By Anne Das
Sixty years after their final school bell, the girls of the class of 1966 walked through the familiar gates again.
For former students of Main Convent Ipoh, the school grounds hold memories that never quite disappeared. There were classrooms, assemblies, chapel services, school rules and friendships formed long before anyone knew where life would take them.
On 11 July 2026, the Class of 1966 returned to mark six decades since leaving school.
Some travelled from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Sungai Petani, while three former students made the journey from Victoria, Australia. Once they were back inside the school grounds, the years seemed to fall away.
The reunion began with a walk around the school. Familiar buildings brought back stories of school activities, teachers and the everyday moments that had stayed with them through the years.
It was also a chance to see how much had changed and how much remained instantly recognisable.
A special Mass was later celebrated in the Convent Chapel. Rev. Fr Paul spoke about the realities of growing older and the challenges that come with each stage of life.
He also spoke about the strength found in friendship and the value of having people beside us through difficult times.
His words carried particular meaning for a group celebrating a friendship that began more than 60 years ago.
The gathering continued over lunch at Super HLT Restaurant. There were no performances or formal speeches. The former classmates spent the afternoon doing what old friends do best. They talked, laughed and caught up on the many years in between.
This year’s gathering carried an added sense of gratitude. Some who attended the previous reunion were unable to return because of rising travel costs. Other classmates had since passed away.
Those who were able to attend understood how precious the occasion was.
“It is really an opportunity to touch base with old schoolmates after 60 years,” said one alumna.
Another described the reunion as “a glorious time for all the ’66 girls”.
Main Convent Ipoh has shaped generations of women in the city. For many former students, its name still brings back memories of discipline, friendship, laughter and growing up.
For the Class of 1966, the reunion was a celebration of all those memories and of the friendships that remained long after their school days ended.
