City Tour for newly joined grade 6 hostellers.

Fun filled activities and educational sessions over 2 days.

 

It was the 25th of March; a much awaited day for the grade six hostellers who had arrived at College just a few weeks earlier having excelled at the grade 5 scholarship examination. It was the day scheduled for the city tour for these young Royalists, organized by the Prefects’ Council together with the assistance of a number of clubs and societies at College.

The early morning saw some eager young boys rushing out of their dorms towards the basketball courts where they had been asked to gather. Activity for the day began with the Prefects talking to these newly joint students about the history of College along with the immense privilege they have received and their duty towards uplifting the standards of mother Royal. The Prefects also focused on allowing them to understand the importance of English Language in emerging as future leaders. Soon after caps and refreshments were distributed for the hostellers as they embarked on their tour around Colombo.

The first destination was the neighbouring Racecourse Complex. The students were interested by the grand architecture and modern buildings as well as the grounds. After a quick round of refreshments they were taken to the College Sports Complex where they discovered the multitude of sporting opportunities available at College. It was interesting to witness numerous students displaying keen interest in involvement in sporting activities at College.

Afterwards they got the opportunity to enjoy themselves with a short break at the Independence Square. The students were again quite fascinated by the architecture and history surrounding this location. Shortly after the students were taken to the Arcade Shopping Complex which also managed to grasp the interest of these students, many of whom were from rural backgrounds.

Having spent a considerable time there, the students got on the bus to head towards the Galle Face Green. The students were eager to have a stroll along the beach followed by an introduction to significant buildings in the city including the World Trade Centre, Bank of Ceylon, Harbour, Old Parliament and Fort Railway Station. They also visited Beira Lake where they had some fun time enjoying themselves. Afterwards the students were brought back to Race Course where they had their lunch.

Afterwards the students were taken to the College Main Grounds where they were entertained with a model aircraft show by the Aviation Society. The students fascinated with the model aircrafts and the mechanisms they work in were further fascinated as they saw these aircraft flying over the grounds performing some spectacular stunts.

This was followed by the students being taken for a short session with the College Green Circle at the Main Hall where they were introduced to the various green initiative at College. The importance of sustainable life styles and the need for a greener future was firmly instilled into the minds of these young students.

Afterwards they were taken to the Junior Pavilion for a session with the Prefects. The students were further briefed about the proud traditions of College and their responsibility in securing this great legacy. The importance of a passion to serve College and emerge as a true leader as well as the immense capacity within every one of those students were elaborated. Another round of refreshments followed.

Next in line was their visit to the Viharamaha Devi Park.  With a number of games lined up for the students, this final destination for the day managed to end it all on a high as an overly joyous bunch of students headed back to College.

‘Day 2’ began with the students gathering at the Basketball Courts once more. They had another educational session about College and their role as young students followed by a short discussion about their future ambitions.

It was soon time for their trip to the zoo. The half hour journey to Dehiwela was spent with much spirit and gaiety as the students sang and danced to a variety of music throughout the journey. The students got down with much enthusiasm for their tour around the zoo. A first time experience for a number of students, the morning managed to keep every one of them in high spirit. Watching the animals in their cages and running around in joy with peers was indeed a fun filled experience for the youngsters.

By mid-day a tired set of kids were eager to have their lunch after one tiring yet entertaining morning session. The students seemed to enjoy having their lunch as they sat down and ate at the zoo itself. Moreover, they were overjoyed to find a toy being given to them along with their lunch.

It was soon time for their next location: Kalutara. It was a long journey but the students seemed to be in the mood for more enjoyment as they began their merry round of music in the bus. Along the way the students had a short stop at the Kalutara Temple where they got blessing. Some students were quite surprised by the colossal Dagaba at the temple.

Upon reaching the city they were taken for a 3D movie. Once again it was a novel experience for most student who were left stunned with the 3D graphics of the movie. The students seemed to have a wonderful time at the cinema.

Finally the end for their tour was near. It was time to head back to College. Amidst some heavy rain the students reached College where they were given some final gifts and taken back to the dorms.

The countless positive feedback coupled with the wide smiles on the faces of those youngsters was sufficient to mark the end of yet another successful initiative that truly added value to the College community.