The grand old lady is "huat huat" years old. What first started as a private Primary English School in 1930 in a rambling seaside bungalow in Marine Parade with an initial enrolment of 197 pupils including 25 boys, who were later transferred to St. Patrick’s School in late 1932. Under Sr. St. Vincent de Paul, the school building was extended in 1939 with 8 new classrooms. By 1941, just before the outbreak of the war, there were 384 pupils. At the outbreak of the war, the school building at Martia Road was taken over by the British and became a military camp. During the Japanese Occupation, the school was used as a military base. During the war years, the school continued to function in Ceylon Road as Ceylon Road Girls’ School.
Fast forward, this school has seen two generations of the girls in our family. Well, not as awesome as some with 3 generations of old girls. But ... there's a reason why I had to insist to put my daughters back into CHIJ Katong. I grew up in Katong and East Coast area so I do have some attachment to this place. Felt damn proud singing my school song "We look to thee for knowledge and truth. We look to thee for guidance and grace...."
Che-che at last minute decided to go for the carnival this year as she has not been able to go back for 2 years on Teacher's Day. She wasn't there to play games, she was there to chaperone her bossy sister. The only person who was so happy playing games at some of the stalls was lil' one. She had her duty at 3pm and we only arrived there at 1.05pm. We didn't even get to go into the hall and I didn't even get a chance to go into the canteen!! Lil' one was so excited playing games and she managed to exchange her tokens for sand art craft.
Was told in 2 years time, at 90 years old there will be another carnival. And then the big one at 100 years old. Year 2030. Che-che would be 28 and lil' one would be 24. What will they be doing then? I'd be 55, will the teachers still be there?
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