C.H.I.J. REVISITED

Last Friday there was a sport's event in my Missy's school. CHIJ (a.k.a Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus) was the nostalgic name for the present Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Infant Jesus Convent (CIJ). When I was a student there way in the 50's and 60's, it was popularly known as "The French Convent" or as our rivals called us "The French Kodok." How the word 'kodok' came to be coined, I don't know. Anyway, CHIJ was my alma mater for 11 years and I have lots of fond memories growing up there.

So all of us went to the school that Friday afternoon, mainly to give moral support to Missy who was participating in the Cheerleaders competition among the houses - Red, Yellow, Blue and Green houses. As I entered the school compound, I noted the changes vis the school buildings, the field and the environment. Of course since 1962, much had been done. I pointed to Amal my classes when I was in Form 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 - still there (naturally, how can you move a building?). The old school hall had been renovated into a huge Staff room. I remember the Teachers' Room then was a small space next to the bicycle shed at one end of the front building (note the pic. above).

This old photo (1962) shows the Prefects Board with my faovourite Reverend Mother, St Pious (seated middle front) taken at the front of the school hall, near the stage. That's me, standing second row, second from the left.

Part of the old school building today, the Needle-work and Domestic Science Room in the middle facing us.

On with the Sports Day story . . . Well, here's a quiant tent put up for the guests. Standing at the side, we waited and watched patiently as the students participated in the running events, tug-of-war events etc, delighting in hearing screams and shouts from hundreds of girls! Then a teacher, who was doing the announcing, was looking around for persons to present the trophies after each event. I think he was running out of ideas, hence he approached these two grand ladies (sis and I) standing nearby with camera and video cam at the ready. Got our names and persuaded us to do the presentations. I mentioned that I was a past pupil of 1962 (my sis 1965) - which he fondly announced to the crowd saying that he was not even born then. I felt like Ancient Mariner! However we felt honoured to be asked. Finally, at long last time for the Cheerleaders competition. We rushed forward not wanting to miss taking snap shots and video taping Missy at her best.

That's Missy standing in the middle of the pyramid, a strong pillar for her friend to step on. Though Missy's Red house did not come first in the competition, I commended her for her courage to participate (despite her slightly heavy size, sorry Missy) and her resourcefulnes in whatever she has her heart in. She was all smiles and never missed a beat. And the group was not even sore at not winning. They were just having fun. Congratulations girls! Click here for more stories of Missy.

So thus ended a nostalgic visit to CHIJ. Here's hoping there'll be more such visits with Missy still attending the classes there.