ST. LAWRENCE’S MONTESSORIHOUSE OF CHILDREN WELLAWATTAFLASH BACK OF THE SHEPHERDIAN INTERVENTION
SINCE 1957
With The arrival of the of the Good Shepherd Irish sisters in 1955, to St. Lawrence’s School, Wellawatte, drastic changes began to take place rapidly.
The need to run a Montessori arose with bright rays of hope. This dream became a reality in 1957, when Mother Mary of St. Finbarr Twomey was elected the 2nd Mother superior in January she initiated to renovate a very old dilapidated building which was in the main entrance. It was extended and made into a Montessori School.
Rev, Mother Mary of St. Ita Cleery then directress of the Montessori Training Centre at St. Bridget’s Convent was the chief guest for the opening ceremony of the Montessori. The first Principal of the Montessori was Rev. Sr. Mary of the Blessed Sacrament. The Montessori House of Children had 4 Class rooms each consisting of 53 Children. On the 15th of June 1958, Sr. Mary of Lourdes was appointed the 2nd Principal; her successor was Rev. Sr. Mary of Magdalene.
This Montessori was renovated and refurnished once again, during the tenor of Sr. Mary of Magdalene Fernando, who increased another Class – room, Made arrangements for a hall as well as a small stage typical for children. The renewed Montessori was blessed and declared open by Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Marcus, the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo.
Staff in 1988
As time passed the number of Admissions gradually increased. Reading the sings of the time to have a two – storey building, the old house was demolished in 2002, during the time of Sr. Solange Fernando. The new building comprised of 8 Class rooms, a computer room and more wash rooms for both children and for the adults were newly built. During this time of renovation, the Montessori was functioned in a hall which belonged to Dutch Reformed Church, at Calvin Hall No 363, Galle Road, Colombo 6.
On the 26th, of June 2003 the foundation stone for the new building was laid by Rt. Rev. Dr. Marius Peiris. On the 20th January 2004 the new building – a magnanimous “white House” that proudly stands on the left side of Galle road was blessed and opened by Rev. Fr. Joseph Benedict, then Parish Priest of St. Lawrence’s Church.
In the new building two more classes were created by Rev. Sr. Dulcy Pieris in 2012. At present the principal of the Montessori is Rev. Sr. Martina Fernando. This well-known and prestigious Montessori caters for about 200 Students in 10 Class rooms. We are blest with dedicated staff with 10 teachers who have the A. M. I. Qualification, a qualified teacher for Music and a minor supportive staff
The Children are privileged to learn in safe class rooms. The class rooms are equipped with materials for development; these materials invite the child to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. This is a very homely place which has a beautiful little garden with play area and recreational facilities.
Having grasped and absorbed various teachings on Exercises of practical life, Sensorial, Mathematics and Language the students excel well in their activities which leads to studies, especially in their higher education. May St. Lawrence’s Montessori House of Children grow from Strength to strength.
Sisters who have served as principals since 1957.
Present Principal
Rev Sr. Martina Fernando
ST. LAWRENCE’S MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN WELLAWATTA
Our Mission
We give our best to help children grow independently in a learning environment where every child is respected and supported individually.
- We only employ qualified professional staff.
- We promise to care for your child’s individual requirements.
- High staff to child ratio ensures your child receives lots of care and attention.
- Total security throughout with coded entrance locks and CCTV cameras to all areas.
- Individual children's play areas with soft surfacing.