The Overseas School of Colombo triumphs with Silver at 36th Annual ARC Awards in New York

• ‘Our A-Team Brings Its A-Game to School’

That’s not just a catchphrase or expression. In fact, it’s so much more than that. It is the unequivocal truth exemplifying the mindset, attitude, perspicacity and resolve of The Overseas School of Colombo. 

The Overseas School of Colombo celebrates a global accolade as the first Sri Lankan educational institution to holistically cover the broader spectrum of the academic sphere to ever win an ARC Award. 

OSC attained the Silver Award at the 36th Annual ARC Awards (headquartered in New York) for OSC’s 2020/21 Annual Report, themed ‘Our A-Team Brings Its A-Game to School’, competing under the ‘Non-Profit Organization’ category.

Some of the contenders at this year’s awards included top global corporates/brands such as Boeing, Abbott, Bank of America, PETRONAS, Walmart, BMW Group, Axiata, Olympus and the Alibaba Group, etc. 

The Head of School Dr. Michelle Kleiss shared her thoughts on this milestone: “I am super proud of OSC’s Annual Report, and the recognition we received from the ARC Awards. Our aim with our school’s Annual Report has always been to share the story of our school in a transparent way that communicates what we most believe in and what we highly value across our community.” 

The prestigious ARC Awards is renowned as the “Oscars of Annual Reports”, recognising the highest benchmarks in the annual report industry; advancing multiple disciplines committed to making outstanding contributions as leaders in their respective fields, in a range of industries. The prestigious international award attracts hundreds of entries each year, from over 80 countries across the globe. Organised by MerComm Inc., the world’s only independent awards organisation dedicated to the communications industry, the ARC Awards was introduced in 1987 to honour overall excellence in annual reports from noteworthy concepts, to innovative design and compelling writing. 

Founded in 1957, OSC is the oldest international school in Sri Lanka, and is notably the only IB World School in the country as well. It is an education sanctuary with a close-knit community; proud of its rich legacy and authentic heritage. An institution that espouses its mission, vision and values, embodying them at the very heart, instilling excellence in holistic education comprising of learning, sports, music, theatre, social skills enhancement and networking, art and more. 

OSC has successfully carved a unique multi-culturally rich ecosystem that includes its students, parents, and faculty, all interwoven into its community fabric that embodies its very motto “Unity in Diversity”, into its ethos. 

Dr. Kleiss remarked: “Our work with our students has both meaning and purpose, and we wanted our Annual Report to convey that mission in a way that demonstrates how we bring together all of our resources in support of student learning and success.” 

OSC clinching Silver was thanks to a heroic collaborative effort made by its “A” Team comprising of students, parents, and faculty. It is this same united community that stood through many tests and trials, enduring challenges posed by the pandemic when it first swept across the globe. 

The school adapted to the new road ahead dealing with the drastic changes and colossal shifts of the educational climate brought on by the disruptions rendered by COVID-19, and the many hurdles in its wake.

It is this very symbiosis and united team effort that propelled OSC’s success story even during turbulent times. With the spirit of cooperation shared by every quintessential individual who is a part of the ecosystem – the school was inspired to conceive an Annual Report that is as memorable as it is sincere, honest as it is full of pride and integrity; embosoming the most integral aspect that at OSC it is the valuable sum of its eclectic parts that ultimately contribute to making the invaluable whole what it truly is. 

“As Sri Lanka’s premier international school, we pride ourselves in not just being the first, but also being the best at what we do,” said Jehan de Silva; who heads the school’s branding, marketing and communications function. He added “We are truly honoured and incredibly proud of our success at the ARCs – thanks to our team that we cherish over and above all else – making it a first for a Sri Lankan educational institution, an accolade that will surely resonate and inspire future generations.”