Present day view of what was once the administrative office and teachers’ room.
SHS stadium is seen in this old photo.
The young Dr Hii (back row, standing sixth right) posing with teachers and classmates.
Another memorable photo when flood struck the school years back.
Memories of the La Salle Brothers — (from left) the late Brother Hyacinth, the late Brother Albinus and the late Brother Hilary.
Students participating in the relocation of SHS from Mission Road to Oya Road in 1967.
SIBU: It was in 1967 when lack of space for expansion forced Sacred Heart Secondary School to relocate from Mission Road to its present location at Oya Road, here.
It was an important milestone for the school as the larger space enabled a more balanced education experience, shaping Sacred Heart School (SHS) into what it is today — a powerhouse in both academics and sports.
The school now has a student population of 1,500 and a teaching strength of 140 and 15 non-academic staff.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the school’s relocation, and the school has lined up various exciting activities to commemorate the historic occasion on Aug 5, including a walkathon, jogathon, food fair, aerobics session, handing over of the Mill Hill–De La Salle Resource Centre–Class of SHS 88, unveiling of the SHS Heritage Corner, signing of the 50th anniversary of Sacred Heart Secondary School Relocation plaque and the Brother Albinus Cup Rugby Competition (Aug 5–6).
The celebration is jointly organised by the school’s board of management, parent-teacher association (PTA) and Sacred Heart Old Students Association (Shosa).
Dr Hii Sui Cheng
Hii Chang Kee
Dr Lau Ngi Chuong
David Teo
Brief history of relocation
The relocation in 1967 in fact was not the first for SHS as it had made similar moves earlier. The school’s history dates back to 1902, when the late Rev Father (later Monsignor) Hopfgartner built an ‘attap’ shed to serve as an English school on a plot of land near the Rajang Port Authority building and godowns.
However, three years later owing to the changes taking place in Sibu town, the school was relocated to Lane 1, Lanang Road. A larger and more solid two-storey building was erected.
Then, in 1907, the school was relocated to Mission Road, where it stayed until 1967.
Why is the relocation of SHS from Mission Road to Oya Road significant?
School board of management secretary Dr Hii Sui Cheng recalled vividly he was in Upper Six when the relocation took place.
He estimated about 250 students were involved in the relocation between 1967 and 1973 by way of transporting and carrying chairs and tables.
“The move was necessitated by the lack of space for expansion at Mission Road. It needed to be relocated to a new location if it wanted to increase its student intake. So the search for the new location began under the late Bro Adrian Patrick Gaule as principal, assisted by the late Father Chin and Kong Sung Seng,” Dr Hii said.
Following the relocation, SHS was able to increase its intake of students. It was one of only two schools in Sibu with Form Six classes at that time.
He added that SHS had one science class each for Lower and Upper Six but no arts classes which caused arts students in SHS to go to Methodist Secondary School.
Likewise, he recalled, science stream students from Methodist Secondary School had to continue their study in SHS.
Dr Hii pointed out because of the relocation, the school was able to have space for sports including basketball, volleyball, squash, tennis, rugby and football.
“It was amazing to know that all through the years, SHS continued to excel in athletic events, second to none in Sibu. Academically, we are known to be amongst the top schools in Sarawak. Last year, we were the top school in the country for the STPM examination.
“Therefore, we have good reasons to celebrate the 50th anniversary of relocation of SHS,” he added.
Shosa president Hii Chang Kee said the relocation from Mission Road was an important milestone in the history of Sacred Heart School.
“It marked the beginning of a new era as the new site at Oya Road opened up vast opportunities in terms of bigger space, better environment and new student catchment area. The new environment spurred the growth and development of Sacred Herat until its current day,” he said.
“Apart from anniversaries and celebrations, the school could remember the relocation in creative ways such as via exhibitions, picture galleries, souvenir magazines and home coming. An annual march from Mission Road to Oya Road could be considered a courageous pilgrimage for the old students,” Chang Kee, who is Sibu Resident and a former head prefect, suggested.
A walk down memory lane
Dr Hii, who is also the organising chairman for the celebration, has rounded up a number of former students for the walkathon who will be joined by about 20 teachers/prefects on Aug 5.
He said the starting point will be at Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) premises at Chambers Road here, from where participants will walk about 1.5 km to reach the school at Oya Road.
The jogathon from Oya Road Lane 17 will be flagged off simultaneously at 6.45am.
“Let’s relive this special occasion to walk from Mission Road to Oya Road as we did some 50 years ago,” he said.
For the record, Dr Hii served as Shosa president from 1994 till 1996.
Present day students may not understand or know the history of the school, in particular, the relocation
That is why the celebration of the anniversary of relocation is important and timely after 50 years, Chang Kee highlighted.
“The celebration allows the old students to recall past memories of the humble beginning of the school while reminding the present day students to treasure the struggle and achievements of the school on its way up the ladder of success,” he opined.
Voicing the same sentiment, PTA chairman Dr Lau Ngi Chuong said the 50th anniversary celebration is very important as it gives opportunity to the present students to learn the history of their school so that they can appreciate and love their school more.
“This celebration will also create an opportunity for the old students especially those who were involved in the relocation to come back to their alma mater to relive their memories of their school and see the changes and development of the school over the last 50 years,” Dr Lau remarked.
How will Shosa ensure the history of the school is preserved and handed down to the coming generation of students, and will not fade out with time?
According to Chang Kee, Shosa has set up a photo gallery in the school, which is divided into different categories according to school years.
Shosa is currently compiling old photos from yesteryears, courtesy of Chew Chong Hui.
“A photo gallery has been set up in the school where they are categorised into different school years. All the fond memories in the form of pictures were scanned, stored and backed-up.
“We have set up a Shosa Room in the school. Old students could browse through those photos on desktops in the room. Photos could also be printed at a token cost,” Chang Kee said.
School principal David Teo, meanwhile, welcomed old students, parents, teachers and students to participate in this historic event.
“Their support has greatly helped the school to grow physically, academically and non-academically. Continue to support the school for future generations,” Teo urged.
The way forward
Chang Kee noted that Sacred Heart has always been the hallmark of academics and extra-curriculum activities in Sibu and even at state and national levels.
“We pray that the school will continue to uphold our proud traditions. I hope that our students do not only excel in academics but also in extra-curricular activities.”
In this regard, he highlighted that the school should also equip them with attitude, skills and knowledge to face the market place which they will venture into after they leave school.
“Our education should be wholesome in preparing the mind, body and soul of the students. Remember ‘Prayer and Labour’ — our motto to cherish!” Chang Kee stressed.