Christmas at SIS

‘Tis the season to be jolly! 'The Christmas spirit was delivered to Stafford International School immediately after the Christmas star was placed on the Christmas tree located in the school premises.

It was like an enchantment had been lifted when the Academic Director, Mr Suvin Wettimuny and the Principal, Mrs Gowri Palipane of Stafford International School, one of the leading international schools in Colombo, commenced the tradition of placing the Christmas star on top of the Christmas tree on the 28th of November 2019.

This Northern European tradition of placing the star on the Christmas tree first originated in Livonia (presently known as Estonia and Latvia) and has been continued ever since. It generally occurs at the beginning of Advent which is the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas including the four preceding Sundays.

The star of Bethlehem not only symbolizes the shining hope of humanity and the path which God said to follow but it also symbolises the heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long ago. The night sky would undoubtedly not be as beautiful if not for any stars. Some other famous Christmas symbols are Mistletoe, bells and gifts with a bow.

To start the Christmas season, SIS will conduct its annual Carol Service. It will take place on the 13th of December at the cathedral, The Church of the Living Savior at 5:30pm. The service will undoubtedly be sensational! Mrs Priyanthi Seneviratne Van Dort, the Choral Director of the school, proudly stated, ‘In my short period as their director I have seen so much of progress. This year there are about 40 students participating in the carol service. These students are from Form 2 to A/Levels. The choir also consists of students from all religions, which is, I feel is fantastic and a great gesture of unity!’

In addition to the Carol Service there are also other goodwill projects that have been organized by the Interact Club, Gavel Club and the Psychology Club. This year, both the Interact Club and the Psychology Club will be collaborating. Members will be going to the Colombo School of Special Education and will be donating both food items and other gifts. Along with this, the Gavel Club will also be spreading plenty of Christmas cheer by donating gifts and stationery to approximately 150 students in the Indira Cancer Trust.

Students of Stafford are also encouraged to give back to the society as much as they can during this beloved period. Staffordians are not only be encouraged to give back to the under privileged by means of food supplies, gifts and other goods but are also encouraged to spread the Christmas cheer! These noble efforts make Stafford International School one of the best international schools in Sri Lanka .