CBM Reunion Dinner & Dance 

1st October 2016

The Star press coverage

JUST as the second course of the dinner arrived, it became evident that it was no ordinary alumni reunion dinner.

Dance instructors Peter Ang and Emmeline Yong went on stage and all the Convent Bukit Mertajam old girls were asked to step forward to learn the cha-cha as soon as the sweet corn crab meat soup was served.

After a three-minute lesson, Finzi Contini’s 1985 chart-topper ‘I Wanna Dance’ (do you like cha-cha-cha) boomed out of the speakers and the soup went cold on every table as the old girls swayed their hips on every available open floor space in the E&O Hotel grand ballroom.

The evening went on with dance competition interspersed throughout the eight-course dinner, and the old girls whooped and sang along to numerous yesteryear hits.

To make it even more memorable, the organising committee from Convent Bukit Mertajam Alumni set the dress code as cultural attire from around the world, and the 300-odd old ‘convent girls’, their spouses and children did not disappoint.

They dressed up as Egyptian queens, cowgirls, geisha girls, Arab sheikhs, Korean princesses, Dutch milkmaids and myriad more, and before dinner, everyone decorated their tables after the countries they were named after.

Alumni president Sharon Ewe Lay Khim left her pals swirling in nostalgia as she presented a collage of old school photos.

But nothing took them down memory lane better than the appearance of their old teacher Charlotte Szto, 90, who had taught in the school from 1965 to 1976.

“We gather every two years and try to create something unique each time. The theme this year was ‘East Meets West’ and we tried to bring an international ambience into our reunion since our old schoolmates are spread out worldwide,” said Ewe.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/10/25/its-yesterday-once-more-convent-bm-old-girls-chachacha-the-night-away-in-grand-fashion/

The countdown has begun! We'll be going around the world soon! The CBM Alumni Reunion Dinner and Dance 2016 is on 1st October at E&O Hotel, Penang. The theme is East Meets West. 

East Meets West is about celebrating diversity and drawing inspiration from cultures around the world. Play dress up in the traditional costume or a modern take on the national dress of any country in the world. There are no hard and fast rules, as long as your outfit has a recognisable international flavour, you're good to go. Don't miss it for the world!

Tip: Think iconic characters or items of clothing or accessories or even colours of the flag.

Stay tuned for updates and ideas.

 

 

Let’s Zumba! 

Convent Bukit Mertajam Country Run 2016

Ponytails up, laces tied, faces fresh—the morning sun beamed across the verdant ground where dozens of colourful sport shoes stood awaiting. Exciting chatter took place on the field of Convent Bukit Mertajam as the students, the staff, and the Alumni Committee gathered for the annual Cross Country Run. The students wore their respective house-colour T-shirts along with trackpants; the staff and alumni dressed accordingly in their own sports attire. Just past the crack of dawn, the humidity and grogginess of an early Saturday morning did not stop their enthusiasm as they put on a face of determination, prepared to take on the day.

The students cheered as Zumba instructor, Lisa Lim took to the platform. She briefly explained that Zumba is a fitness programme that involves dance and aerobic elements. Lisa eased the crowd into the routines with some stretching exercises and the momentum gathered as the blend of Latin, Bollywood and international infused rhythms of Zumba kept the participants dancing enthusiastically and singing along to the beat of popular tunes.

“I enjoyed dancing to Sorry by Justin Bieber the most,” said Shameera Nasreen (5 Sains Perdana) who had a pleasant time with her friends during the run. She especially took joy in the moment when she and her friends closed in on the finish line and were about to collect points for their team, Rumah Mutiara.

Other than the cheers and laughter shared during the run, the students also learned the importance of staying healthy. As big of a part books play in gaining knowledge about the world, it does not include the small details that will guide the students through life. A few things they learnt include having fun with people of all ages, getting to know those outside their normal social groups and learning new ways to stay fit.

“Cross country is a compulsory event for all schools to carry out. It certainly is beneficial for the students as it builds their physical abilities and maintains their fitness levels,” said the Principal. She continued, “Besides that, it enhances unity and positive competition among students.”

The music boomed aloud as everyone followed along to the dance moves Lim performed on stage. Though not everyone knew each other personally, they danced together in unison to the beat and delighted in each other’s company. The hot bearing sun hung over their heads and beads of sweat resided on the side of their faces. Through the different coloured T-shirts in the crowd, the uplifted atmosphere marked the start of a united student body.

—By Megan Chang

Special thanks to the sub-committee of Haryaty Abu Bakar and Baby Goh for organising this event.

Lisa in action.

Shameera and her classmates in Bollywood mode. 

Alumni Vice Treasurer Chung Choy Choo showing us how it's done!

The Principal presents Lisa a souvenir while organising committee member Haryaty Bakar looks on.

From left: Ng Hai Yeen, the Principal, PIBG President, Lisa, Baby Goh, Anne Chung, Ewe Lay Khim and Helen Khor.

President Ewe Lay Khim and Vice President Baby Goh with their future Alumni members.

Committee 2016-2017