Methodist Girls’ High School was a precious thought that crossed the mind of the Wesleyan Missionary, Rev. Thomas Squance, who founded the school first and purchased a plot of land in 1817. Later in 1823, he built one classroom and a bungalow, and a little later a Tamil medium primary school was also started there.
As girls were not allowed to go to school in those days, only boys were admitted and it progressed well. It was recommended that English should be taught as a subject in schools in 1833. In 1838, within the same premises, Rev Dr Peter Percival started the Wesleyan Mission Central School, and Tamil medium school was the feeding School.
As the girls were not allowed to go to school, it was a difficult task for the missionaries to educate girls. In spite of the opposition, they were able to persuade some of the parents, and their daughters were taught to read and write. This achievement encouraged the missionaries and they wanted to develop the process further. At that time, Rev W R Winston and his wife were of immense help to them.
In 1875, the Wesleyan Central College started by Rev. Peter Percival, was shifted to its present site where Hartley College stands. After girls started to go to school, the area of the primary school was extended and more buildings were put up. In 1875, it became the Girls’ Boarding School (G.B.S.). It was a turning point in the development of the school. Gradually, classes were added from grade 3 to grade 8. More land adjoining the school was acquired and necessary buildings including the new office were built.
During the period from 1878 to 1894, the school management was able to hire efficient staff including people like Mr. Arunachalam, Mr. Samuel Aramboo, Mr. Henry Chinnathamby and Mr. John M. Veluppillai. Mr. Jackson was the Head Master. After Mr Jackson, Miss. Bestall, Miss Beauchamp and Miss Beatrice Walsh were the principals until 1910.
Miss Parks was the principal of the school from 1910 to 1915. She was very keen to enroll girls. She met the parents by going around on a bicycle and her sincere efforts encouraged the community. Many parents agreed to educate their daughters.
In 1913, one Mrs. N.R Joseph joined the school. She held the post as Warden and Matron for a long period until 1944. She served with great determination and commitment and everyone affectionately called her Akkasi (mf;fhrp). Mrs. C.P Armugam, who was affectionately called Pataka (gl;lf;fh) joined the school as a teacher in 1917. She retired in 1952 as the head mistress of the primary department of the school. Her service throughout the long period earned her a good reputation.
From 1921 to 1924, Madam Bradford was the principal. During her period, the old girls of the school took active part in the development of the school. With their co-operation a hall was built and a Science laboratory was started. The Science laboratory was a milestone in the school’s development.
It is noteworthy that the first Tamil girl who passed the Tamil School Leaving Certificate Examination held in 1924 was from G.B.S.
It was during Miss Wormwill’s period in 1925 that girls started to wear the school uniform instead of sari, thanks to the earnest participation of Mrs. N.R. Joseph, who sewed the uniforms at school and distributed them to students.
In 1926, during Miss. Robinson’s period, the progress of the school was noticeable not only in education but also in sports and Girls Guide Movement as well. The school’s record was recognized Island-wide and it became a popular girls’ school in Vadamaradchy.
Miss. Greenwood was the principal from 1927 to 1937. This period was considered as the golden age in the School’s development. The school was upgraded as a bilingual school and that status was celebrated by everybody with pride. An orphanage was opened by the school and many under-privileged girls were educated. The game of Netball was introduced for the first time during this period. The Girls Guide Movement was strengthened.
When girls passed the home science examination conducted in 1932, the necessity of a Home science room was felt and built during her period. Miss. Greenwood organized classes Grade-1 and Grade-2 and two new classrooms were built along with some other buildings. Miss Emily Ratnam was the first teacher for Grade-1.
Electricity connection was obtained and the benefits of it were enjoyed by the School community in 1937. Miss Everatte was the principal from 1938 to 1941. During her period, the Vembaddy Boarding School was closed. Miss Murgatroyed who was in charge of the Vembaddy Boarding School, did not want an end to the education of the boarders. She decided to join the GBS at Point Pedro along with her students. This sudden influx of students demanded more buildings. Many extra classrooms were built. A big building behind the bungalow was erected as a dormitory. With the co-operation of the matron, cooks and the teachers, the school achieved remarkable progress
Miss Everette and Miss Murgatroyed took the teachers and the students on a tour of the hills and ancient cities of our country in 1938. The school was raised to the status of an English High School in 1942. The students sat the Senior School Leaving Certificate examination for the first time.
Miss Parker was the principal from 1944 to 1947. The students participated in the Independence Day celebration at the Independence Square in Colombo in 1948. Miss Dore was the principal from 1948 to 1949. She was the last English principal.
Miss. Rose Mary Chinnaiah was appointed as the principal of the school. She was the first national principal appointed by the missionaries in 1950. Her arrival was considered as a historic event. She improved and expanded the school in many ways. As soon as she took over, the name of the school became Methodist Girls’ High School instead of the the Girls’ Boarding School (G.B.S.).
The large playground, the Open Air Stage, rows of new classrooms, a big and stately hall with an adjoining Chapel, science laboratories, a well-equipped Home Science Room, a spacious library, a new dormitory with all facilities, were the achievements of her untiring efforts.
The school’s Motto, “Onward, Upward Towards the Light”, the school’s crest with sea, light-house and palmyrah palms and the school song, were all inspired by her.
The four houses of the school: Blue, Green, Yellow and Red, were named- Parks, Greenwood, Everatte and Murgatroyed, respectively in honour of the former English Principals and each student was given a badge denoting the colour of the house.
Land for a playground was purchased during her time. It was during her period that the sports field and the Girls Guides Movement developed vigorously. During this time, the school won an Island-wide reputation for its achievements.
Miss. R. M. Chinnaiah introduced the Advanced Level classes for Arts in 1951 and science in 1958 and it paved the way for the students to enter university. During her time, the school was upgraded as a Grade 1AB school.
When the government took over the schools island-wide in 1960, our school became a government school in July 1962.
She was a true Christian in spirit. Her generosity towards the needy was immense. During her period, many orphans and underprivileged students found a home at the school. Her committed service continued for 16 years and her period was considered as the golden age in the development of the school.
When Miss. R. M. Chinnaiah retired, Mrs P. Kanagasundaram was appointed immediately as the principal. She served for nearly three months and then her sister Miss Manoranjitham Arumugam succeeded her. Miss M. Arumugam had been at Chunnakam Ramanathan Girls’ College for a long period as a teacher, Vice Principal and hostel warden. That environment had moulded her as an embodiment of eastern culture. Her charming personality and gentle demeanor won the good will and co-operation of all.
During her period the number of students entering university increased in Science and Arts streams. The Girls Guides Movement was well established and a Ranger group was introduced. In the sports field, students participated in all the competitions held at district level and won awards.
Aesthetic studies flourished during her time. A School Band was formed. Carnatic music, Bharatha natiyam, Ballets and Dramas won awards in competitions held at regional and national level.
As the majority of the students were Hindus, she was keen in developing the Hindu culture. Navaratri Poojas and Guru Poojas were conducted with great devotion. Students were taken to Thiruketheeswaram to attend the Shivarathiri Pooja. Eastern culture was developed steadily and effortlessly.
She laid the foundation stone for a Hindu prayer hall in 1971. Her dedicated service was remarkable in every activity of the school and it continued for eight years until she retired in 1974.
Miss R J Mann was the principal from 1975 to1983. She was transferred from Udupiddy Girls’ College. She did much to increase the number of students entering university.
She was fond of English drama and encouraged students to stage Shakespearean plays. In the annual English drama competition held at district level, our students won first place for scenes from ‘Midsummer Night’s Dreams”, “Othello” and “Macbeth” three times. In 1976, the school participated in the inter-school drill competition and obtained 3rd place at National level. In 1979, she introduced the A/L Commerce stream and many students joined it. After serving for nearly eight years, she retired in 1983.
Mrs Thevamalar Ariyaratnam was appointed as the principal of the school in 1983. She was an old girl of the school and she started to serve the school as a graduate teacher in 1949. Her ardent ambition to uplift the progress of the school was dampened by the 1983 July incident. The situation around the school became tense and in 1985 the school was temporarily shifted to the playground of Vada Hindu Girls’ College. Temporary sheds were put up and teaching and learning activities were carried out successfully in spite of all hardships. In 1986, Mrs. Ariyaratnam retired after serving nearly three years.
In 1987, Mrs Leela Chandrasegaram was appointed as the principal. She faced the problems with courage and tried her best to shift the school back to its original site in 1989. The dilapidated buildings and damaged things were repaired and the school activities were carried out with great vigour.
Through Non- formal Education unit, she introduced Computer course and typing classes. 1989 G.C.E (A/L) results created a record by obtaining scholarships to Australia: two in Medicine and two in Engineering courses. Along with the academic achievements, extra-curricular activities also were noticeable. In the music competition held at National level in 1992, our school won first prize and the gold medal. The two netball teams of the school won 1st places at district level and became champions.
During her period, she was honoured as the best Principal on the Teachers’ Day. She retired in 1993. In 1994, Mrs. R. Nandakumar was appointed as the principal.
After a short period of service, in October 1995 she had to cope with the large exodus of people from Valigamam and Jaffna. She was transferred in 1996.
When Miss R. Nanthakumar was transferred, Mrs. Gunaratha Thavaratnam was appointed as the principal. She was an old student of the school from primary classes. She started to serve the school as a science graduate in 1960. When she became the principal, it was a time of hardship and challenges. Nevertheless, her wisdom and courage helped her overcome all those barriers.
In spite of the difficult situation, she successfully celebrated the 175th anniversary of the school on a grand scale and published a valuable miscellany. She was able to render her full service at her alma mater and retired in May 1997.
After the retirement of Mrs. G. Thavaratnam, Mrs. Selvamalar Suntharesan was appointed as the principal. She is an old girl of the school. When she took over, the school was in the High Security zone. To enter or leave school, a pass system was introduced and the process of security was very tough. She was able to withstand it with courage and encouraged the members of the staff and students to be vigilant.
In 1998, the school was included under the “Navodhaya” scheme and vast development took place. Steps were taken to improve and develop the standard of English Language, Co-curricular activities and the academic field.
During those days the only mode of travelling from Jaffna to out stations was by sailing by ship up to Trincomalee. In spite of all such difficulties, the sheer determination of the students who participated and won awards in National Level Competitions held in Colombo, should be acknowledged and appreciated.
In 2001, the School Development Society funded to purchase 8 LMS of land adjoining the western wall of the school.
Bilingual Education from Grade 6 to Grade 11 implemented by The Ministry of Education was introduced in our school in 2003.
In 2009, she introduced Bilingual Education in G.C.E A/L Science Stream and ICT as a subject in G.C.E A/L Commerce & Arts Stream.
The following buildings were put up during her period.
- A two-storey building consisting of Office Complex & Classrooms in 2006.
- Science Laboratory complex with classrooms in 2010.
- A Chapel in 2010 by Methodist Church, Point Pedro.
- A two-storey building with Auditorium and Classrooms in 2012.
Old girls from Germany donated a three-wheeler in 2005 and Mr. Ian Karan, one of our old boys and now a German Senator, donated a school bus in 2011.
In 2013, under-18 Kabady Team of our school won second place in the national school level competition.
In 2013, the school was included under the “Development of thousands schools” project and it benefitted by gaining physical resources.
In 2013, the Technology Stream was introduced in G.C.E A/L classes as the fifth Stream and many students welcomed it.
In 2014, the school Kabady team’s under-16 and under-18 participated in the National level competitions and won 1st and 2nd places respectively.
During her tenure, Mrs. S. Suntharesan tried her best to improve and develop the standard of education and Co-curricular activities and to increase the physical resources of the school. She served for nearly 17years and retired in 2014.
In 2014, Miss. Grace Devadayalini Thevarajah was appointed as the principal. She is an old girl of the school, a great-niece of former Principal Miss R M Chinnaiah and the daughter of Mrs. Queenie Thevarajah who taught at MGHS for 33 years. Miss. G. D. Thevarajah was an outstanding administrator.
In 2014, Mr. Ian Karan, one of our old boys and now a German Senator, donated funds for a two-storey building consisting of a students’ Canteen and a study-hall. It was opened by Mr. S. Sathiyaseelan, the secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Education on 03/12/2014.
In 2014 the Mahindhothaya Technology Laboratory was erected. It was opened by Hon. V. Rathakrishnan, the State Minister of Education on 26/02/2015.
A foundation stone was laid by Hon. K.N. Douglus Devanantha, Minister of traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Development on 24.06.2014 for a three-storey building complex for Mahindhothaya Technology faculty. It was vested with students by Hon. V. Rathakrishanan, the State Minister of Education on 8.09.2017. The same day Hon. V. Rathakrishnan laid a foundation stone for a three-storey classroom building complex which is still under construction.
In 2015, the school was included under ‘The nearest school is the best school’ scheme and a two-storey building complex with four classrooms was opened by Hon. V. Rathakrishnan, the State Minister of Education on 13.06.2018.
In 2016, the Kabady team’s under 16 and under 18 won the 1st place and made a record in the national school level competition.
As a result of the untiring efforts taken by one of our old girls, Dr. Thavachelvi Jeyarajah, Dental surgeon, a Dental unit was established at our school in 2017.
In 2018, a Basketball court was built with funds from CBG and PSDG by former MP. Mr. M.K. Sivagilingam and was opened by him in the same year.
To purify the drinking water supplied by the Water supply and Drainage Board, a water purification unit was installed by one of our old boys Mr. Dayanantharajah Velummylum, the founder of Velummylum Foundation in 2018.
In addition, students participated in all-Island inter-school western music competitions conducted by the Ministry of Education and won the first place in national level in 2019.
MGHS was given the award for ‘good practices and lessons learnt regarding education for social cohesion program’ conducted by Ministry of Education and GIZ in 2019 in national level.
A foundation stone for an Indoor stadium was laid by Dr. U.G.Y. Abeysundara, Director of School works, Ministry of Education and Mr. Ian Karan’s representative Mr. S. Yathavan on 1.2.2020 and the construction work is ongoing. Mr. Ian Karan donated Rs. 25 Million and the balance of Rs. 40 Million would be granted by the government.
The school also won the first place in the school health project competition organized by the Sri Lankan College of Endocrinologists (SLCE) & Sri Lankan Diabetic Federation (SLDF) in National level and received a cash prize of Rs.100 000.00 in 2020.
Remarkably, the number of students following Science and Maths streams tripled during her time.
From July 1st 2021 Miss G. D. Thevarajah was promoted as a Zonal Director of Education, Mannar, and therefore Mrs. Balarani Sritharan took office as the new principal.
Our school has an effective Old Girls’ Association. Its branch associations in Colombo, Canada and USA, UK and Australia are ever willing to help the school through the parent body.
MGHS was founded and maintained by the dedicated service and blessings of the Methodist missionaries and was administered by erudite British principals for nearly 125 years.
From 1950, native principals took over the school, and with the help of dedicated teachers, they did remarkably. By the dedication of the present and past principals, and by God’s blessing, the school is progressing well- ‘Onward Upward Towards the Light’.
We wish our prestigious institution a bright and prosperous future. With God all things are possible!