Lyceum International School –Kurunegala – Lifting its Glory. The journey has just begun, we strive to achieve worthy goals.

By: D.M. Nadeeshani Dissanayake

“Lyceum our dear school, a school we proudly praise, to produce global citizens who will reshape the future of their motherland. To enhance the potential of every young soul that passes through our halls, empowering them to the best they can be.” The vision of the school respectively steers the mission and that is the spirit of Lyceum International Schools. A few years ago, a beautiful dream of adding another family member to the Lyceum Network, sprouted in his mind. As a consequence of his dream, the founder of the Lyceum Network Dr. Mohan Lal Grearo, his beloved wife, the Coordinating Principal Dr. Kumari Grearo along with his son, the former Principal Sir Nikitha Grearo perceived the youngest family member, only blessed with 136 students, 15 teachers in 5 classes in the historic city Kurunegala on the 16th of September 2016, three years before with high expectations of flourishing their dream into full bloom.

It was not yet a day in the calendar, a historic day in the School calendar as it was the enthralling beginning of Lyceum International School Kurunegala. This young sapling rooted and has flourished today nearly with 1000 students, 130 teachers, and with a rapid rise academically and resourcefully. The 16th of September 2019, was a mesmerizing and delightful day to the youngest member of the Lyceum family, which celebrated her 3rd Anniversary with immense pride. This is the precise time to appreciate the great service she has rendered to North Western Province along with the memories of the foundation on her 3rd birthday. And looking to the future while sharing our thoughts and plans for what comes next as well.

Being the youngest school, fostered and nurtured youngsters could help them to succeed. It’s always nice to share joy, energy and spirit that are commonly associated with youth. Lyceum International School, Kurunegala offers blooming buds, a chance to bloom into colourful flowers in pursuing excellence in education and to witness the remarkable achievements of our alma mater. Yet three years, but her glory is waving high in the Elephant Rock City along with her talented students and dedicated staff. Many achievements, successful events specially crossing the country border to reach heights with students’ accomplishments, highlight our school’s maturity.

This proves vividly participating for the Global Social Leaders Summit; The GSL Goals Competition attracted 848 teams, spanning 86 countries,a total 4240 young people and 85,838 collective volunteering hours completed and glad to pen that Lyceum, Kurunegala GSL team received the Junior Outstand award at the ceremony of GSL,World Summit,which was recently hosted in the United Kingdom and four of Lyceumers from Kurunegala represented Sri Lanka at the Global Social Leaders World Summit for the first time in Lyceum School history and brought pride to the nation.This is a great breakthrough of Lyceum Kurunegala in her three years time of commitment. Sports build good habits, confidence and discipline.

They make players into community leaders and teach them how to strive for a goal, handle mistakes and cherish opportunities. Lyceum Kurunegala, Athletic Training is conducted five days a week. We have practices for Grade one and Grade two as Kiddies Athletics on Wednesday, Beginners Squad on Tuesday and Thursday and Squad on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. At Divisional Primary Athletic Tournament 2018, our young, energetic athletes have achieved the 2nd place and they achieved the 3rd place at the Zonal Primary Athletic Championship proving that they are the future Olympics dreamers of the nation. Brass Band was commenced in the end of 2018 and practices are held on every Wednesday from Grade Four upwards.

Chess practices are conducted on every Monday and Saturday from Grade One upwards. Our school chess players have played extremely well at the recent tournaments. One of the Lyceumers of Kurunegala, ranked in All Island Chess Championship 2019, Under 7 Girls’ Category. Squad and Squad "A" are formed and practices are held on Monday and Friday under the supervision of our Cricket coach with the vision of producing talented Cricketers to wave our nation’s flag internationally. Gymnastic practices are held on every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The young gymnasts have been completed the Level Test 1 proving their flexibility. Lyceum International School Kurunegala, moulds the young spirits with self-discipline, introducing Karate for kids in grade One and above.

Our young Karate team participated in All Island Itosukai Karate Championship 2018, and secured a gold medal and two bronze medals at 27th North Western Province Karate Championship 2018 and not halting, they proved they are the best by achieving a gold medal and two bronze medals in Kumite. The world is full of poetry. The air is living with its spirit, and the waves dance to the music of its melodies and sparkle in its brightness. Young souls only flourish and enliven in spring if they add a musical rhythm to their lives. Aesthetic subjects are vital for the development of children and here at Lyceum, we have provided facilities to improve our Aesthetic side in both Western and Cultural music and dancing.

Concerts are held annually to showcase their talents in grade-wise. The skillful Dancing troupe of Lyceum International School ,Kurunegala unmasked their skills by performing for the first time at "Mathra 11" which was held at the end of 2018 at the BMICH. The most triumphant moment in the school logbook was, outstanding and symphonic performances of the school orchestra at the Western Band and Orchestra Concert in 2018. Our School Western Band climbed the heights winning the All Island First Place in Instrumental - Own Choice Group organized by British Lanka Festival for the Performing Arts. Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.

Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers and the wonderful thing is, that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open, with this purpose, our students get ample of opportunities to be lost in pages and chapters as the school spacious Junior Library is stocked with periodicals and impressive intex of titles covering a collection of both Fiction and Non Fiction , these have been selected for the informative and educational value catering to the age group of junior school. Childern are encouraged to make full use of these facilities in order to foster healthy reading habits. This creates a well diciplined, child friendly environment where each student fonds of reading a book always.

The youngsters are well endowed to challenge the modern world as they ignite their passion in learning Information Technology and attempt on innovative ideas as the ICT labotary is well equipped with modern computers and internet facilities . Not only the child's education but also, the wellbeing and child's healthy habits are highly concerned at the school. The school cafeteria offers a range of healthy snacks, organic fruits and beverages served throughout the day.This system encourages the child to be more aware of healthy eating habits in a world where each consumes toxic food more.

Moreover, the most essential duty of the school is innovative, child centered teaching methods in fully furnished classrooms with interactive whiteboards and conductive learning environment. This sharpens the child's excellence in studies to link with the global education. Lyceum Adventure Park, a family friendly, nature filled amentity rich campground in Kurunegala which offers campers a memorable and get back to nature camping experience and this is the best gift any child could own as they are free to strech themselves involving in outbound activities.

At present, the school continues to move forward with the effective leadership of our dear Principal Sir Chandana Basnayake who always reminds us ; our dream is big, let’s work for it as one family, along with all the heads of the departments, teachers and all the committed departments who serve dedicated service to keep Lyceum flag high in Kurunegala. Our promising young students who have reached a milestone in life are earnestly looking forward to face new challenges ahead. We also have parents who always support the school with unfailing and selfless love and teachers who are passionate and tireless in leading and nurturing their students.

This is the reason behind accomplishments of our loving alma mater. As a young member of the Lyceum family , we all share the same mission nurturing us and bringing out the best in us. With a tree, all the growth takes place at the growing tips. Humanity is exactly the same. All the growth takes place at the growing tip : among that one percent of the population. It's made up of pioneers, the beginners. That's where the action is. This inspires Lyceum International School, Kurunegala to reach leaps and bounds ahead. I offer my heartfelt wishes to our school, Lyceum International School Kurunegala, up on her success on her 3rd Anniversary. I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set her free!! Let Lyceum International School,Kurunegala shine and sparkle beyond the boundaries.