St. John Baptist De La Salle founded the Order in the Catholic Church.
A Brother takes three vows:
Chasity
Loyalty
Poverty
The mission of the Brothers is to promote Education.
They build De La Salle Schools in several Countries.
De La Salle Schools in Burma
First Two Schools
In 1860, De La Salle Brothers set up St. Patrick’s High School in Moulmein (Mawlamyaing).
A few months later, the Brothers set up St. Paul’s High School in Rangoon (Yangon).
Celebrations
Centennial Celebrations were held in 1960.
Sesquicentennial Celebrations were held in 2010.
Schools & Badges
De La Salle Schools
St. Patrick’s High School, Moulmein
St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
St. Paul’s HS BadgeSt. Paul’s HS Blazer Coat
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
B.O.B
Brothers’ Old Boys
Former Students of De La Salle Schools
A senior did not like being called B.O.B
Paulians
Students from St. Paul’s HS are known as Paulians.
Former students are known as Old Paulians. They include
U Ba Khin — Auditor General, Vipassana Teacher
U Tin Tut — First ICS by Invitation
U Tin Tut
U Chan Htoon — Justice
Dr. Ba Han — Law Professor, Lexicographer
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Maw — RU English Lecturer, Politician, Adipati
U Than Aung — SPHS Burmese Teacher, AFPFL Minister of Education
SPHS Honor Roll
Honor Roll
During our school days, St. Paul’s HS displayed an Honor Roll with Outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.
U Ba Khin stood First in Matric in the Pre-war days.
Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following Paulians stood First in Burma in the Matric exam.
George Chapman (1951)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (1952) — heading Top Two
Koon Yin Chu (1954)
Dr. Soe Win (1958) — heading Top Two
Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959) — heading Top Four
Dr. Khin Maung U (1963) — heading Top Five
After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared.
It was recovered by Ko Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si, SPHS66).
It is now displayed in St. Paul’s Museum.
Old Paulian’s Association
During our school days, Old Paulian’s Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.
SPHS63OPA Invitation
Dinner in 1963
On 30th June 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
On 1st April 1965, private schools were nationalized. Non-native Brothers moved left Burma. e.g Bro Charles to UK, Bro Felix to Germany, Bro Austin to Malaysia.
SPHS became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
OPA moved out of the school compound. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to join for billiards and drinks.
Revival
It took some time before Old Paulians — mostly from late 50s and early 60s — took over OPA and organized Reunions & 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.
Pu Zaw Pwe Invitation
SPHS Sayas & Sayamas
SPHS Brothers & Sayas
Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas & sayamas than me.
SPHS Sayas & Sayamas
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) & (B) were reserved for bright students and some Catholics.
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)
She 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
He 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.
He would also punish (often with a cane) for making grammatical mistakes.
For some reason, Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.
After Nationalization, he moved back to UK. He supposedly left the Order.
Brother Austin
He taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was 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 & Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and write a review over the weekend.
For “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 do not have 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. I stood 7th.
After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.
Saya Sein
He 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. He is the father of Dr. Soe Win (1st in Burma in 1958, Chemistry Saya, Administrator at ICST, Retired Rector of YUFL)
Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.
Subject Teachers
Brother Clementian — Maths
Brother Joseph — Lab
Saya Beatson — Physics
Saya D’Cruz — Chemistry
Saya Nyunt Maung — Burmese & Art Subjects
Saya Htay Myint — History & Geography
Saya Htwe — Art Subjects
Relieving Teachers
Saya Lewis — English
Saya Timms — English
Saya Kyaw Khin — Maths
Saya Johnny Myo — Maths
Saya M. Hla Min — Physics
Saya Hla Myint — Physics
Saya Kyaw Oo — Class Teacher from different section
Saya Aye — Class Teacher from different section
Saya San Thein — Class Teacher from different section
SPHS VI DSPHS VIII AVIII B
Updates
Some schools have an associated Juniorate or Seminary.
Three classmates — Bernard Taylor, Edwin David & Anthony Lourdes — became Priests.
Most of our sayas are GBNF. The exception is Uzin Beatson (former Physics teacher & Scout master).
Uzin Beatson & former students
U Aye (M62) matriculated from St. Patrick’s HS. He posted some photos and mentioned some Outstanding students.
Some students joined St. Paul’s HS but matriculated from No. 6 Botathaung SHS.
St. Paul’s Museum was opened on the recent St. Paul’s Day (29th June). U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s) is a Patron of OPA.
Nay Oke
St. Peter’s HS students were 1st, 2nd and Joint 3rd in the Matric of 1956.
Albertians — Zaw Min & Tommy Shwe — were admitted as Top Students to RIT in November 1964.
David Myint Thein (M69) and Khin Maung Myint (M70) matriculated from St. Columban’s HS.
Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016.
He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
Awards & Birthday Cards
Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.
Appreciation from Alumni in US & Canada
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Maurice.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering.
Appreciation Award
From NorCal RITAA Dinner in Dec 2016
Alumni Appreciation Award was signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD), Gordon Kaung (M83, President) and U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary).
Award 2
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.
From SPHS in 1963
There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They received Collegiate Scholarship.
SPHS63
Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
Dr. Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor in Canada) – 2nd
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor in IM & Malaysia) – 4th
Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
7th place
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, GBNF) – 11th
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
From Toastmasters International
DTM 1DTM 2Hall of Fame
Awards
CC (Competent Communicator)
ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
CL (Competent Leader)
ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
I served as
Club Officer
Area Governor
Club Coach
Contest Chair
Ambassador
Guest Speaker
Test Speaker
Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)
MP3 players
Mug & CD Player
Dhamma Talks & Lectures
Received MP3 player with dhamma talks from U Khin Maung Tun, SDYF President at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Also received MP3 players from
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt
My sisters
Dhamma friends
Each player has Paritta Pali (protective verses) and dhamma talks by different sayadaws.
From my Life Savers
Coffee mug with photos
My beloved grandchildren gave it as present for Grand Father’s Day
Books
Dhamma & Bawa
For writing,translating, editing or proof-reading
I edited or proof-read books written by
Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
Sayas (Des Rodgers)
Friends (U Aung Zaw).
They provided me copies of their books.
Book Presents
I received books from others. They include
“Life Journey of Maths Professor U Ba Toke” : autographed copy
U Ba Toke
“Myanmar in my life-time” by BBS U Khin Zaw — air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
Book by U Khin Zaw
Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint — air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
TOKM
Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit — Two books by Junior Win
Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter) : His works; Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) : Dhamma Q&A; Several other books
“Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho” by Shwe Ky May Hnin — Given to me at San Francisco Bay Area Talk
Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) —Collection of Poems; Collection of Articles
Saya Moe
Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay — Collection of Swel Daw Poems
RIT Poets
Books by Nyan Oo Maung (aka Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika)
Books by various sayadaws in Bay Area & beyond : Beelin Sayadaw, U Dhammapiya, U Gosita, Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw, Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw, Thamanay Kyaw
Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi and family
“Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing — in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles
Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe — Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin, Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a revolving library. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
8-8-88 by Dat Pone Htein Win — Received at 5th ILF
Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) : Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing, Kaythri Kyaw …
Publications
Contributing Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)
Wrote articles and/ or poems for
Guardian
Working People’s Daily
Forward Magazine
Veda Magazine
Pan Magazine
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
Encyclopedia
BAPS Newsletter
RIT Alumni Newsletter (Special issue for SPZP-2000)
Newsletter
“Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
SDY Sar Saung
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu
SDY Magazine
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.
CDs
Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.
Brother Anthony (Class teacher) : taught Mathematics
Saya U Sein (Burmese teacher, GBNF) : Father of Saya Dr. Soe Win (retired Rector of YUFL); Also taught Burmese in Matric.
Brother Felix (Brother Director, GBNF) : After nationalization, moved to Germany and passed away there. Thonegwa Kyaw Win visited him.
Saya U Nyunt Maung (Arts subjects teacher) : Taught Maths in Sacred Heart
SayaBeatson(Science subjects teacher) : Became a monk
Brother Xavier (English teacher) : Also taught English in 9th standard. After nationalization, moved to UK and presumably left the Order.
Dr. Khin Maung U
OPA DinnerKhin Maung U
First in Burma in the Matric exam in 1963; Won Collegiate Scholarship
Had perfect scores of 100 in Maths & Chemistry and a score of 99 in Physics. Grapevine says that one point was deducted from the initial score.
Multiple Luyechun at IM(1)
Due to changes in the Edu System, he had to do M.Sc. (Med Sc) locally. Top students from earlier years studied in UK as State Scholars.
His persistence paid off. Got Fellowships from UK and MD from Australia
Retired from Food & Drug Administration in the USA
Translator/interpreter for dhamma courses & meditation retreats.
Wore thick glasses since his younger days.
Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) and X(A). We were in different sections in the lower classes.
Dr. Min Oo (Kenneth)
Stood second in Burma in the Matric exam in 1963. Won Collegiate Scholarsip.
Some saw him reading a German book before entering the hall to take the Matric exam.
Scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Chose to study Maths at RASU.
Saya U Aung Sein (Maths) saw Min Oo get out of the Tutorial classes after a few minutes and yet had perfect score. He decided to give challenging questions for a Tutorial. Min Oo took longer time than the easier Tutorials, but most of the other students could not get a passing grade.
A Tuition Saya (now GBNF) challenged his students. “Ask your teachers to solve the problem. I will give you free tuition if you can provide the correct answer.” One student asked Min Oo, who was enjoying a card game. Min Oo scribbled the answer during the card game. The Tuition Saya was disappointed. He did not keep his promise to give the student free tuition.
Attended Tekkatho Luyechun Camps twice.
Min Oo (Seated Right)
In the Summer of 1965, he was chosen as Luyechun among second year RASU students.
In the Slummer of 1968, he was chosen as a Saya for the Tekkatho Luyechun camp.
As a multiple Tekkatho Luyechun from IM(1), Dr. Khin Maung U was present at both camps. He remembers Min Oo with a cigar trying to look like a Sayagyi.
Min Oo received two doctorates in Maths from Germany. He taught at McMasters University in Canada. He voluntarily retired in 2015.
He was one of the young students in the class, but also among the brightest.
Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A). We were in different sections in the lower classes.
He often visited his daughter in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, GBNF)
Khin Mg Zaw, Myo San, Khin Mg U
Stood third in Burma in the Matric of 1963. Won Collegiate Scholarship.
He had studied phonetics. He had read lots of English books.
He scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
He was older than us. That might have given him a slight advantage in the early years.
He gave me a quiz. “How do you pronounce GHOTI?” I gave an answer which he corrected as “FISH”. He had read George Bernard Shaw, who posed the quiz as an example of eccentricity in English. GH is phonetically equivalent to F as in ROUGH. O is phonetically equivalent to I as in WOMAN. TI is phonetically equivalent to SH as in ATTENTION. Thus, GHOTI is phonetically equivalent to FISH.
He became a surgeon, but the stress caused him to take early retirement.
Sadly, he passed away.
Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A), We were in different sections in the lower classes.
Collegiate Scholarship Holders
In 1963, students from private schools had to be in the Top Forty to be eligible for Collegiate Scholarship.
SPHS had ten students in the Top Twenty. Min Oo studied Maths. Hla Min, Maung Maung Kyi & Aung Thu Yein studied Engineering. Khin Maung U, Myo San, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, Aung Kyaw Zaw & Khin Maung Zaw studied Medicine. Myo San, Maung Maung Kyi and Aung Thu Yein are GBNF
First : Dr. Khin Maung U (Medical Researcher, FDA, USA)
2nd : Dr. Min Oo (Maths Professor, McMasters University, Canada)
3rd : Dr. Myo San (Surgeon, GBNF)
4th : Dr. Nyunt Wai (Physiology Professor in IM & Malaysia)
5th: Dr. Thein Wai (Moved to USA)
7th: U Hla Min (Lifelong Learner; Software Engineer, Silicon Valley)
9th: Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Specialist, Base Military Hospital)
11th : U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip. Ing in Pulp & Paper, Wales, UK, GBNF)
13th : U Aung Thu Yein (EC, Schlumberger, GBNF)
17th: Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Medical Doctor, UK)
SPHS63
In the group photo
Seated (L to R) : Min Oo, Khin Maung U, Myo San (GBNF)
Paulians — Myo Nyunt (Harry), Atom Hla & team — offered soon to Sayadaw
Sayadaw BeatsonPaulians offering Soon
La Min
Nyunt Wai (Victor)
Sayadaw Beatson
Nyan Taw (Dicky)
Hla Min
Than Win
Aung Kyi (Arthur)
Sein Nyunt (Swe Set)
Classmate in Stds IV(D), V(D) & VI(D)
Shared names & status of former classmates. Several are GBNF. Hla Myint (Snow Makeup), Maung Maung Thaung, Sonny Yone Sein, Sydney Khant, Tin Tun are some who have passed away
St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon was founded by De La Salle Brothers in 1860. After nationalization in 1965, most non-native Brothers left Burma. The school was renamed as No. (6) Botathaung State High School.
SPHS used to have a “Roll of Honor” for outstanding Matriculates from 1951 to 1963.
SPHS59SPHS60
Collegiate Scholarship Winners in 1963
SPHS had five students in the Top Five, seven students in the Top Ten and ten students in the Top Twenty.
Six (KMU,. FBS, VNW, TW, JMM, FG) chose to become Medical Doctor (Professor, Researcher, Registrar …) Three (HM, MMK, ATY) chose to become Engineer and/or Computer Scientist.
Min Oo received two Doctorates in Mathematics from Germany, and is Professor Emeritus of McMaster’s University in Canada.
Seated : Min Oo(2nd) Khin Maung U (1st) , Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd, GBNF)
Kyaw Win was my crew mate at RUBC. On one of his birthdays, he offered Soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (Victor) and invited several former classmates.
Nyunt Wai (Victor) is retired Professor of Physiology. He also taught briefly in Malaysia. He published a collection of Kauk Kyaung Kabyars.
Myo Nyunt (Harry) is Past President of OPA (Old Paulian Association)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank) is retired Medical Doctor from UK. He came back several times to see his mother and sisters. Sad to note that his mother and his eldest sister are GBNF.
OP 1
Visit to Maung Maung Kyi (SPHS63) in Wales
Maung Maung Kyi attended I.Sc.(A) at LeikKhone Intermediate College.
He also rowed at RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) along with Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, GBNF), Kyaw Wynn and me. We were awarded Full Green.
When Rangoon University was closed citing Security reasons (following the student protests for the anniversary of 7th July), he applied for State Scholarship to study at Dresden University in Germany. He received Dip, Ing (equivalent to Master’s) in Chemical Engineering with specialization in Pulp and Paper.
He worked for PPIC, Sittaung and Yay Ni Paper Mills.
He later moved to Wales, UK.
OP 5
My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, GBNF) and his spouse Win Mar took us to visit Maung Maung Kyi and Khin May Than (ChE72) in Ogmore-by-the-sea.
OP 6
Myo Khin (SPHS63)
Myo Khin taught at RIT before moving to Japan. He received his Doctorate in Civil Engineering and worked as Professor.
He donated K100 Lakhs to YTU Library Project.
OP 7
Myint Lwin (Henry, SPHS55, GBNF)
He received his Civil Engineering degree in 1963 (after taking sabbatical to get married).
He was an organizer for SPZP-2000.
He is an accomplished vocalist.
OP 8
Victor Kyaw Phyo (GBNF)
He was my classmate in Middle School.
He was an Organizer for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 1964 and 1965.
HlaMin 