Showing posts with label Penang Free School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penang Free School. Show all posts
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Monday, 19 April 2010
Recruitment Drive - Back in 2004
Welcome to recruitment drive or RD 2004! Suddenly found old Ed Board stock pictures while I was digging through my old files.
So, as you all know, PFS is a school for scholars, sportsmen and gentlemen.
It is also home to some of the best societies and clubs!
So, every year, all Frees will congregate and welcome the new comers, or first year students.
Sample of first year students.
Clubs and societies will demonstrate their martial arts.
While teachers will also join in the activities.
This is one of the time of the year which you get to tan your belts!
and play a lil dress up. Because, when you come for RD,
you knew that something big awaits you.
From the size of things, you are sure that your friends put in loads of effort and dream big.
When the eyes of 2000 Frees are watching,
You want every drum, every trumpet to roar.
Making sure every knot, every stick was in the right place,
making every effort to impress,
this is one day of the year, where ancient skill merge with art and the modern world.
We do it not because it is easy. I mean, who would spend one month building a model ship just for the fun of it?
Well, there are the Frees who would do it just to know we can,
and there are those Frees who do it just for the fun of it.
There are also those who do it because they want to succeed, and they know that nothing can stand in their way!
Of course, holding an RD is not an easy feat. To ensure that everything is in perfect order,
you have to make sure you prepare. Those were the days when we spent the nights in the century old school. Sleeping under the blanket of starlight.
Like the ships we build, the waves of time seem to erode a tradition long gone.
And so we think of the days that were.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Rev Robert Sparke Hutchings
Working in the EPF building during my summer holidays, I can't help but notice the small serene cemetery across the road. Here lies Reverend Hutchings, founder of Penang Free School.
Hutchings was one of the early pioneers in Penang. Not only was he credited with the inspiration to build the St George's Anglican Church that stands at the corner of Farquhar Street and Pitt Street, he contributed significantly to Penang's development from an educational perspective.
Penang Free School is his most lasting legacy. There's also Hutchings Primary School which bears his name and located right behind the Penang State Museum which used to be one of the early premises of the Penang Free School until it relocated permanently to Green Lane in 1928.
His final resting place at the old Protestant Cemetery (Opposite Upper Penang Road) in Northam Road reminds us of him. A hand drawn portrait of him hangs on the first spot by the entrance of the school hall. His name is also engraved on a wooden plaque, proudly decorating the wall of the school hall stage.
Penang Free School still maintains this tradition: on Founder's Day (the 21st of October), the school prefects would gather at his graveside in the morning to drink a toast to him. In 1966, on the sesqui-centenary anniversary of the school, a plaque was erected to remember him as the Founder of the Penang Free School.
According to some genealogy records on the Internet, Hutchings married Elvira Phipps in 1818 and had three children: Sarah Hutchings, Robert Sparke Hutchings and Elvira Hutchings, all born in Penang. The younger Robert Hutchings, also a member of the clergy, was named Vicar of several churches in England.
Thanks to ssquah.blogspot.com
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Welcome: History, One post at a time
Welcome! This blog intends to catalogue the history of Penang Free School in preparation for the 200th Anniversary of the school since its founding. How far can it go? We will have to wait and see. Time to put the meaning back to being a Free.
So far, there have not been any proper online documentation of the oldest school in South East Asia. This blog does not aim to compete with the other sitesout there but rather capture the memories of the people that make up the school and the rich history that was previously undocumented.
Boring information is not available here at all as they are easily found on the internet and other sources.
If you have an article you wish to upload, kindly send to
echoeditor@gmail.com
Would be great if you could also include
Name
Old classes
Positions held in clubs
and any other infomation that history should not forget!
As the a former Editor of the school magazine, my vision is to document as much as we can and get feedback from the younger Old Frees. Also, I plan to dig out all the fading photographs and documents that I had access to. Only now did I realise the value of history. Let it be remembered. It is only understandable that the Old Frees have not embraced the internet wholly.
What will probably follow in the future would be a move into the OFA website and integrated with the school website. When this is done, I guess that a credit card or paypal system will be set up to allow the young Old Frees to donate to the OFA or something. These funds will be used to reward the outstanding people back in Penang Free School, and to reward the Teachers who make a difference. People who do not make a difference like some headmasters will not receive the recognition and will be motivated to work harder!
This will not be a fast process but when the one millionth dollar is raised, and kept in an account, the interest can be channeled to the school yearly. I believe that the OFA has not been playing an active role to motivate the students at all. So, its just under 7 years to 2016, the 200th anniversary for PFS.
Wanna be part of the difference? Want to make a meaning out of being a Free? The first thing that wont cost you a thing is to contribute an article!
Thanks!
echoeditor@gmail.com
So far, there have not been any proper online documentation of the oldest school in South East Asia. This blog does not aim to compete with the other sitesout there but rather capture the memories of the people that make up the school and the rich history that was previously undocumented.
Boring information is not available here at all as they are easily found on the internet and other sources.
If you have an article you wish to upload, kindly send to
echoeditor@gmail.com
Would be great if you could also include
Name
Old classes
Positions held in clubs
and any other infomation that history should not forget!
As the a former Editor of the school magazine, my vision is to document as much as we can and get feedback from the younger Old Frees. Also, I plan to dig out all the fading photographs and documents that I had access to. Only now did I realise the value of history. Let it be remembered. It is only understandable that the Old Frees have not embraced the internet wholly.
What will probably follow in the future would be a move into the OFA website and integrated with the school website. When this is done, I guess that a credit card or paypal system will be set up to allow the young Old Frees to donate to the OFA or something. These funds will be used to reward the outstanding people back in Penang Free School, and to reward the Teachers who make a difference. People who do not make a difference like some headmasters will not receive the recognition and will be motivated to work harder!
This will not be a fast process but when the one millionth dollar is raised, and kept in an account, the interest can be channeled to the school yearly. I believe that the OFA has not been playing an active role to motivate the students at all. So, its just under 7 years to 2016, the 200th anniversary for PFS.
Wanna be part of the difference? Want to make a meaning out of being a Free? The first thing that wont cost you a thing is to contribute an article!
Thanks!
echoeditor@gmail.com
Thursday, 26 November 2009
School Library
The PFS library is called Khazanah Tunku. The 2 storey building can fit an olympic swimming pool and houses a small collection of books. It is located at the fringe of the school field and next to the scout den.
The main entrance opens to a large counter, decorated by the top recommended books.
A few computers dot the floor and a dozen or so study table fill the ground floor.
The library holds just about 1000 books, most of from the ancient times. There has recently been some additions to the library, but in terms of content, the library has a long way to go before being capable of encouraging the reading habit.
The library is run by the Board of Librarians who man the counters and upkeep the building.
A number of stories in PFS originate from the library. A large portrait of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman watches over the entire library. It is purported that some students have seen his eyes move. Also, there is supposedly a tunnel in the library, leading to the school hall. A few people have admitted to seeing the entrance, now seal.
The main entrance opens to a large counter, decorated by the top recommended books.
A few computers dot the floor and a dozen or so study table fill the ground floor.
The library holds just about 1000 books, most of from the ancient times. There has recently been some additions to the library, but in terms of content, the library has a long way to go before being capable of encouraging the reading habit.
The library is run by the Board of Librarians who man the counters and upkeep the building.
A number of stories in PFS originate from the library. A large portrait of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman watches over the entire library. It is purported that some students have seen his eyes move. Also, there is supposedly a tunnel in the library, leading to the school hall. A few people have admitted to seeing the entrance, now seal.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Warden's Room
The lone ranger walks the empty halls. Pin drop silence as the cool breeze blows. High in his tower, he observes the rest of the school world go past. Sounds like a cowboy life no? As you all know, PFS has its very own dedicated team of school wardens.
Okay, here is the definition of warden on Princeton.net Dictionary:
Noun
S: (n) warden (the chief official in charge of a prison)
Indeed, every year the school has a head prison guard, erm i mean prison warden, erm i mean school warden.
Verdict? Guilty as charged! Indeed, we are/were all stuck in a prison it seemed, a prison for the mind for 11 to 13 years of our youth. However, i digress and this post is about the wardens, so lets get to the jist of it.
The Perks?
1.Wardens get to wear white pants! Kewl
2.They have their own room right in the canteen. Privacy!
3.Get to wear a fancy badge which is really blue!
4.Escape Monday assemblies! All you always wanted.
5.Get an excuse to enter class late!
What does a warden do?
1.Substitute for no entry signs
2.Clears and fills the "prison cells" aka classes
3.Help clear the canteen of plates and cups!
4.Help other students keep restricted items in their room!
The Wardens' Room
One can't help but wonder,why the secrecy in all the rooms? One of the most highly off limits room is the Warden's room. Enter the Dragon's den at your own risk, even if wardens look more timid than the prefects, some due consideration should be given before infiltrating their war room, including the prospect of having a chair thrown at you.
Someone tell me what is in the warden's room cause i have always wanted to know!
Okay, here is the definition of warden on Princeton.net Dictionary:
Noun
S: (n) warden (the chief official in charge of a prison)
Indeed, every year the school has a head prison guard, erm i mean prison warden, erm i mean school warden.
Verdict? Guilty as charged! Indeed, we are/were all stuck in a prison it seemed, a prison for the mind for 11 to 13 years of our youth. However, i digress and this post is about the wardens, so lets get to the jist of it.
The Perks?
1.Wardens get to wear white pants! Kewl
2.They have their own room right in the canteen. Privacy!
3.Get to wear a fancy badge which is really blue!
4.Escape Monday assemblies! All you always wanted.
5.Get an excuse to enter class late!
What does a warden do?
1.Substitute for no entry signs
2.Clears and fills the "prison cells" aka classes
3.Help clear the canteen of plates and cups!
4.Help other students keep restricted items in their room!
The Wardens' Room
One can't help but wonder,why the secrecy in all the rooms? One of the most highly off limits room is the Warden's room. Enter the Dragon's den at your own risk, even if wardens look more timid than the prefects, some due consideration should be given before infiltrating their war room, including the prospect of having a chair thrown at you.
Someone tell me what is in the warden's room cause i have always wanted to know!
Saturday, 14 November 2009
The Blackened Glass
It was a typical school day that PFS student Ah Seng (Not his real name) was having. As usual, he arrived in school before the sun peeks from the horizon. He was early today, the first few ones in school. The dimly lit corridor is as desolate as it gets, after all, it was only 6am.
He was walking past the classrooms when suddenly the corner of his eye caught a glimpse of a figure in his class. It must be another student then, he thought to himself. When he tries to enter, he finds that all the doors were still locked.
He knocked at the door. He could only gasp when the most eerie pair of eyes met his own. He was not the first, as many also saw figures around the school. After that day, the school could only paint the windows shut.
Okay, that is the explanation I heard for something unusual in PFS. If you walk along the main corridor, the windows on most of old class rooms are painted black as though to make sure no one can look into them.
More sensible explaination: School vandals think that it would be funny, so they spray painted the windows black. Then instead of removing the paint, the handyman comes along and paints the frame, leaves the glass black! Ta da! ARTISTIC UTILITY, blocks the sun, no need to clean windows and no need to use the bathrooms to change! Weee...
Any info welcomed! echoeditor@gmail.com
He was walking past the classrooms when suddenly the corner of his eye caught a glimpse of a figure in his class. It must be another student then, he thought to himself. When he tries to enter, he finds that all the doors were still locked.
He knocked at the door. He could only gasp when the most eerie pair of eyes met his own. He was not the first, as many also saw figures around the school. After that day, the school could only paint the windows shut.
Okay, that is the explanation I heard for something unusual in PFS. If you walk along the main corridor, the windows on most of old class rooms are painted black as though to make sure no one can look into them.
More sensible explaination: School vandals think that it would be funny, so they spray painted the windows black. Then instead of removing the paint, the handyman comes along and paints the frame, leaves the glass black! Ta da! ARTISTIC UTILITY, blocks the sun, no need to clean windows and no need to use the bathrooms to change! Weee...
Any info welcomed! echoeditor@gmail.com
Thursday, 12 November 2009
School Hall
The school hall was originally the heart of the school building by design. The main porch leads directly to the hall. On both sides of the hall lie two quadrangles, the east quad and the west quad. The notice boards at the face of the hall display the school crest, motto, laurels and visitor information.
The hall is 20 meters wide and 50 meters long and has 12 doors on each side. The School bell lies 10 meters above the main entrance and a hemp rope extends to down to the entrance for the ringer. Flanking each side of the hall are the portraits of the Old Headmasters, with the older headmasters having their portraits closer to the stage. Above the stage lies an old clock with keeps close watch on the time (Last I checked it was not working in 2005). The roof is plaster board and a series of wooden arches hold the ceiling at least 20 meters above the floor, sloping down towards the quads.
The stage is raised with entrances disguised on the sides. On stage right lie a piano where the pianist plays, and a room for the sound controller. Stage left is where the light controls are located. The wooden stage is home to rumors that there might be an underground tunnel under the hall. There is however, entrances on both sides of the stage that lead under. To the best of my knowledge, there where canned drinks are kept for the canteen operators. (The secret treasure!)
The school hall is a very special place for every Free. It is the first place they assemble back in their first year, and it is the last place they leave from after their final paper. The hall itself is used for Monday assembly and for Exams. The School Speech day is held in the hall and the hall also functions as a badminton court.
Perhaps some of you remember the other uses of the hall:
1. That's where I donated blood when the state hospital ran low.
2. I was there when the Agung, an Old Free came to visit.
3. I remember receiving an award on stage during a Monday assembly.
4. There was certainly a time when I did my language assessment there.
5. Most of us had our vaccines done there! Ouch.
6. I saw people dance upstage.
The hall is 20 meters wide and 50 meters long and has 12 doors on each side. The School bell lies 10 meters above the main entrance and a hemp rope extends to down to the entrance for the ringer. Flanking each side of the hall are the portraits of the Old Headmasters, with the older headmasters having their portraits closer to the stage. Above the stage lies an old clock with keeps close watch on the time (Last I checked it was not working in 2005). The roof is plaster board and a series of wooden arches hold the ceiling at least 20 meters above the floor, sloping down towards the quads.
The stage is raised with entrances disguised on the sides. On stage right lie a piano where the pianist plays, and a room for the sound controller. Stage left is where the light controls are located. The wooden stage is home to rumors that there might be an underground tunnel under the hall. There is however, entrances on both sides of the stage that lead under. To the best of my knowledge, there where canned drinks are kept for the canteen operators. (The secret treasure!)
The school hall is a very special place for every Free. It is the first place they assemble back in their first year, and it is the last place they leave from after their final paper. The hall itself is used for Monday assembly and for Exams. The School Speech day is held in the hall and the hall also functions as a badminton court.
Perhaps some of you remember the other uses of the hall:
1. That's where I donated blood when the state hospital ran low.
2. I was there when the Agung, an Old Free came to visit.
3. I remember receiving an award on stage during a Monday assembly.
4. There was certainly a time when I did my language assessment there.
5. Most of us had our vaccines done there! Ouch.
6. I saw people dance upstage.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Football in PFS
Well, who can deny being a Liverpool fan? (Ducks for cover as all the other football club fans start hurling bad comments) To be honest, I am neutral between the football teams but I enjoy the sport as a game itself, which this post is going to be all about.
The next Premier League match is on the 21st of Nov with Liverpool vs. ManCity! I guess this would have been the topic at the canteen table if we were still in school. With the advent of the TV (A privilege that our ancestors did not have) and Astro, even school students can watch their favorite footballers play it out 10000 miles away. Who can forget the last time they went out to the mamak store to catch a game. I remembered the last world cup when I was at a local mamak store. It was loaded packed. (Too bad for all those of you who are overseas. No mamak store for you and me)
Well, the if theres one thing I am still proud of PFS is that its school field is still one of the best kept places. Back when we were students, there was always a slot for physical exercises. No sooner than the bell rang, all the football junkies would have already changed into their PE attire (The white shirt and blue shorts).
After getting the football from the sports room, we would set up the goal posts (Some time just a pair of shoes). Then the selection of teams began.
There were no bragging rights, no trophy, just pure adrenaline and team building. Many people were already at that time, state and school players and some (myself included) were the not so fit ones. But yet, no matter how I sucked at football, the feel of grass under my "kaki ayam" is such a great feeling. It gets better when it rains. The field will be giant mud puddle and I recall playing a game with white pants on. Well, you can guess what happened.
Among other things, here is a list of the more spectacular things one can expect to happen on the field:
5. You fall into an offside trap (So irritating)
4. It was raining just last night and you ran straight into the puddle of mud and splash!!
3. You concentrate hard on the ball, you see it get passed around and round and you start to wonder why objects that are approaching get bigger. Suddenly it hits you in the behind. Ouch.
2. You are not so good at football so you do your best. You mind your own business and wait for the ball. But just when you turned your head, your friend's aim is so good that the ball hits you in the crotch. Medic!
1. You are open and run up field. Everyone gathers at the goal post trying to receive the corner kick. Such a crowd but you just stand there, he kicks and hits your face and GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Football fever struck you? Send your story to echoeditor@gmail.com
The next Premier League match is on the 21st of Nov with Liverpool vs. ManCity! I guess this would have been the topic at the canteen table if we were still in school. With the advent of the TV (A privilege that our ancestors did not have) and Astro, even school students can watch their favorite footballers play it out 10000 miles away. Who can forget the last time they went out to the mamak store to catch a game. I remembered the last world cup when I was at a local mamak store. It was loaded packed. (Too bad for all those of you who are overseas. No mamak store for you and me)
Well, the if theres one thing I am still proud of PFS is that its school field is still one of the best kept places. Back when we were students, there was always a slot for physical exercises. No sooner than the bell rang, all the football junkies would have already changed into their PE attire (The white shirt and blue shorts).
After getting the football from the sports room, we would set up the goal posts (Some time just a pair of shoes). Then the selection of teams began.
There were no bragging rights, no trophy, just pure adrenaline and team building. Many people were already at that time, state and school players and some (myself included) were the not so fit ones. But yet, no matter how I sucked at football, the feel of grass under my "kaki ayam" is such a great feeling. It gets better when it rains. The field will be giant mud puddle and I recall playing a game with white pants on. Well, you can guess what happened.
Among other things, here is a list of the more spectacular things one can expect to happen on the field:
5. You fall into an offside trap (So irritating)
4. It was raining just last night and you ran straight into the puddle of mud and splash!!
3. You concentrate hard on the ball, you see it get passed around and round and you start to wonder why objects that are approaching get bigger. Suddenly it hits you in the behind. Ouch.
2. You are not so good at football so you do your best. You mind your own business and wait for the ball. But just when you turned your head, your friend's aim is so good that the ball hits you in the crotch. Medic!
1. You are open and run up field. Everyone gathers at the goal post trying to receive the corner kick. Such a crowd but you just stand there, he kicks and hits your face and GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Football fever struck you? Send your story to echoeditor@gmail.com
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
McDonalds Green Lane
Penang Free School is undoubtedly Green Lane McDonald's best customer. The McDonald's building was converted from a former bungalow and is located right next to a Shell station.
The other schools contributing to this branch's success is Hamilton School, Batu Lanchang, Georgetown School and Convent Green Lane.
The building has seen many upgrades as PFS and the other surrounding schools continue to pump profit into their pockets. In my tenure, I have seen McDonalds refurbish twice. Who knows how are things nowadays. The building features an ever evolving drive thru system which seems to be different every other year. Above, there is a play area for little kids and a birthday section! Only a handful of Penangites have not been into the building. The fastfood restaurant also features a Maybank ATM. Throughout my life, I have seen the restaurant shift its focus from kids to school goers.
The last I checked in 2005, the restaurant pays RM4.00 per hour.
Of the more interesting sight one can expect are:
1. Crowds of students on the upper floors making a total mess.
2. The local gangsters or samseng starting fights. News of fights go around quite fast and so you might also see:
3. Policemen, undercover and uniformed patrolling the area just to make sure no one gets hurt and occasionally:
4. Mr Lim Ah Seng, bringing the truant student back to the discipline room for skipping class.
5. Students spending the RM5 voucher that McD (as it is now called. In Australia its called Mackers) gives out ever so often.
I'm loving it.
Had a flashback? Send your story to echoeditor@gmail.com
The other schools contributing to this branch's success is Hamilton School, Batu Lanchang, Georgetown School and Convent Green Lane.
The building has seen many upgrades as PFS and the other surrounding schools continue to pump profit into their pockets. In my tenure, I have seen McDonalds refurbish twice. Who knows how are things nowadays. The building features an ever evolving drive thru system which seems to be different every other year. Above, there is a play area for little kids and a birthday section! Only a handful of Penangites have not been into the building. The fastfood restaurant also features a Maybank ATM. Throughout my life, I have seen the restaurant shift its focus from kids to school goers.
The last I checked in 2005, the restaurant pays RM4.00 per hour.
Of the more interesting sight one can expect are:
1. Crowds of students on the upper floors making a total mess.
2. The local gangsters or samseng starting fights. News of fights go around quite fast and so you might also see:
3. Policemen, undercover and uniformed patrolling the area just to make sure no one gets hurt and occasionally:
4. Mr Lim Ah Seng, bringing the truant student back to the discipline room for skipping class.
5. Students spending the RM5 voucher that McD (as it is now called. In Australia its called Mackers) gives out ever so often.
I'm loving it.
Had a flashback? Send your story to echoeditor@gmail.com
Monday, 9 November 2009
Pavilion
The school Pavilion adorns the school field and it is the centre of many activities. The pavilion oversees the school field and it provides a spectacular view at sunrise, as it is facing the east.
Every other Wednesdays of the week, the school Uniformed bodies are gathered to mark and honour the importance of the being part of such bodies. Besides that, the pavilion is the grand stand for the School Sports day, where teachers gather and watch events as they unfold on field.
The pavilion houses among other things, the rope for the tug of war, hurdles for trek, hockey sticks, goal posts and many other sporting equipment. Beside the pavilion is a cricket pitch and the latest addition to the facilities is the men’s toilet.
Behind the pavilion lies the headmasters residence. There is a myth that under the pavilion lies a tunnel which leads to the school hall and St. Georges Girl school.
Among the more usual activities one can expect going on near the pavilion are:
1. PFS Remp Its doing willies on their motorbikes (riding a bike with one wheel in the air… without a helmet)
2. Student doing reps as required for their fitness education (Thank you Mr Yap Gark Soo)
3. Uniformed bodies having meetings during the afternoon especially scouts
4. The cricket team training to play against some foreign team
5. The Astronomy club with their hydrorocket launching rockets out into the field.
Remember what you were doing there?
Send you article to echoeditor@gmail.com
Every other Wednesdays of the week, the school Uniformed bodies are gathered to mark and honour the importance of the being part of such bodies. Besides that, the pavilion is the grand stand for the School Sports day, where teachers gather and watch events as they unfold on field.
The pavilion houses among other things, the rope for the tug of war, hurdles for trek, hockey sticks, goal posts and many other sporting equipment. Beside the pavilion is a cricket pitch and the latest addition to the facilities is the men’s toilet.
Behind the pavilion lies the headmasters residence. There is a myth that under the pavilion lies a tunnel which leads to the school hall and St. Georges Girl school.
Among the more usual activities one can expect going on near the pavilion are:
1. PFS Remp Its doing willies on their motorbikes (riding a bike with one wheel in the air… without a helmet)
2. Student doing reps as required for their fitness education (Thank you Mr Yap Gark Soo)
3. Uniformed bodies having meetings during the afternoon especially scouts
4. The cricket team training to play against some foreign team
5. The Astronomy club with their hydrorocket launching rockets out into the field.
Remember what you were doing there?
Send you article to echoeditor@gmail.com
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Exam time!
Where in the world would we be without exams!
Every year, every student faces the worst nightmare of his time. The exams I faced were the PMR, SPM and the 6th Form students will have to sit for their STPM examinations.
The highlight examination that all Frees face is currently the SPM (Sijil Penilaian Menengah). I am sure we are all familiar with all the stresses in examinations and how things can go so right or go so wrong.
Examination days are unique in their own ways and here are the top 5 ways how we can tell that exams are going in PFS
5.You see people handling notes and books, everywhere, in the canteens, on the fields, in the corridors, even in the toilets.
4.Many people take up a new language. Sign language.
3.The most popular people are the teachers and the smartest guys in class.
2.Your friend suddenly gets an injury from playing football. His writing hand is wrapped in a cast and you sign the cast!
1. The police are waiting outside ready to escort anyone with firecrackers to the nearby Balai!
Nostalgic? Add a short story today!
Send to echoeditor@gmail.com
Saturday, 7 November 2009
The never ending field
Fancy a night at the museum? Or better yet, a night at PFS??
I bet a few of the readers here have spent a camp out in the school compounds.Well, if you have, lucky you, because there is a myth about the school that can only be tested at night. Here's how it goes:
Myth:
If you walk in a straight line from the pavillion to the library through the school field, you will never reach the end.
Fact:
It would not have been the case in 2009. Now, we have lights everywhere. Back in the 1900s, there were no lamps and as you all know, the school field is BIG, when you are small. So, from a person's perspective if you could ask your greatgrandpa, I'd wager that it would have been pitch black and anyone who want to walk through the field in the middle of the night must have been hoping for the darkness to end. (He would probably kept on walking cause if there were no lights at the place he wanted to be!) Not so during the day!
I bet a few of the readers here have spent a camp out in the school compounds.Well, if you have, lucky you, because there is a myth about the school that can only be tested at night. Here's how it goes:
Myth:
If you walk in a straight line from the pavillion to the library through the school field, you will never reach the end.
Fact:
It would not have been the case in 2009. Now, we have lights everywhere. Back in the 1900s, there were no lamps and as you all know, the school field is BIG, when you are small. So, from a person's perspective if you could ask your greatgrandpa, I'd wager that it would have been pitch black and anyone who want to walk through the field in the middle of the night must have been hoping for the darkness to end. (He would probably kept on walking cause if there were no lights at the place he wanted to be!) Not so during the day!
School Pond
Located right at the front of the school, the school pond is one of the most prominent places in the school. It features a bamboo garden, a few sheltered tables, two ponds and an island in the middle. The 30 foot trees dates back to at least 50 years, probably older than the trees planted along Green Lane.
Everyday, students and teachers alike traverse the paths to the main building. It is a good place to just sit down after and before school, and an even better place to do the most memorable things!
For ever scout who was elected as a leader, he will get first class treatment to enjoy the school pond’s waters! Yeap, generations of troop leaders, assistant troop leaders and patrol leaders have sampled what the aquatic life in the pond has to offer. I remember getting thrown in the pond after an AGM in 2004. Doesn’t taste that bad at all!
The pond is home to a couple of carps, and other fishes. Also present in the pond when I last checked were tortoises! (Most likely terrapins)
Besides that, the school pond is a favorite place among winners to get their pictures taken. The Editorial board photoshoots are usually conducted at the school pond area.
The funniest thing I ever experienced in that area is back in 2006, a teacher drove her Kancil into the drain next to the pond. Now picture a couple of kids in uniform lifting a car!
Everyday, students and teachers alike traverse the paths to the main building. It is a good place to just sit down after and before school, and an even better place to do the most memorable things!
For ever scout who was elected as a leader, he will get first class treatment to enjoy the school pond’s waters! Yeap, generations of troop leaders, assistant troop leaders and patrol leaders have sampled what the aquatic life in the pond has to offer. I remember getting thrown in the pond after an AGM in 2004. Doesn’t taste that bad at all!
The pond is home to a couple of carps, and other fishes. Also present in the pond when I last checked were tortoises! (Most likely terrapins)
Besides that, the school pond is a favorite place among winners to get their pictures taken. The Editorial board photoshoots are usually conducted at the school pond area.
The funniest thing I ever experienced in that area is back in 2006, a teacher drove her Kancil into the drain next to the pond. Now picture a couple of kids in uniform lifting a car!
Friday, 6 November 2009
Houses
For as long as I knew, the students in Penang Free School were divided into houses:
Cheeseman - Red
Hargreaves - Brown
Pinhorn - Blue
Wu Lien Teh - Green
Hamilton - Yellow
Tunku Putra - Orange
Tunku Syed Sirajuddin(Purple)
P. Ramli(Gray)
A student is allocated a house at the start of their first year and will be a member throughout until they leave.
Prior to this, somewhere before the 1980s, students were all divided into scout houses, or so I heard
Still remember your history?
Send an article to echoeditor@gmail.com
Cheeseman - Red
Hargreaves - Brown
Pinhorn - Blue
Wu Lien Teh - Green
Hamilton - Yellow
Tunku Putra - Orange
Tunku Syed Sirajuddin(Purple)
P. Ramli(Gray)
A student is allocated a house at the start of their first year and will be a member throughout until they leave.
Prior to this, somewhere before the 1980s, students were all divided into scout houses, or so I heard
Still remember your history?
Send an article to echoeditor@gmail.com
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Speech Day
The speech day marks the anniversary of the school's founding and is held every 21st October. It is a Prize Giving day for the school, where the parents are invited to witness their sons receive awards.
The speech day usually consists of a speech from the Headmaster, Head of the PIBG and Head of the OFA. Every year, the Speech day will see the attendance of the Yang Di Pertua Pulau Pinang.
The school band will usually send a small ensemble to provide the acoustics while all prefects are required to attend. The Editorial Board members will also be covering the event while all the teachers will be at present
The main event for the day includes the prize giving ceremony and prizes are awarded to the best performing students in academics and also extracurricular achievements.
The speech day usually consists of a speech from the Headmaster, Head of the PIBG and Head of the OFA. Every year, the Speech day will see the attendance of the Yang Di Pertua Pulau Pinang.
The school band will usually send a small ensemble to provide the acoustics while all prefects are required to attend. The Editorial Board members will also be covering the event while all the teachers will be at present
The main event for the day includes the prize giving ceremony and prizes are awarded to the best performing students in academics and also extracurricular achievements.
Monday Assembly
Every Monday, every student and teacher will be gathered in the hall and on the quadrangles.
The school bells will be rung twice and every student will stand at attention while the teahers will stand up from their seats.
The Head Prefect will escort the Headmaster into the hall and up the stage.
The national anthem followed by the state anthem will be sung followed by the school anthem, accompanied by the tune played on the piano. (Played by Tan Khoon Leong in 2005). At each flank of the stage, the national flag and the state flags were raised by two other prefects.
After that the headmaster will address the school. (My HM was boring). The most interesting part of the assembly would be when the Prize giving ceremony.
Lastly, the school is dismissed with the sing of all the anthems folled by the regular spot check!
The school bells will be rung twice and every student will stand at attention while the teahers will stand up from their seats.
The Head Prefect will escort the Headmaster into the hall and up the stage.
The national anthem followed by the state anthem will be sung followed by the school anthem, accompanied by the tune played on the piano. (Played by Tan Khoon Leong in 2005). At each flank of the stage, the national flag and the state flags were raised by two other prefects.
After that the headmaster will address the school. (My HM was boring). The most interesting part of the assembly would be when the Prize giving ceremony.
Lastly, the school is dismissed with the sing of all the anthems folled by the regular spot check!
Pillow in class?
Haha, here is to Shiram Navin, who told me the story of Eric Koay (Dr Eric Koay by now)
You know how tiring school can be with all the other activities around, games and hobbies?
This guy actually brought a pillow to class in form 5. Everytime he wanted to dose off, it was better than the go old math text book.
I heard that the teacher took the pillow and whack him kau kau! (Jason Lim said that he did not get whacked, but I'll only hear it from the horse's mouth.)
Know more stories?
Share by sending to echoeditor@gmail.com
You know how tiring school can be with all the other activities around, games and hobbies?
This guy actually brought a pillow to class in form 5. Everytime he wanted to dose off, it was better than the go old math text book.
I heard that the teacher took the pillow and whack him kau kau! (Jason Lim said that he did not get whacked, but I'll only hear it from the horse's mouth.)
Know more stories?
Share by sending to echoeditor@gmail.com
PFS Torture Chamber
Well, here is how it goes. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, the Japanese too over the school and used it as a command centre.
Here, they would have ran their operations.
One debated function is that of a torture chamber.
Sounds like the school hall during exams to me!
Here, they would have ran their operations.
One debated function is that of a torture chamber.
Sounds like the school hall during exams to me!
The underground tunnels
As we all know, PFS was built by the British way before the world wars.
During the World War II, to escape and hide from the Japanese occupation, it is said that a series of tunnels were dug under the school.
There is believed to be a tunnel connecting the school hall to the pavillion and the library. Some have claimed to have seen the entrances but other are speculative.
Others claim that there is a tunnel leading straigt to Saint Georges Girl School.
Don't get any ideas!
During the World War II, to escape and hide from the Japanese occupation, it is said that a series of tunnels were dug under the school.
There is believed to be a tunnel connecting the school hall to the pavillion and the library. Some have claimed to have seen the entrances but other are speculative.
Others claim that there is a tunnel leading straigt to Saint Georges Girl School.
Don't get any ideas!
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