IN THIS ISSUE From the Editor > The Anthonian Booster Events: Past & Present > Reunion Dinner 2011 Our School Mates Our Mentors Words of Wisdom Archive Read AV Issue 1 |
From the Editor The Anthonian Booster Never did we expect the first issue of the Anthonian Voice (or AV as it is popularly called) to become such a big hit among our folks! We have received so many good words from our former schoolmates both in and outside the country! It was indeed a very nice feeling. It simply tells us that we, Anthonians, are really very ‘news hungry’ about each other. Somehow this Anthonian spirit can never die in us. I don’t know what St. Anthony’s school did to us when we were studying there, but one thing it did for sure was carving an indelible memory that we cannot forget, right? Admittedly, when we mooted this idea of a newsletter, it was more about the Executive Committee (Exco) doing something more and different after about 40 years of doing just golf tournaments and annual dinners. One thing for certain now is, we have to keep the AV going and make it a permanent feature alongside the other reports/events. I hope the future Exco will continue to honor this. But let’s strike a deal, folks! Keep feeding us with news, photos, old school jokes, and so on, so that can help us put together an issue with ease. Then we can be assured that there will always be an avenue for us to share and reminisce on the very significant and meaningful part of our lives. Let’s come back to this second issue. This time we have an added feature - our former teachers whom I call “mentors”. The school is really about what the teachers made it to be. Whether we got caned or praises from them, they really had a profound impact on us. We want to hear from them, and more importantly, honor them too! Ooops! One other feature is ‘Words of Wisdom’ to guide or ‘warn’ us as we move from one season of life to another. Let us share with others especially the younger generation of Anthonians what we have learned from the hard knocks of life! Meanwhile, enjoy the read!
Michael Heah, |
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Contact Us Secretariat Email to: Michael Heah Yeoh Eng Hui
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Events - Present & Past Reunion Dinner 2011 Date : 23rd July 2011
Selangor Turf Club Golf International Meet Dr Cheah Song Kang, our first President won the
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Our School Mates |
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Jon Saw
Where I am now I'm living in Madrid, Spain & holds Spanish nationality. I've been here for 23 yrs and happily married to a Spanish lady & has a 21 year kid in University. My Life in St Anthony I left after completing Form 6. I'm not very active generally. Played some badminton, loved debating & got involved in debating team and funds raising concerts.
My Fondest Memories Forty years ago, I would say I have none. Now everything is fond memories, with the yearning to go back to one’s roots. Some egs: spending spare canteen money to buy goreng pisang or ice kacang, keeping our kites from Ah Tong’s glass-reinforced kite string; finding out that the best spiders are found in Sarai leaves and not pandan leaves, finding my king spider dead in my pocket because of the heat…
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Who left me with lasting impressions? Teachers:
Someone who have left me with lasting impression but unfortunately have not been able to get in touch is Lim Ah Seng. He managed to merge the quality of being ‘intellectual’ and ‘proletariat’ at the same time. Difficult to explain. He is one person I would like to meet up again. What I missed most now I do miss going back home and tried to do this as often as time and money will permit. And, Chinese New Year especially the building up to the big day – the decorations, preparations, cultural settings, etc. The plan is to do NY/CNY 2011-2012. My advice for current students Don’t miss the opportunities they have now with Internet to search and research and to broaden their outlook and awareness. The world is now ‘flat’ and ways/means of career path and earning a living have completely changed.
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Do not throw away opportunity to travel and live abroad at least once, in your formative years. Finally and very importantly (even though not actively) be politically aware and informed. It will come back to affect you somehow, sometime, somewhere during your life time. What else I want to say Ever since I got into your mailing list, I’ve been following you guys closely and am really glad you have managed to put together this excellent initiative. Let us hope this Voice continue to be heard for a long, long time. For the team that got this Anthonian thing and now the Voice, bravo lads, great spirit and initiative. I’m sure it takes a lot of effort. Well done and hope you guys enjoy doing it. For the rest, be proud of our alma mater and please practice the school motto, Caritas Non Ficta. Finally, I want to say your interview with Lim Thiam Ing was excellent. Very inspirational and instructive sharing for kids in a difficult and competitive world. Suggestion to the Committee: keep in mind for the future, of people who have set themselves up well - Tan Hup Foi in Singapore, Alan Tan in London, Mun Ho in KL and in his own very special way, Kenneth Kong in KL. |
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Dr Aru Narayanasamy Aru.Narayanasamy@
Where I am now I live and work in Nottingham, (Robin Hood City), UK. I came to UK on Merdeka Day in 1972 to find a job to support my parents. Having gained 4 university degrees, including a doctorate, I pursued careers such as ward manager, mental health officer, clinical tutor. University lecturer and associate professor.
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My life in St Anthony I left after Form 5 in 1968. Was a student in St Anthony from Primary to Secondary School. I was a member of St John’s Ambulance Brigade, participated in Athletics winning bronze medals for 400 and 800 meters in 1968 and cross country prize. and also represented the school at the 800 meters relay race. My fondest memories I enjoyed studying at St Anthony’s as it had provided the building blocks for my future and the fellowship of students there. However, as a day dreamer, I spent most of my time thinking about the girls at the Convent School and Tamil films, so my lessons suffered. I often wonder how I managed to get some 'O' levels at all.
Who left me with lasting impressions? Teachers Classmates I have vague recollections of sitting next to my classmate Satuan Singh and the vicinity of Anthony, Augustine, Pulevendaran, Ilang Koven among others. |
What I missed most now? Anthonian’s fellowship, the carefree attitude of school days, the delicious spicy and hot Malaysian food, rojak, ice kacang, roti canai and the weather of course. I miss my late parents. My advice for current students Never give up, sometimes the impossible is possible if you are passionate about things you wish to pursue. Go for it. You will get it. All the things I aspired to achieve have been possible because of the foundations I have had at St Anthony’s. A blessing from God got me a research grant that culminated in me receiving the prestigious National Teaching Fellowship with £10,000 for my work in the area of spirituality, medicine and health. Who would guess that the dreamer at St Anthony's could achieve the impossible?
What else I want to say Be proud of being an Anthonian and always extent your warmth and friendship to everyone. Be in touch and I would love to hear from fellow Anthonians. If your sons and daughters or friends wish to do a PhD in Health Science, I'll be happy to talk with them. |
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Our Mentors |
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Toh Soon Guan
What I'm doing now I am now a freelance educational consultant specializing in Hostel Management. I have my own management company, Kyron Management Services., based in Damansara Heights, KL. I'm working at my own pace as my team of competent staff can run the business even without me. I still go to the golf driving range at least twice a week. Other than that its spending quality time with the family especially my grandchildren. My life in St Anthony I was in and out of St.Anthony's. I first entered the school as a temporary teacher in 1960 after my Sixth Form until 1961 when I went to the University. After graduation I was back again in 1964 till 1966 and then left again in 1966 ( May) to do my Diploma in Education and was back in 1967 once more. So you can see my dedication to the school. |
I was Headmaster from 1977 to 1982 - these were special years to me. Transferred to Ipoh in 1982 to be the first District Education Officer of the Kinta District. My fondest memories of St Anthony I was kind of an all-round teacher, teaching History, English, Commerce, and later Economics in Form 6. I was the Badminton Master, Cricket Master, Teacher in charge of Textbook Scheme and Discipline Teacher. As Headmaster, we formed the School Band and we were the best school in hockey, badminton, basketball and volleyball in the Lower Perak District. I remembered my 2 mentors : Bro. Alban and Bro. Damian. They gave me valuable advice throughout my teaching career at SAS.
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I remembered caning a boy who yelled "Ai Yo Yo" very loudly even before the cane hit him, and found out he had a book under his pants. A great Hindustan act!
How I liked to be remembered I would like to just be remembered as a teacher who cared for the students and who wanted his students to turn out to be useful people when they grow up.I recently met a students whom I taught 45 years and can you imagine he still has the report card which I wrote about him.We met for a drink and he told me how well he was doing and it really made me feel good that after so long my student remembers me. My advice to current teachers To all new teachers, I have this to say 'Teaching is not just a job, its a vocation and be grateful that you have a chance to mould tomorrow's generation'. What else I wanted to say The Old Boys are doing a great job bringing the alumni together. Keep up the good work and remember the Anthonian spirit " Caritas Non Ficta" |
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Choo Kok Hoong
What I'm doing now I have stopped working since 2009 after leading my last incentive group to Taiwan. To keep myself occupied, I took a great interest in old wood and spend most of my time upgrading my house on my own. I'm taking life easy especially after my heart bypass a year ago, travelling and visiting children and grand children with all my 3 children living overseas. My life in St Anthony I started as a trainee teacher in 1966 and after 7 years there, was transferred to Penang in 1972. I was trained and qualified in PE and Arts & Craft, but also taught English and was a form teacher every year.
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My best moments in St Anthony Teaching at St Anthony was my first permanent job and I taught at 3 schools after that. Good moments: Scouts "Gangshow 1970", the Guitar Band, the joint camping with the guides in Penang Coronation Camp etc. Best moments: Successfully organized the Anthonian “Scouts Gangshow ’70 On the Road” becoming the second scout troop to achieve this feat! Unforgettable moments: Putting together the “Pyramid Gymnastic Formation Presentation” by my scouts during the Teachers’ Day celebration. Most satisfying : Guided 11 scouts to become the first Kings’ Scouts for the school. My fondest memories of St Anthony I had my best teaching life in St Anthony. Many of the students still remember me and many are still in contact with me – locally as well as overseas after so many years How I would like to be remembered The invitation to the Alumni dinners and other students’ gatherings is something every teacher will look forward to. Not many schools in Malaysia will show their appreciation to their teachers like the Anthonian Alumni. |
My advice to current teachers Dedication and love for the profession. Be sincere, approachable and open–minded. What I want to say to my old pupils A Big “Thank You” for remembering me and keeping me in touch all these years. One pupil in particular fulfilled my long awaited dream by employing me to see the world. It changed my entire family life altogether - for the better of course. My sincere thanks to this particular student and he will be long remembered - Thanks with all my heart, Michael Heah! What else I want to say To the Committee Members of the Anthonian Alumni, keep up the good work in getting everyone together. Like many Anthonians who have visited – some have stayed at my place - I will be too happy to meet up with any of the students should they come to up north to Penang. For me “The feeling of satisfaction and achievement being a teacher is when your students are doing better than you are” |
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Ben Cheah Beng Khean
What I'm doing now I came to New Zealand mainly to look at the volcanoes and geysers and decided to stay as they were short of teachers then. Taught for a few short years and did other things eg ran a secondhand bookshop, tai chi teacher, acapella singing teacher, and gym personal trainer. I'm still a personal trainer and recently started doing workshops in worm farming as I am a keen organic gardener. |
My life in St Anthony I first started teaching in St Anthony as a temporary teacher in 1964 upon completion of HSC at St Michael's in Ipoh. I was Head of the Geography Department which meant supervising other Geography teachers. My fondest memories of St Anthony Fondest memories included: Assisted Bro. Patrick in the Fife and Bugle Band under the St. John's Ambulance Brigade. Later put in charge of the School Band when it split from the St. John's. Helped Bro. Fabian with the Judo Club.
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What else I wanted to say In hindsight, it was all a blur at that time. Teaching is a noble profession with its rewards. However, there never seemed to be enough time. It was an endless round of lesson preparation, teaching, marking, recording and extra-curricular activities. Also, taught the School Certificate subjects in the night to adults. St Anthony’s played a large part in my life. I started my career there and at that time thought that it would be my career for life. It has many memories for me. Those memories come back when I look at the website and follow the annual dinners and gatherings. There are names and faces I remember, some very vividly: pupils I taught and now are eminent members of society. I am glad that I was a teacher of St Anthony’s. It has a long and proud history and I am sure the teachers and pupils there today will carry on that tradition. |
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Words of Wisdom |
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Enjoy Life -- there is no 2nd chance !! The Secrets of Old Age Do not wait till you cannot even walk just to be sorry and to regret.
When there is an opportunity, get together with old classmates, old colleagues & old friends.
The gathering is not just about eating; it’s just that there is not much time left.
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When it is time to spend, just spend, & treat yourself well as you’re getting old. Whatever you feel like eating, just eat! It is most important to be happy.
Treat sickness with optimism. Whether you are poor or rich, Everyone has to go through the birth, aging, sickness and death. There is no exception, that’s life. Settle all the outstanding issues before hand and you will be able to leave without regret. God handles your life & loves you, |
If worries can cure your sickness, then go ahead and worry.
God Bless You! |
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Till we meet again in Oct, keep well and keep in touch! And keep telling those unforgettable stories!!! |
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