The Past Pupils’ Association was inaugurated on November 21, 1921, (under the name Old Girls’ Association) with the Superior of the Convent, Rev. Mother Mary St. Prosper, as its first President. It aimed to foster bonds of fellowship and unity amongst Past Pupils’, who had grown from children to young adults, nurtured in the loving care of their Alma Mater. With the Latin phrase, Spectamur Agenda (transl: by our deeds, we shall be known), as its motto, the PPA enriched the Green and White bond that encouraged a shared history, loyalty and a warmth of camaraderie. With its support, our school was further strengthened in its endeavours, as the Past Pupils’ Association would always rally to its call.
Rev. Mother Mary of the Annunciation, took the helm from 1925–1930 and was followed by Rev. Mother Mary of St Ligouri, who served from 1930–1932. It was only in 1933 that a President from within the membership was elected: Mrs J. F. Pieris (Winifred), who set the bar high, for all future Presidents. Rev. Mother Superior was elected, the Ex-officio Patroness.
At the inception of the Association, the membership numbered 100! This year, in its Centenary, the membership stands at 4482, inclusive of 57 Honorary members, (members of the tutorial staff of SBC, who have completed 25 years of service). Branch Associations have opened their Green and White umbrellas in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, where they continue to foster bonds of fellowship.
The escalation of numbers, created the necessity for a Newsletter and so the Shamrock, was birthed in 1995, under President Hiranthi Fernando’s committee. It has now celebrated 25 years in existence and is shared on virtual platforms, as well as being posted to those members, who prefer a hard copy. The PPA embraced social media, to further bond with a global membership; the web page www.sbcppa.org was launched on July 31st, 2012 and a Facebook page was created on June 18th, 2011. With the launch of an Instagram account, the @sbc_ppa on March 27th, 2020, its reach widened even more.
