Nostalgic reunion for SGGS’ class of ’64

JOY and laughter flowed freely when St George’s Girl School’s (SGGS) Class of 1964 gathered for a reunion.

Many among the 44 had not seen each other for a decade or more, and were delighted to renew acquaintances at their 60th anniversary reunion.

While some came from as far away as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States, most reside in Kuala Lumpur or Penang.

Hoon Bee Choon, 77, said the occasion brought back beautiful memories, while Beatrice Thiyagarajah, 76, said it felt like they had never parted.

“It shows how strong our bonds are, because some of the girls have not seen each other for 60 years after leaving school,” Hoon continued.

Though they had gone their separate ways and made new friends after leaving SGGS, Khoo Suan Phaik, 77, said friendships forged at the famous school never wavered.

“Indeed, some of us have known each other since kindergarten.

“We then went into SGGS primary school, when it was still located along Northam Road,” said Khoo.

Cheah Siew Oui, 76, said they had a lot of good times in their youth and the reunion, held at a seafront luxury hotel in George Town, was a long time coming.

The alumna organise the gatherings once every decade.

(From left) Zurina, Cheah and Hoon sharing a light moment at the reunion. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star

The last one in 2014 was held aboard a cruise ship but some could not make it.

This time, the organising committee were able to round up more of their old schoolmates.

Coincidentally, many had returned to Penang for the Qing Ming Festival.

Khoo said Class of 1964 was also the first SGGS batch with an Asian principal, the late Mrs Poh Sin Bin, and the first batch of Sixth Formers.

Looking back, Beatrice said the school ensured strong ties between girls of all races and religions, and nurtured well-rounded students.

While all four women went on to become secondary school teachers or lecturers, they also excelled in other areas of life.

At school, Cheah was involved in musical theatre while Beatrice was president of the debate team, and both became prefects.

Meanwhile, Hoon capitalised on her budding abilities in floral arrangement, thanks to encouragement from her teachers.

“All our teachers were really inspiring and knew how to tap into and develop our talents,” Beatrice recalled.

Another SGGS alumna, Zurina Meah, 76, went on to become a state hockey player. She had been active as a prefect and captain of both the school’s tennis team and Blue house.

Zurina, who went into teaching before switching professions to become a lawyer, also credited her former SGGS teachers for giving her the platform to succeed in life.

Among the women at the reunion were a host of doctors, nurses and accountants, besides a diplomat and a trade commissioner.

The group also gathered for a seaside photo after which some overseas alumna members visited the school to relive memories.

Khoo reminisced, “My fondest memories of SGGS are of the great hall and tower.

“We were forbidden to go up the tower, but being naughty children, we often tried to sneak up there!”