By V. Sivaji
Clad in their old school uniforms alike when they were in school, some 250 former students of the St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) gathered at their school hall yesterday evening.
The occasion was the Old Xaverians’ Association (OXA) dinner to celebrate their 100th anniversary where the members along with their spouses gathered.
The gathering offered a chance for the old boys to catch up and mingle with former class and school mates.
Among the programmes for the evening was the “school assembly” and the raising of the school, state and national flags as the school band played the national anthem.
They then made their way to the school hall accompanied by the bagpipe band taking the lead.
On hand to welcome guests were vice presidents, Albert Wong, Jon Saw, organising chairman Dev Sajan Buxani and their committee.
Lending support was OXA trustee Tan Sri Ong Kim Huat, Bro Jason Blaikie and Fr Christopher J Lim from the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, NSW, Australia.
In his welcoming address, Dev expressed his delight to see many of his class and school mates at the gathering.
“As OXA is celebrating its 100 years this year, today’s gathering is significant to all Xaverians. Our alma mater has a rich history of more than 170 years.
“As the school needs to be maintained we are embarking on a fundraising drive to cover the expenses. Please donate generously”, urge Dev.
His address was followed by a short speech by Jon Saw and Bro Jason.
Guests were entertained by a three-piece band as they dined and were seen busy catching up with their old mates.
Meanwhile, their Hall of Gratitude which lists the names of ex-students of the school since 1876 till now has a total of 35,000 names
