It is a great honour for me to be requested by Dr Wong Chee Liang to write a recount of my memories of the Class of 71 reunion, held in December 1999.

A considerable time has elapsed at the time that I write this account but the details of the event and all the beautiful memories coupled with nostalgic feelings remain fresh and vivid.

The highlight of the experience for me has been seeing the students. It was just great to see the young diligent earnest scholars of ‘yester-years’ turn out to become fully mature adults and fulfilling their individual potentials. The students were no more mere students but were husbands, wives with families of their own.

But what was even more remarkable was that their attitude towards their teachers in general and to me in particular had not changed. The ex-students were respectful, affectionate, warm, extremely generous (both financially and spiritually) and loving at all times.

I truly appreciate the kindness that you extended to me when I was in Sibu. I recall with pleasure the way that you would lead me by hand up the stairs, just to make sure that the effort of climbing up the stairs was not too much for me. You also made sure that I did not spend any money of my own, but instead would make sure that all my needs as well my wishes were all taken care of. Thank you so very much for your hospitality.

The organization of the event was just superb. Anyone would have been just impressed with the synchronization of the events, all of which demonstrated clearly the intelligent effort and time that had gone into the event.

A particularly emotional point for me was the visit to the school. I was deeply moved as I visualised Mr Lau in particular in the old school building. I am impressed by the additions to the building and in particular your contribution of the covered pathway from the entrance to the main building. That was a brilliant idea. That was just the right gift for the school. I still recall vividly, the sight of young students making dash for it on rainy days.

Seeing Sibu again similarly was wonderful. Although superficially changed , at heart there appeared no changes. The sights and smells were as vivid as they were between 1965 through to 1975. The vegetable vendor recognised me with the same affection as usual and more-over bought me a present.

I was thrilled to meet up with my dear ex-colleagues especially as there was little probability of that occurring outside of this event. Jackie, Johnsons, Mrs Tiong, Linda and Mrs Soon Koh, I consider it seeing you again has been undoubtedly one of God’s best gift to me.

One of my favourite highlight of the event was the mock teaching experience. It was enjoyable – and in fact out of the 43 years of my teaching years – it was the only day that I truly enjoyed teaching! The enthusiasm and keenness to answer my questions and to participate in the class quiz was just superb!

I was so glad to visit my form Six laboratory – which I proudly say that I set up. I was delighted to see the specimens that the form 6 students and I collected still intact with only "my old man skeleton" missing. I felt proud of myself seeing my own handiwork remaining.

At this stage, I should thank the present principal for his help and for making us very welcome and the school prefects who co-operated with us to and made the visit successful.

The glorious banquets deserve a definite mention. I enjoyed them immensely and have satisfied myself up to the point that I can go for an entire year without craving for Chinese. Thank you.

All in all the whole experience was a very special one for me. I am so grateful now for the years that my family and myself spent in Sibu, Sarawak. We have received a lot more than we gave out. When we first came to Australia my husband used to comment "I would gladly exchange my Australian citizenship for a chance to relive in Sarawak" and this particular visit made me see why he would make such a statement.

Thank you all once again, for having made such a visit possible.