The closing date for the cyclethon is on Wed, Dec 31. Please email Esther Hor at silk_rehtse@yahoo.com for the registration form.
Mamma Mia, if Meryl Streep can still dance and prance the way she did at age 59, what about the rest of us? So, dancing queens, gather your gang and have a ladies day out. The last time, Suet Fun, Chai Lan, Li Yin and I left KL just before 7am and arrived just after 9am. We started the drive back at 8pm and arrived just after 11pm. Hats off to Li Yin -- she drove single-handedly. Very cool and steady driver!
Let's help to make the cyclethon merry and meaningful!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Blessed Christmas, one and all!
We are on the eve of another Christmas, which also means we are on the brink of another new year. As we bring 2008 to a close, my heartfelt thanks to all. What a scrumdiddlyumptious group of alumnae and friends!
Take just yesterday, for instance. Chuah Soh Nee, Class of '79 and a former classmate of my sis, emailed me that her uncle, Mr Chan Kwai Fong, has offered to help the fundraising effort. She emailed me his hp contact, which I passed on to Puan Noriza, who called Mr Chan immediately. Through alumna spirit and networking, I understand that the school is now able to get the tees and caps for the cyclethon at a better price. YAY!
There's also Tyng Yee in UK, who has been a constant campaign stalwart. When she heard of the cyclethon, she thought of a lovely sponsorship programme. In her words:
"I'm sure there are some students within the school who would like to take part, but could not afford it. So, my idea is to sponsor some of them to cycle. This way, I can donate money and they can contribute it to the school. I find this way quite meaningful."
Within a week, Tyng Yee has raised enough to sponsor 6 girls at RM60 each -- from aunts,
cousins, uncles and friends both in Malaysia and the UK. She's still on-the-job...congrats and thank you, Tyng Yee (here she is, with her dad and hubby).
And, I am still amazed at the speed which alumnae responded to the SOS for the
contacts of Junaidah Aman and Azura Zainal Ratin, after Puan Sharifah had asked for them. Through Facebook, we got the numbers within a couple of hours for Junaidah and within a couple of days for Azura. Puan Sharifah has spoken to them...thanks to Rohana Puteh (pix), who left TMGS in 1971 after Form 3, and Priya, Class of '95.
Yes, Hannee Tan, on her own initiative, created our very own alumnae Facebook group called "SMK Treacher Methodist Girls School Taiping." It really helps to keep all of us girls in touch, especially useful for quick alerts. The link is provided (see top right, below the school badge) for your sign-up convenience. :-)
Suet Fun, Li Yin, Chai Lan, Lean See, Odi, Jarinah, Hasnita, Pauline, Nan See, Su See, Mrs Lim, Yoga (of TMGS Old Girls Association), Mrs Polly Tan (of the Board of Governors), Mrs Goh Lye Ngoot (alumna, former teacher and present BOG) and all other alumnae who have helped --- my deepest, deepest thanks. Of course, the team at the school has been great -- Puan Noriza and her merry women, Mrs Ng, Lay Hoon, Poh Lay, Azizan and Sharifah. Mustn't forget Esther Hor, who will be in Form 4 next year --- with Mrs Ng's help, she did the research piece on the physical development of the school, which will be used in the website (that's another story).
Oh, we have some knights in shining armour too - namely Ong Ah Sun of PIBG St George who started the email appeal which started all this; Paul Loh who gave generously of his engineering expertise to survey the school; and Mr Chan Kwai Fong who is helping the school save on costs for the coming 120th year celebrations (less costs, more funds).
So, 2008 has been historic and meaningful, in terms of renewed alumnae movement for the school. It will forever mark a time when alumnae young and old, far and near rallied to the school's distress situation, and helped in whichever way they could (expressions of support are much appreciated too).
I certainly look forward to 2009 as we walk more on this journey together to restore our dear old school to how she deserves to be.
Happy New Year, everyone.....see ya next year!
Take just yesterday, for instance. Chuah Soh Nee, Class of '79 and a former classmate of my sis, emailed me that her uncle, Mr Chan Kwai Fong, has offered to help the fundraising effort. She emailed me his hp contact, which I passed on to Puan Noriza, who called Mr Chan immediately. Through alumna spirit and networking, I understand that the school is now able to get the tees and caps for the cyclethon at a better price. YAY!
There's also Tyng Yee in UK, who has been a constant campaign stalwart. When she heard of the cyclethon, she thought of a lovely sponsorship programme. In her words:
"I'm sure there are some students within the school who would like to take part, but could not afford it. So, my idea is to sponsor some of them to cycle. This way, I can donate money and they can contribute it to the school. I find this way quite meaningful."
Within a week, Tyng Yee has raised enough to sponsor 6 girls at RM60 each -- from aunts,
cousins, uncles and friends both in Malaysia and the UK. She's still on-the-job...congrats and thank you, Tyng Yee (here she is, with her dad and hubby).And, I am still amazed at the speed which alumnae responded to the SOS for the
contacts of Junaidah Aman and Azura Zainal Ratin, after Puan Sharifah had asked for them. Through Facebook, we got the numbers within a couple of hours for Junaidah and within a couple of days for Azura. Puan Sharifah has spoken to them...thanks to Rohana Puteh (pix), who left TMGS in 1971 after Form 3, and Priya, Class of '95.Yes, Hannee Tan, on her own initiative, created our very own alumnae Facebook group called "SMK Treacher Methodist Girls School Taiping." It really helps to keep all of us girls in touch, especially useful for quick alerts. The link is provided (see top right, below the school badge) for your sign-up convenience. :-)
Suet Fun, Li Yin, Chai Lan, Lean See, Odi, Jarinah, Hasnita, Pauline, Nan See, Su See, Mrs Lim, Yoga (of TMGS Old Girls Association), Mrs Polly Tan (of the Board of Governors), Mrs Goh Lye Ngoot (alumna, former teacher and present BOG) and all other alumnae who have helped --- my deepest, deepest thanks. Of course, the team at the school has been great -- Puan Noriza and her merry women, Mrs Ng, Lay Hoon, Poh Lay, Azizan and Sharifah. Mustn't forget Esther Hor, who will be in Form 4 next year --- with Mrs Ng's help, she did the research piece on the physical development of the school, which will be used in the website (that's another story).
Oh, we have some knights in shining armour too - namely Ong Ah Sun of PIBG St George who started the email appeal which started all this; Paul Loh who gave generously of his engineering expertise to survey the school; and Mr Chan Kwai Fong who is helping the school save on costs for the coming 120th year celebrations (less costs, more funds).
So, 2008 has been historic and meaningful, in terms of renewed alumnae movement for the school. It will forever mark a time when alumnae young and old, far and near rallied to the school's distress situation, and helped in whichever way they could (expressions of support are much appreciated too).
I certainly look forward to 2009 as we walk more on this journey together to restore our dear old school to how she deserves to be.
Happy New Year, everyone.....see ya next year!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Bravo, Class of '70
Sunday, Nov 30 turned up a delight for our alma mater, when Puan Noriza and some staff members received a group of eight alumnae* from Class of '70.Here they are, from left to right: Teoh Hooi Leng, Mah Yick Fern, Ong Guat Kwee, Chia Swee Hua, Cheong Yeok Lin, Pn Noriza, Dr Teh Lei Choo, Pn Sharifah (teacher), Ms Low (teacher), Foo Quai Yeow and Cheah Leong Teen.
Except for Dr Teh who is based in Penang and Yick Fern who lives in Taiping, the rest of the girls had come all the way from KL or Singapore.
The group spent many hours revisiting familiar nooks and corners, all the while taking in for themselves the condition of the old walls, ceilings, roofs and furniture. They also listened to Pn Noriza explaining work that had been done and plans.
After some discussion among themselves, they announced their decision to Pn Noriza - that they would contribute RM3,000 toward the cost of tee-shirts for the cyclethon being organized by the PIBG. To Pn Sharifah, who is in the cyclethon committee, that is especially welcome news because tees are expected to take up half of the cost of the event.
Dr Teh has also agreed to officiate the flag-off of the cyclists on Jan 17.
And, she and her gang didn't stop there. They asked Pn Noriza to give them details of restoration projects, and pledged to help get contributions for the school.
What a lovely Sunday! Hurrah for the girls!
(Please see post below for details on the cyclethon. Closing date for registration - Dec 31.)
Puan Noriza with Dr Teh,who is the State Health Director of Penang
*HO HO HO! Something made me curious and I opened my big, hefty Oxford...and found that "alumni" is mainly plural for male former students while "alumnae" is plural for female ones and the singular is "alumna" while the masculine singular is "alumnus." Interesting. Life being the way it is, what happens if the former students are of mixed gender?
Then, we call them, "alumni," even if there is only ONE male.
Aaahh...life.. :-)
Hmm, we do have male former students from kindy -- one of whom is Tun Ling Liong Sik. Anybody contacted him? Does he know of this appeal?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I Want To Ride My Bicycle!
How long has it been since you cycled in the cool, green and refreshing environs of our world-famous Taiping Lake Gardens, and bask in the sheer poetry and beauty of the raintrees arching to the water?
If you are like me, that would be school days. Not that I've never returned to the Lake Gardens. Just never cycled there since my Form 6 days and felt the wind blowing in my face and hair. Those were the days.
Miss those days? Wish to take this trip back memory lane?
The school has come up with the absolutely brilliant idea of a CYCLETHON to kick off next year's 12oth anniversary celebrations. It's set for January 17, Saturday, in the morning. The idea is to flag off from the school, make a round of the Lake Gardens and come back to the school.
What's so brilliant about a cyclethon, you may ask?
In my humblest opinion, it is brilliant because cycling is one thread of the common fabric that binds us alumni together. We all cycled! Orang Taiping semuanya tau tunggang basikal! I know, that's generalizing things a bit, but you get the picture. My sisters and I were terrors on two wheels. Once a classmate on her schoolbus commented, "You all cycle like ribut (storm)."
So, Cyclethon Sempena Pelancaran Sambutan 120 Tahun SMK (P) Treacher Methodist Taiping 2009 (phew, what a mouthful) is simply wonderful, I say. And hope all of you agree.
It's a wonderful way for old friends to meet up again -- with all the chatting and bantering, we'll probably want to go on cycling forever, and Puan Noriza will have to blow her whistle again and again to call us back to finishing line, ha ha ha.
It's a wonderful way for alumni to come together to help our dear old school. Did I forget to say this? It's not just fun and nostalgia, ladies -- each of us will get sponsors to back our ride around the Lake Gardens. All the funds raised will go towards the restoration of the school. All the school is asking is minimum RM30 sponsorship per biker. (Note: There is no registration fee.)
It's a wonderful way for all of us to let the whole of Taiping know that we - the alumni of this very first English girls school in Malaysia - remember our roots and our alma mater, and are serious about helping her get back to her old glory. Banners will be placed all over to harken the start of the 120th jubilee. Of course, the cyclethon is open to everyone, and not just alumni.
Treacher Methodist Girls School, Taiping town will hail to thee! You are nearly as old as the town. You have groomed generations of girls. You have been there for 20,831 girls and will be there for more.
Hmm, are you already thinking where to get bikes (YAY!)? If you are not currently living in Taiping, you can get from family or relatives. If all have left the town, don't worry. Where's there a will, there's a bike!!! Yup, somehow, somewhere, we'll get a bike for you.
The important thing now is to sign up.
Get your old gang there (yoohoo, Phang, Norma, SChooi, LYin, SMing, Gaik Hua, Yew Peng, Nor Azah, Min Choo, Azrinah, Najeemu, Phooi Bee and all from 5ScR...).
Get your family there (take my word, it will be an event that they will remember forever).
To sign up and/or get further details, please email Esther Hor, Form 3 student in charge of registration, at silk_rehtse@yahoo.com or Puan Sharifah, teacher-in-charge, at sazub171@gmail.com.
COMING UP SOON! Class of '70 visits school and pledges support for the 120th anniversary cyclethon.
PICTURES COURTESY OF LOW IISHAN, BORN IN SUBANG JAYA TO TAIPING MARI PARENTS.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Forgot to say...
We are waiting for end of this month.
That's because we need to talk with someone to go ahead with the plan and this person would only be back from overseas then. Just one week or so to go, and we should be able to update everyone in early December.
Thank you to alumni who have been checking up on progress and who have been passing the appeal around. Today, I heard from Ng Lan Shing, Class of '98, who knows Hwei Chin (remember the Gang of Three?). Lan Shing has pledged to help in any way she can. A group of present students have been helping to scan old copies of The Quest. And, another present student, Esther Hor, has offered to help us do some research on the school buildings and furniture. What lovely spirit!
In the meantime, my old gang of TMGS girls are hoping to go karaoke-ing this week. Ha ha ha, gals just wanna have fun. We've known each other since Standard One and we've kept together through these 38 years. We've been busy with our careers and families and have not seen each other much these last 10 years. But, we do meet at least once a year. And, we always say, of all the new friends that we make, this is the group we are most gila with.
This time, we want to meet because one member is back from Atlanta and another is migrating in January. So, it will be a kind of reunion+homecoming+farewell.
I hope the karaoke session happens. I hope I will have a breakthrough. You see, I've never been able to sing out loud with a mike in hand. Somehow, my voice has always deserted me in the face of a mike, no matter how much I visualize myself drawing out my favourite ballad or belting out a hot number.
I am hoping, with this bunch of crusty and comfy mates from school, it will finally happen. Wish me luck. Till the next post, here's a moment to share --- one of many that bind me and my gang.
Pay attention in class, awrrgiht? That's what I imagine Mr Sum would say should he see this picture. Ha ha ha, we were so caught up with having something to prop up the BBQ stove that we forgot plastic melts when heated up!!! A moment from some 27 years ago....
:-D Live worthily!
That's because we need to talk with someone to go ahead with the plan and this person would only be back from overseas then. Just one week or so to go, and we should be able to update everyone in early December.
Thank you to alumni who have been checking up on progress and who have been passing the appeal around. Today, I heard from Ng Lan Shing, Class of '98, who knows Hwei Chin (remember the Gang of Three?). Lan Shing has pledged to help in any way she can. A group of present students have been helping to scan old copies of The Quest. And, another present student, Esther Hor, has offered to help us do some research on the school buildings and furniture. What lovely spirit!
In the meantime, my old gang of TMGS girls are hoping to go karaoke-ing this week. Ha ha ha, gals just wanna have fun. We've known each other since Standard One and we've kept together through these 38 years. We've been busy with our careers and families and have not seen each other much these last 10 years. But, we do meet at least once a year. And, we always say, of all the new friends that we make, this is the group we are most gila with.
This time, we want to meet because one member is back from Atlanta and another is migrating in January. So, it will be a kind of reunion+homecoming+farewell.
I hope the karaoke session happens. I hope I will have a breakthrough. You see, I've never been able to sing out loud with a mike in hand. Somehow, my voice has always deserted me in the face of a mike, no matter how much I visualize myself drawing out my favourite ballad or belting out a hot number.
I am hoping, with this bunch of crusty and comfy mates from school, it will finally happen. Wish me luck. Till the next post, here's a moment to share --- one of many that bind me and my gang.
Pay attention in class, awrrgiht? That's what I imagine Mr Sum would say should he see this picture. Ha ha ha, we were so caught up with having something to prop up the BBQ stove that we forgot plastic melts when heated up!!! A moment from some 27 years ago....
:-D Live worthily!
Friday, November 7, 2008
aaahhhh....
It's been two weeks since the last update, and Deepavali has come and passed.
The school has been busy checking up on the legalities of the fund-raising project and committee. Not as easy as it seems, eh? I am learning patience and keep telling myself the upside is that, when all details are resolved, we will be properly launched and that's good. Can't wait to get the project off and running; hope you feel the same too.
Would you like to do something to help in the meanwhile? Here's what each of us can do:
So, everyone, let's all go a-hunting for now?
There's another thing we can do to make the waiting pleasanter -- share stories!!! Just email me your anecdote plus a picture and we'll put it on the blog. No offensive material, of course.
I'd like to start the ball rolling.
The past week, I was busy doing a Powerpoint presentation to commemorate my mom's 80th birthday. Looked through a whole lot of photos. And, came across this one taken maybe 5 years ago that made me think of the school's presence not only in my life but also my family and my clan's. Lim Kongsi, ha ha ha -- the alumni here spans quite a few years and not all are in this picture.
Treacher Methodist Girls School, hail to thee!
Front row (L-R): Lim Swee Cheng, cousin, class of 1978; Lim Swee Gim, cousin, 1975; Lim Swee Beet, cousin, 1976; Lim Swee Choo, cousin, 1969; Lim Swee Heoh, cousin, 1975; Lim Swee Ean, cousin, 1974; Lim Swee Liew, sister, 1975.
Back row: me (yellow tee); Lim Swee Chin (black tee), sister, 1979; Lim Swee Siang (peach tee), twin sister, 1980.
:-) Hope you enjoy that. Now, a-hunting we will go, a-hunting we will go, hey ho, the merry girls, a-hunting we will go...
The school has been busy checking up on the legalities of the fund-raising project and committee. Not as easy as it seems, eh? I am learning patience and keep telling myself the upside is that, when all details are resolved, we will be properly launched and that's good. Can't wait to get the project off and running; hope you feel the same too.
Would you like to do something to help in the meanwhile? Here's what each of us can do:
- Collect email addresses (active ones, please) of TMGS alumni.
- Every time, you have 5 or more in hand, forward those addresses to me at sweebin@gmail.com.
- We will enter these into the TMGS alumni database, which we are building.
- When the TMGS fund-raising website is launched, all in the database will be informed. This will greatly help the launch. Your help will be much appreciated.
So, everyone, let's all go a-hunting for now?
There's another thing we can do to make the waiting pleasanter -- share stories!!! Just email me your anecdote plus a picture and we'll put it on the blog. No offensive material, of course.
I'd like to start the ball rolling.
The past week, I was busy doing a Powerpoint presentation to commemorate my mom's 80th birthday. Looked through a whole lot of photos. And, came across this one taken maybe 5 years ago that made me think of the school's presence not only in my life but also my family and my clan's. Lim Kongsi, ha ha ha -- the alumni here spans quite a few years and not all are in this picture.
Treacher Methodist Girls School, hail to thee!
Back row: me (yellow tee); Lim Swee Chin (black tee), sister, 1979; Lim Swee Siang (peach tee), twin sister, 1980.
:-) Hope you enjoy that. Now, a-hunting we will go, a-hunting we will go, hey ho, the merry girls, a-hunting we will go...
Friday, October 24, 2008
HAPPY DEEPAVALI to all Hindu alumni...wishing you and loved ones a meaningful celebration of goodness
UPDATE! After further discussions, it was decided that the best course would be to get official approval for the fund-raising project. Yesterday, the school submitted the application to the Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri in Ipoh. Let's all pray for a speedy approval!
In the meantime, work is continuing on the website. To those who are waiting to remit their contributions, our apologies for the waiting. The dedicated bank account can't be opened as yet. Just a little while more...we'll soon be there. :-) Many thanks for the alumni spirit.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Good meeting
There we were -- with Puan Noriza and Lay Hoon -- last Friday, Sept 26, at the school.
At this point of our meeting, Suet Fun was just about to present the name and logo for the fund-raising project. It's a secret...for now. :-) All will be revealed when the dedicated bank account and website are set up, after Raya, sometime next month.
We signed the agreement for the school-alumni committee, which comprised five representatives each from the school and from alumni. For the school, we have Puan Noriza, Mrs Ng, Lay Hoon, Ms Ng Poh Lay and Pn Azizan bte Shafie. For alumni, we have me, Suet Fun, Chai Lan, Li Yin and Mrs Goh Hoe Seng, who is also a former teacher and has taught us all (and is the Lye Ngoot mentioned in Mrs Lim's letter). Pn Noriza heads the committee as Chairman and Mrs Ng serves as Vice-Chairman.
And so, the ground is laid for the partnership between alumni and school, where alumni will help to raise and administer the funds for the refurbishment of the school. Our agreement includes formulating a list of repair works and accounting of funds received and disbursed. Alumni and the general public will be able to access this information in the soon-to-be-launched website.
This second visit showed up a more alarming picture. The dear old lady is truly buckling with age. The chemistry lab is now operating without electricity, after a wire on the ceiling burst into flames due to water damage (see pix). Aargh! Those monkeys!
I've been asked, "Why are you doing this?" I've thought about it. To me, it is answering to a distress call. Much like the automatic response you'd give to a person on the roadside, injured and needing help. So, to all alumni, please do accept our sincerity in initiating this effort and, more importantly, JOIN US in helping the school.
Our alumni is spread all over the globe. Wherever you are, we hope you will hear this plea for help and respond in generous spirit. A little bit from each of us will be good enough. The school lays her hopes on us.
To all Muslim alumni -- Selamat Hari Raya Aidil-Fitri .. may you and loved ones have a joyous celebration!
Monday, September 22, 2008
ALERT! We - Suet Fun, Chai Lan, Li Yin and I - are visiting the school this Friday, Sept 26 and meeting up with Pn Noriza and team. Will keep you posted (see "Yummy, Yummy" post dated Sept 3). It is wonderful to see the alumni spirit burning bright. Keep circulating this appeal, please. Many thanks!
There from 1929 to 1978
I emailed Mrs Lim Chin Hun a list of questions and here's her reply. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do. Best wishes to you and family, Mrs Lim! :-)Greetings from Sydney! Good on you and your friends for helping with the "TMGS Old Girls' Give Back" project and trying to give a 'face-lift' to the 'grand,old lady' who truly deserves it. She was born in the year of 1889 and will be 120 years old next year. That should call for a grand celebration when the time comes! As her dear children, we would all uphold her motto to 'Live Worthily' for she 'hast guided in right way" (as mentioned in the school song).
Now, it's time that I get to tell you about how I have spent 'the best years of my life' in TMGS as a former student and an ex-teacher from 1929 to 1978, including the 2nd World War Years when I was away from Taiping for about 4 years.
It was in Jan 1929 and at the early age of 6, my mother sent me off to the school known as Lady Treacher Girls' School (named after Lady Treacher, the wife of Mr William Treacher, the British Resident) together with my 2 bigger sisters. We all went in a rickshaw to and from school. In those early days the classes ranged from Primary One, Two, Standards from 1 - 7 followed by Junior Cambridge and Cambridge School Certificate (Senior Cambridge). I studied hard and managed to obtain 2 double promotions (from Standard 2 - 4 and then from Standard 4 - 6). School was fun because I enjoyed reading and singing with other girls. The late Miss Mable Poulier was one of my best teachers. I liked her for her patience and kindness. My best friend was and still is Mrs Delip Singh. She will always remind me 'great minds think alike' meaning 'the 2 of us' and we would keep on laughing about the thought.
Soon enough my school days came to an end and I had to start thinking of becoming a teacher and earn a living. I joined as a 'student-teacher' in my old school whose name was now changed to Treacher Methodist Girls' School (TMGS) in 1957. The 2nd World War which lasted 3 years and 8 mths interrupted my teachers' training as the school was first used by the Japanese forces as their barracks and later by the Indian army as headquarters. The school more or less did not seem to exist back then.
In 1941, after finishing the normal class Teacher training course held on Fridays and Saturdays for 3 years, I became a qualified teacher, trained as a General Purpose teacher. I taught all subjects in the timetable in the Lower Secondary department, namely Form 1 and 2. Soon I was chosen to be the afternoon Supervisor of the Lower Secondary for at least 10 years before retiring in 1978.
Time flies but I still have fond memories of my life as a teacher. I enjoyed being in the company of fellow teachers and getting to know them and their families as well. I liked my pupils t
oo. They made me proud and happy when they worked hard to help themselves. There are 3 of my former pupils namely Sow Siew, Lye Ngoot and Cheng Heong, who are currently Committee Members of the Old Girls' Association in TMGS. They had all been working with me when I was once the Hon. Secretary of OGA for 12 memorable years from 1973-1985.
In Jan 1986 (8 years after my retirement in 1978) together with my family members we migrated to Sydney, Australia. I am now well settled here for 22 years and am enjoying the company of my eldest daughter and her family, some relatives and friends. I go to the Wesley Uniting Church and am keeping myself busy and happy with church activities, bible study cell group and seniors' luncheons in church.
At home I spend my time studying the bible, reading storybooks and newspapers, watching TV and having afternoon naps everyday. At my age, I have stopped sewing cross-stitch, doing much housework and gardening. My son and family will take me out at weekends either sight-seeing or shopping and also for lunch.
Yes, I truly admit that the photos on the web showing the school building in a deplorable condition do touches my heart. Having contributed RM300 the first time when the main building was constructed I feel it is my duty again to donate RM1000 to restore the old building to its former glory.
To me, TMGS is an icon in Taiping offering 'quality' education to its students population.
Once again, thank you for your effort in helping the school and please thank the school for posting me the receipt and letter. It is very nice of them to send me the letter.
Do your best and be blessed!
Mrs Lim Chin HunSaturday, September 6, 2008
Treacher Girls School, hail to thee
Thou art to our hearts most dear
In all our work and play
Thoughts of thee are ever near
We would honour thee this hour
We would ever sing thy praise
For we know thy worth
Here good thoughts have birth
Thou has guided in right ways.
Jenny, Class of '69, sang to me from her memory at a symposium three weeks ago. And, three hours ago, Suet Fun, Chai Lan and Li Yin spontaneously burst into the school song, as they scrolled the history page of the TMGS website. I burst into goosebumps, awed by the moment.
Thou art to our hearts most dear
In all our work and play
Thoughts of thee are ever near
We would honour thee this hour
We would ever sing thy praise
For we know thy worth
Here good thoughts have birth
Thou has guided in right ways.
Jenny, Class of '69, sang to me from her memory at a symposium three weeks ago. And, three hours ago, Suet Fun, Chai Lan and Li Yin spontaneously burst into the school song, as they scrolled the history page of the TMGS website. I burst into goosebumps, awed by the moment.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
yummy, yummy
Oh, the carrot-walnut cupcakes topped with creamed cheese and choc chips were good!
Li Yin had made them the night before our meeting at Suet Fun's place two weeks ago. Ever the good cook and foodie, she wanted to bring something special to commemorate the get-together. The cup-cakes sure did. We had them with green tea - got to have something healthy alongside - and a mooncake from Ipoh.
Is that all I am remembering? The food?
Well, laughter abounded that night, especially when we remembered the teachers -- Mr Sum, Ms Ho, Mr Chuah, Mr Mak, Ms Satwant and Ms Surjeit among others. Li Yin and I were classmates from Year '80 while Suet Fun and Chai Lan were classmates from Year '77. So, we were close enough in years to know the same teachers. Li Yin and I couldn't help feeling awed by our two seniors' memory - these girls sure know their year-mates, seniors and juniors. In fact, after Chai Lan introduced us, Suet Fun took a good look at Li Yin and said, "You look familiar. You have an elder sister, right?" And, went on to name the sister. Golly.
Food and laughter aside, I am happy to inform you that the fund-raising initiative is moving up some notches. We are in the midst of setting up a school-alumni committee to raise as well as adminster the funds. Puan Noriza and team are excited. We are excited too.
Status at the moment - the agreement is being finalized and we should be driving to Taiping soon to formalize the committee. We do believe that alumni will give from their hearts once their minds are assured. We totally respect the concern on proper management of funds. Hence, in addition to the committee, we will have a website to keep donors updated -- with all relevant figures and even pictures or videos of refurbishment work.
It's thrilling to see things come to this stage. My special thanks to Li Yin (with spectacles), Chai Lan (in WWF tee) and Suet Fun (in red tee) for doing this with me. Here we were, night of Aug 21, before we acted on the cupcakes...
Would you like to join us in the committee? All alumni are invited. If you'd like to join our current gang of four, just drop me a line at sweebin@gmail.com. We'll find you something to do. Should be loads of fun!
TO EVERYONE: DO WATCH THIS SPACE. MORE NEWS EXPECTED IN THE COMING MONTH! AND, PLEASE DO KEEPING PASSING OUT THIS APPEAL FOR THE SCHOOL.
Do you remember Mrs Lim Chin Hun @ Ooi Kwee Kim? She is a former student and teacher of TMGS. She is 85 and living in Australia. When she heard of the appeal for funds via the Internet, she asked her daughter-in-law, Penny, to email me about making a donation. She has since forwarded her contribution to the school - many, many thanks, Mrs Lim! This is in fact Mrs Lim's second contribution; she first donated RM300 in 1941 to the school's building fund and her name can be seen on the donors plaque in the foyer. I hope to interview Mrs Lim on her days with our alma mater.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Gang of Three, Power of One
Last month, three Old Girls working in the same department in a company in KL went about asking colleagues and friends for help. Just RM1 - that was all they asked of each person. Power of One.
Here, the gang of three - (from left) Li Yin, Hwei Chin and Jenny.
Here, their stories.
From the kepala, Leong Li Yin, Class of '80, mom to two teens, who says she'll always remain a 21-year-old at heart:
"The big day finally dawned - July 1. Yes, the start of our month-long donation drive. A Tuesday. Second day after pay day. Was very busy liaising with auditors on the half-yearly closing of accounts but, what the heck, I love my school. The show must begin!
An engineer-colleague who I haven't seen for a while (because my department is a restricted area) stopped by to say hi. We chatted. Then, I said, "Do you think you can spare a ringgit for my school?" I went on to tell him that TMGS was a mission school which needed to find its own funds for building maintenance and how the school buildings were in need for repairs and pest control.
He told me that he too was from a mission school, as he took out his wallet, fished out a RM50 note and handed it to me! My mouth fell open. I had asked for RM1 and he was giving 50 times more!
I asked if he was sure he wanted to part with so much money. After all, this was soon after the latest 78 sen/litre petrol price hike. He said yes. That really made my day. So, I gave him my thank-you note (see below) and invited him to visit our TMGS OGGB blogspot.
The ball started rolling since this person has given me so much encouragement and positive response. Together, Hwei Chin, Jenny and I approached our other colleagues. Some gave as asked but most gave double or multiplied.
There were not-so-pleasant encounters. I will always remember the lecture I received for five minutes or more. About how the government "would shrink from responsibilities because there are caring people like us to chip in." About how what my gang is doing would encourage the government not to take any action faster or further because "when the going gets tough, the tough will be taken care by others." Well. He gave ten-fold.
Some questioned if the money would be used accordingly and not go towards lining someone's pocket. A Chinese saying goes: "On one hand, the fingers are of different lengths." So, the three of us had expected all sorts of reactions.
On the last day of July, I went to an evening seminar and had this idea of a grand finale. Alas. Not a ringgit collected as I was a lone ranger and did not have the courage to ask a roomful of strangers.
I thought of the last weekend of June, when I sat at my table cutting out the thank-you notes. Hurrah!"
From Tan Hwei Chin, Class of '98, who studied at TMGS from Form One:
"July 1, the day an important mission needs to be carried out. The last week of June, we reminded each other the big day is coming. We even told some colleagues to be prepared for July 1 as we would carry out an important event, which would remain a secret till then. Seemed really mysterious, ha ha.
My first RM1 came from my special friend early in the morning, at 7am. I just asked for RM1 from him. He did not ask why. I told him in short, "It's for my school."
The first day was not too bad. I managed to collect RM1 from the people I went to. Some of them forked out more. My yoga instructor gave RM10. I remember what she said: "Huh? RM1? Is it enough? Never mind. I'll give you RM10." I was smiling with joy and gratefully thanked her.
The donation drive went along for the week and everyone commented that I "still remember" my school. They did read the small note that Li Yin has prepared and were very much interested to visit the blog.
I went back to Taiping in the first week of August. After breakfast at Restoran Kakak, instead of my normal route home, I made the turn heading to our school. I approached it from the direction of the museum and was shocked to see how bad our school has turned. Right from the teachers' hostel, it was without a roof. Probably being repaired. The rest of the blocks were ugly. Their paint is in bad shape. Everything is not good. How unfortunate it is."
From Jenny Lee, Class of '96:
"Doing fund-raising!! Never done it in my life! I felt challenged having to ask people to donate for my school. I also felt excited because I was able to help and give back to our school."
Just how much did Li Yin, Hwei Chin and Jenny collect through Power Of One?
"It's so co-incidental that the sum is Rm388, which means flourish, prosper and prosper in Cantonese," said Li Yin. Hmm, very auspicious for our TMGS Old Girls Give Back initiative.
To these three Old Girls - Hurrah! Hurrah! HURRAH!
Here, the gang of three - (from left) Li Yin, Hwei Chin and Jenny.
Here, their stories.From the kepala, Leong Li Yin, Class of '80, mom to two teens, who says she'll always remain a 21-year-old at heart:
"The big day finally dawned - July 1. Yes, the start of our month-long donation drive. A Tuesday. Second day after pay day. Was very busy liaising with auditors on the half-yearly closing of accounts but, what the heck, I love my school. The show must begin!
An engineer-colleague who I haven't seen for a while (because my department is a restricted area) stopped by to say hi. We chatted. Then, I said, "Do you think you can spare a ringgit for my school?" I went on to tell him that TMGS was a mission school which needed to find its own funds for building maintenance and how the school buildings were in need for repairs and pest control.
He told me that he too was from a mission school, as he took out his wallet, fished out a RM50 note and handed it to me! My mouth fell open. I had asked for RM1 and he was giving 50 times more!
I asked if he was sure he wanted to part with so much money. After all, this was soon after the latest 78 sen/litre petrol price hike. He said yes. That really made my day. So, I gave him my thank-you note (see below) and invited him to visit our TMGS OGGB blogspot.
|
|
| |
| Your Power of ONE has contributed WORTHILY. |
| Thank you from an Old Girl of TMGS. |
| |
| Please visit http://tmgsoldgirlsgiveback.blogspot.com/ |
The ball started rolling since this person has given me so much encouragement and positive response. Together, Hwei Chin, Jenny and I approached our other colleagues. Some gave as asked but most gave double or multiplied.
There were not-so-pleasant encounters. I will always remember the lecture I received for five minutes or more. About how the government "would shrink from responsibilities because there are caring people like us to chip in." About how what my gang is doing would encourage the government not to take any action faster or further because "when the going gets tough, the tough will be taken care by others." Well. He gave ten-fold.
Some questioned if the money would be used accordingly and not go towards lining someone's pocket. A Chinese saying goes: "On one hand, the fingers are of different lengths." So, the three of us had expected all sorts of reactions.
On the last day of July, I went to an evening seminar and had this idea of a grand finale. Alas. Not a ringgit collected as I was a lone ranger and did not have the courage to ask a roomful of strangers.
I thought of the last weekend of June, when I sat at my table cutting out the thank-you notes. Hurrah!"
From Tan Hwei Chin, Class of '98, who studied at TMGS from Form One:
"July 1, the day an important mission needs to be carried out. The last week of June, we reminded each other the big day is coming. We even told some colleagues to be prepared for July 1 as we would carry out an important event, which would remain a secret till then. Seemed really mysterious, ha ha.
My first RM1 came from my special friend early in the morning, at 7am. I just asked for RM1 from him. He did not ask why. I told him in short, "It's for my school."
The first day was not too bad. I managed to collect RM1 from the people I went to. Some of them forked out more. My yoga instructor gave RM10. I remember what she said: "Huh? RM1? Is it enough? Never mind. I'll give you RM10." I was smiling with joy and gratefully thanked her.
The donation drive went along for the week and everyone commented that I "still remember" my school. They did read the small note that Li Yin has prepared and were very much interested to visit the blog.
I went back to Taiping in the first week of August. After breakfast at Restoran Kakak, instead of my normal route home, I made the turn heading to our school. I approached it from the direction of the museum and was shocked to see how bad our school has turned. Right from the teachers' hostel, it was without a roof. Probably being repaired. The rest of the blocks were ugly. Their paint is in bad shape. Everything is not good. How unfortunate it is."
From Jenny Lee, Class of '96:
"Doing fund-raising!! Never done it in my life! I felt challenged having to ask people to donate for my school. I also felt excited because I was able to help and give back to our school."
Just how much did Li Yin, Hwei Chin and Jenny collect through Power Of One?
"It's so co-incidental that the sum is Rm388, which means flourish, prosper and prosper in Cantonese," said Li Yin. Hmm, very auspicious for our TMGS Old Girls Give Back initiative.
To these three Old Girls - Hurrah! Hurrah! HURRAH!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
In process
It has been some time since I last posted. Previously, I shared my puzzlement that the visits have not resulted in contributions. The question then arose --- should this blog be continued?
Just then, angels came. First, an OG in Atlanta. A friend since Std One, Phang said we just need to keep reaching out to more OGs. A few days later, another friend asked me to hold on. A few days later, Puan Noriza called to give her assurance that the funds generated would be used for improving the school buildings (I had shared with her OGs' concern on this). She said the funds would be recorded in a separate statement under the PIBG account and that Ms Lim would be in charge.
A few days later, a mom I know from my children's class came over to me and whispered, "Live worthily," like a secret sisterhood code. Jenny went on to say: "I had just learned to get on the Net, and was surfing just some nights ago. I don't know what came over me but I decided to type in 'TMGS.' That took me to your blog. I saw your name and your picture but it didn't click that it was you! I had read through the blog and was scrolling up when it hit me...aiyoo!"
Jenny bouys me with her enthusiasm. A week after we had the above encounter, she emailed to say that her Class of '77 would do something. Then, my cousin called late in the night, when I was already in bed, to ask if the collection is still on. Told her, yes. She then told me that her gang of OGs are meeting up end of this month and she'd tell them.
Hey, things are happening, after all. I am simply heartened.
Enough to say this once again --- to all the OGs within earshot, let's just do this for our school, alright? Give. It needn't be a lot. Just give. Please.
Just then, angels came. First, an OG in Atlanta. A friend since Std One, Phang said we just need to keep reaching out to more OGs. A few days later, another friend asked me to hold on. A few days later, Puan Noriza called to give her assurance that the funds generated would be used for improving the school buildings (I had shared with her OGs' concern on this). She said the funds would be recorded in a separate statement under the PIBG account and that Ms Lim would be in charge.
A few days later, a mom I know from my children's class came over to me and whispered, "Live worthily," like a secret sisterhood code. Jenny went on to say: "I had just learned to get on the Net, and was surfing just some nights ago. I don't know what came over me but I decided to type in 'TMGS.' That took me to your blog. I saw your name and your picture but it didn't click that it was you! I had read through the blog and was scrolling up when it hit me...aiyoo!"
Jenny bouys me with her enthusiasm. A week after we had the above encounter, she emailed to say that her Class of '77 would do something. Then, my cousin called late in the night, when I was already in bed, to ask if the collection is still on. Told her, yes. She then told me that her gang of OGs are meeting up end of this month and she'd tell them.
Hey, things are happening, after all. I am simply heartened.
Enough to say this once again --- to all the OGs within earshot, let's just do this for our school, alright? Give. It needn't be a lot. Just give. Please.
Friday, July 11, 2008
What Do You Need?
Lots of visitors to this blog. Thank you to all who visited and directed others here. The interest and concern are there.
But - and it is a BIG but - not a single contribution has been received todate by the school, except mine, in the month since this blog was started!
What is needed for Old Girls to give?
Do you feel you need to give huge sums? NO! Absolutely not. Any amount, even RM10, is received with glad hearts. Are you worried your money will not be used for restoring the old lady? Do you feel the government should be doing this and not us? Or, do you need or prefer a bank account to make your donation rather than writing out a cheque?
I am genuinely asking. I urge you to post the concern that is holding you back (click on "Comments"). Or, email me at sweebin@gmail.com.
All queries and comments welcome. Let's work towards addressing concerns, shall we?
But - and it is a BIG but - not a single contribution has been received todate by the school, except mine, in the month since this blog was started!
What is needed for Old Girls to give?
Do you feel you need to give huge sums? NO! Absolutely not. Any amount, even RM10, is received with glad hearts. Are you worried your money will not be used for restoring the old lady? Do you feel the government should be doing this and not us? Or, do you need or prefer a bank account to make your donation rather than writing out a cheque?
I am genuinely asking. I urge you to post the concern that is holding you back (click on "Comments"). Or, email me at sweebin@gmail.com.
All queries and comments welcome. Let's work towards addressing concerns, shall we?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
Dear Swee Bin and friends,
Hello there. It is nice to note that the Treacherian spirit is flying all over the world now. You all must be wondering who I am. After reading all the mails that was cc to me, I think its about time that I start to respond to some of them. I am a friend and schoolmate of Lim Lean See while we were studying at KEVII. I knew her during her schooling days at TMGS. She left after F5 in 1981.
I am presently the Chairman of the PTA in St George's, Taiping. Well, what have I got to do with TMGS. It all started when your present principal invited me to attend your school function and showed me slides of the condition of the building. So pathetic, that was how I felt. That's why I decided to help.
I had been raising funds for SGI since 2004 and managed to refurbish many things at the school. I think SGI is ok now and will turn my attention to TMGS even though I got nothing to do with it. Just that it is charity work. You may read my article that I had written to the Star and NSTP sometime in 2005 by typing my name, Ong Ah Sun. Hope that article will somewhat inspire some of you who are keen to assist your alma mater, be it big or small. We have to play our part, then only the dream can turn into reality.
If you all consider me as part of the Trecherian family, you can email me at ongas64@hotmail.com to discuss how we can raise more funds for your beloved school. Hope that your efforts will bear fruits soon and I on my part have written personally to the director of Lee Foundation (whom I know) to apply for financial assistance and to Methodist Church council (patron is Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong who is my friend). Hope the good news will come soon. Can't promise anything now but will definitely follow up with both of them. The school principal is aware of it and let us pray together.
Thanks for taking time to read my email.
Best wishes and regards,
Ong Ah Sun
Old Edwardian
Hello there. It is nice to note that the Treacherian spirit is flying all over the world now. You all must be wondering who I am. After reading all the mails that was cc to me, I think its about time that I start to respond to some of them. I am a friend and schoolmate of Lim Lean See while we were studying at KEVII. I knew her during her schooling days at TMGS. She left after F5 in 1981.
I am presently the Chairman of the PTA in St George's, Taiping. Well, what have I got to do with TMGS. It all started when your present principal invited me to attend your school function and showed me slides of the condition of the building. So pathetic, that was how I felt. That's why I decided to help.
I had been raising funds for SGI since 2004 and managed to refurbish many things at the school. I think SGI is ok now and will turn my attention to TMGS even though I got nothing to do with it. Just that it is charity work. You may read my article that I had written to the Star and NSTP sometime in 2005 by typing my name, Ong Ah Sun. Hope that article will somewhat inspire some of you who are keen to assist your alma mater, be it big or small. We have to play our part, then only the dream can turn into reality.
If you all consider me as part of the Trecherian family, you can email me at ongas64@hotmail.com to discuss how we can raise more funds for your beloved school. Hope that your efforts will bear fruits soon and I on my part have written personally to the director of Lee Foundation (whom I know) to apply for financial assistance and to Methodist Church council (patron is Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong who is my friend). Hope the good news will come soon. Can't promise anything now but will definitely follow up with both of them. The school principal is aware of it and let us pray together.
Thanks for taking time to read my email.
Best wishes and regards,
Ong Ah Sun
Old Edwardian
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Soft-Spoken Iron Girl
Finally spoke with Ng Nan See day before yesterday. Turns out she's just 26, Class of '99.
Told her I'm from Class of '80.
"I wasn't born yet" came back, matter-of-factly.
Ouches aside, there was instant fellowship and Nan See did not hesitate to share her fund-raising story. How she began is best told, I believe, with this excerpt from her email to friends:
"...I understand that everyone is wondering how I come to know about our school needing help. Here's how the story goes...my department manager, Mr Ong Ah Sun, is the President of PIBG St George. He is very successful in collecting donations for St George school. A lot of improvement have been done to the school ... A PIBG committee member of St George, Pn Maznah (if I'm not mistaken), is also in the PIBG committee member of Treacher Methodist. Therefore, she and the school (Pn Noriza-pengetua, Pn Sharifah, and others) asked the help of Mr Ong. And now is our time in Actionnnn......"
Action indeed from this soft-spoken young OG. Networking through email, she collected RM3,828 in a month plus, beginning from late February!
"I emailed my friends, and they emailed their friends. I feel very happy. My friends are so generous. They didn't ask any questions. When they got to know of the school's problem, they called me and they just gave. Some people who don't know me did query. I answered them. When they're comfortable, they gave."
OGs from years 1996 to 2003 and some non-OGs gave to the school through Nan See, and the collection was handed over during the May 3 fund-raising dinner (hmm, was kind of hoping to add to our "Raised To-date" figure!). She had compiled the list of donors so the school could mail them receipts.
Did it take a lot of effort on your part, I asked.
"Not much. If we feel we want to do, it's very easy. When I receive donations, I feel worth it and I get to help the school," came the answer.
What a girl! Old Girl, Iron Girl.
Nan See, Taiping born and bred, first schooled at Convent Klian Pau, went to TMGS for Secondary 1-5. Has been away from Taiping for only 4 years, when studying at UTM Johor. Been back in Taiping since 2004, working at Public Bank. Transferring soon to Penang. We wish her well in her new posting!
Her personal message to OGs all over:
"For those who have donated, I really appreciate what you have done. For those who have not donated, I hope you will help back the school."
Told her I'm from Class of '80.
"I wasn't born yet" came back, matter-of-factly.
Ouches aside, there was instant fellowship and Nan See did not hesitate to share her fund-raising story. How she began is best told, I believe, with this excerpt from her email to friends:
"...I understand that everyone is wondering how I come to know about our school needing help. Here's how the story goes...my department manager, Mr Ong Ah Sun, is the President of PIBG St George. He is very successful in collecting donations for St George school. A lot of improvement have been done to the school ... A PIBG committee member of St George, Pn Maznah (if I'm not mistaken), is also in the PIBG committee member of Treacher Methodist. Therefore, she and the school (Pn Noriza-pengetua, Pn Sharifah, and others) asked the help of Mr Ong. And now is our time in Actionnnn......"
Action indeed from this soft-spoken young OG. Networking through email, she collected RM3,828 in a month plus, beginning from late February!
"I emailed my friends, and they emailed their friends. I feel very happy. My friends are so generous. They didn't ask any questions. When they got to know of the school's problem, they called me and they just gave. Some people who don't know me did query. I answered them. When they're comfortable, they gave."
OGs from years 1996 to 2003 and some non-OGs gave to the school through Nan See, and the collection was handed over during the May 3 fund-raising dinner (hmm, was kind of hoping to add to our "Raised To-date" figure!). She had compiled the list of donors so the school could mail them receipts.
Did it take a lot of effort on your part, I asked.
"Not much. If we feel we want to do, it's very easy. When I receive donations, I feel worth it and I get to help the school," came the answer.
What a girl! Old Girl, Iron Girl.
Nan See, Taiping born and bred, first schooled at Convent Klian Pau, went to TMGS for Secondary 1-5. Has been away from Taiping for only 4 years, when studying at UTM Johor. Been back in Taiping since 2004, working at Public Bank. Transferring soon to Penang. We wish her well in her new posting!
Her personal message to OGs all over:
"For those who have donated, I really appreciate what you have done. For those who have not donated, I hope you will help back the school."
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
20,831
That's the number of lives which have passed through our alma mater (nourishing mother) since 1889.
20,831. Some would have passed on, certainly. Can't help doing some simple math here. Approximately half of total admissions yields 10,000. Multiply that by RM50 each and we'd have RM500,000. There!
(Of course, those who are capable of giving more, by all means do so...it'll help make up for any shortfall in the reach of this SOS.)
Since our school's appeal for help came through, old bonds have been re-asserting themselves, very much helped along by the Net. I've been in contact with seniors and juniors, living here and overseas...people I don't know at all but who speak to me warmly simply because we all share roots that time and distance cannot erase.
Through Lean See, I've come to know Jarinah and Odi, all Class of '81. Jarinah has been marvellous in ferreting out email contacts to circulate the message. Through her efforts, we got to know Jacyln Chiew, Class of '86 and living in California, who said she'd try to get aid from the charity foundation she serves in. Jarinah sent me another email today about the fund-raising effort by Nan See who lives still in Taiping and demonstrates the power of a can-do spirit. I've contacted Nan See and hope to share her story here soon.
Currently, 859 girls are at TMGS. They know many of us are rising to the school's distress call. Suddenly, our school motto, Live Worthily, takes on real meaning and is no longer merely two words strung together.
So, back to all of us Old Girls, send in your contributions and keep reaching out. Remember the math -- it is very possible! (Nothing is impossible...or as Adidas would have it, impossible is nothing.)
20,831. Some would have passed on, certainly. Can't help doing some simple math here. Approximately half of total admissions yields 10,000. Multiply that by RM50 each and we'd have RM500,000. There!
(Of course, those who are capable of giving more, by all means do so...it'll help make up for any shortfall in the reach of this SOS.)
Since our school's appeal for help came through, old bonds have been re-asserting themselves, very much helped along by the Net. I've been in contact with seniors and juniors, living here and overseas...people I don't know at all but who speak to me warmly simply because we all share roots that time and distance cannot erase.
Through Lean See, I've come to know Jarinah and Odi, all Class of '81. Jarinah has been marvellous in ferreting out email contacts to circulate the message. Through her efforts, we got to know Jacyln Chiew, Class of '86 and living in California, who said she'd try to get aid from the charity foundation she serves in. Jarinah sent me another email today about the fund-raising effort by Nan See who lives still in Taiping and demonstrates the power of a can-do spirit. I've contacted Nan See and hope to share her story here soon.
Currently, 859 girls are at TMGS. They know many of us are rising to the school's distress call. Suddenly, our school motto, Live Worthily, takes on real meaning and is no longer merely two words strung together.
So, back to all of us Old Girls, send in your contributions and keep reaching out. Remember the math -- it is very possible! (Nothing is impossible...or as Adidas would have it, impossible is nothing.)
Let us hear from you too! Share your thoughts and sign in the Guestbook? My apologies to those who tried to leave comments earlier; the setting is now opened up. For a trip back to school, just click on the link to the school website.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Today -- Cheque Day!
Let's get down to serious business....have you mailed your contribution? Shall we make it a point today to do just that? Put daily life aside for a couple of minutes and get it done, alright? Let's move the "Raised to-date" figure, just like the hit counter for this blog!!!
I'm thinking I won't post anything new for the next week or two. Already lots to read; keep the comments and guestbook sign-ins flowing, though. For the week ahead, shall we all concentrate on circulating the appeal? Keep up the spirit, girls!
Radiah, Class of '81, visited the school on May 13 and has lots to say on what she saw -- check out her blog, the 4th link!
I'm thinking I won't post anything new for the next week or two. Already lots to read; keep the comments and guestbook sign-ins flowing, though. For the week ahead, shall we all concentrate on circulating the appeal? Keep up the spirit, girls!
Radiah, Class of '81, visited the school on May 13 and has lots to say on what she saw -- check out her blog, the 4th link!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Lean See in action
It was exciting to find Restoring TMGS by Lean See, Class of '81, who, like me, started blogging for this reason. We've emailed each other and are linking up our two blogs --- see the third link?
It takes you to Pn Noriza's letter to Lean See. I hope you will be touched by Pn Noriza's sincerity and concern for our alma mater and the scope and urgency of the situation (please, send your cheque soonest and keep circulating this appeal).
Below is an account from Lean See of her gang's initial actions:
"My friends and I started emailing the Sejarah TMGS to girls from other batches via their sisters, cousins and people they know who attended TMGS. One of the girls I emailed was Su See. She is my cousin who is currently residing in Australia. So I was pleasantly surprised that you got your initial email from her - so our mass emailing has worked!!"
Also from Lean See's blog - 3 MORE DISREPAIR PICTURES (see below right).
It takes you to Pn Noriza's letter to Lean See. I hope you will be touched by Pn Noriza's sincerity and concern for our alma mater and the scope and urgency of the situation (please, send your cheque soonest and keep circulating this appeal).
Below is an account from Lean See of her gang's initial actions:
"My friends and I started emailing the Sejarah TMGS to girls from other batches via their sisters, cousins and people they know who attended TMGS. One of the girls I emailed was Su See. She is my cousin who is currently residing in Australia. So I was pleasantly surprised that you got your initial email from her - so our mass emailing has worked!!"
Also from Lean See's blog - 3 MORE DISREPAIR PICTURES (see below right).
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Learning all the time
Just three weeks ago, before all this came up, I chatted with an old gentleman, a retired teacher, who actively promotes the interests of mission schools. He shared with me their serious lack of funds among other problems.
I have since learned that mission schools are not fully government-funded. They come under the category of Sekolah Bantuan Modal or "government-aided school" and have to come up with own funds to maintain themselves. To my knowledge, TMGS has received maintenance aid only once in recent years, ie, RM30,000 in 2006.
If you wish to learn more about the funds situation of mission schools, please click on the "assuntaalumni" link.
I have since learned that mission schools are not fully government-funded. They come under the category of Sekolah Bantuan Modal or "government-aided school" and have to come up with own funds to maintain themselves. To my knowledge, TMGS has received maintenance aid only once in recent years, ie, RM30,000 in 2006.
If you wish to learn more about the funds situation of mission schools, please click on the "assuntaalumni" link.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Ready for something different, something worthwhile, something out of the blue?
All of her is still there - all seven blocks of her. Even the old, old trees are still there. But, the old lady is in poor state. You see her as she is now (more pictures on the right).She is sagging.
She is peeling.
She is cracking.
She needs help!
Ex-classmate from Std 1 and good friend, Seong Chooi, forwarded me on May 29 an email from a "suseelim" which highlighted the plight of our dear old alma mater. Something moved in me, and the memories came flooding back. Scenes which have not played for decades poured forth -- sports days, teachers days, pranks, tricks, jokes, friendships, yawns, teachers' quirks, exam days, good days, blue days, conversations, impromptu dramas, speech days - and I simply felt called to the message of Su See's email.
Since I was due to visit home this week, I took the opportunity to meet up on June 4, Wed with Principal Pn Noriza, who had Senior Asst Mrs Ng and Humanities Dept Head Ms Lim Lay Hoon with her (in this picture, left to right with me in jeans). We had an open chat about what could be done, and I promised to help in publicity.
So here I am, starting this blog to reach out to old girls, wherever you may be.
Pn Noriza, ex-Convent girl who came in as school head only in October last year, and team held a fund-raising dinner on May 3 which raised RM18,000. They are now appealing for our help. They wish to give the old lady a fresh coat of paint, repair her leaks, cracks and rotted parts, and do up the teachers' room which has only wire-mesh windows that let the rain in, ancient furniture and cement flooring. My personal wish is for the library, under warm-hearted Mrs Peri, to have many fresh titles!
With a little help from each of us, the hope is to raise RM500,000 and spruce up the old lady in time for her grand old 120th birthday next year. As Pn Noriza upholds, "If we want to dream, let's dream big!"
So, old girls across the nation, across the Web, throughout the world, shall we put our hearts together and give generously to our school, which has taught us to Live Worthily?
Note: Thank you to Lay Hoon (also ex-Convent girl) who alerted Su See (they were varsity mates) who did her email which Seong Chooi forwarded. This is just the start. There'll be more stories. As contibutions come in, we will keep everyone posted via this blog.
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Saturday, June 7, 2008
My Revisit
In trips home to Taiping, I'd sometimes drive past our school but have never stopped. I'd look at the sports field, the buildings, the front yard, and wonder at the goings-on within. Who is the principal now? What is she like (somehow I always picture a woman)?
I've not been that way for some years now, and was quite curious. I had seen the pictures in the "Sejarah TMGS" file that Su See had forwarded and didn't know what to expect. I believe I was rather relieved as I drove up to the gate. The buildings were still intact. The front lawn, where we used to have assemblies, is immaculate and overseen by the national and state flags. Overall, I sensed love and pride at work, to upkeep the old lady as best as can be. And so, she forges on and even manages to look stately while wearing a fading, peeling and cracking coat. I was glad to see our alma mater retaining her character.
"Why don't you come over to the school and meet us?"
That was the invitation which brought me there last Wed. On Tues, I had googled TMGS for the telephone contact. I was struck by the warmth of first Farah, who answered my call, and then Shima who said I should talk to Pn Noriza, the school head, I was surprised, to say the least. I had not expected such openness.
"My staff told me an old girl has volunteered to help."
I was surprised again.
"Shall we meet at 5.30pm today?"
I was simply bowled over by Pn Noriza. Wow. She asked me where I was at that point, Tues, slightly after noon. Told her I was still in KL. Her relatives had taken six hours due to construction work at the Jelapang toll. We agreed it'd be best to meet the next day.
So 9.30am it was. I took my time walking to the office. This was the first time I was stepping on this ground since leaving in 1980. Laughter from a time past pealed through the corridors of my mind and I saw again our fresh young faces. And, those of our dear teachers, albeit with a different set of expressions. As I stood at the doorway and looked up the grand staircase, I saw again my gang and I scrambling up the stairs, shrieking and laughing.
I was standing there with a nostalgic grin on my face at the foot of the stairs, when a lady greeted me with a smile.
"You must be Swee Bin."
Will surprises never end? She turned out to be Lay Hoon. Ex-Convent girl, mind you. The mood that I was in, everything transported me back to school days, and I made the cliched joke. We shared a light-hearted moment of schoolgirl rivalries.
"Puan Noriza is also from Convent."
"Puan Haslina (English teacher) is ex-Convent."
Gosh, it's an army of ex-Convent girls serving at TMGS!
And doing a good job at that. Since coming onboard last Oct, Pn Noriza has used the very limited funds available to address the urgent problem of termite infestation in the resource room and reorganizing rooms. Teachers and the school's general maintenace workers pooled their effots to clear clutter, repair and refurbish furniture, re-arrange rooms, lay on linoleum and repaint. Through resourcefulness, the resource room, coursework room, operations room, surau, counselling room, male teachers' toilet and foyer have been spruced up and functioning properly once again. When I was there, a teacher and two students were painting a container designated to house text-books under the Skim Bantuan Buku Teks.
What needs to be done next will need more funds.
I had asked her again and again - what is the budget needed by the school? They have applied to the Ministry of Education for a special allocation under the newly announced fund for missions school. At the same time, they wished to find their own ways to raise funds. Pn Noriza initially shied away from naming a target figure.
At my prodding, she burst out with, "Why don't we make it RM500,000?" to the astonished looks of Lay Hoon and Mrs Ng. "If we want to dream, let's dream big," she bolstered her two loyal soldiers.
Maybe, I was looking astonished too because she went on to say:
"I'll be very happy if, as a first target, this old girls' fund-raising raises enough for us to do up the teachers' room. Proper windows, airconditioning, proper flooring, proper furniture...I'll love to give my teachers partitions so they have some privacy."
And gave her reassuring yet determined smile again.
I've not been that way for some years now, and was quite curious. I had seen the pictures in the "Sejarah TMGS" file that Su See had forwarded and didn't know what to expect. I believe I was rather relieved as I drove up to the gate. The buildings were still intact. The front lawn, where we used to have assemblies, is immaculate and overseen by the national and state flags. Overall, I sensed love and pride at work, to upkeep the old lady as best as can be. And so, she forges on and even manages to look stately while wearing a fading, peeling and cracking coat. I was glad to see our alma mater retaining her character.
"Why don't you come over to the school and meet us?"
That was the invitation which brought me there last Wed. On Tues, I had googled TMGS for the telephone contact. I was struck by the warmth of first Farah, who answered my call, and then Shima who said I should talk to Pn Noriza, the school head, I was surprised, to say the least. I had not expected such openness.
"My staff told me an old girl has volunteered to help."
I was surprised again.
"Shall we meet at 5.30pm today?"
I was simply bowled over by Pn Noriza. Wow. She asked me where I was at that point, Tues, slightly after noon. Told her I was still in KL. Her relatives had taken six hours due to construction work at the Jelapang toll. We agreed it'd be best to meet the next day.
So 9.30am it was. I took my time walking to the office. This was the first time I was stepping on this ground since leaving in 1980. Laughter from a time past pealed through the corridors of my mind and I saw again our fresh young faces. And, those of our dear teachers, albeit with a different set of expressions. As I stood at the doorway and looked up the grand staircase, I saw again my gang and I scrambling up the stairs, shrieking and laughing.
I was standing there with a nostalgic grin on my face at the foot of the stairs, when a lady greeted me with a smile.
"You must be Swee Bin."
Will surprises never end? She turned out to be Lay Hoon. Ex-Convent girl, mind you. The mood that I was in, everything transported me back to school days, and I made the cliched joke. We shared a light-hearted moment of schoolgirl rivalries.
"Puan Noriza is also from Convent."
"Puan Haslina (English teacher) is ex-Convent."
Gosh, it's an army of ex-Convent girls serving at TMGS!
And doing a good job at that. Since coming onboard last Oct, Pn Noriza has used the very limited funds available to address the urgent problem of termite infestation in the resource room and reorganizing rooms. Teachers and the school's general maintenace workers pooled their effots to clear clutter, repair and refurbish furniture, re-arrange rooms, lay on linoleum and repaint. Through resourcefulness, the resource room, coursework room, operations room, surau, counselling room, male teachers' toilet and foyer have been spruced up and functioning properly once again. When I was there, a teacher and two students were painting a container designated to house text-books under the Skim Bantuan Buku Teks.
What needs to be done next will need more funds.
I had asked her again and again - what is the budget needed by the school? They have applied to the Ministry of Education for a special allocation under the newly announced fund for missions school. At the same time, they wished to find their own ways to raise funds. Pn Noriza initially shied away from naming a target figure.
At my prodding, she burst out with, "Why don't we make it RM500,000?" to the astonished looks of Lay Hoon and Mrs Ng. "If we want to dream, let's dream big," she bolstered her two loyal soldiers.
Maybe, I was looking astonished too because she went on to say:
"I'll be very happy if, as a first target, this old girls' fund-raising raises enough for us to do up the teachers' room. Proper windows, airconditioning, proper flooring, proper furniture...I'll love to give my teachers partitions so they have some privacy."
And gave her reassuring yet determined smile again.
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