at Randles Hill.
By Agnes Winter