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.

Time Tunnel again :-)

At the Hari Kecemerlangan Akademik event (by SMK Convent BM), we met the Headmistress of SRK Convent BM (the primary school), as well as Sister Stan, from the Convent Board of Governors. Belinda and I discussed with the HM about future events that the Alumni can co-organise with the primary school. We were then invited to go around the primary school block by the HM together with the PPD officer, Tn Hj.Shafie and Sister Stan.

Yes... travelling back through the time-tunnel is always fun, I would say.
So here I would like to share some of the pictures taken, during our mini tour.


The stairs:
(I just can't resist myself from editing these stairs-pictures to more nostalgic color... hehe) :P

The library.
The back of the library look the same as I remembered it... But the main room, I realised there are no more old old books... the one with bookworms.. in big huge old library-cabinets. I kinda miss them :-)

One of the classrooms.... This is the first room next to the stairs.
*I used to be in this very same class when I was in std 6 :-)

Just going around:
The corridors:

Corridors at the back:

Stairs and tunnels give me the nostalgic aura, I just can't help it, hehe.

Hmmm... wait, do we call this a tunnel? Haha

Anyway, walking pass by this area, I had glimpse of past... and wow, I was so small back then...

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


Then..  we were invited by Sister Stan to visit the Sisters' place in the CBM area. We used the main entrance, through the Hospital BM entrance.

They have a very nice orchard :-)

Catching up and chatting...

Belinda is very keen on inviting the sisters to join the upcoming Alumni Reunion Dinner. She has invited and agreed to sponsor them to attend the dinner. This is also seen as another effort to widen the network of people affiliated to the school. Besides the sisters, we are trying our best to also gather back ex-teachers, and of them will be Ms.Szeto who taught CBM some time around in the 70's... and we are yet to get in contact and confirm with a few more ;-)

It was a nice day of meeting interesting and nice people.

and of course... nice to go back in time as well :-)


Reunion info:
http://alumnicbm.blogspot.com/2012/04/announcement-6th-reunion-dinner.html

urs truly,
azleena

Alumni Scholarship Presentation - (Hari Kecemerlangan SMKCBM)

The Alumni Convent Bukit Mertajam has been carrying out scholarship and financial aid programme to the students of SMK Convent BM since year 2008. This year, we have selected two Form 4 students as the recepient of the scholarship and six form 5 student for the one-off financial aid.

Belinda Gan, as the President of the Alumni and Azleena, as the Vice President; attended the Hari Kecemerlangan Akademik held by the school. We have given the honor to present both the scholarship and financial aid to the students.

Following are some of pictures taken during the event:

:-)

The Scholarship Presentation by Alumni President, Belinda Gan:

One of the financial-aid recepients...

.

Hari K - SMK Convent BM

On the 23rdof July 2011, there was a Co-Curicular Day (or rather known as Hari K) held in the ground of our school. This event was jointly organised by the School Board of Governance, Seconday and Primary School, Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) together with the Alumni of CBM. 

Many stalls ranging from food stalls, games stalls, education booth, ghost house and even a talent competition (Convent Idol) filled the premises of the school starting from the classrooms in front of the school right to the canteen area.

It was a lively atmosphere that filled the air that day. Prior to this event, the Alumni committee with the help and support of the members, organised a pre-order sales of cakes, muffins and muruku; where orders were collected and delivered fresh to the respective individuals.

Back to School Reunion Gathering

For 2010 Reunion gathering, we went back to school.

The reunion lunch was held in the "New Hall" of SMK Convent Bukit Mertajam

- A whiteboard somewhere in d school compound. The lyrics of the classic Edelweiss song:

Reminds us of the time when we had bunch of classics songs and other multi-lingual cheerings during gatherings/events :-P

The recent reunion's backdrop, and I really love it:

Yap... back in the "new" hall.

It Looks smaller right?.... now that we have grown up? Hehe

Games... and ice-breaking

Group foto, those who stayed back until the end of the event:

This was 1st time alumni organised event in the school... and we hope to have another 'back to school- homecoming' event in school.

Convent Bukit Mertajam: The old and new

Following the previous post about going back to school....
I have come up with the compilation of "The old, and new"

#1 Porch / Front Field


~Once Upon a Time~

If I'm not mistaken, I was told this photo taken in late 70's. Wait, is that a cactus tree in front of the palm tree?

Look at them... wow.... Another Pic to show the stunt: :D

~ 1999.... ~
during my time. Can't see whole view of the porch though. Can u see the cactus popping out from the back row? I think its the same cactus from above pic.

~ Feb 2008  ~

Taken after Alumni's AGM. No more cactus... sudah uzur ditelan zaman.

~Back to the Future~ (present)

More upgrades followed... repainted and now we have a podium.

#2 Primary Block

~Once upon a time~
In 1988:

~Back to the Future~
more cars.....

#3 BackField

~Once upon a time~
Late 1950's / Early 60's:
From the class blocks heading to canteen. Have to ask super seniors whether it was a canteen back then. A stretch of mangosteen trees behind the girls, now ladies :-)

~Year 1965~
Back field, taken from another angle.
left: the primary block. far left: glimpse of mangosteen tree in front of the field.

~1999~
Same angle as the first foto.. not only the trees functioned as shady area, but was also as favourite backdrop for most sport-related events :P

~Back to the Future~
about the same angle as the second foto. as u can see, the primary block building. The border separating the field and the road, is where the mangosteen trees used to be. Haha "Why am I making such a big deal of the mangosteen trees?"... We always thought the trees were a part of the school's heritage. But then again, same case like the cactus.

#4 New Hall
This hall is called new hall as it is newer than the other hall :D

~Once upon a time~

1970's / early 80's
Haha... When I was in my early years of primary, I used to fancy over these costumes... dreaming that I would one day have the chance to wear one. Never did! :P (they used to keep em in the music room, then suddenly there were gone)

~1999:~
ok.. forget the costumes... i did perform on stage.. hehe
the hall still look kinda same...

~Back to the Future~
Some new curtains, new paint...

#5 Front

~Once upon a time
~1965:

~1992 ~
Opposite angle from the photo above.
The Pokok Pinang :-) Notice the overhead bridge? The Rumah Rehat?
The District Officer's House? and the trees on the opposite side of the road? Pokok Rhu
The road before reconstruction.

~1999~
Same angle as the first photo (1965).
The road after reconstruct into higher flyover

~Back to the Future~

same angle with 1992.
no more pinang on field... but there's one outside :P
Overhead bridge- new look (now with CCTV)
the area opposite school (D.O house etc) was cleared for roads and development (few years back)
oh ye.. now the school has guard room ;)

the opposite angle...
:-) the bukit

By,
Azleena'99