Former school principal remembered in 1km walk

Members of the school board leading the walk.

About 100 former students of Sacred Heart Secondary School walked down a road named after former principal, the late Brother Albinus O’Flaherty, in Sibu town on New Year’s Day as a mark of respect.

He had been the school’s principal for 17 years.

The first 1km of Jalan Oya was recently renamed Jalan Brother Albinus in recognition of his contribution to the people in Sibu.

Brother Albinus died on Aug 4,2013.

After the walk, former student Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew said the world would be a better place if more roads were named after educationists.

Lau, who was the organising chairman of Sacred Heart school’s 120th anniversary celebration and a walk in honour of Brother Albinus, said such a move would show that society had high respect for educationists.

He noted that naming a road after an educationist was rare not only in Sarawak, but also around the world.

He said Brother Albinus had dedicated his 53 years in Sarawak to education.

“He was led by the mission of the LaSalle Brothers, to educate the lost, the least and the last.

“Yet, he was more than just a teacher. He was a humble man and led a simple life.

“He had little worldly needs. What he had, he willingly shared with those in need, ” he added.

Lau said many students had personal stories of their encounters with Brother Albinus.

“And many of these stories were outside the classroom or his role as teacher or principal.

“Some were on the sports field where the school excelled.”

On behalf of the school board and Sacred Old Students Association, Lau thanked Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state government for approving the road renaming exercise.

School board chairman Bishop Joseph Hii said the event was to show their gratitude to Brother Albinus, who had moulded many young people into becoming successful individuals in life.

“We want the spirit of Brother Albinus to continue in the school.

“We pray that the new generation of students will be committed to that spirit and that there will be responsible leaders to build the student community, ” he added.