We were a gangly group of boys who had studied at the Victoria Institution in the early 1980s.

Over the past decade, we had reconnected and had been in touch through regular meetings and events. These included occasions like the Old Boys Association meetings, birthdays, sporting activities, overseas trips and, unfortunately, funerals as well.

These meetings over the years have strengthened our friendship. Since our brotherhood was formed in school, our conversations would frequently gravitate to the time we spent in school and our teachers.

A few months ago, a classmate of mine suggested the we organise a get-together with our ex-teachers; after all, it has been almost 40 years since they had taught and interacted with us.

And so began the preparations for a luncheon at the Royal Lake Club, Kuala Lumpur.

This organising committee managed to gather about 40 ex-students and teachers from our alma mater.

On the day of the event, we arrived early in anticipation and ushered our teachers to the banquet hall. There was a lot of excitement as we reminisced about the old times and events in the past.

A sumptuous lunch spread filled our stomachs in between the chatter. An open mike session was held to allow a few of us students and teachers to express ourselves.

Front row: Manichelvam a/l Subramaniam, Chong Kee Kiat, Jalalullail bin Othman, Tan Boon Siong,
Dharmendran Navaratnam, Kwek Keng Chye, Bernard Teo Eu-Jen, Choy Da Fu, Goh Chee Wee, Yeo Chee Kian
Seated: Dr A. Jeyaretna, Mrs Kwan Kwong Seong, Mrs Benedict Goh Hock Huat, Mrs Chong Hong Chong,
Mrs Lim Leong Seng, Mrs Leow Hoi Leong, Mrs Lam Foo Wah, Mr Dharam Prakash
Standing: Danny Yong Siew Ming, Selvadass, Kunaseelan a/l Subramaniam, Ching Loy Nguan, Ramesh Kumar
Nadarajah, Mr Teh Mun Hing, Mr Chin Swee Wai, Mr Sin Ah Tah, Mr Wong Kook Cheow, Mr Lee Kok Leong,
Mr Choe Peng Woon, Mr Lou Bon Choy, Uthaya Saravanan, Thiruventhiran, Francis Ng Sai Wai, Deneish Easan

Of note was a senior teacher saying how helpful it was when he was recently admitted to hospital for surgery that all the doctors who had attended to him were his ex-students. The moment he was referred to as "Sir", he knew he was in good hands!

Another teacher quipped about how she had free meals courtesy of her ex-student while travelling in the United States.

Some of the teachers could remember us after all these years and laughed about the funny moments in the classroom.

Our swimming teacher once jumped, with his clothes on, to help a student struggling in the deep end and fished him out.

Our sports master looked fit with a firm handshake and a forceful voice, reminding us about the days he made us run around the school field.

A couple of classmates admitted to being caned by the school assistant, to his amusement. We spoke about corporal punishment which was freely dispensed in past times but frowned upon in the present day. Even parents were supportive of these actions as they trusted the education system. It seemed like a bygone era.

Our lady teachers looked amazing, defying the years that have gone by.

Many stories were exchanged, we reminisced and laughed about the then young ladies surrounded by teenagers with raging hormones. Being in an all-boys school, our ladies added excitement to our student lives.

Form 5Sc1, 1984
Class teacher: Mrs Leow Hooi Leng

A minute of silence was observed for the teachers who have departed but still remembered. As their names were mentioned, we recalled their contribution to our education.

As the afternoon went by, it was clear that these teachers of yesteryear were dedicated, took pride in their vocation and had our interests at heart. We were truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be their students.

A deep sense of gratitude prevailed amongst the students. A classmate, while expressing himself, choked with emotion thinking about some of his ex-teachers.

To some of us, our destiny had been shaped by our experiences at school. The activities both in and out of the classroom were varied, allowing us to explore our capabilities and strengths.

Sports and extracurricular activities were mandatory for all students and we took pride in representing the school in events. There were ample avenues for team-building and leadership in the various clubs and societies in school. This helped to keep us away from nefarious activities. In this mix were teachers who taught us lifelong lessons and values. It wasn't surprising, then, that the school was more than just "brick and wall."

We spent a good part of our youth at the Victoria Institution. The knowledge we gained went beyond the textbook. It was a thriving community of eager youthful students wanting to learn and dedicated teachers wanting to teach.

After all this time, to be able to reconnect with them gave us a sense of fulfilment.

A pledge was made to keep in touch and meet at future events. As in all our gatherings, the afternoon ended with the school song, sung with pride, vigour and thankfulness.

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