SOME 200 former students of SMK Convent Butterworth in Penang, attended the silver jubilee celebration of the Convent Butterworth Ex-Student Association (Cobesa).
It brought together former students from different generations, including those from the 1940s to the noughties, as well as 15 former teachers.
Cobesa president Kasthuri Bhai Muniswaran said the celebration was aimed at strengthening ties.
“We want to unite everyone and build a community regardless of age or race.
“We also want to stay connected with our former teachers.
“A total of 15 former teachers from the 1960s, 70s and 80s have joined us. Their attendance has made this celebration even more meaningful,” she said.
The celebration began around noon with attendees gathering for a group photo, followed by a performance by former student Ash Majid who sang Alicia Keys’ Superwoman.
Former Teluk Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Jahara Hamid, who is the school’s patron and an ex-student, congratulated the association for organising the event and said it was particularly meaningful as the school prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2030.
She said the milestone would be an important occasion for the school, reflecting its long history and contribution to the education of generations of students.
Jahara was also the first woman to serve as Penang opposition leader from 2013 to 2018.
She was pleased to see former students, teachers and association members coming together to support its activities and preserve its legacy.
To mark its 25th anniversary, the association also produced a special commemorative bulletin.
“We collected photographs and memories from former students and compiled them into the bulletin.
“We wanted it to be colourful and serve as a collection of memories from the past 25 years,” Kasthuri said.
The bulletin, which cost RM72 to produce, was offered to attendees for just RM30 during the celebration, she added.
“Former students who could not attend today but had pre-booked the bulletin will have their copies couriered to them.
“The response has been very good and we are almost sold out.”
Kasthuri said the turnout exceeded expectations.
“We did not expect such a good turnout as it is quite difficult to get everyone together, especially those who are now living overseas.”
She said Cobesa normally organised gatherings every two years on a smaller scale, but the silver jubilee was a special occasion.
“After this, we will return to our normal activities. Our next major milestone will be the school’s 100th anniversary.
“We hope to use this opportunity to strengthen our network and encourage as many former students as possible to return for the grand centenary celebration.”
Convent Butterworth was founded in 1930 by Rev Mother St Tarcisius of the Holy Infant Jesus Sisters (IJ Convent nuns) in Jalan Kampung Gajah.
Initially known as St Theresa’s Convent, it opened its doors as a small missionary school catering to roughly 40 female students in the area.
The school now has over 500 students.
