A Drama by the Junior Trinity College Literary Association Many of us have heard the vibrant and chivalrous tales of great heroes and knights in shining armour since our childhood. Most of these stories accompanied fire-breathing dragons, dangerous bridges or lakes of lava. We’ve also experienced the pureness and innocence of the childhood cartoons, books and films-all of which will shape and mould us to who we would become in the future. Not only being icons of absurd humour, simple storytelling and important morals, but beacons of inspiration that countless adults still seek for sake of nostalgia. One such dreamy memory is once upon a time, in the state of a toddler, watching Disney’s Pinocchio in colourful animations on the television. The story of Pinocchio was popular and reached all aspects of one’s life. As our mother’s used to say, “Son, don’t tell rotting lies or your nose will grow like Pinocchio’s!” It is with this I have to say that not many people have read the amazing original novel by Carlo Collodi concerning Pinocchio. The movie only showed what seemed like a fistful of the original character’s adventures, of which, in the book, contained all. The richness and heart of the book inspired an English teacher of The Middle School, Mrs. Madasekara, to organize an evening of drama to entertain the staff, parents and our colleagues. In the Junior Trinity College Literary Association meetings, the motion was forwarded and the President, along with the enthusiastic team quickly got together with certain paragraphs from the book. Each team had a plethora of members and the children gathered to practice only on Friday afternoons. Because of the creativity of the children’s own minds and their dedication it was not a hard task for us to prepare a blooming entertainment by the 13th of November. Many of our sectional heads and teachers expresses their will to appreciate our talents. The big day started with a short practice. The students didn’t even need scripts, as they were blessed with wonderful creativity. By afternoon, the children arrived with their dazzling DIY costumes that would’ve surprised a Broadway actor. At 5:15 pm in the middle of the setting sun, the principal, along with members of the staff graced the occasion in the Auditorium. The tension and excitement had reached crescendo. Finally, with our teacher’s approval, Sachintha Weerasinghe delivered the welcome speech. Amid applause, the Narrator introduced the audience to the magical world of Pinocchio. The first act kicked off with the scene of a cheery town, and a rugged ragamuffin encounters a talkative log. The Auditorium was full of laughter as the show progressed. Scene two delivered the delightful antics of two carpenters, and the third act brought out how Pinocchio wanted to go to school. Oh, how much did everyone laugh at the sight of Pinocchio struggling to walk? The fourth and final scene closed in with Pinocchio selling his schoolbooks to enter a world full of dangers. In-between the acts, two brilliant students acted out the story of The Pied Piper of Hamlin through epic and amusing poetry. The crowd was all laughs when the Narrator declared the show had ended. Thejaka Abeysekara gave out the vote of thanks, while Mrs. Madasekara closed in with explaining the importance of giving children the free reins. Everyone was treated with eatables that students so willingly brought from home. It is a fact to be considered that all the props were created by the budding actors themselves. Special thanks to Mrs. Madasekara who organized this occasion upto the minute details. The brilliant day concluded in a satisfying manner. The crowd went home with big smiles, and the students took home some beautiful memories to keep. Review by Isija Thilakarathne (Junior TCLA)
The Junior Literary Association of Trinity College is the Middle School counterpart of the TCLA. With the mission of promoting English literature in all its variety, we are involved in writing reviews, debating and organizing quiz competitions. Our most recent project focuses on poetry. The ‘Online Poetry Book’ is a collection of poems composed by the young members of the Junior Literary Association of Trinity College on a range of topics from humanity to rugby. It is an opportunity for us to express our views in a public forum, based on themes that we experience in our day to day lives, in and out of Trinity; some of the poems are of familiar meaning while the others are solely crafted by the wild imaginations of teenage masterminds. Due to this exquisite twist in the scenario the book comes with both foreseen and unforeseen narrations. Transforming children’s minds into words, we proudly present, “Word by Word – a book of poems”. Download “Word by Word – a book of poems” here!
The Junior Trinity College Literary Association, with TIC Mrs. Madasekara, as its first project, has introduced ‘Famous Speeches by Famous People’ in to the Middle School assembly. Every week a member of the Junior TCLA presents a famous speech that changed the course of humanity. The speaker first introduces the original speaker, speech and the time frame. He would also create the atmosphere of that time, venue and the necessary tension. Then, he would narrate the famous speech as it is. This is an ongoing project, some of the speeches delivered so far are: Winston Churchill’s ‘We will fight in the Beaches’ recited by R.M.P.M. Ratnayake, Abraham Lincoln’s ‘Gettysburg address‘ by S.K.A. Wavita, William Shakespeare, Mark Antony’s oration given in Caesar’s funeral by A.M. Jameel, Charlie Chaplain’s ‘Famous Speech from the Great Dictator‘ by H.M.D.S. Herath, Lakshman Kadirgamar’s speech to Sri Lanka Cricket after their World Cup loss to England by K.A. Tennekoon, Kumar Sangakkara’s MCC Cowdrey Lecture at Lords, 2011 by L. Rahula, Patrick Henry’s, ‘Give me liberty or give me death’ by S.J.B. Boyagoda, and Abdul Kalam’s ‘Dynamics of Unity of Nations’ addressed to the European Parliament by M. Zaffarullah. The main aim of this project is to introduce students to English literature and language. A speech is given for a reason, and listening to a speech delivered by a gentleman, with fully mastery of English is very valuable. In the recent years, most students at Trinity College seem to have lost interest in literature and lack an understanding of its value. The Junior TCLA established this project specifically in order to refine and polish students competency in the English language in a creative way. The speeches also provide a more dynamic way to teach students, rather than be limited to what is on our text books. It takes each and every seated student back in time to relive some of the world’s most defining moments. Characterization of the original orators is used to describe his/her personality. It gives the listener an immense feeling of empathy to think that this same speech was actually delivered for a much valid cause. All gratitude should be given to the Principal of Trinity College, for inspiring, encouraging and influencing the Junior TCLA to initiate such a project; the Choir Master, for giving his advice at the initiation of the project; the Headmaster of the Middle School, for giving the Junior TCLA the opportunity to continue this project; the Sectional Head, for motivating us to move the project forward. However, most gratitude must be given to our Teacher-in-Charge who thought, planned, and put this project in to action. The Junior TCLA aims to inspire the Middle School students, to help in the process of making them a true Trinitian. May you too be inspired by this project! The Junior Trinity College Literary Association
Most people outside would not know that we have gap year English teachers from the UK helping out in school, and apart from the Upper School students he teaches, the rest of us might not know Mr. Ed Gomm too well. We at the Junior Trinity College Literary Association thought why not interview him and see what he really feels about the College and his stay at Trinity. He joined us for an interesting interview and we were impressed by what he had to say: How long have you been in Sri Lanka? I arrived in Sri Lanka on the 2nd of September last year [2017]. So, about 9 months so far. Which part of the UK are you from? I am from a small little county in England called, ‘Rutland’. It’s right in the middle of Britain. It’s also called the ‘East Midlands’. What do you think of Trinity? What got you interested to come here and teach? I think teaching is a potential career path of myself. Instead of travelling after University, my mother asked, “Why not work and travel at the same time?” It so happened that the Principal is a close friend of ours. So, we got in touch with him, sent a few mails up and down and two months later here I am! What do you think of the boys here at Trinity? The boys here are nice but irritating at times like any other school boy, like I once was. But they all have ‘Hearts of Gold’. And, they are always willing to stick up for each other. That’s the reason why Trinitians have got a good reputation. Like I said they are all lovely guys! What do you think about the extension of school hours and the introduction of clubs and societies during the lunch break? I think it’s important that clubs and societies have been introduced. My old school clubs and societies were very important for all round development. So there’s no point (in my eyes) being an excellent academic or an excellent sportsman, if you can’t then balance it out with other interests and passions. It won’t get you the distance you want to go in life. And, school going on until 3 o’clock doesn’t bother me, because when I was your age sometimes I finished school at 6pm and started at 8am. So you guys complaining about 3 o’clock, you don’t know nothing! How would you describe Prince Edward’s visit? Have you met Royalty before? No, this was my first time I met royalty. It was a lovely occasion. Not very often do you get to meet Royalty and speak to them in person. And it was Sri Lanka’s 70th Independence, so all in all it was a lovely day. Any sports you take an interest in? I like lots of sports. I rate myself distinctly average in most sports apart from rugby and water polo, which are my two main sports. I joined the 1st XV team in their training sessions as well. I like playing hockey and cricket, although I’m not very good at them. But I HATE football. One of the very few Englishmen who hates football. You helped us with our drama The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes. Any other extra-curricular activities you take an interest in? I haven’t actually participated in many extra-curricular activities other than sports. But if the opportunity arises I would love to take part, and the drama was fantastic. After I made corrections to your pronunciation and accent, I thought the drama really changed quite a lot. Very funny from the start to the end. Thoroughly enjoyed it. How different is Trinity from the school you attended? Very different. My school had 1,100 students. It was a mixed school. I joined in Year 6, so I studied there for 8 years. We also had ‘Saturday School’, an idea that most of you boys would hate. It was very different, but both equally good. Which part of your stay did you enjoy the most? So far, I’ve not liked the rainy season, limits what I can do. Obviously, living away from home, there’s been ups and downs. But, it’s definitely been a fine experience and wonderful memories. Very fortunate to travel around the country with the school, and able to help out the way I can. Lots of treasured memories that I can take back home. Which section of Trinity attracted you the most? When I first came here I was told to help in the Junior School, but due to my temperament and the way I am, personally I didn’t think I would be best utilized down there. Ever since then I’ve been teaching English in the Upper School. I’ve loved coaching Rugby to the U12s. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. But, I’m happy to go any way. It’s all lovely and extremely friendly. We gained a lot from your stay here, what did you gain from working at College, anything you didn’t expect? PATIENCE. I had the worst patience. Trinity has taught me to be a very patient guy. There’s a very special bond between everyone in this school which is lovely. I’ve just grown up a lot and learnt to be more mature. Trinity has given me a lot of responsibilities and I’d like to think that I’ve left a good mark and an impact in the school. How was the Hostel? The hostel has got a giant screen tv, a jacuzzi…….. No, it doesn’t………. Ha-ha, It’s been perfect. I’ve got a lovely comfy bed, a warm shower (which no Sri Lankan seems to like!) I’ve got a small fridge, a kettle, my cup of tea in the morning. It’s got everything I need. Was it easy to settle down here in Sri Lanka? How long did it take? Couple of weeks. There was the excitement. Being away from mum and dad, living on my own. Different country, different culture. That whole excitement of learning about a new culture. Being in a
The Lakshman Kadirgamar auditorium was energized by high spirits on the 22nd May 2018 when the Junior Literary Association of Trinity College held its first major event. The event was organized in collaboration with Hillwood College’s Middle School Literary Association and consisted of a quiz, writing competition, and a debate. It was held in the Main Hall and the Library premises, and was conducted under the supervision and guidance of the teacher-in-charge of the Junior TCLA, Mrs. Madasekera. The chief guest was Dr. Madhuranda Kalugampitiya, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. The Literary Marathon was attended by the Chaplain, Principal, Vice Principal, Co. Vice Principal, Head of Administration, Head Master of the Middle School, School Prefects and members of both the senior and junior TCLAs as well. The Literary Marathon began in the Main Hall with the welcoming of the chief guest, Dr. Madhuranga Kalugampitiya and the Principal of Trinity College. Afterwards, an introduction to the programme was given by the Treasurer of the Junior TCLA, Kevin Tennekoon and a welcome speech by the President, Parinda Ratnayake. The Chief Guest and Principal then proceeded to the Creative Learning Centre along with the writers of both schools. The writing competition began after the topics were announced by Dr. Kalugampitiya. This was followed by the quiz, held in the auditorium. The quiz was very exciting, with both teams neck to neck with correct answers. The excitement was backed up by the ecstatic quiz masters, Mr. Aslam Marikar and Mr. Bryan Senaratne who kept the audience attentive. The quiz comprising three rounds concluded with Hillwood, captained by Miss M. Kasturiarachchi, scoring 115 and Trinity, captained by Master A.M. Jameel, scoring 95 points. Quiz Team, Hillwood College: Maheshi Kasturiarachchi, Maleena Dissanayake, Umaya Bandara, Nisindi Jayaratne, Visini Wickramaratne. Quiz Team, Trinity College: Abidh Jameel, Thejaka Herath, Thevindu Yatawara, Ryan Weerasekera, Muhammed Zaffrullah. The quiz was succeeded by the most eagerly awaited session, the debate. The topic ‘Digitalization Leads to Human Isolation’, which Hillwood proposed and Trinity opposed. With both teams firing points and counter-points, the Hillwood debaters displayed great talent and knowledge that impressed the audience, and the Trinitians proved nothing less on their first debate with another school. The debate was summed up by the two captains, Master R.M.P.M. Ratnayake and Miss Aliza Hussain, leaving the audience astonished. Debate Team, Hillwood College: Aliza Hussain, Nirmalene Morel, Aparna Seneviratne, Menure Mapa. Debate Team, Trinity College: Parinda Ratnayake, Sherwain Wavita, Kevin Tennakoon, Shevindra Herath, Lolonyo Rahula The Judges’ remarks were not read out as the debate had been a friendly. The Chief Guest then addressed the audience on the marathon, mentioning the students in Sri Lanka who are not privileged enough to learn English and how we should have programmes to promote the world’s spoken language in rural schools. Afterwards, the Secretary of Junior TCLA Master Shevindra Herath proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the association. This was followed by refreshments provided by the school. Overall, the event was a great success and marks a new era of literary engagement in Trinity College as the President of the Junior TCLA, Parinda Ratnayake stated in his welcome speech, “…the newly formed Junior Literary Association works with the mission of restoring the past glory of the most prestigious association at Trinity, the Trinity College Literary Association.” The Junior TCLA hopes to organize this as an annual event, promoting debating, writing and knowledge of young students in both schools. Review by Junior Literary Association of Trinity College. More images are available on our Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/trinitycollegekandy/albums/72157669267020808