Holy Family Convent – Kurunegala (HFCK) has become one of Kurunegala’s most comprehensive all girls high schools, offering its students ever expanding educational opportunities.

History

Mother Xavier of Holy Family Convent Jaffna sent 6 sisters to establish a convent of the Holy Family at Kurunegala on 29 August 1870. The Parish Priest and Parishioners welcomed them warmly when the six Irish sisters arrived at Kurunegala on 8 September 1870, The six Irish sisters established Holy Family Convent in Kurunegala. They were assisted at Benediction in the Parish Church, and they had their first meal in the Mission House.

Mother M. Josephine Bastide Took charge of the new community in November, 1870. The first building of the school was located where the Kurunegala Post Office stands today. Classes began in this building. Sisters lived in two houses, one was then known as Daniel’s House. By 1871, classes in both English & Sinhala medium was begun. The total number of students were 42. When visited by the school inspectors, they promised to get the school approved, because there were more than 40 students. The subjects taught were, music, painting, needle work, English and French.

In 1872, Archbishop Bonjean paid his first visit to the new community. In June of the same year, the Director of Education visited the school and a government school with its furniture was handed over to the sisters. A piece of land was bought (where the present school stands). Plans were made immediately to work for the new school. By December 1873, sisters went to the new Convent building and in the 1870s the new boarders were received.

In June 1876, the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes statue was presented by Rev. Fr. Duffo O.M.I. and it was inaugurated in the school premises. The statue of the sacred heart arrived from France.

The Sinhala School was built in 1882. In 1886 orphans were given a more spacious residence. Boys up to age 10 were also allowed to come to the sisters’ school. In 1988 June, there were 116 children in the mixed Sinhalese school. The work done was satisfactory.

Mission

“Founded on the Holy Family Spirit ‘God Alone’ inspired with human, social, cultural and spiritual values which mould into exemplary women who are ready to face challenges of TOMORROW through EDUCATION.”

Vision

“We aim at developing balanced and creative personnel with the feminine qualities highlighting purity, loyalty, truth and charity elevating the intellectual powers to the best of their abilities and thus to render a service witnessing that “Unity is strength”.