60th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration of SMK St. Mary, Limbahau, Papar

On the evening of 26.09.2025, I had the honour of attending the 60th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration of SMK St. Mary Limbahau, Papar, serving as both chauffeur and companion to my wife. Having served as the school principal for eight years, from 1998 to 2006, she was invited as one of the special guests, joining other retired principals in being recognized for their contributions.

As I watched her being welcomed with warmth and respect, my thoughts drifted back to July 2006. That was when I too had the privilege of attending a Farewell Lunch at the Promenade Hotel, organized by the School Board, teaching staff, and supporting staff. The event was held in honour of their beloved principal - my wife - who at that time was preparing for her transfer to the Gaya Teachers Training Institute.

The 60th anniversary celebration, much like that farewell nearly two decades ago, was filled with a sense of gratitude, nostalgia, and deep appreciation for the years of service and dedication that helped shape the school’s legacy (Read here).

The event was not only a celebration of the school’s six decades of history and achievements but also a meaningful occasion for fundraising to support its future development. Held at the ballroom of 10Star Cinemas Parklane in Benoni City, Papar, the evening brought together alumni, educators, and well-wishers in a spirit of gratitude, camaraderie, and shared purpose.

That evening, three former principals - all ladies - were honoured. Group photo taken with the current principal, Mr. Philip Chiew.

********************************************************

The occasion also provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and friends. Many of those who had served under her leadership during the late 1990s and early 2000s have since advanced in their careers, now holding positions as school principals and senior administrators in the education sector. 

The only gentleman in the photo, Mr. Han was another Senior Assistant during her tenure as Principal who is now a principal of SMK St. Peter Telipok. Another teacher at that time (lady seated second from right) is now the Director of Kent Teachers Training Institute.

Zuraida, who had served as one of her three Senior Assistants 

during her tenure as Principal is now a school principal of 

SMK Majakir, Papar.

Philip Chiew, the current School Principal of SMK St. Mary, Papar 

was another Senior Assistant during her tenure as school principal.

Two of her former staff members, who once served as cleaners, made a special effort to come by and warmly greet their former boss, a gesture that reflected their lasting respect and affection for her.

*********************************************************

The Guest-of-Honour invited to officiate the function that evening was YB Juil Nuatim, the State Assemblyman of the constituency of Limbahau. He won that newly created state seat in 2020 under Party Warisan, but switched to GRS, the party in control of the current state government in 2023 just before the Anti-Party-Hopping law in Sabah was passed by the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on 25.05.2023.

********************************************************

Another invited special guest was Datuk Johnny Mositum whom I recently met on 29.08.2025 (Read here).

********************************************************

Some of the cultural performances that evening.

*******************************************************

Many of her former students, who had known and been taught by her in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are now in their forties. Some of them, in the course of casual conversations, came forward to express their heartfelt gratitude for the impact she had made in their lives.

One gentleman approached her and shared that she had been “the inspiration of his life.” Today, he stands as a successful businessman, running a private educational institution - the Kiara College. A group of ladies also fondly reminisced about their school days, telling her how much they admired her beauty back then, even affectionately nicknaming her the “Celine Dion of the school”.

Listening to these warm words and compliments, I am ever more convinced that my wife truly made a lasting difference in the lives of many during her eight years of dedicated service at the school.

On a personal note, I too felt a quiet sense of comfort knowing that, in a small way, I had contributed to the upgrading of the school’s infrastructure. I was especially pleased to see the school hall, staff room, and the Domestic Science Block - facilities I last visited on 02.12.2023 - still standing as part of the school’s legacy (Read here).