Saint Joseph School old boys pose in front of their former primary school in Johor Baru.
FOND memories of Saint Joseph School (SJS) have kept the camaraderie between a group of former students alive decades later.
Some 30 SJS class of 1980 old boys returned to their primary school along Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak in Johor Baru, to mark their 60th birthday.
Old boy Vincent D’Silva, who is also Johor English Language Teaching Association president, said ex-students from as far as Australia, attended the gathering 43 years after they left secondary school in 1980.
“We not only came here to mark our 60th birthday but also the school’s 68th anniversary,” he said.
He added that after completing their Form Five at SJS secondary school, most had gone their separate ways and lost touch with each other.
“Social media enabled us to reconnect and attend this and other reunions,” said D’Silva.
Retired teacher N. Mohan said it was the right time to catch up with his former schoolmates.
“We missed our school friends and wished to see them again.”
Company director Gabriel Yong said SJS would always hold a special place in his heart.
“During our schooldays, when one of us was absent for some time, we would check on the person.
“That is the type of bond we forged back then.
“We became like brothers even though we were not blood relations,” he added.
Yong said the diversity among his friends at school made their bond with each other much stronger.
“We valued our diversity and were united.
“Our parents taught us to respect everyone irrespective of their race, religion or culture and these values were cast in stone.
“We were taught at home that our differences were a strength. We integrated well in school as these values were inculcated by our parents and ingrained in us,” he said. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
Saint Joseph School old boys pose in front of their former primary school in Johor Baru.
SK St Joseph headmistress Liew Chwi Chin (standing) addressing former students during their reunion and 60th birthday celebrations.
