Good Morning Victorians. My name is Carol Loo, and I graduated from the class of 99S46.
VJC played a crucial role in who I am today. To be honest, I had a pretty rough time – but thanks to the teachers who believed in me and helped me. I would like to give thanks to my CT Tutor Mdm Mah Ai Ling, my Physics Tutor Mr Chow Siew Foong, Econs Tutor Ms Anne Yip, Chinese Tutor Lin Lao Shi and my other tutors who have departed – Mr David Khor for C Maths and Ms Gwen Yeo for GP.
This is the place where I truly learnt meaning of working hard first, and enjoying the fruits of your labour later.
VJC has a really special place in my heart, because this is also the place where I first laid my eyes on my husband. His name is Marcel Lee Pereira and he graduated from 97A52.
In 2008, I received a call to join OVA to contribute to VJC’s 25th year anniversary in 2009. That’s when I first learnt what OVA aims to do – to give back to the school and continue to foster the Victorian spirit. In 2009, for the first time we brought together 2 schools and a cast of celebrity alumni to stage a show at Esplanade Concert Hall. We rawked – we brought the mass dance out of VJC and into Esplanade Concert Hall, and the bonding backstage between students and celebrity alumni was simply amazing. And did you know that your Principal, Mr Chan Poh Meng, can really sing?
This was just the beginning of my journey as a Victorian. Through the OVA Kampong Breakfasts held once every 2 months – 1 month in VJC followed by the next in VS, and the interactions with other Victorians, I learnt so much more. Not just about VJC, but also VS as well and what it means to be a Victorian.
Once a Victorian, always a Victorian.
Today as you start bidding farewell, I want you to know you are graduating from not just any place that you spent a few years at, but from an institution where many great greats have walked through these halls. Not forgetting VS with a history of 140 years – where they have also cultivated many great greats including 3 Presidents of Singapore and many office holders – so you truly are graduating from a place with a rich heritage. Know that you are standing on the shoulders of giants and we will always have a place for you in OVA. We welcome you into the alumni family where you can continue your bonds at the school that watched you grow.
We will be handing out forms today for you to sign up with the OVA Youth Chapter and stay in touch with us. We will add you to our mailing lists to let you know of the latest happenings. So, please join the youth chapter and stay in touch.
At this juncture, we would like to thank Mr Chan Poh Meng for all your help and welcoming us with open arms. Principals are an important bridge for us to reach out to you.
We are very blessed that successful alumni today step forward to give back to the Victorian community. I urge you to do the same in future. It is my pleasure to announce the free movie screening for the graduating cohort after As, courtesy of Golden Village. Many thanks to Paul Chung, CEO of Golden Village, a former VS boy.
The school will be announcing the mechanics.
As a sweet ending to my time here with you, I would like to point you to a voucher in your goodie bag, to redeem free ice cream after today’s assembly.
All the best, work hard, God bless.
Remember, Nil Sine Labore.