Late MP to be Honoured

Leong Wee Keat

weekeat@mediacorp.com.sg

BOTH were instrumental on and off the field in building up the history of Victoria School (VS) and Victoria Junior College (VJC). Now, the late Dr Ong Chit Chung and Mr Retnam Pierre will be honoured as the college celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

VJC and the Old Victorians’ Association (OVA) will pay tribute to Dr Ong at the gala dinner on March 8. Dr Ong, a Member of Parliament for 20 years, chaired the Victoria executive and advisory committees before he died on July 14 last year.

A scholarship in memory of Dr Ong will also be launched on that night: The Dr Ong Chit Chung Memorial Fund Scholarship is focused on helping students at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Arts and Social Sciences Faculty, in particular those studying military history.

Dr Ong, who was educated at VS from 1963 to 1968, was a lecturer in military history at NUS when he first stood for election in 1988. During his 20 years in politics, he served as Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and Labour.

While the celebrations aim to renew and forge new bonds among the alumni, OVA vicechairman Kevin Lam said they also wanted to pay tribute to Dr Ong, who was instrumental in shaping today’s VJC. “His passing came as a shock,” Mr Lam said. “We want to use this occasion to reflect on his achievements within the Victoria family, and hopefully inspire other Victorians to follow in his footsteps.”

While Dr Ong was instrumental in forging both VJC and VS, former football coach Retnam Pierre moulded many players who represented both schools.

Mr Pierre, who taught at the school for over 20 years, was once the combined schools’ football team coach. A Retnam Pierre Cup will be kicked off during the celebrations, pitting the OVA against other alumni in a football tournament.

A concert to showcase the schools’ cultural excellence is on the cards as well. The celebrations will culminate on July 25 during VJC’s College Day and Homecoming Dinner at its Marine Parade campus.

Sidebar

Feedback wanted

The Old Victorians’ Association is calling for public feedback on the controversial proposal for an integrated programme for Victoria School (VS) and Victoria Junior College (VJC).

In a post on the association’s blog, president Vernon Teo noted: “The differences stem largely from the differing opinions on preserving the heritage of the 133-year history of the all-boys Victoria School, as opposed to the ongoing pressure to introduce the integrated programme into the school/JC. One key proposal is to expand the intake of Secondary Ones to include girls.”

The hope, Mr Teo said, is to establish “a consensus of views” among alumni, parents and stakeholders. More details are at blog.ova.org.sg.

From: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/305636.asp

Today newspaper – Late MP to be Honoured

The Victorian Gala – an evening of reflection and acknowledgement of the contributions of the Victorian family.

Victorian Gala 2009 Poster

Details

Date: 8th March 2009 (Sunday)
Location: The Ritz Carlton

Programme

1900hrs Arrival of Guests & Cocktail Reception outside Grand Ballroom

1930hrs Arrival of Guest of Honour (GOH) at Reception

1945hrs All commence entry to Grand Ballroom

From 1950hrs

- Video Screening of VJC 25th Year Anniversary
- Welcome speech by President of OVA
- Speech by Guest Of Honour Mr S Dhanabalan
- Presentation of Honourary Life Membership to Mr S Dhanabalan
- Tribute to Dr Ong Chit Chung by Vice-Chairman of VAC/ VEC, Mr Chiang Chie Foo
- Presentation of momento to Mrs Ong and children

Dinner Commences

- Performance by VJC Guitar Ensemble
- Presentation of Teacher Awards to VS & VJC
- Speeches by Principal of VS and Principal of VJC
- Performance by VS Choir
- Future Events Update

Form your tables now!  Registration form below.

Victorian Gala 2009 Registration Form

Photographs of the event

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This year’s OVA dinner is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of our teachers who have devoted their lives to nurturing past and present Victorians. As a token of our appreciation, the OVA will be honouring long serving teachers of VS and VJC at the dinner.

Come join us in our show of appreciation to our beloved teachers for all their hard work and dedication. Beside providing an avenue to say thank you to our teachers, it is also a great opportunity for alumni to catch up with each other. To make it even more special, retired and former teachers will also be there.

There are only 30 tables available for booking at $1,000/table ($100/pax). Part of the registration fee will be donated to the VS Student Development that was set up in 2006 as part of VS 130th anniversary celebration. The existence of this student development fund will definitely facilitate our teachers’ sacred journey to nurture future Victorians. You are also encouraged to further donate to this fund on top of the registration fee.

For those who are interested, please complete the registration form and send it together with a cheque to Victoria School.

Do not worry if you can’t fill up a table of 10. Just come and the we will arrange a table for you.

Please note that there are limited tables available as many have already been taken up. So harry and send in the registration forms early! See you on the 1st of March.

Date : 01 March 2008 / Saturday
Time : 0730pm
Venue : Victoria School

More coming soon.

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