Biography
The following was offered by Clarence Ng (1969) in March 2010.
Mr. Nair was our Indian physics teacher, a blessed Catholic from the South Asian sub-continent. He graduated from an Indian university and taught high school in India for many years before he joined LSC in Hong Kong. He was very beloved by the students. Mr. Nair and his family lived in Kwun Tong, where he was among us. He presented a very gentlemanly appearance in a three piece suit, complete with cologne, gold rings, and gold watch.
Teaching physics in plain English was his specialty. He started by explaining physics terminology with simple English word definitions. First, he defined it, word by word together with English grammar, to create a meaningful sentence to the students. Afterwards, he interpreted the same English sentence using mathematics. Often in order to help every student to learn physics in the class, he taught English and mathematics along with physics. He said to the class more than once, “Teaching Hong Kong students is very similar to teaching Indian students. Both need help in English and mathematics to understand physics, because English is not your native language.” With patience and inculcation, he made a sophisticated subject into a simple easy learning idea.
While he was teaching at LSC, his son was attending La Salle Primary School. In 1966, Mr. Nair was running from the Majestic Dome to the primary school under the torrential rain to look for his son, after learning the primary school wall had collapsed. Soon, he came back, soaking wet with a smile on his face and showing a sign of relief. He said to the class, “The primary school wall collapsed, and I have found my son safe.” Then, with his hands wiping his face, he continued saying, “Now you have seen how much a father loves his son.” He was indeed a loving father.
I remember a particularly anecdote from an all LaSallian schools athletic event at Mongkok Stadium. Every attendee was wearing shorts, with the exception of Mr. Nair. As always, he wore a three piece suit. However, he did not look odd; in fact he looked good when he held the microphone calling the names of each participating students and announced the results of each game. He really looked like a sport commentator or news reporter on the television… Laugh out loud.
An article offered by an old boy recalls his encounters with Mr. Nair.
http://www.lscoba.com/news/articles/firstday.html
| Contributed by: | Raj Nair 2014-02-25 22:31:06 |
| Description: | Mr. P.S.B. Nair started his career as a teacher in the southern Indian state of Kerala, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in teaching at the tender age of 19. He worked at a local government school until the age of 32. It was during his time teaching in the government school in Kerala that he met his future wife in one of his senior classes. In fact, he ended up teaching all the siblings as well. After getting married and having two young boys, he was offered the chance to join his cousin in Hong Kong who had a successful business in textiles. Mr. Nair relished the opportunity of providing a brighter future for his family as well travelling overseas to an exotic locale to start his new job opportunity. Upon his arrival to Hong Kong shores in September 1962 and after working in the business field for a year, he became disillusioned with the harsh realities of the wheeling and dealing that takes place in a flourishing trading company and decided to pursue his original passion for teaching. He arrived with resume in hand at the general office of La Salle College and was offered a job teaching Physics by Brother Felix Sheehan. He was later to recount how the main thing that attracted him to take the teaching position at La Salle was the breathtaking beauty of the campus, especially our beloved majestic dome, which was reminiscent of the dome of the Taj Mahal to this homesick educator starting off on a new career trajectory. After teaching for a few years, Brother Felix asked him to teach a matriculation class Chemistry and Mathematics. Despite his initial reservations about teaching a subject that was not his forte, the Form 7 students under his tutelage attained outstanding results and this drew the admiration of the school management that hired him and led to him being promptly offered a permanent position among the staff. From that moment on, Mr. Nair devoted himself wholeheartedly to the school and students for the next 29 years, during which time he was given the senior post of Discipline Master of the school. This was a job at which he excelled since he was a very disciplined person and wanted the students to cultivate their own sense of responsibility. With a third son on the way, Mr. Nair wanted to provide for his family well and decided to supplement his income by teaching in an evening school three times a week. Despite the heavy workload, his strong work ethics and keenness to succeed enabled him to eventually purchase a home right next to La Salle College at 1 College Road. His three sons all graduated from La Salle College with the youngest becoming a doctor, the second a PhD graduate working in the corporate sector and his eldest son following in his footsteps by pursuing a career as a NET in a local government secondary school. All his life, Mr. Nair felt a strong sense of love and devotion to La Salle College and Hong Kong and he would always tell his friend and acquaintance about how Hong Kong is the best place to live in the world. However, after his retirement in 1992 at the age of 62, Mr. Nair felt it was his duty to return to his homeland in order to take care of his elderly parents and he stayed there until his demise in 2012 after his health had deteriorated. His felt great pride in seeing both of his grandsons enter La Salle College to continue their studies where he had devoted his career. |
Biography
Friends, past pupils, colleagues will hear with sadness the death of Brother Paul O’Connell, who contributed so much to education during his 72 years in Hong Kong. Brother Paul, in his 91 year, recently came back from a holiday in his native land, Ireland. He was born in Laois, Eire, and joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and was appointed to St. Joseph’s College where he taught and was for many years in charge of the boarding department. In 1930, he was appointed Headmaster of St. Joseph’s College Branch in Chatham Road which became La Salle College on a new site in 1932. After retirement he spent his last years in De La Salle, Fanling, occupying himself in the garden and the study of flowers which was his hobby. The memory of this grand old man is enshrined in the hearts of his old pupils of St. Joseph’s and La Salle who will not forget his untiring efforts. His genial personality will ever be remembered by those he taught and colleagues who worked with him. He leaves behind the kindest of memories, courtesy and devotion to duty. Father E. Neira, OP., officiated at the funeral and led the concelebrants, Fathers S. Einaudi, V.G., D. Bazzo, PIME, F. Cronin, SJ., and J. Foley, SJ., in the Requiem Mass at La Salle College. Brother Felix paid a touching tribute. Mr. A.J. Reeve, Assistant Director of Education, represented the Department of Education. information obtained from http://archives.catholic.org.hk/memory/P-OConnell.htm
Biography
Brother Hubert O’Leary was born on 11th October 1910 in Ireland. He arrived in Hong Kong on 6th January 1932. He started off by teaching Class 4. Brother Hubert stayed at least until 1935. He died in Penang on 27th January 1941.
Biography
The following message was posted by Lester Huang (77) on 10-Sep-02 23:35 It is with sadness that I inform all that our former Principal Brother Francis O’Rourke passed away in Ireland on 9th September 2002. This follows a prolonged illness. Under Brother Francis, LSC enjoyed years of excellent performance in public examinations as well as in interschool sports competitions. When I visited Brother Francis in Dublin in February 2002, he vividly recalled his days in LSC while fondly sharing a good tipple. His ill health was a hamper but never did he complain or seek pity when with us, instead accepting his challenge bravely until the end. Brother Francis, Rest in Peace. Lester Huang (1977)
Biography
Brother Henry Pang was born on 14th April 1920, in Haifung, Guangdong, China. He studied in La Salle College and joined the Juniorate with Brother Anthony Cheung. He entered the Novitiate of the De La Salle Brothers in Malaysia in May 1939. After finishing his religious and professional formation in 1945, Brother Henry taught mainly in Taiping, Malaysia. In 1955 Brother Henry was conferred with a B.A. degree from the University of London. La Salle Primary School (LSPS) was established in 1957 to serve as a feeder school to La Salle College and Brother Henry became her first Headmaster. LSPS quickly established itself as the leading Catholic Primary School in Hong Kong. Brother Henry remained as the Headmaster until his retirement in August 1984. He adopted the holistic approach of education – physical, spiritual, intellectual, moral and aesthetic. He practiced great devotion to Mary and was a spiritual director of the Legion of Mary. He was active in developing the Scout movement of Hong Kong. His active life included a keen interest in painting and calligraphy. During his retirement there was always a constant stream of visitors seeking his company and advice. With great faith, Brother Henry faced a high-risk heart surgery at St. Teresa’s Hospital, Hong Kong. After regaining consciousness, he spoke, laughed and joked until the end. Brother Henry died in St. Teresa’s Hospital, Hong Kong on Saturday, 22nd May 1993.
| Contributed by: | Joseph Poon (70) 2009-11-18 12:34:43 |
| Description: | Brother Henry, Thank you. As usual, I engage a 40 days retreat between November 11 and December 21. The spiritual exercise is for giving thanks the 10 years we have passed, help us, help us to sail smoothly again for another 10 years. Perhaps the world will change quite a bit after this, please, look upon your sons of La Salle to see that their courage shall not fail, we pray to thee that your intercession always be warm and timely. Amen. |
| Contributed by: | Robert Yuen Kar Ngai (71) 2009-01-18 16:02:15 |
| Description: | Brother Henry admitted me to Primary One of LSPS in 1960. He was an excellent Headmaster and aroused the ‘fighting spirit’ among the primary school students. While I was in Primary Six, just before the SSEE, Brother Henry organised a one day picnic to Sai Kung for our class of P.6C, to reduce our mental tension for the dreaded examination. He would be remembered by thousands of grateful students from La Salle Primary School. |
| Contributed by: | Joseph Poon (70) 2008-11-04 15:01:44 |
| Description: | I met Brother Henry when I was 7, in 1959. He taught me humility by showing Jesus washing the feet of the apostles during the Last Supper. In 1963 there was an apparation of Blessed Virgin Mary in LSPS, a bishop was dispatched from Taiwan to investigate. Where Our Lady appears, Satan is not far away, 1966, the LSPS wall collapsed, killing 4 people, one of them was a Form 2 student, Mok Lai Yown. Padre Pio (Saint Pio canonized on 2002 June 15) came to Hong Kong in October of the same year. Padre Pio was known to be an exorcist. LSPS is a very special place, and Brother Henry is a very special catholic. I am sure, Saint Pio and Brother Henry are in heaven, praying for all boys of La Salle. Thank You, Brother Henry. You will always be remembered in the month of November. |
| Contributed by: | Johanis — J. Sudama Sasraandjaja CISA (’56-’59) Jakarta Indonesia 2007-12-07 11:50:05 |
| Description: | Thank you again for this remembrance. The last time I visited Bro. Henry, he was sick in bed with swollen legs. He kindly gave me some excellent calligraphies. He was a kind and dynamic person. Bro. Felix Sheehan and Bro. Henry provided me excellent lodging at the Brothers’ House, Perth Street, during my half year waiting for taking the Hongkong School Exam. I dearly remember them both. |
| Contributed by: | Bill Foo (71) 2005-11-17 03:27:41 |
| Description: | In 1966, I fell victim to Bro. Henry’s cane. I was caught whispering to a LSPS classmate. A minor offense, but because I was a class prefect in Primary 5, Bro Henry showed us that no one was above discipline–an important lesson in life. I left for the United States in 1968 (while attending LSC Form 2) and returned for a visit in 1989. Brother Henry presented my brother and I with some of his personal water color paintings which he had stored in his closet. To this day my brother has them on display at his home in Los Angeles. |
| Contributed by: | Kenneth Young (88) 2004-10-15 13:38:10 |
| Description: | I remember after my promotion to Form One, I met Bro. Henry while playing tennis at LSC. He was at the swimming pool next to the court. He asked me to come over to apply ointment to sooth his leg muscle which I did it. He said, ‘You are going to be a doctor when you grow up’. Though it did not turn out that way, I’d never forget this incident. I think I never expressed how much I want to thank him. |
| Contributed by: | Clement Chan (87) 2004-07-03 12:51:59 |
| Description: | Bro.Henry was also an old boy of SJC and LSC (1st or 2nd year of the school) in early 1930s. Without LSPS, LSC will be just another Catholic school in HK. We owe so much to him. |
Biography
Brother Francis Rozario was born in Hong Kong on 24th November 1913. He taught Class 4. He died in Malaysia.
Biography
Born in 1873 of the sturdy stock of the Cevennes Folk, Brother Aimar Sauron received his professional training at the Brothers’ Central Normal College of Paris. Brother Aimar held a record of 52 years as a Missionary Teacher in the Far East. Brother Aimar served many years in St. Joseph’s Institution in Singapore. Under the guidance of Brother Aimar, the boys won many highly prized contests. The St. Joseph’s Institution became one of the foremost educational establishments in Singapore. Brother Aimar later became the Director of St. Xavier’s Institution in Penang. In 1910, a large piece of land was acquired and Brother Aimar rebuilt St. Xavier’s Institution. It was in Hong Kong that Brother Aimar achieved more than anywhere else. In early 1914, Brother Aimar arrived at Robinson Road and assumed the management of St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong. The school grew in size and fame under Brother Aimar’s leadership. Eight new airy and bright classrooms were soon added. A new building was later put up. To spare the young boys from the trouble of crossing the harbour daily, Brother Aimar purchased a house in Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui and opened a branch of St. Joseph’s College in September 1917. On 8th December 1941, Japanese troops invaded Hong Kong. On 12th December 1941, a Japanese officer arrived at La Salle College and half of the building was requisitioned. On 20th January 1942, all Brothers were told to leave the school. The Japanese army only promised Brother Aimar to seal off the chapel, the sacristy and the office.
Biography
Brother Eugene Sharkey, a La Salle Brother, died on Wednesday 16 March 1994 in St. Teresa’s Hospital. He was aged 68. Brother Eugene had been suffering from cancer of the throat for about two years and neither radiation nor surgery worked. Brother Eugene James Sharkey, was born on 25 February 1926 in Co. Donegal, Ireland to James and Bridget Sharkey. He was the eldest of eleven children, six boys and five girls. He entered the Brothers Novitiate in 1942 and on completion was sent to England for his professional training. Brother Eugene came as a missionary to the Far East in 1947 and was to spend the rest of his life, 47 years in all, serving in Malaysia, Singapore and was then transferred to Hong Kong where he taught in La Salle College for 16 years. In 1969 he was a founder member of Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College, Homantin. He became its Principal in 1970 and continued in that position until his retirement in 1991. Thousands of old boys and numerous teachers miss Brother Eugene. To them he was like a rock, a shield and a place of refuge amidst the storms of life. Brother Eugene was a strong, generally silent man, with a deep-rooted spirituality and a touching humanity. To his Brothers he was just that, a brother, a fine community man and a man of sage counsel. Brother Eugene was laid to rest in the Brothers plot in Happy Valley on Monday 21 March 1994. Information obtained from: http://archives.catholic.org.hk/memory/E-Sharkey.htm
| Contributed by: | L.K. Wong 2007-10-18 15:23:50 |
| Description: | I came to know Bro Eugene in my final year at La Salle, the same year we moved back to Boundary Street. He was my form-master, and was handling the certificate class for the first time. For years, of course, he was Gum Sing, or Man from Mars, to the lower forms on account of his stern appearance and quiet manner. No one dared mess with him, in or out of class. To our surprise, however, he turned out to be quite amiable, with a nice sense of humour. That year we had excellent HKSC results, headed by Alfred Lee with 7 or 8 distinctions. Bro Eugene was also keen in sports. He formed a boxing team while I was in Form 2 and I was foolish enough to get into the ring with Ma Kin Cheng. That was the end of my boxing career. I was the first one to leave Hongkong when school ended and I came back to say goodbye. He was walking his a big German shepherd that morning and we had a little chat. I remember it as if it was yesterday. For the first time, he talked to me as a friend would and we promised to keep in touch. After some initial correspondence, I regret to say I did not keep my end of the bargain. Now that I know where he is through this website, I guess I’ll have to look him up again, with apologies. 10/18/2007 |
Biography
Brother Felix Sheenan was born on 17th September 1912 in Fethard, Country Tipperary, Ireland. He was the only boy in a family of four. At the age of 18, he left home and joined the Christian Brothers. After initial training, he went to Malaysia and later came to Hong Kong in the mid-thirties. When World War II broke out, he went to Indo-China (now called Vietnam)where he served in some well-known schools of the Christian Brothers. At the end of the war, he returned to Ireland with poor health due to malaria. His health was restored in his homeland. He entered university and obtained a degree in history. Brother Felix then went to Kuching, Sarawak. In 1952, Brother Felix joined St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong. Upon the retirement of Brother Patrick, he came to La Salle College as the Principal in 1956. La Salle College was undergoing exile in Perth Street. Brother Felix was best remembered for regaining possession of our great Dome. On 7th January 1960, Bishop Bianchi celebrated a High Mass of Thanksgiving for the home return. The story did not end here. Brother Felix worked tirelessly to convert the Dome from a military hospital back to a school. His nine years as Principal saw the school grew in all fields. To accommodate such growth, the school was separated into the Primary and Secondary sections. Brother Felix led the Secondary Section i.e. La Salle College while Brother Henry led the Primary section i.e. La Salle Primary School. Brother Felix stayed in La Salle College for nine years. In 1966, he was transferred to De La Salle Secondary School in Fanling. After serving as Principal in De La Salle Secondary School in Fanling for two terms, Brother Felix returned to La Salle College and taught his usual lessons. On reaching mandatory retirement in 1981, he did part-time teaching in the Hang Seng School of Commerce, Shatin until the end of 1984 when he left for Oxford, UK. An English Debate Competition between La Salle College and the Hang Seng School of Commerce – The Brother Felix Cup was held annually in honour of this great educator.
| Contributed by: | Joannes Sasraandjaja, CISA 2008-09-06 01:59:10 |
| Description: | Originally posted: 2004-11-09, 07:48:19 I studied at La Salle College between 1957 -1959. Rev. Bro. Felix Sheehan was a very kind and compassionate man. When my parents left for Jakarta in 1959, Bro. Felix asked me to stay at the Brothers’ House till I passed the Hongkong School Exam. It was a great privilege to me. I never forget his kindness. I pray for him, all the La Salle Brothers and my dear classmates everyday. Any La Salle Old Boys who by chance read this message may contact me at . Thank you very much for posting this message. |
Biography
Brother Paul Sun, of the Society of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died on 13 March 1986, aged 82. The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on 17 March at St. Teresa’s Church, followed with burial in the St. Raphael Cemetery, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon. Brother Paul was born in Jehol, North China, of a wealthy family, and was strongly influenced from early childhood Information obtained from http://archives.catholic.org.hk/memory/P-Sun.htm Bro. Paul had worked with the Christian Brothers in Hong Kong, and had also taught in La Salle for a period, before starting St Joseph’s Anglo Chinese Primary School. The following from obtained the website of St Joseph Anglo Chinese Primary School: http://aero.sjacps.edu.hk/~www/sch_info/founder.htm Bro. Paul Sun was born in Chek Feng in the Northern Province of Jehol. He was a member of a Chinese Congregation of Teaching Brothers, called the Brothers Disciples of the Sacred Heart, founded by the Scheut Bishop Jensen. He took up teaching as his life’s mission and founded quite a number of primary schools, after graduating from Fu-Jen Catholic University. In 1940 he was elected Superior General of his congregation, which had at that time about 45 Brothers. In 1949 he left for the missions in Indonesia and founded a very famous secondary school there. Later he came to Hong Kong and taught at La Salle College . In 1971 he was made an Affiliated Member of the De La Salle Brothers. In 1958 Bro. Paul Sun founded the St Joseph’s Anglo-Chinese School in Ngau Chi Wan. This school, built on faith and love, was named after his great Patron – St Joseph. Bro. Paul Sun founded a large school, one of the biggest private schools, providing over 3000 school places offering excellent education. He guided the destiny of his school with his head as well as with his heart. He never advertised his school. He worked quietly and modestly to make his school earn a good name. He had long decided to rebuild the primary school to give pupils better opportunities for a fuller education. But Bro. Paul Sun peacefully died on 13 March 1986, before the new primary school building was completed in 1987. Fittingly, he died in the month of St Joseph, and close to the feast of his great Patron. He was indeed a completely dedicated man of God, a true gentleman, an outstanding educator, and many say, a saint.
Biography
| Contributed by: | Rajeev Nair 2011-02-10 21:00:49 |
| Description: | Mr Tang was the Art teacher at La Salle for a long tenure and I especially remember him as we used to live in the same building in Kwun Tong. If memory serves me right, he had two sons studying at our school as well. He had a cream coloured Volkswagon Beetle and we sometimes used to get a ride to school with him. He was a gifted artist and I think he specialised in water colours. I distinctly remember him showing me how to paint a rose in one of our art lessons. He seemed a very gentle and quiet man and it would be nice to hear more from alumni about Mr Tang. |
Biography
Brother Patrick Tierney was born on 4th December 1942 in Ireland into a family of 7 sons and 5 daughters. He studied in a primary school run by the Christian Brothers at his hometown. When he was asked why he joined the Order, Brother Patrick joked. “In the early 1950’s, life was tough and there were few exercises. All the boys craved above all was the opportunities to play soccer. But the only people that possessed footballs were the Brothers! I was also attracted perhaps by the fact that I thought the Brothers got better food than I.” The fact was his eldest brother has become a Christian Brother already. When a Brother recruiter asked for volunteers to join the Order, he simply put up his hand. A visit to his parents was made by the Brother, their consent and his fate was sealed. He joined the Order in 1955. He studied in the formation centres of Brothers and then finished his O and A levels in England. Afterwards, he entered the Teacher Training College in Manchester. In 1964, Brother Patrick, together with Brother Thomas Favier, were posted to Hong Kong. He was the Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong from 1974 to 1986. In 1998, Brother Patrick became the Ninth Principal of La Salle College. In the same year, La Salle College was recognized as one of the 114 schools that were qualified to continue the use of English as the medium of instruction (EMI). Dennis C.Y. Ho (2002) of the UK Chapter, LSCOBA shared with us: “In my final two years at La Salle College, Brother Patrick became the principal as well as the supervisor. He was a friendly leader but also a busy man. He chaired the Third Asia Pacific Lasallian Educator’s Congress (APLEC) held in Hong Kong in 1998. He wrote many Catholic articles. He introduced “Day by Day” extracts from the writings of St. John Baptist de La Salle to our classes. It contains spiritual formation, classroom behaviour, stories of saints, biblical quotes, etc. It was a pity that I never had the opportunity of being taught by any Christian Brothers.” In 1999, Brother Patrick set up the Information Technology Management Team. The LAN of ED3 and Multi-media Learning Centre were completed in 2002. Brother Patrick was a devoted educator who had no hesitation to speak up on controversial issues. In 1999, he coordinated a joint submission by all Hong Kong Lasallian schools on the proposed reforms to the Education Commission. Before the turn of the millennium, Brother Patrick organized a Millennium Photo Taking on 21st December 1999. A total of 690 students stood on the school field and formed the characters of LSC 2000. The year 2000 was fruitful. Brother Patrick led the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the coming of Christian Brothers to Hong Kong and 100th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the 50th Anniversary of Declaration of St. John Baptist de La Salle as the “Patron of all Teachers”. On 17th April 2000, the Jubilee Feast Day was held on our school field with Rev. Joseph Zen Ze-Kiun S.D.B. as the guest of honour. Our boys shone in the HKCEE 2000. They scored a record of 477 A’s. Brother Patrick launched the redevelopment of our primary school in July 2000. The new school building possesses a large auditorium, a gymnasium, a 25-M indoor swimming pool and a football field. Brother Patrick is well known for his patience and acceptance of diversity. He dislikes noise, bad manners and argument of a protracted or bitter nature. He loves all kinds of sports In his spare time, he would coach our boys in the field. He is present in many interschool competitions cheering for our boys. Upon his retirement as the principal, he concentrates on preserving our heritage. He has written articles about Lasallian Schools. He has a large collection of photos of our buildings, Christian Brothers and teachers. Brother Patrick spent hours helping the Editorial Team in preparing this publication and shared his own collections of photographs and articles. The Editorial Team is deeply in debt to his kindness. Courtsey of http://www.lasalle.org.hk
Biography
Brother Patrick Toner was born on 22nd September 1892 in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. He joined the Christian Brothers at a very early age. He volunteered for the missions to the Far East and spent most of his life in Rangoon and Hong Kong. In Burma, Brother Patrick proved himself as a brilliant teacher and organizer. He brought St. Paul’s Rangoon to a very high scholastic standard.” At the end of the Pacific War, Brother Patrick was posted to La Salle College. He served as the Principal from 1947 to 1956. Life in the post-war era was difficult. Resources were scarce. To worsen the situation, the British government turned La Salle College into the 33rd General Hospital for the army in the summer of 1949. The school was moved to the temporary site in Perth Street, Homantin. Despite such setbacks, Brother Patrick braved all these difficulties. With great zeal and spirit, he raised the school to a very high standard in terms of intellectual activity, discipline and prestige. Brother Patrick also devoted much effort in the promotion of religious life at school and in the community. Brother Patrick is remembered as a man of great intelligence, a first class teacher and a strict but fair disciplinarian. He frequently took up classes from teachers on sick leave. Be it science, mathematics or arts, he would proceed smoothly. Brother Patrick appreciated nothing but the best from teachers and students. He conducted classroom inspection daily and carried out teacher evaluation himself. Mr. Henry Lau (1940) said, “He was the most dedicated and diligently devoted Principal I have worked for. Very learned, and always happy to share with us his bountiful knowledge.” Brother Patrick was a cat-lover and he moved like one. People seldom noticed his sudden presence in classes. Teachers and students were on alert all the time! Brother Patrick left La Salle College in 1956 for Europe. He died in Belfast in September 1968.
| Contributed by: | L.K. Wong 2007-11-13 15:15:49 |
| Description: | As the introductory passage above indicated, Bro Patrick was a disciplinarian. He promoted a serious, but calm, atmosphere for scholarship which was beneficial to all. I came into his office one day after school term had started, a total stranger to the English alphabet. My uncle had brought me after learning that I was still being schooled in the old Chinese classics. There I stood, listening to their brief conversation and, after my uncle had left, being led by Bro Patrick to the lowest form. That was our first encounter. The second time I was less fortunate. We had, as our form-master, a Miss Chin, a teacher in mathematics for the matric classes. She was the only female teacher in the entire school and wore fashionable cheungsam. One day, some rascal dropped blue ink on her back, which led to three of the boys in our class being picked out for punishment, presumably on account of the colour of ink we were using. I was one of the unlucky ones. The other two, as I remember, were Poon King Chung and Hui Koon Mun, the famous actor. All of us got caned by Bro Patrick in his office. The third time, I got lucky. Bro Patrick, as usual, was checking class discipline not from the corridor on the right, but from the windows looking out to the grass. The class might have been conducted by Mr. Yuen, our second form master after Miss Chin. This time, Bro Patrick ordered the whole class, with a few exceptions, to stay behind after school. I was one of the exceptions. In later years, when I read up on de La Salle’s philosophy of education, I found Bro Patrick putting it in practice. He accepted any young lad that came his way, rich or poor, well-bred or undisciplined. La Salle would offer them the best resources available for advancement in knowledge and character. In the few years he was with us as Principal, we never heard any speeches from him; he educated us simply by walking the corridors. |
Biography
The story of the 2nd President of LSOBA Peter Ulrich (1916 ~ 1941)
Peter Hans Amandus Ulrich was born in 1916 to Peter (Sr.) and Berta (nee Gottsche) Ulrich of Bangkok, Thailand. Peter was a graduate of La Salle College’s class of 1935. Therefore his studies should have commenced before LSC was opened in January 1932, and thus he may have studied in St. Joseph’s Branch School, the forerunner of LSC located in Chatham Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, or in St. Joseph’s College, LSC’s sister school on Hong Kong Island.
In 1935, six government scholarships were awarded to the top matriculation students in Hong Kong. Of the six prizes, LSC took the first three, and Peter was the top student in Hong Kong with six distinctions. Two other Lasallians, Louis Allaye Chan (five distinctions) and Roland Soares (three distinctions), came second and third respectively. Louis was the founding President of LSOBA (the original name of the OBA is La Salle Old Boys’ Association) in 1939.
Peter went on to study in the University of Hong Kong, and after a four year course, he graduated in 1939, and he probably immediately joined LSC as a teacher. A remark from the book ‘Dispersal and Renewal Hong Kong University during the War Years’ by Clifford N. Matthews and Oswald Cheung, mentions that recipients of Government Scholarships were under an obligation to become teachers for a period after their graduation.
Old boys who studied in LSC before the war remember Peter as an all rounded student, and subsequently a passionate staff member. He was always busy with something for the school, and was frequently around the campus long after school hours, coaching students here, or offering help with other activities there. He was much loved by his students.
One year after his former classmate Louis Allaye Chan became the founding President of the LSOBA, Peter received the baton and became the second President of the OBA in 1941.
Meanwhile, all in the Hong Kong colony were tense with the threat of a Japanese onslaught. Many foreigners sent the women and children of the families away from Hong Kong, before the feared attack materialized, and the government passed the ‘Compulsory Service Ordinance’ around June 1939, requiring all male citizens of European extraction and who were of military age to join one of the essential defense services. A grace period was provided to encourage people to join their chosen services voluntarily, after which, those who had not volunteered would be conscripted. The Government Gazette issued on 15th September 1939 reads the name of Peter as being conscripted.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records that Peter Ulrich served as a gunner with the 5th Anti-Aircraft (A.A.) Battery of the HK Volunteer Defense Corps (HKVDC). The 5th A.A. was responsible to manage the Anti-Aircraft gun at Sai Wan Fort which is very close to Lyemun (the modern spelling is Lei Yue Mun) Barracks, which have in recently years been converted into to a Park and Holiday Village. The position was a crucial point for the defense of the Hong Kong Island and where the Japanese concentrated their forces. Subjected to constant shelling and bombing since the attacks commenced, the Japanese overpowered the unit.
Eleven days into the Japanese attack of Hong Kong from the New Territories, in the evening of 18th December 1941, at around 9:30 pm, the Japanese finally succeeded in landing on Hong Kong Island. Not long afterwards, the Japanese overran 5th A.A. position. Some 30 men of the unit escaped, leaving behind those wounded or dead from the fighting. Fourteen men from the unit were then captured by the Japanese, and were led out and stabbed one by one. This was the first known massacre carried out by the Japanese in the battle of Hong Kong.
Peter was killed on 18th December 1941, at tender age of 25. Apart from Peter, two other Lasallians in the 5th A.A. were among the twenty killed. They were Peter’s younger brother, Albert Ulrich; and Manuel Heleodoro Ozorio.
The bodies of the twenty soldiers of the 5th A.A. were missing until they were discovered in a trench nearby the unit after the Japanese surrender in 1945. In the book ‘Not the Slightest Chance’, the author, Tony Banham states that out of the twenty dead in the position, six were killed in the initial fighting, thus were not victims in the massacre. It may forever remain a mystery whether old boys Peter, Albert and Manuel belonged to the six or the rest of the fourteen.
Graves of these three old boys, plus Edward Filomeno Hyndman, also of the HKVDC, are in the Stanley Military Cemetery. As a small consolation to those who were dear to the Ulrich’s, Peter’s grave stands side by side with Albert, his brother’s grave. This memoir was published 68 years since the death of Peter, and 15 other war dead old boys and staff, and also one Lasallian Brother, Br. Peter Damian Whealan, and we pray for their souls and for their eternal rest in the house of God. We also pray for those who fought bravely and selflessly to defend Hong Kong.
For your tomorrow, we gave our today.
~ John Maxwell Edmonds, circa WWI Heritage Sub-Committee
LSCOBA
Written in December 2009
PS:The LSCOBA is grateful to Elden Lai (82) who researched into the history of Peter Ulrich and other war dead Lasallians, and who supplied most of the above information.
The photo shows the graves of Peter and his brother Albert in Stanley Military Cemetery.
Biography
Born in Hong Kong on 2nd May 1908, Brother Charles Wilkinson taught Class 2.
Biography
Brother Joseph Wilkinson was born on 1st January 1914. He taught Class 5. Brother Joseph was killed in the siege of Hong Kong by the Japanese in 1941.
Biography
Mr Wong is the younger brother of Old Boy James Wong (57) (Wong “Jim”). ~June 2004
Biography
The following was shared by Mark Huang on 1 May 2002
Dear Lasallians
It is with sadness that the we learnt of the passing away of a former teacher of the College, Mr. Wong Mo Poon (黃務本). Mr. Wong left us on April 27, 2002 at the age of 86. Mr. Wong was a teacher at La Salle College between 1952 and 1963, thus spending time in the College primarily in our Perth Street compound. He mainly taught science to the lower forms. Just to help you recall and with no disrespect intended, his nickname during his days in La Salle was “大眼妹”. Visitation to the Funeral Home has been scheduled for April 30, 2002 (Tuesday) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home Ltd, 6150 Yonge Street, Willowdale – near Yonge & Steeles. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 1, 2002 (Wed) at same place. Hong Kong La Salle Old Boys Association – Toronto will present a flower arrangement. KB Ng, the President, and other Directors of the Toronto Chapter will attend the visitation at 7:00 p.m. on April 30, 2002 (Tue). Let’s all pray for Mr Wong’s soul, and put our trust in God that he will be resting in peace. We also send our condolences to Mr Wong’s family. May they find comfort in God’s promises.
Biography
Here is an update from Mr Woo himself to an old boy in June 2004: I have been doing part-time teaching at a certain institute, teaching English to a class of post-secondary students. But I have not decided yet if I will continue to do such a ‘monkey’ business in the forthcoming September. Will let you know soon. In addition to my regular part-time teaching, I also gave (and am still giving) private tuitions in Englsih to students from Form 2 to Form 5.
| Contributed by: | David Ling Jr (1973)- [email protected] 2007-01-02 14:57:47 |
| Description: | Woo Sir is the only teacher I can remember, with smiles in my head. His classes were always (__________)*fill in anything exceptional! That’s how great his impression was on my developing teenage brain at that time. Thank you Woo Sir. btw, if David Hsu or Harry or anyone from 5A (73) reads this, please keep in touch. Thanks Peter Choy for “turning me on” to this site. |
| Contributed by: | Mark Huang (85) 2006-07-29 23:17:26 |
| Description: | Dear H.R. Hiranand, Thank you for your sharing above on 15 June 2006. Since we are gathering heritage items relating to La Salle and Lasallians (staff included), the Heritage Subcommittee would very much like to obtain a copy or the original Kent Ad from 1973, and to place that in the Heritage Center of LSC. Can you please contact me on markhuang1985@ lscoba.com. Thank you. |
| Contributed by: | H.R. Hiranand; Class of ’73 2006-06-15 22:14:50 |
| Description: | “Hoi Polloi” : that was the 1st word I learned from Mr. Woo – thankfully there were more, but only because he was a great teacher. Believe me I had many very good teachers, but they were mostly useless as they were unable to capture my attention or interest. Regretfully, our class may have been the one to have corrupted him – or liberated him. I do have a copy of the ‘Kent’ ad from 1973, if anybody’s interested. |
| Contributed by: | Tommy Chan (77) 2005-12-19 19:36:13 |
| Description: | Believe it or not,Woo Sir once told our class that he was led astray by his students La Salle boys when he was a young teacher in LSC. : ) I think Woo Sir must be kidding at that time. Woo Sir is always so cool and smart in our eyes! THANKS !!! |
| Contributed by: | Gildas Fung(91) 2005-11-16 01:54:25 |
| Description: | “You pay shcool fee, you learn nothing.”, “Do you need me to give you a wake up call next morning?” are the 2 most common sentences I’d heard when Mr.Woo was my Form Master when i was in 4B and 5A. Luckily I was one of the “lucky ones” in the class to enjoy listening to all his sacarsms towards other “not so lucky” classmates. Having disappointed Mr. Woo during my HKCEE, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for my stupidity of being lazy, I would also like to thank Mr. Woo for everything he taught me during those 2 memorable years (including of course, the famous German Phrase – Schadenfreud,which I think many a classmates in 5A of the year 91 remember well!) Mr. Woo, once again thank you so much for everything you taught me. (I hope my english,if not improved, has at least not deteriorated)! I really cherrished those 2 years a lot. Thanks. |
| Contributed by: | Edward Yan 2005-09-30 14:13:49 |
| Description: | Mr. Woo is always energetic and his teaching was inspirational. Wonder why nobody mentioned anything about the “Kent” commercial, yet? Anyway, the fact is we all loved it but dared not to bring up that subject in class …. 🙂 |
| Contributed by: | Douglas Chan (1977) 2004-11-27 17:17:32 |
| Description: | Mr.Woo’s enthusiasm in teaching history & english inspired us all ( F5A ). He has his way of making a boring subject into an interesting one and in turn we learn or in other words we absorbe his teachings. Recently I argued with my son’s classmate about the Iraq War and I can still use the knowledge that I have learned to teach that kid the correct way! His parents seem to be too right wing conservative ( as say in the USA.) Thanks for all the stuff that you have done and if I visit Hong Kong, I will definitely give you a call to rekindle good old happy days. |
| Contributed by: | Peter Choy(73) 2004-07-03 03:49:38 |
| Description: | “Why was the Crimean War inevitable?” This question was asked by Woo Sir in October 1971 History test for F4A. Some of the famous saying by Woo Sir: “If I have offended you, I beg your forgiveness” “I am what I am because of my Douglas Gland” “Pardon me, I am hard of hearing” Sir, you are so cool thank you for everything! Peter….. |
| Contributed by: | David Hsu (1973) 2004-07-01 18:25:44 |
| Description: | He was our form master for F5A in 72-73 which was the most notorious then and Mr Woo bravely and confidently assumed. He taught us English and Western History. He is remarkable for his analytical way in teaching History whom he sets out the background reasons, the cause and action, and of course the consequences. By analysing matters prevailed over memorising historical events which was great. I recall the entire class passed the English History with a couple distinctions and nearly 50% achieving credits. He is also remarkable in his unique way of teaching English. He would read aloud the English Composition of each student with name withheld and announce the grammatical errors, wrong use of the english metaphor or vocabulary. To the class is a general learning whilst to that particular student whom only the student knows of his particular mistakes would definetely learn his errors. |