February 17, 2012

Quarters for Methodist Secondary School Teachers (Sibu)

One of the longest standing living quarters for teachers must be the first house from the gate of the Methodist Secondary School. Built in 1950 this house is still standing there bringing lots of memories to the students who have gone through the gates of the school and are now more than 50 years old!!



I wonder if someone can come up with the whole list of families who had lived in this house!

Each time I revisit my mother school I see this house and I can hear the children's voices and even imagine the tricycles they rode along the safe roads in the school compound....and I really relish the thought that we stduents never really trespassed (e.g. hang around the unfenced compound) . Without fences we had an "imaginary out of bounds" delineation!

I remember when I entered Form One I was exhilarated by my own "educational success" and felt top of the world for a year. Learning was such a "freedom" gained for me. I could sail into a unknown and uncharted sea and let my imagination run wild!! I absorbed everything the teachers taught us and especially science. I read the amazing book by Tom Dooley and realised how important it was to have democracy and freedom.

Mr and Mrs. Wong Bing Sing and Wendy (they lived in the house for a long time)
Another important part of my life then was observing how great it was to have a family..loving couple with happy children growing up together in a safe school compound...all riding tricycles and chatting away in English!!! I nursed thoughts of having a life partner who shared the same working working environment and living in a school compound like this. One can really keep the family safe and together. And no never for me a husband who would work in Indonesia and come home a stranger!! The married teachers in my former school really set very good examples and God has really blessed them with prosperity and good health.

Those were the days....what are your thoughts of your former school and its compound?

16 comments:

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

When I was there 1967-73, Mrs. Wong Bing Sing lived there. That's a long time.

You have good memories of our married teachers setting good examples. I am exposed to the seedy part of society. Can't tell you here.

天鵝江畔 said...

It was demolished and gone last few weeks

Ensurai said...

Ann...latest news...the house was demolished a few weeks ago...yes..the married teachers all had good families and marriages..especially Mr and Mrs. Wong

Ensurai said...

ML...may be I had that kind of telepathy and wrote this article without knowing about its demise...it will be so sad to those of us who remember the house fondly....and Mr. Wong's children all grew up there and had I suppose special memories...

Anonymous said...

Schools in Sibu in the past are with character! I remmebr Catholic High School has a green lawn but now they are gone. Hope the Methodist School lawn will remain despite developemnt.

Ensurai said...

Anonymous
Yes a school with a huge compound or campus with lots of lawn and sports facilities is symbolic and is testifying that it is indeed putting words into actions - looking after the whole child..a holistic approach..and nurturing the child to attain his fullest capabilities!! When you don't hear any laughter ringing out from a school that school is not healthy!!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I think the worst is our Pri School. I as told the green ground has become a car park.

Ensurai said...

Yeah Ann..not a blade of grass growing from good earth..just a bit of green growing in pots..some are even plastic plants!!

Lee said...

Hi Sarawakania, very interesting. Love that old house. And yes, I bet if it could talk there will be of the stories of those that went on to reach the stars, like yourself.
Always enjoy reading your eloquent postings and memories.
Have a great week, and keep well.
Best regards.
Lee.

Ensurai said...

Hi Uncle Lee
How are you? I have been travelling a bit and could only use cybercafe..so have not been reading your blog postings. Apologies. Must keep up with reading this week...

You have a great week..and do keep warm. It is really cold up there and out there..God bless.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

CY, Mr and Mrs wong's house, the house we stayed in Kanowit Govt school, and then in Race course road, 4th class quarters, as similar to that except e have a big balcony in front. The one at Padang road near to the guides hut.

Ensurai said...

Yes Ann..many of these were built by Public Works Department. In those days the Colonial Govt had standard quarters...I will take a few of these for you in the days to come..

Anonymous said...

Remember kindness of Mr & Mrs Wong BS who gave me bags of rambutan fruits from their garden when I picked up bicycle nr her hse after school

Ensurai said...

Dear Anonymous..yes they are very kind people..I remember Mrs. Wong too for her gentle ways and great understanding. She goes the second mile for all if she can...nice memories...ie having been given rambutans like that...nowadays very rare to get free rambutans...

Daffodil said...

MSS was my childhood playground! Big one! I totally loved and enjoyed it as a child. I remember my brother concocting his kaca laced kite strings around the beams at the Science block. I loved to climb the rambutan trees at Mr Lau's place, and pluck Jambu Air, etc.., and followed Mum into the big kitchen where she cooked for the boys. There was lots of innocence and simplicity then.

Those days are gone now. I've hardly stepped into MSS ever since I left school.

Ensurai said...

Hi Daffodil..nice to read about your childhood. It must have been splendid like mine..I too had a happy education in the school..memories will always be good for me.

May be you should go to the school to see the changes...but if you imagine hard enough you can see beautiful things...Changes will be there definitely and you might even feel as if you are intruding..but the good times will come back to your mind...try it.

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