Former students contribute to alma mater
SIBU: Former students of Sacred Heart Secondary School ( SHS) have been urged to contribute back to the development of their alma mater.
Dato’ Sri Bartholomew Wong Kee Kho, leader of the SHS old boys of 1988 ( Form Five) group, made the call when speaking prior to the official handing over of the newly restored and renovated Mill Hill - De La Salle Resource Centre at SMK Sacred Heart here on Saturday.
“I hope old boys of other years will follow the good example of SHS 88 to contribute back to their alma mater,” Wong said.
The handing over was in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Sacred Heart Secondary School Relocation (From Mission Road To Oya Road) here. The project was fully funded by SHS 88. Works to restore the iconic two- storey building at the main entrance of the school built in the 1960s, started after this year’s Gawai Dayak celebration and was completed two months ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, the school board of management chairman Bishop Joseph Hii praised the SHS 88 group under the leadership of Wong for their innovative idea for adopting the block and renovated it to benefit the students.
He said the name — Mill Hill — De La Salle Resource Centre was most appropriate as the school was started by the Mill Hill Fathers before it was handed over to the De La Salle Brothers; thus, enabling people to know the school history.
“So, I thank the 88 group under the leadership of Dato’ Sri Bartholomew Wong and Dr Lau ( Ngi Chuong) for their initiative in renovating the building into a resource centre and naming it Mill Hill — De La Salle Resource Centre,” Joseph said.
School principal David Teo in his remarks gave assurance that the resource centre would be put to good use.
For the record, the counselling room at the ground floor of the building has been renovated into a seminar room and night study room. The fully air- conditioned night study room can accommodate 88 students at any one time.
“The night study room will provide students with a conducive, comfortable and clean self-learning area equipped with facilities,” Wong added.
He also said the whole building had been given a new coat of paint, new flooring and ceiling and planted with beautiful landscaping.
This was to maintain the originality of the facade of the building to have the back-to-school ambience and environment.
Adding on, Wong said SHS 88 hoped to embark on the next phase of the project which included a 3D mural painting and installing a four- faced clock at the old clock tower built in 1970s, including beautifying the area with landscaping once they receive the approval from the Bishop.
Among those present at the handing- over ceremony were SHS board of management vicechairman I Lau Swee Nguong, secretary Dr Hii Sui Cheng, treasurer Yong King Sung, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, who is also Sacred Heart Old Students Association (Shosa) president and political secretary to the Chief Minister Romeo Christopher Tegong.