‘The influence of a good teacher can never be erased’
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Back row- From L,Chandrika de Silva, Khemangani Aluvihare, Asoka Herath, Front Row - From L, Padmini Chandraratna, Padma Weerakkody, Padma Wickramasinghe
Tribute to a treasured Legend – late miss Vera May Armond former Principal of Baptist mission Girls English school – BMS (presently known as Sri Sangamitta girls National school) in Matale from 1953 to 1975 In loving memory of Ms Vera M Armond and in commemoration of her 50th death anniversary a heartfelt tribute is made by a group of her dedicated past pupils. A collection of books will be donated to the children’s section of the Matale public library, on Saturday August 2 as a gesture that honours her deep commitment to education and the growth of the young minds.
This initiative reflects Ms Vera M Armond’S enduring legacy of learning, compassion and her belief in empowering future generations through knowledge Through this donation they believe Ms Armond’s spirit lives on inspiring children to read, dream and discover.
The Gentle Lady MS Vera May (she was born in the month of May) Armond moved over from Furguson girls high school in Ratnapura to BMS Matale in 1952 as vice Principal and with the departure of Ms Blackaby, took over as Principal in January 1953 Hailing from Sheffield, the’ steel city’of England Ms Armond completed her BA (, Hons) in Mathematics followed by a diploma in Education (Cambridge) and had six years of experience in teaching at Sheffield high school before she arrived in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in November, 1950 at the age of 31 years. She was a Girls Guide commissioner in UK.
During Ms Armond’s long tenure of 23 years (1952-1975) the school developed tremendously During this period physical resources of the school developed beyond expectations The number of students rose from 250 in 1952 to over 3000 by 1975.The number of teachers increased from 12 with one graduate to 25 by 1960 including seven graduates, eight trained and two certificated teachers and to 230 by 1975.
As a woman of a tremendous drive Ms Armond’s dedication and commitments were exemplary Her vision was to make BMS one of the leading girls schools in the island. She was the driving force behind the schools all academic successes and sports achievements. Thanks to her strict insistence on quality teaching BMS reached its zenith in the academic excellence in 1963-14 out of 17 BMS girls gained entry to the Peradeniya University while BMS athletes, netballers and hockey players brought honour and glory to the school by their victories at provincial and national level
Ms Armond was the last English Lady to serve as Principal and after her death on August 2 ,1975 the education department appointed Ms N Edussuriya as Principal.In recognition of her devoted service she was granted distinguished citizenship by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranayake.
The ceremony to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of late Ms Vera M Armond will be held on Saturday August 2 at the Matale public Library at 10 a.m with the Mayor of Matale Municipal council Ajith Kottachchi attending the event as the chief guest
The organising committee headed by Khemangani Aluvihare Includes Ms Padmini Chandraratna, Padma Weerakkody Padma Wickramasinghe, Chandrika de Silva and Asoka Herath
- L.D. Chandrasiri
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