Rupert Gwee

Mr Rupert Gwee studied at St. Stephen’s School from 1969 to 1974 and have fond memories of his primary school days. Below is a letter of him reminiscing his days as a Stephenian.

More than 50 years have gone by since I frst stepped into St. Stephen’s School. I refected on what made St. Stephen’s School special back then and still is today. Two things that stand out - shared experience, and good and committed teachers. Although the original red-brick school building had been demolished and a new bigger and better one has replaced it, I still remember our former classrooms, the canteen, our uniforms, playing on the slopes leading to the school feld and savouring the hand-shaved iced-chendol from a hawker selling it from his parked bicycle outside the back gate after school.

Whether you were from a rich or poor family, school was a melting pot. We got ourselves sweaty and our uniforms dirty playing simple games like “running on the line catching”, “hantam-bola”, rounders and soccer before school assembly or during recess. We learnt acceptance, empathy, fair play, developed life-long friendships and learnt to look out for one another. I am still in touch with many of St. Stephen’s School and St. Patrick’s School classmates via our chat groups even till today.

While we had good teachers teaching us English, Mother Tongue, Arithmetic and Science, the one thing that we remember most fondly is the praise and words of encouragement from our teachers whenever we did good or showed improvement.

We especially remember teachers who went the extra mile to know us personally and who showed care and concern. Never underestimate the power of genuine praise and care. Invariably, members in our chat groups will reminisce and seek out one of their former teachers who made a difference in their lives.

In truth, St. Stephen’s School laid the foundation of our moral compass, encouraged us to lead purposeful and happy lives, knowing the truth and having the courage to do the right thing.

My hope for St. Stephen’s School is that it will continue to forge memories, make a difference and put those who pass through its gates to become stronger and better persons!