Monday, August 18, 2008

Assunta Secondary Alumni - Happy 50th Birthday!

On the 9th of August 2008, the Assunta Secondary School celebrated its 50th Golden Jubilee @ J W Marriot, Kuala Lumpur, with a grand gala dinner for all the students, past and present. The Guest of Honor was none other than Yang Berbahagia Datin Sri Jean Abdullah, the wife of Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah Badawi. YB Datin Sri Jean was one of the pioneer students of Assunta Secondary School, besides YB Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Malaysia's Governor of Bank Negara.
'Million Dollar Picture'


Assunta Secondary School has also produced other distinguished students like a former Ambasssador of Malaysia to France and other countries. There are also professional Malaysian doctors working in places like Washington D.C. and the list goes on and on. Some of our famous actresses and models also came from Assunta like Sofea Jane and Maria Kamaruddin, etc. Of course there are other professionals, academicians and businesswomen.

But what I feel is very unique and interesting about Assunta is that she has also produced daughters, sisters and wives of some of the most prominent people, not only in Malaysia but also overseas, ranging from politicians to royalties. Not forgeting those super full time housewives and mothers who taught their children the good qualities in life that she learnt while they go on reaching for their ultimate goals. Of course the main unique signature of Assunta is her one and only famous Headmistress who has her name engraved in her children's hearts forever - Sister Enda! She is one of the most beautiful person at heart that one could ever meet. Once you've met her, you will never forget this strong and powerful character.....and that is the driving force and root of Assunta Secondary School. Her team comprises of teachers who are also strong and resilient. They are all a very dedicated lot who are true and faithful to their profession.....and that is why they will also never be forgotten. They are the poem my late father wrote long ago.....'Guru Oh Guru'.


Guru O Guru

Dialah pemberi paling setia
Tiap akar ilmu miliknya
Pelita dan lampu segala
Untuk manusia sebelum menjadi dewasa.

Dialah ibu dialah bapa juga sahabat
Alur kesetiaan mengalirkan nasihat
Pemimpin yang ditauliahkan segala umat
Seribu tahun katanya menjadi hikmat.

Jika hari ini seorang Perdana Menteri berkuasa
Jika hari ini seorang Raja menaiki takhta
Jika hari ini seorang Presiden sebuah negara
Jika hari ini seorang ulama yang mulia
Jika hari ini seorang peguam menang bicara
Jika hari ini seorang penulis terkemuka
Jika hari ini siapa saja menjadi dewasa;
Sejarahnya dimulakan oleh seorang guru biasa
Dengan lembut sabarnya mengajar tulis-baca.

Di mana-mana dia berdiri di muka muridnya
Di sebuah sekolah mewah di Ibu Kota
Di bangunan tua sekolah Hulu Trengganu
Dia adalah guru mewakili seribu buku;
Semakin terpencil duduknya di ceruk desa
Semakin bererti tugasnya kepada negara.

Jadilah apa pun pada akhir kehidupanmu, guruku
Budi yang di apungkan di dulang ilmu
Panggilan keramat "cikgu" kekal terpahat
Menjadi kenangan ke akhir hayat.


Usman Awang
1979



It was a beautiful and memorable evening for all of us Assuntarians. We met friends and teachers we have not met for ages. We hugged, squeezed each others hands, laughed and reminisce. We tell each other stories of our lives and that of friends who are not present but still in our minds. I then realize...........we are what we are today because of our roots long embedded in Jalan Changai, Petaling Jaya........and we are Malaysians first and foremost because we were moulded there! Our love is not bounded by race, religion or differences that divide us all. If only the children of today could live like us then, I'm sure the ugliness we see today, may not be present. Wishful thinking.........my memories in the photos......

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