Last night we attended the 30th anniversary of the La Sallians’ class of ’82 at a well-known hotel. The turnout was very good, 25 tables of ten pax per table. Former students who now reside in different parts of the country and globe came together to celebrate with their former school principal, Datuk Brother Charles O’Leary, now a venerable 87 years of age, as the guest of honor.

There were four classes in the graduating class of 1982, 2 science classes and 2 arts classes. I was the form teacher of 5 Science II. All the four form teachers as well as subject teachers were invited and feted to a grand dinner. Dancers and a live band provided entertainment throughout the evening.

This function also gave their former teachers an opportunity to meet and renew friendships as we all have retired and no longer see one another.

These old boys have done their school and teachers proud. They donated a princely sum of two hundred thousand Ringgit to the school. They also presented to each of their teachers a Tissot wristwatch. We were most touched by their generosity and their remembering us.

What makes the teaching profession a satisfying vocation is the knowledge that the students have done well in life, are successful and they still remember their teachers. It makes a teacher very happy when former students, especially after having left school 30 years ago, come up to you and ask, “ Do you still remember us? You taught us.” Young boyish faces have now become middle-aged faces but they haven’t forgotten us.

Here is my class of '82 who were present last night.

All the forms had their photos taken together with their former form teachers.

Thank you class of ’82 for remembering your teachers. It was a great evening that will be remembered for a long time but some of us will not be around at your next reunion in five years’ time. Viva ’82!