KUCHING: Some are retired while others still pursue their chosen vocations and passion but all are proud former Josephians, resonating with St Joseph’s School’s motto ‘Ora El Labora’ (Latin for ‘Pray and Labour’).
About 80 former Josephians with a few coming back from the United Kingdom , Australia , Kuala Lumpur, Labuan as well as Sarawak attended this year’s reunion dinner held here last night.
The get-together brought former classmates of class 1978-1979 (Form Six), which is coed and class 1977 (Form Five).
Kudos to Dr Dennis Kong and his organising committee for a meaningful reunion that saw old Josephians (boys and girls) going down memory lane spanning four decades, reminiscing perhaps some unforgettable incidents about their schooldays over the dining table.
As he put it, “Over the past 46 years, some were busy pursuing their careers, some were busy making babies and others were busy making money.”
There was a poignant moment when deceased classmates were remembered with silent prayers as their names were projected on the screen.
The gathering also saw talented former Josephians taking to the microphone to belt modern and classical songs with Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is a state minister, rendering the popular “Bekikis Bulu Bekis”, accompanied by the poco poco dance performance by everyone present.
Caroline Jackson, a media practitioner said old friendship was rekindled, adding that the sense of good fellowship could even be traced back to the time when a handful of former Josephians were then studying at the all girls’ school (St Teresa’s School) across the road from St Joseph’s School.
Meanwhile there was also a voluntary contribution to the reunion and any excess fund after deduction of expenses would be donated to local charities, according to Joseph Ng, a retired school principal.
“Some local charities that have benefitted from the donations are Sarawak Children Cancer Society, Green Ribbon Association and, of course, our alma mater, St Joseph’s School,” he said.
