Category: Education

Old Paulian

• One who has studied at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School).
• In the early days, the school was called St. Paul’s English High School to emphasize the language of instruction.
  
• Since SPHS is a De La Salle School, Old Paulians are also known as BOB (Brothers’ Old Boys).
  
• Some may join OPA (Old Paulians’ Association).
• OPA invited the Top Matriculates in 1963 to attend the Annual Dinner.
  
• After nationalization, OPA premises were frequented by non-Paulians, who wanted to play billiards and/or enjoy drinks.
  In the mid-50s, OPA was reorganized with true Paulians.
  The activities include Araciya Pu Zaw Pwe at the school, Reunion gatherings and dana at the Shwe Dagon by the OPA Buddhist Association

Notable Old Paulians

• ICS U Tin Tut
  First ICS by invitation
  
• Saya U Ba Khin (Vipassana Teacher)
  First in Matriculation in the whole of Burma
  
• Dr. Ba Than
  Rector, Institute of Medicine
  
• Dr. Ba Han
  Law Professor
  Lexicographer
  
• Dr. Ba Maw
  Adipati
  
• U Chan Htoon
  Justice
  
• U Than Aung
  Education Minister

Some Group Photos

Std VIII (A) in 1960 – 61

1st Row: William Win Kywe, Khin Maung Bo (Allan Saw Maung), Brother Anthony, Saya U Sein, Brother Fexlix, Saya U Nyunt Maung, Saya U Beatson, Brother Xavier, Thein Wai, Min Oo (Kenneth Khine)

2nd Row : Thein Lwin (Stanley Shwe Gyi), Hla Min, Han Tun, Naing Win (Tommy Chit Maung), Tun Tun Aung (Tommy Aung), Herbert Khai Chin Liang, xxx, Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, GBNF), Tommy Aung, Bernard Taylor, Han Thein (Gallant Leong)

3rd Row : Richard Lim, Sean Young, Edward Chow, Khin Maung Htay, Myo San (Freddie Ba San, GBNF), Aung Chaw (Victor Chaw), Maung Maung Kyi, Than Win (Henry Wong), Nay Lin, Eddie Nyunt, San Maung (Robert Kyi), Than Win

4th Row : Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi), Khin Maung U (George Khin Maung), Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt), Sebastian Law Kee, Win Maung, Than Htay, Edwin David (GBNF), Orlando Thein, Htin Paw (Jerry Hin Hwa), Aye Ngwe (Edwin Ngwe), Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe)

5th Row : Bo Ni, Kyaw Wynn, Robert Myint Win, Yin Sein (Caesar Yang), Aung Khin (GBNF), Aung Kyee Myint, Chu Pu Thein, Anthony Lourdes, Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung, GBNF), Tin Tun, Richard Pe, xxx

Sayas

• Brother Felix (Brother Director)
• Brother Anthony (Class Teacher)
• Brother Xavier
• Saya U Sein
• Saya U Nyunt Maung
• Saya U Beatson

Some chose to become Engineers


• Aung Chaw (Victor, Sayadaw Ukkamsa after retirement)
• Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, GBNF)
• Hla Min
• Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung)
• Kyaw Wynn
• Maung Maung Kyi
• Than Htay
• Than Win
• Tin Tun
• Yin Sein (Caesar Yang)
• …

Some chose to become Medical doctors

• Khin Maung U (George Khin Maung)
• Myo San (Freddie Ba San, GBNF)
• Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt)
• Orlando Thein
• Thein Wai
• William Win Kywe
• …

Some chose other Careers

• Aung Khin (DSA, GBNF)
• Bernard Taylor (Priest)
• Edwin David (Priest, GBNF)
• Han Tun (DSA)
• Min Oo (Doctorate in Mathematics fro Germany, Professor in Germany and Canada
• …

Scholarship holders

In the Matriculation examination in 1963, the students from St. Paul’s High School had

• five in the Top Five
• seven in the Top Ten
• ten in the Top Twenty

The standings were

• Khin Maung U (George) : First in the whole of Burma
• Min Oo (Kenneth) : Second
• Myo San (Freddie, GBNF) : Third
• Nyunt Wai (Victor) : Fourth
• Thein Wai : Fifth
• Hla Min : Seventh
• Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny) : Ninth
• Maung Maung Kyi : Eleventh
• Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, GBNF) : Thirteenth
• Khin Maung Zaw (Frank) : Seventeenth

Of the ten,

• Six chose to study Medicine
• Three choose to study Engineering
• One chose to study Mathematics

The scholarship holders were

• presented with certificates and awards at the Assembly Hall of SPHS
• invited by the Old Paulians’ Association to attend the Annual Dinner††

Birthday Soon Gathering hosted by Kyaw Wynn

• Kyaw Wynn is a cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and Sayama Daw Kin Kin Chit Maung (RIT English).
• He offered birthday soon kyway to Uzin Okkantha (Victor, Aung Chaw) and treated his former classmates (some of whom have not seen each other for a long time) at Aung Thu Kha (aka “Shwe Ba Htamin Saing”).

Attendees at Kyaw Wynn’s Gathering

• Aye Ngwe (Edwin Ngwe)
• Kyaw Win (“Birthday Boy”)
• Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, EP69)
• Hla Min (EC69)
• Uzin Okkantha (Aung Chaw, Victor, C69)
• Than Win (M69)
• Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi)
• Tin Tun (M69)
• Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, IM1 70, UK)

RUBC Novice Crew in 1963

• Maung Maung Kyi (B, Dip Ing in ChE, Wales, UK) : Bow
• Hla Min : No. (2)
• Kyaw Wynn : No. (3)
• Willie Soe Mg (S, BDS, GBNF) : Stroke
• Myint Thein (SPHS 62, B.Com 66) : Cox

The crew was Runner-up in Senior Novices in the Monsoon Regatta.

The crew members were awarded Full Green at the end of the year.

Gone But Not Forgotten

GBNF include

• Myint Soe (Willie Soe Mg, BDS)
• Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San)
• Dr. Freddie Sein
• Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, EC69)
• Aung Khin (DSA)
• Shwe Zan Aung (OTS)
• Min Thaw (Gilbert Thaw, EP)
• Uzin Patrick Ba Maung
• Dr. Mg Mg Aye
• Dr. Aung Thwin (Alfred, USA)
• Chit Po Po
• Tin Nwe (Cowboy)

Old Paulians Association

On June 30, 1963, the OPA (Old Paulians Association) invited the top students from the Matriculation to attend the dinner. I stood 7th in the whole of Burma in the Matriculation examination held in May 1963.

• OPA hosted Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe annually.
• Among the teachers of our times, Saya Beatson (now Sayadaw) is the last one standing.

• U Khin Maung Htun (GBNF, SPHS58) and U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s) served as Patrons.
• U Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw, SPHS63) is a Past President.

Burmese American Professionals Society

I am a Lifetime Member of BAPS.

I volunteered as a Contributing Editor of the BAPS Newsletter.

My articles include

• Burmese Religious Calendar
• A Sea Burial for Professor Htay Lwin Nyo

• Past BAPS Presidents include Saya U Nyo Win (M65), Benny Tan (M70) and Maurice Chee (M75).

RIT Alumni International

• I am a member of the SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Group which founded RIT Alumni International and hosted SPZP-2000.

• I was a core Organizer for RIT Alumni Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.

• Saya Allen Htay (GBNF, C58) was Leader of the Bay Area Alumni Group. He served as President of RIT Alumni International.
• A few years back, RIT Alumni International closed down. Maurice Chee visited the Swel Daw Yeik Foundation in Yangon and handed over the Balance of RIT Alumni International account.

• I have served for 26 years as Chief Editor of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter. A commemorative edition of the Newsletter was published for SPZP-2000.

• In August 2016, Ko Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California. On behalf of the Alumni, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the “Alumni Appreciation Award”.

Reunion of SPZP Organizer

• Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) designed the first RIT web site. He came down from Seattle to attend the Retirement Soon Kway of Ko Maurice Chee (M75). The picture was taken at a sea food restaurant overlooking the San Francisco Bay (within sight of SFO — San Francisco International Airport). Ko Benny Tan (M70), Ko Maurice and Ko KMZ were core organizers of SPZP-2000.

NorCal RITAA

• I am a founding member. I served as a member of BOD (Board of Directors).
• Past Presidents include Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), Gordon Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, M83) and U Aung Myint Oo (EC84). Current President is U Tin Maung Win (C86).
• Past BOD Chair is Stan Liou (M67). Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) has served as Chair for several terms.

• In 2016, I was presented with Alumni Appreciation Award.

• Before the pandemic, NorCal RITAA provided scholarship & financial aid to eligible YTU students.
• At the Annual Dinner in 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar and the 60th Anniversary of RIT.

Toastmaster International

I am a DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster).

TBSA

• I am a Past Vice President of Theravada Buddhist Society of America. Past Presidents include Saya U Htin Paw (GBNF, EE58), U Hla Aung (Stanley Khoo, SPHS63, Master Mariner) and Saya U Myat Htoo (C68).
• I served as Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter and Content Editor of TBSA website.

• I served as Master of Ceremony for the Memorial Service of Sayadaw U Silananda. I carried the box holding Sayadaw’s ashes. The monks and devotees scattered the ashes from a boat into the waters near the Golden Gate Bridge.

• I was a Contributing Editor for the book honoring Sayadaw U Silananda.

• I was emcee at the 10th Anniversary Soon Kwyay at Dhammanda Vihara.

TMC

• I served as Translator / Interpreter for Beelin Sayadaw U Pyinnyadipa at Tathagata Meditation Center. Sayadaw moved back to Yangon to head the Hse Mile Gone monastery. He is Chief Resident Monk at Panditarama monastery.
• I received some books from TMC.

CHM

• I served as Docent of Computer History Museum for two years.

ACM

• I was a member of the national ACM and the San Francisco Bay Area ACM Chapter.
• I was a volunteer for the talks at the Bay Area Chapter.

An Old Paulian is one who studied at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School).

An Old Paulian is also a B.O.B (Brothers’ Old Boys, alumnus of a De La Salle School).

Some Early Paulians

Some early Old Paulians include

• ICS U Tin Tut (Minister / Diplomat)
• U Ba Khin (First in Burma, Renowned Vipassana Teacher)
• Dr. Ba Than (Rector, IM1)
• Dr. Ba Han and Dr. Ba Maw
• U Than Aung (Minister)

Some Paulians from 1957 – 1965

Dr. Tin Wa, U Sein Htoon, U Myint Khine (Norman), U Kyi Win (Eddie, GBNF) are some members from the Class of 1957.

Dr. Soe Win (First in Burma), U Robert Sein (Second in Burma), U Myo Min (UCC), U Khin Maung Tun (GBNF), U Myint Kyu Pe, Dr. Khin Maung Wint, U Tin Win (GBNF) are some members from the Class of 1958.

Dr. Frankie Ohn (First in Burma), U Nay Oke, U Thein Aung (Micky, GBNF), Dr. Myint Han, U Tin Hlaing are some members from the Class of 1959.

Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, Dr. Myint Tun (Henry), U Thaung Lwin, U Myo Myint, U Than Htut, Dr. Saw Naing (Henry), Dr. Khin Zaw are some members from the Class of 1960.

Dr. Robin Ban (Kyaw Win, Second in Burma), Dr. Thein Tun, U Htun Aung Kyaw, U Sein Shwe are some members from the Class of 1961.

U Myint Thein, U Myint Soe, U Ohn Maung are some members from the Class of 1962.

Dr. Khin Maung U (First), Dr. Min Oo (Second), Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Third, GBNF), Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th), Dr. Thein Wai (5th), U Hla Min (7th), Dr. Johnny Maung Maung (Aung Kyaw Zaw, 9th), U Maung Maung Kyi (11th), U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th, GBNF), Dr. Frank Gale (Khin Maung Zaw, 17th), Atom Hla, Dr. Htin Aung, Dr. Nyan Taw (Dicky), Dr. Myo Khin, Uzin Ukkamsa (Victor Aung Chaw), U Than Win, D S Saluja, U Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw) are some members from the Class of 1963.

Dr. Aung Win Chiong (3rd), Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice, 5th), U Aung Myint, U Maung Maung Gyi, U Hla Min (CO), U Khin Maung Maung (Alfred, GBNF) are some members from the Class of 1964.

Bernard Khaw (1st), Winston Sein Maung (2nd, GBNF), Dr. Paing Soe (Freddie, 3rd), Dr. Kyaw Min, U Myint Thin, U Myint Toe, Dr. Tin Maung Maung Than (Edward) are some members from the Class of 1965. They are the last batch of true Old Paulians.

Mini-gatherings

Some Classes have mini-gatherings.

The Class of 1965 and some from the Class of 1963 (e.g. Harry Kyaw and Dicky Taw) meet almost every month. During my visits to Yangon, Dr. Kyaw Min picked me up to attend their mini-gatherings. Ko Than Win took me to the soon offering (organized by Harry, Dicky and Atom) for Saya Uzin Beatson at a restaurant in the “Yin Pyin Daw”.

Donation Ceremony

Senior Old Paulians donated to some health workers (from DMR) working on COVID-19 projects (e.g. Swab Collection).

The photos were sent by Dr. Kyaw Min (Retired Deputy DG, DMR).

Ko Aung Myint (SPHS64) made educated guesses (e.g. U Nay Oke, Harry “R” Kyaw).

Ko Myint Toe texted me saying he was wearing a black coat in the second photo.

• My classmate at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School), I.Sc.(A) and 2nd BE.

• On some weekends, he would invite me to his house in Golden Valley for lunch to be followed by a “study session”.
  He would bring out 200+ comics and cartoons to study.
  
• Dave served as “Humor Editor” of the RIT English Association Newsletter.

• His father Teja Singh (a serial entrepreneur) had hoped that Dave’s elder brother (Scholarship holder from SPHS and an alumnus of MIT in US) would help the family set up a tire factory (or similar project).
  Their hopes dashed after the Coup D’etat and the subsequent nationalization.

• Dave’s brother relocated to Bangkok.
  Dave quit his studies at RIT to join his brother and form “Rama Enterprises”.

• Dave entertained his former schoolmates (e.g U Chit Po Po (M69), Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63)).

Mini-Gathering

• Old Paulians’ Mini Gathering
  hosted by Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor)
  at Fushan restaurant.

Exams and Language of Study

• My older brother and sister took two Government examinations — 7th Std exam & 9th Std exam — before entering Rangoon University.
• I had to take four examinations — 7th Std exam, 9th Std exam (twice) & 10th Std exam — as a Guinea Pig of the changing Education Systems.
• We had to study most subjects in Burmese and English.
  Thin Char, Yupa Beda and Dhatu Beda in 9th standard
  Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in 10th standard
• We took the last 7th Standard Government examination in 1960.
• Note that there were protests regarding the 7th Standard examination in 1956. Harry Tan, who lived nearby, was killed by a stray bullet. All those who took the examination were declared “Pass”.

• There used to be a Combined High School Final & Matriculation examination.
  Successful candidates could attend the University.
• However, the System Changed.

HSF Only Exam

• We had to take the first ever High School Final Only examination in 1962. We lost one precious year of our lives as guinea pigs of the frequently changing Education System. We answered all tests in Burmese (except English).

• We (those from Rangoon) took the HSF examination with the security troops roaming the city after the Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962. The examination was annulled citing “leakage of questions”.
  We had to retake the HSF in August 1962.
• We would normally be attending Rangoon University in 1962. We might witness two dark days in the History of Rangoon University on July 7, 1962 and July 8, 1962.

Matriculation Only Exam

• We took the Matriculation Only in 1963.
  We answered all tests in English (except Burmese).

University Days

• We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone (Rangoon Intermediate College).
• There were protests in July 1963 to commemorate the anniversary of 7th July 1962 and 8th July 1962.

• The higher authorities closed most schools (except the Faculty of Medicine and Engineering).
• Those who were one year senior to us in High School graduated 2.5 years ahead of us from RIT.
• The schools later faced many closures — short term and long term — citing Security Concerns.

Reorganization

• Rangoon University was closed following the 7th July Anniversary Protests. It was reorganized into Universities and Institutes.

Accreditation

• Rangoon University was accredited.
  Most Institutes were not accredited (for a long time).

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

De La Salle Brothers

• De La Salle Brothers is an Order in the Catholic Church.
  The mission is to promote education.
• A Brother is one who has taken three vows :
  Chasity
  Loyalty
  and Poverty.

De La Salle Schools in Burma

The De La Salle Brothers founded the following schools in Burma.

• St. Patrick’s High School in Moulmein
• St. Paul’s High Schools in Rangoon

• St. Peter’s High School in Mandalay
• St. Albert’s High School in Maymyo
• St. Joseph’s High School in Loikaw
• St. Columban’s High School in Bhamo
• De La Salle School in Twante.

B.O.B

• Alumni of Brother Schools
• The Brothers refer to their former students as Brothers’ Old Boys.

ConBro

Alumni of Convent Schools and Brother Schools in Burma.

Old Paulian

An Old Paulian is an alumni of St. Paul’s High School (SPHS).

OPA is Old Paulians Association.

Old Paulians include

• U Tin Tut (first Burmese ICS by invitation)
• U Chan Htoon (Politician and law practitioner)
• Dr. Ba Han (Compiler of the U Ba Han Dictionary)
• Dr. Ba Maw (Adipati)
• U Than Aung (Education Minister in AFPFL government)
• U Ba Khin (renowned Vipassana teacher and mentor of S. N. Goenka)
• Dr. U Ba Than (Rector of IM(1) and founder of Zwe Ah Nyeint)

Father and Son

• Saya Sein was our Burmese teacher in high school.
• His son Dr. Soe Win stood first in Burma in the Matriculation of 1958.
  Studied Chemistry Honors
  Doctorate from Imperial College, University of London.
  Retired Rector of YUFL.

Honor Roll

During our school days, St. Paul’s High School displayed an Honor Roll with the outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.

Prior to Honor Roll

Sayagyi U Ba Khin (Vipassana Meditation Teacher) was first in Burma in the Pre-war days.

Honor Roll

The Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following stood First in Burma in their Matriculation class.

• George Chapman (1951)
• Dr, Nyunt Tin (1952)
• Koon Yin Chu (1954)
• Dr. Soe Win (1958)
• Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959)
• Dr. Khin Maung U (1963)

After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared. It was recovered by a junior Paulian U Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si).

Post Honor Roll

• Bernard Khaw (1965)

My memories of SPHS

Std. VIII (A)

Our teachers include

• Brother Felix (Brother Director)
• Brother Anthony (Class Teacher)
• Brother Xavier
• Saya Sein
• Saya U Nyunt Maung
• Saya Beatson

My school mates from Std. VIII(B)

Awards for outstanding Matriculates in 1963

Invitation to the OPA Annual Dinner in 1963

Mini-gathering of SPHS63 in Yangon

• Aye Ngwe (Edwin Ngwe)
• Kyaw Wynn (Host for his Birthday Dana)
• Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung)
• Hla Min
• Aung Chaw (Victor Chaw, Uzin Okkantha)
• Than Win
• Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi)
• Tin Tun
• Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale)

St. Paul’s Bakery and Confectionery

Old Paulian’s Association

During our school days, the Old Paulian Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.

In 1963, ten of us were invited to the Annual OPA Dinner.

• Khin Maung U (1st)
• Min Oo (2nd)
• Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd)
• Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
• Thein Wai (5th)
• Hla Min (7th)
• Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
• Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
• Aung Thuyein (Brownie Way, 13th)
• Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)

SPHS Sayas and Sayamas

After nationalization, the OPA moved out. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to “join” for billiards and drinks.

Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas and sayamas than me.

Some Paulians (mostly SPHS63 – 65) offer Soon to Uzin Beatson at a selected restaurant.

After standing second in 3rd standard at PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), I transferred to Std. IV (D) at SPHS. As Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint noted, most of the transfer students were placed in Section (D).

Sections (A) and (B) were reserved mostly for the bright students.

I had to be in the Top Two for four consecutive years, before I was assigned to Section (A) in Std. VIII.

My Class Teachers include :

• Ms. A Benjamin (IVD)
• Mrs. V Boudville (VD)
• U Pe Tin (VID)
• U Nge (VIID)
• Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
• Brother Xavier (IXA)
• Brother Austin (XA)

Ms. Amelia Kyi (“Miss Hong Kong”) taught us English in VI and VII Standards. She would fine 25 pyas for failing the weekly test. However, she would reward 50 pyas for topping the test. My daily pocket money was 25 pyas.

Brother Xavier taught us English in VIII and IX. He would mark a dictation test starting out with 100 and then subtracting 10 for every spelling error. One of my classmates ended with -130. For some reason, the Albertians said that Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.

After Nationalization, Brother Xavier moved back to the UK. He subsequently left the Order.

Brother Austin taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was the School Librarian and also in charge of the 8mm projector. Every week, he would take us to the School Library (which had books donated by Ford Foundation and Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and then write a review over the weekend.

For the “Morals and Manners” class, he would ask us to recite poems from the book. The first three who recited perfectly could take “time off for the rest of the period”. I was lucky to win a few special prizes : a ticket to see “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema, and a book covering North America (complete with history and atlas).

He abhorred plagiarism. He said, “It’s okay if you did not time to finish your homework. But don’t copy other’s works. It’s a waste of time for you and me.”

Contrary to his expectations, I did not end up in the Top Three.

After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.

Saya Sein was our Burmese teacher in High School. He taught us “Mingala Pa Pun Lu Na Ta Tu Ti Sein Ta Ti Ti Mingala” as an example of giving the meaning of Pali words. Saya Sein is the father of Dr. Soe Win (Chemistry, ICST, Retired Principal of UFL)

Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.

There were several subject teachers and relieving teachers. They include :

• Brother Clementian
• Brother Joseph
• Saya Beatson
• Saya D’Cruz
• Saya Nyunt Maung
• Saya Htay Myint
• Saya Htwe
• Saya Lewis
• Saya Timms
• Saya Kyaw Khin
• Saya Johnny Myo
• Saya M. Hla Min
• Saya Hla Myint
• Saya Kyaw Oo
• Saya Aye
• Saya San Thein

Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe

It took some time, before the Old Paulians — mostly from the late 50s and early 60s — took over the OPA and organized Reunions and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes. OPA also awarded prizes to the children of Old Paulians who had done well academically (mostly in high school).

After Nationalization, St. Paul’s High School was renamed as No. (6) Botahtaung State High School.

The Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes are generally held in “Aung Kyaw Khan Ma (Hall)”.

The Reunion Dinners are held at a selected restaurant.

Among the sayas and sayamas of our times, only Saya Beatson (now Uzin) remains.

Some Old Paulians (from SPHS63 – 65) occasionally offer Soon to Uzin Beatson.

De LaSalle Brothers

It is an Order — founded by St. John Baptist De La Salle — in the Catholic Church.

A Brother has to take three vows:

• Chasity
• Loyalty
• Poverty

The mission of the Brothers is to promote Education.

De La Salle Schools in Burma

• St. Patrick’s High School (Moulmein)
• St. Paul’s High School (Rangoon)

• St. Peter’s High School (Mandalay)
• St. Albert’s High School (Maymyo)
• St. Joseph’s High School (Loikaw)
• St. Columban’s High School (Bhamo)
• De La Salle School (Twante)

Old Paulians

They include

• ICS U Tin Tut

• U Chan Htoon
• Dr. Ba Han

• Dr. Ba Maw
• H.E. U Than Aung
• Vipassa Sayagyi U Ba Khin

SPHS Honor Roll

During our school days, St. Paul’s High School displayed an Honor Roll with the outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.

Sayagyi U Ba Khin stood First in Matriculation in the Pre-war days.

The Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following stood First in Burma in their Matriculation class.

• George Chapman (1951)
• Dr. Nyunt Tin (1952)
• Koon Yin Chu (1954)
• Dr. Soe Win (1958) — heading the Top Two
• Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959) — heading the Top Four
• Dr. Khin Maung U (1963) — heading the Top Five

After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared.

It was recovered by Ko Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si, SPHS66).

Old Paulian’s Association

During our school days, the Old Paulian Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.

In 1963, ten of us were invited to the Annual OPA Dinner.

• Khin Maung U (1st)
• Min Oo (2nd)
• Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd, GBNF)
• Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
• Thein Wai (5th)
• Hla Min (7th)
• Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
• Maung Maung Kyi (11th, GBNF)
• Aung Thuyein (Brownie Way, 13th, GBNF)
• Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)

After nationalization, the OPA moved out. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to “join” for billiards and drinks.

It took some time, before the Old Paulians — mostly from the late 50s and early 60s — took over the OPA and organized Reunions and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes. OPA also awarded prizes to the children of Old Paulians who had done well academically (mostly in high school).

OPA held Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes yearly.

SPHS Sayas and Sayamas

Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas and sayamas than me.

After standing second in 3rd standard at PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), I transferred to Std. IV (D) at SPHS. As Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint noted, most of the transfer students were placed in Section (D).

Sections (A) and (B) were reserved mostly for the bright students.

I had to be in the Top Two for four consecutive years, before I was assigned to Section (A) in Std. VIII.

My Class Teachers include :

• Ms. A Benjamin (IVD)
• Mrs. V Boudville (VD)
• U Pe Tin (VID)
• U Nge (VIID)
• Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
• Brother Xavier (IXA)
• Brother Austin (XA)

Ms. Amelia Kyi (“Miss Hong Kong”) taught us English in VI and VII Standards. She would fine 25 pyas for failing the weekly test. However, she would reward 50 pyas for topping the test. My daily pocket money was 25 pyas.

Brother Xavier taught us English in VIII and IX. He would mark a dictation test starting out with 100 and then subtracting 10 for every spelling error. One of my classmates ended with -130. For some reason, the Albertians said that Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.

After Nationalization, Brother Xavier moved back to the UK. He subsequently left the Order.

Brother Austin taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was the School Librarian and also in charge of the 8mm projector. Every week, he would take us to the School Library (which had books donated by Ford Foundation and Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and then write a review over the weekend.

For the “Morals and Manners” class, he would ask us to recite poems from the book. The first three who recited perfectly could take “time off for the rest of the period”. I was lucky to win a few special prizes : a ticket to see “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema, and a book covering North America (complete with history and atlas).

He abhorred plagiarism. He said, “It’s okay if you did not time to finish your homework. But don’t copy other’s works. It’s a waste of time for you and me.”

Contrary to his expectations, I did not end up in the Top Three.

After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.


Saya Sein was our Burmese teacher in High School. He taught us “Mingala Pa Pun Lu Na Ta Tu Ti Sein Ta Ti Ti Mingala” as an example of giving the meaning of Pali words. Saya Sein is the father of Dr. Soe Win (Chemistry, ICST, Retired Principal of UFL)

Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.

There were several subject teachers and relieving teachers. They include :

• Brother Clementian
• Brother Joseph
• Saya Beatson
• Saya D’Cruz
• Saya Nyunt Maung
• Saya Htay Myint
• Saya Htwe
• Saya Lewis
• Saya Timms
• Saya Kyaw Khin
• Saya Johnny Myo
• Saya M. Hla Min
• Saya Hla Myint
• Saya Kyaw Oo
• Saya Aye
• Saya San Thein

St. Paul’s High School (SPHS)

Early alumni

• ICS U Tin Tut
• U Ba Khin (Vipassana, First in Burma)
• U Chan Tun
• Dr. Ba Han
• Dr. Ba Maw
• H.E. U Than Aung

Sayas who attended SPHS

• C. Ping Lee (EE, GBNF)
• U Tin Htut (M, SPHS53)
• Mao Toon Siong (M, SPHS55)
• U Soe Paing (EE, UCC, SPHS56)
• U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF, UCC, SPHS56)
• U Ba Min (Maths, SPHS56)
• U Myo Min (UCC, SPHS58)
• Dr. Soe Win (Chem, SPHS58)
• Dr. Sein Tun (GBNF, Phy, SPHS59)
• Dr. Myint Han (CRO, SPHS59)
• Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun, Chem, SPHS60)
• U Htun Aung Kyaw (Ch, SPHS61)
• U Ohn Maung (Ch, SPHS62)
• U Myint Soe (GBNF, C, SPHS62)
• Dr. Htin Aung (C, SPHS63)
• Dr. Myo Khin (C, SPHS63)

Alumni who attended SPHS

• Koon Yin Chu (Phillip, A, SPHS54)
• U Tin Htoon (A, SPHS54)
• U Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, GBNF, C, SPHS55)
• U Than Se (Richard, Ch, SPHS56)
• U Sein Htoon (M, SPHS57, RUBC Captain and Gold)
• U Myint Khine (Norman, C, SPHS57, Boxing, Soccer, Track & Field, Rowing)
• U Thaung Lwin (EC, SPHS60, RUBC Captain and Gold)
• U Khin Maung Oo (Robert Gale, EC, SPHS60)
• U Myo Myint (EC, SPHS60, RUBC Gold)
• U Than Htut (M, SPHS60, RUBC Gold)
• U Sein Shwe (M, SPHS61, Luchechun, Dobat, Harmonica)
• U Aung Khin (EC, SPHS61)
• U Kyaw Kyaw (C, SPHS61)
• U Tin Nwe (Milton Sein, C, SPHS62)
• U Hla Min (EC, SPHS63)
• U Chit Po Po (M, GBNF)
• U Tin Nwe (“Cowboy”, C, GBNF)
• Uzin Aung Chaw (Victor Chaw, C, SPHS63)
• U Ngwe Tun (C, SPHS63)
• U Than Win (M, SPHS63)
• U Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, EP, SPHS63)
• U Min Thaw (Gilbert Thaw, GBNF, EP, SPHS63)
• U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, GBNF, EC, SPHS63)
• U Than Htay (M, SPHS63)
• U La Min (EP, SPHS64)
• U Hla Min (“Pauk Si”, GBNF, EP, SPHS64)
• U Han Kyu Pe (A, GBNF, SPHS64)
• U Myint Thin (M, GBNF, SPHS65)
• U Myint Toe (M, SPHS65)
• U Myo Lwin (Stanley Saw, M, SPHS65)
• U Bo Bo Oo (Oscar Oo, M, SPHS65)
• U Wunna Sithu (EC, SPHS65)
• U Nyunt Tin (M, SPHS65)

Methodist English High School (MEHS)

Sayas who attended MEHS include

• U Tu Myint (Winston, M)
• U Maung Maung (George, Ch)

Alumni who attended MEHS

• U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC)
• U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M)
• U Nay Win (M, GBNF)
• Kenny Wong (M)
• U Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth Thein, M)
• Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T)
• Tan Yu Beng (Benny, M)
• U Khin Maung Aye (M, GBNF)
• U Win Khaing (M)
• Maurice Chee (Hla Myint Thein, M)

Sacred Heart

Alumni who attended Sacred Heart

• U Tin Htut (Harry, M)
• U Win Boh (Robert Gyu, EC)
• U Tin Aung Win (Oscar Than Nyunt, M)
• Abdul Rauf (Tin Aye, GBNF, EP)

St. John’s Diocesan

Sayas who attended St. John’s Dio

• U Tin U (C)
• U Ba Than (M)
• Dr. Thein Hlyne (Min)
• Dr. Tin Win (M)
• U Moe Aung (E)
• U Kyaw Sein (M)

Alumni who attended St. John’s Dio

• Uzin Bobby Myo Tun (Errol Than Tun, A)
• Dr. Khin Maung Aye (M)

Other schools in Rangoon include

• ABM
• St. Augustine
• Branch Convent
• Burmese Methodist
• Central
• Chinese Methodist
• Hwa Kyone
• St. John’s Convent
  Lei Lei Myaing (Amy), Than Than Yi …
• St. Mary’s Diocesan
  Mae Khin Nyunt (Rosie) …
• St. Philomena’s Convent
• Myoma
  Zaw Win …
• Nan Yang
• Private Boundary Road School (PPBRS)
  Hla Min, Nay Win, Aung Myint (Thamankyar) …
• TTC Practicing School
  Win Aung, Soe Win (UCC, PTC), Kyaw Zaw (DCA) …

Schools outside Rangoon include

• St. Albert’s (Maymyo)
  Zaw Min Nawaday, Saw Maung Maung Htwe …
• St. Columban’s (Bhamo)
  David Myint Thein …
• St. Patrick’s (Moulmein)
  U Aye, Dennis Mackey (Kyaw Thu) …
• St. Peter’s (Mandalay)
  U Thein Tan …
• De La Salle (Twante)
• St. Joseph’s (Loikaw)
• Kanbawza (Taunggyi)
  Tin Myint (John T Lee) …
• Father Lafone (Mandalay)