Back2BBGS in Tatler

Our gala reunion in August 2009 was so glamorous that we made it into November's issue of the Malaysian Tatler. Check this out....no more "kuih talam" parties for these glamour dolls!

Thanks to Irene Chen (Class of 1984) for this lead.

Blog Status

Update: Please note that Joanna Yeoh has resigned from the BBGS OGA Executive Committee on 16 August 2009 and is no longer able to represent the views of the Association. Kindly contact the President for any further information. Thank you.

Dear Friends,

It's been such a pleasure to serve the BBGS community through this blog and I've been so blessed by your kind words, support and love. Thank you for recognising and greeting me at the gala reunion last week.

Our readership passed the 37,000 mark this morning and we're only two years' old. I can only hope that the blog will grow from strength to strength in the coming years and more of us will be re-united with kindred spirits from our school days.

Back2BBGS is my personal blog which was set up to preserve BBGS memories in cyberspace. I take great care to ensure that the facts are correct, sources are credible and permissions are obtained for the stories and images. It is a matter of personal integrity, in addition to copyright.

From today onwards, this blog will revert back to its original intent and will remain a personal blog.

I am unable to adequately represent or be personally responsible for matters relating to the BBGS Old Girls' Association (OGA) or the Elena Cooke Education Fund (ECEF). The OGA has agreed to set up an official website as the channel of communication amongst its members. Meanwhile, all queries regarding monies and administrative matters should be addressed to the OGA President at syphang@gmail.com.

All other personal stories of girls, teachers, staff and reunions are welcome and will continue to be published as per the original intent of the blog.

Thank you for your kind understanding.

Regards,
Joanna Yeoh
Founder of Back2BBGS Blog a.k.a "The Blogger" :-)

More gala photos

Here's another treat for those of you who are clamouring for more photos of the Back2BBGS event. These pictures are being shared with us by Moonlake Lee (Class of 1986) who did a brilliant job capturing a variety of shots.

Miss Yeap Gaik Khoon was our guest of honour for the evening gala. Her candid style and heartfelt stories held the audience in rapt attention. At the piano was Saidah Rastam, one of Malaysia's acclaimed composers (remember M the Musical?), who is also a BBGSian. Saidah conducted the choir and provided live music for the event....she is soooo good...swoon...

A large number of ex-teachers and staff turned up for the evening gala. Remember the jaga and Chandran (the office staff who prepared all our exam papers?)

Moonlake (in red) with Elizabeth Lee (in purple), her college principal, and her friends Darina, Salwa and Sunitha

Friends from the Class of 1986

Women of Vision: 1893 - 1925

The "Timeless Traditions" exhibition took place on 4 August 2009 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. It showcased the pioneers of BBGS as well as school activities through the decades. Some readers who couldn't attend the function have asked me to share the exhibition online. So here it is...enjoy!

This exhibition has been researched, written and sponsored by Joanna Yeoh and photos have been re-produced with permission from Miss YL Moey. Please obtain written copyright permission from the author before reproducing any information and images for print or digital use. Thank you.

Miss Betty Langlands, 1893 - 1895

The British Empire was at its height of glory when Miss Betty Langlands left England for Malaya, an equatorial colonial outpost.

Her vision?

To educate the women in this country and elevate their status in society, in order that they might live fuller lives. In 1893, this determined missionary lady gathered a few women in Brickfields and taught them to read.

The first girls’ school in Selangor was born.

Miss Bessie Maclay and the five orphans she adopted

Miss Bessie Maclay (1895 - 1914)

Miss Maclay arrived from China in 1895 to take over the reins of the school, then known as the Chinese Girls’ School. The school grew under her care, even while it was physically moved to Petaling Hill and Davidson Road.

A hardworking, broadminded and strict Headmistress, Miss Maclay was feared but loved by all her pupils. Coming from a well-to-do family, Miss Maclay gave generously to all who needed help. As a nurse, she welcomed everyone who came to the dispensary at her house. Babies were left on her doorstep. She raised five of these children, all of whom grew up to be a credit to her.

In 1914, she went on leave via USA on board the Lusitania. The First World War broke out and the ship was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland and she was drowned. Maclay House was named in her honour.

Miss Shirtliff and her pupils in the early twentieth century

Miss Shirtliff arrived from New Zealand in 1898 and came to Kuala Lumpur in the early 1900’s. Firm, forthright and outspoken, she soon became well-known to the schoolgirls of that era. She planted a rain tree under which the girls loved to shelter at recess time. The much-loved raintree continued to provide welcome respite for over half a century. Shirtliff House was named in her honour.

L-R: Miss Ruth Lewis, Miss Molly Ham (1914 - 1918)

From 1914 – 1918, during the difficult days of the First World War, the school continued under the joint leadership of Miss Ruth Lewis and Miss Molly Ham.

Miss Lewis also came from New Zealand. She later married and became Mrs Robert Austin.

Miss Ham left Malaya after the war and went to live in Cheddar, England.

L-R: Mrs Green, Miss Luke, Miss O' Connor

Mrs W.H. Green, 1918 - 1919

Mrs Green, the sister of Miss Shirtliff, took over the reins of the school for a year. One of Mrs Green’s pupils was heard to remark, “Oh dear, she was very, very strict but most efficient as a Principal.” Green House was named after her.


Miss A. Luke, 1919 – 1925

Miss A Luke arrived in 1919, and led the school until 1925. She married and became Mrs. Bennett, and went on to reside in Brisbane, Australia.


Miss O’ Connor, circa 1922

When Miss Luke went on leave, Miss O’ Connor who later became Mrs G. Gough, was given the headship in 1922. She was the first graduate teacher of the school.

Women of Vision: 1925 - 1993

This is the second part of the "Timeless Traditions" exhibition that took place on 4 August 2009 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. This exhibition has been researched, written and sponsored by Joanna Yeoh and photos have been re-produced with permission from Miss YL Moey. Please obtain written copyright permission from the author before reproducing any information and images for print or digital use. Thank you.

Miss Prouse and the first class of Senior Students presented for the

Cambridge School Certificate Examination

Miss Eva Prouse, 1925 - 1941

Miss Eva Prouse arrived from Rockhampton, Queensland in April 1925. During her tenure as Headmistress, the school presented students for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination for the first time in 1928.

Miss Prouse was strict but fair, and a stickler for neatness and tidiness. Straight and tall, she was always impeccably dressed and walked round the school with a firm and purposeful tread.

She took a keen interest in sports and would attend all the badminton matches in which the school participated. Before leaving for the venue, the school players and supporters were usually given a talk on fair play and sportsmanship.

When the Second World War broke out, Miss Prouse was interned in Palembang, Sumatra. On 8 February 1945, just six months before the Japanese surrender, Miss Prouse died from malaria. Prouse House carried her name and Prouse Wing was built with the savings she left the school.


Miss Mary Glasgow, 1946 - 1957

In 1930, Miss Mary Glasgow arrived to serve with Miss Prouse as the school moved to Bukit Bintang Road. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve the school until the Second World War. Serving until the last possible moment, Miss Glasgow and Miss Prouse were both captured and interned in Sumatra.

Miss Glasgow survived the internment and returned to head BBGS in August 1946. Before the war, many parents preferred to keep their daughters at home so the numbers were small. However following the war, there was
tremendous pressure to get girls admitted to the school. The buildings could not rise fast enough to meet soaring enrolment.

Miss Glasgow was known for her ability to make Literature come alive and was brilliant in Mathematics. She was loved because she took personal interest in the girls, while demanding that they gave of their best. She taught, guided and inspired the next generation of Malaysian educators including Miss Elena Cooke, who took over from Miss Glasgow as Principal of BBGS in 1958.

In recognition of her contribution to education in Malaya, Miss Glasgow was awarded the MBE (Master of the Order of the British Empire) in 1955. In 1960, she retired from teaching after 30 years of dedicated service and returned home to Ireland.


Miss Elena Cooke, 1958 - 1977

Miss Elena Cooke had the rare distinction of being a student, teacher, headmistress and chairman of the Board of Governors of Bukit Bintang Girls’ School (BBGS). Her student days began in 1928 and she started her teaching career in 1945, having earned a degree from Queen’s University in Belfast.

She went on to become one of the most well-respected headmistresses of BBGS, leading the school from 1958 – 1977. Renowned as a perfectionist who demanded nothing but the best from her staff and pupils, she took on her responsibilities with thoroughness and dedication. She is known for her sharp eye for detail, her insistence on excellent pronunciation, her intolerance for laziness, rudeness and untidiness and preoccupation with discipline.

Under her leadership, BBGS flourished. The school buildings, enrolment and reputation grew from strength to strength, earning her the title of Master Builder. She was awarded a KMN in 1977 for her excellent service and dedication to the field of education in Malaysia.


Miss Yeap Gaik Khoon, 1980 - 1993

Miss Yeap came to BBGS from another well-known missionary school - Methodist Girls’ School Taiping. She is a graduate of the University of Malaya (Singapore) and University of Southampton (United Kingdom). When Miss Yeap took over the reins of BBGS, she faced the formidable task of maintaining the high standards of BBGS while carrying on the school traditions.

Fortunately, Miss Yeap has one special quality that helped her cope with the challenges – she cares. She always had a listening and sympathetic ear for her students and staff. She encouraged open dialogue between teachers and parents to talk about their children’s progress in school.

Sports, especially hockey, was close to Miss Yeap’s heart. She was always there to encourage and support the BBGS hockey team, which went on to win district, state and national championships.

Miss Yeap retired as Principal of BBGS in 1993, and went on to become Principal of Fairview International School. Today, she is retired from active teaching and resides in Kuala Lumpur.

Thank your for making my dreams come true

This week, I saw my dreams come true:

I heard our school song reverberate around the Pavilion,

I saw our school badge emblazoned all over the mall,

I embraced the teachers who inspired me to think, question and love

I watched grown women cry openly as Miss Cooke walked onto the concourse,

I took delight in Miss Moey's speech that with God all things are possible and how we must always stand noble and true

I was greeted as "The Blogger" instead of "You were my School Captain and I was terrified of you!"

In addition to the outpouring of support and donations, many kind words have also flowed in which I'd like to share with you.

From Miss Elena Cooke: That was great!

From Irene Yu: Wanted to express my thanks and appreciation for organizing the Back2BBGS event at the Pavilion - so much hard work had gone into it - making it a memorable event for every BBGS girl and Miss Cooke - it was certainly a labour of love and I am sure everyone would join me in saying well done! Syabas! It was a superb event! Plase convey this to the following and others whose names I am not aware of - I am sure that there are many more!!

From Valencia: Congratulations on a task well done and all the effort put in to make the event a memorable one. We appreciate your long hours and sleepless nights to ensure its sucess. God bless and regards.

From Chan Wai Fong: Brought my little girl to the BBGS event last night :-) This is the closest she can get to BBGS. Truth is...she did manage to bring home some of the good values and virtues and inspirations by just merely being at the event. Thank you BACK2BBGS committee...YOU ALL DID A SPLENDID JOB!

And since Joanna always has the last word...I'd like to add my personal THANK YOU to the organizing committee. Who are these Amazons who have pulled off a miracle in 6 weeks? Here they are.....

Front Row (L-R): Poesy, Izan, Lai Ying
Back Row (L-R): Khim, Winnie, Izreen, Kit, Wei Lee, Audrey, Anniza

I have seen them write songs (thanks Poesy & Winnie)

I have seen them write poems (thanks Wei Lee)

I have seen them write press releases & press kits (thanks Izan, Kit & Sow Yoong)

I have seen them write meeting minutes and bank resolutions (thanks Anniza, Izreen & Audrey)

I have seen them write application forms for DBKL license approval (thanks Kit & Winnie)

I have seen them write guest lists, purchase orders and sales receipts (thanks Khim, Winnie, Lai Ying, Kit and respective teams)

And here's the kicker...I have seen many of them and their friends write personal cheques because there was nothing in the kitty and vendors had to be paid (thanks...you know who you are...all the Misses Moneybags shall remain anonymous for their personal safety ;-)

THANK YOU SO MUCH for making my dreams come true and MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

P/S: You're welcome to join me in thanking and congratulating the team by adding a comment to this post.

Star reports Big Bang

Wow...the Star has run two more stories on the Back2BBGS reunion today. How cool is that? I haven't seen CBN in the papers six times in the last fortnight, have you? Hehehe... ;-)

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/8/10/central/4457176&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/8/10/central/4461758&sec=central

Sneak preview of official photos

Here's a sneak preview of the official photos from the Back2BBGS gala. A DVD of photos and video will be available for sale shortly.

A big THANK YOU to Kit for allowing us to publish these precious photos...

Photos by Andy Kho Photography, www.andykho.com

Back2BBGS Gala Night

The gala night that followed the launch of the Elena Cooke Education Fund was branded the "mother of all mega reunions" - we're so modest aren't we? :-) It was definitely an euphoria extravaganza - with gorgeous sophisticated women reduced to silly shrieking teenagers the moment they saw their classmates from yesteryear! It was no wonder that many missed the cocktails and drinks that were floating around ;-)

Congratulations to the Organizing Committee and OGA for making this happen...here's to many more!

The choir and choral speakers representing multiple decades of BBGSians

It was no surprise to find BB girls shopping at the Pavilion but I was delighted to see Sri Bintang Utara (SBU) boys packing souvenirs all night. Well done boys!

Catching up with teachers all night...how many did you spot?

Catching up with 1987 classmates and church friends whom I didn't even know were from BBGS

Launch of ECEF

The Elena Cooke Education Fund (ECEF) was successfully launched on 4 August 2009 at Bintang Circle, Pavilion. The school song was sung, tears were shed, and teachers were hugged. Thousands of girls turned up for the event and turned out their purses to give to the fund. The ECEA also got off to a great start with a RM10,000 donation each from Pavilion and Jalan Imbi Chapel. Way to go...keep it coming!

A DVD of official photos will be released for sale shortly. Meanwhile, here are some of my personal photos for your viewing pleasure.

Guard of honour and crowds awaiting Miss Cooke's arrival

Miss Cooke arrives accompanied by Miss Moey (left) and Sow Yoong (right)

Catching up with Mrs Abraham, Mrs Guru, Mrs Yeoh and Mrs Simon

An "old girl" who was excited to see her photo in the exhibtion while another proudly shows off her school badges

Joanna catches up with Pn Zakiah, Pn Sharifah, Miss Yeap and Puan Azawiyah while Miss Moey catches up with her primary school teacher, Miss Tan

Mrs Yeoh with Miss Yeo (her teacher from BBGS) and Miss Kuah (her classmate from 1961)