Past students of Infant Jesus Convent Melaka gathered for a memorable reunion.
THE Infant Jesus Convent Melaka (CHIJ) hosted a joyous reunion that turned out to be larger than expected as 250 former students and teachers (from between 1955 and 2009) took the opportunity to rekindle their yesteryears.
The reunion dinner held at a hotel in Melaka was attended by Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, who was head girl of CHIJ in 1983.
Also in attendance as VIPs were Mother Provincial of the Infant Jesus Sisters Sister Theresa Chua, board of governors chairman Andrew Goh and two former secondary Convent principals, Cheong Teng Wan and Mary Chong Chew Yoong.
The reunion, initially planned for October 2020 to mark the 160th anniversary of the school’s founding, had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was only after three years that the Past Pupils Association (PPA) of CHIJ Melaka managed to organise the event.
The event started with emcee Dr Irene Leong enthusiastically asking, “Are you ready to cherish memories, celebrate moments and create new milestones together tonight?”
This was followed by the alumnae singing the school anthem.
PPA president Kemmy Chua Seoh gave a brief history of how the alumni had worked closely with various stakeholders to preserve and uphold the convent’s spirit and ethos.
She also thanked the organising team and various donors, past and present, and urged the alumnae to support their alma mater.
Lim, in her speech, said it was an honour and privilege to be back among her school friends.
She also emphasised that the world was changing at a fast pace, so everyone should do their best to adapt so they could continue to grow.
She also reminded those present to always uphold the school’s motto: “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty”.
The event was a night to remember, where apart from a sumptuous eight-course dinner, it was interspersed with lucky draws and lively music provided by two-piece act Alan and Shika, along with an energetic dance medley by Tina Tan and Friends.
There was also line dancing which many took part in.
Also on the programme was a video montage of students, teachers and scenes.
Various awards and prizes were given out too.
Among them was recognising the oldest as well as the youngest batch; the batch with the biggest number of attendees and those who had come the furthest for the function.
There was even a table quiz with a twist based on convent knowledge to test how effective a convent education had been.
The reunion’s success was due to the hard work and commitment of the PPA committee.
On the following day, Lim and the alumnae participated in a heritage tour called “Meandering Down Memory Lane”.
