Gratitude to teachers, heart for charity at school reunion

SCHOOL reunions are a beautiful experience as they often evoke memories of the younger days.

For the 70 former students of SMK St Michael Ipoh and SMK Convent Ipoh, they delighted in reminiscing about the past as they gathered at a joint birthday bash and class reunion.

The event held in Ipoh, Perak, saw the group of alumni, who turned 60 last year, celebrating the occasion with their ex-classmates and former teachers.

Organising chairman Leslie D’Silva said it was the first time such a celebration was held by former students from the two schools.

“The idea came from Jacinta Lee Poh Yoke of SMK Convent Ipoh, who is currently residing in Singapore.

“We started planning for it at the end of September and asked around through our WhatsApp groups.

“We took down the names of those who were keen to join.

“Then we formed another group specifically for this event with those who agreed to join in the celebrations,” he said.

Once the number of attendees was finalised, the team started scouting for a suitable venue.

D’Silva said they had a contact list of former teachers and personally invited them as guests.

“Some declined because they are staying outside of Ipoh and not in good health.

“However, we were fortunate to get Oh Teik Toh, who turned 92 this year, to attend along with eight other former teachers,” he added.

D’Silva said it was a heartwarming reunion as the group celebrated not only their birthdays, but also the friendship they forged decades ago.

“The restaurant resonated with the echoes of shared experiences, laughter, and the wisdom that only time could bestow.

“Amid the clinking of glasses and the exchange of stories, the group relished the opportunity to express gratitude to the teachers who had played pivotal roles in shaping their character and fostering their intellectual growth,” he added.

D’Silva said the organising committee printed out the Form Five class photographs and prepared an A1 size poster for all to sign their names.

“We had an eight-course dinner and also a cake-cutting ceremony,” he said.

Earlier in the day before the dinner, D’Silva said a group of them visited the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) centre in Ipoh.

“We wanted to give back to the community that had shaped us.

“We were given a guided tour of the centre by Nasom president Datuk Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Sharuddin,” he said, adding that they donated RM1,655 to the centre.

D’Silva said their commitment to social responsibility was instilled during their formative years.