St. Paul’s Girls’ School, Milagiriya which began as a parish school of the Anglican, St. Paul’s Church, Milagiriya has marked many successful milestones in its 137-year history. The school which at the time began with four teachers and 24 students has now grown to educate 3,415 girls.
Though the school’s academic performance began to drop in 2015, today the school is among one of the best in Sri Lanka for education and extra-curricular activities under the guidance of its principal Dr. Sumedha Jayaweera. Jayaweera with 17 years of experience under her belt as a principal is the only school principal with a doctorate in the country.
The school administration raised the school’s scholarship cut off marks from 163 to 185 in 2021 and increased its (G.C.E) Ordinary Level examination pass percentage from 74 percent to 98 percent.
Some 273 students who sat the examination in 2021 qualified for their advanced level examination. The school has also improved its performance at the advanced level examination since.
From the year 2014 to the year 2021, the number of passes from 36 percent in Mathematics has increased to 72 percent, from 47 percent to 75 percent in science, from 20 percent to 85 percent from arts, and from 74 percent to 98 percent in Commerce. They also increased the pass rate for the subjects of Catechism, Christian, Science English Medium General up to 100 percent.
Overcoming challenges
Lessons during the Covid-19 pandemic were conducted using Microsoft Teams. Teachers were provided with training on using the communication platform while Dr. Jayaweera supervised the lessons. The school ensured that all students struggling with online lessons were supported at all times. Mobile phones were provided through donations to students unable to purchase them while extra lessons were conducted for students who missed lessons during the time. Morning assembly and parent-teacher meetings were also held online.
Assessments were also conducted online and a systematic marking scheme was implemented despite the obstacles due to the pandemic. Revision lessons were held for one hour every morning before the start of school. Students with low marks were also supported with extra lessons every evening.
 Principal Dr Sumedha Jayaweera (the only principal with a doctorate) |
Students were subjected to self assessment and cross assessment methods allowing them to lay claim to a report marked ‘commendable’ for obtaining marks over 75 for every subject.
English Language Day under the guidance of the principal was held online as well while the school even organised an online prize-giving to motivate its students.
In 2017, St. Paul’s Girls’ School became the first green school in Sri Lanka and is the only school to go solar.
Many achievements
 The media unit |
Among its many achievements, the school won the female leadership in education award in 2019 and 2020. It is also one of the A grade schools in Sri Lanka from 2018. The school also won the ‘2021 Excellence in Education Award for Mental Health’ from India for maintaining the mental health of students during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2019, Dr. Sumedha Jayaratne was also named as the best principal in Sri Lanka by the Ministry of Education.
The school does not have a disciplinary board as students are supervised by class teachers.
Facilities have been provided for students to meditate daily while a ‘Good deeds book’ introduced motivates students as well.
Tuesdays are dedicated to study English speech while the students are also trained on proper dining etiquette.
They are also allowed to air their grievances to the Principal directly through the letters to the Principal program.
The school is also currently excelling in sports and other activities. The students have marked their successes in gymnastics, hockey, karate, and handball by winning all-island championships.
The school has also excelled in chess, badminton and table tennis along with squash and kabbadi at zonal level. The school also has an active media unit and strives to improve the school’s image through its efforts.
Dr. Sumedha Jayaweera is supported in developing the school by Deputy Principals M.H Harshani Sampath, Inoka Ranasinghe, S.C Ranasinghe, R.M.P.S Manike and A.D.T.V Ariyaratne.
The Past Pupils Association has also made great sacrifices for the school. The group of 72 provides a Rs. 2,000 monthly scholarship to students with economic hardships while parents, students and the school development board have also rendered its assistance for the school’s success.
The teaching staff
The prefects with the teachers-in-charge