21^st April 2008
 Chandrasaharan Ratnam, commonly known as Chandra Ratnam (1960-1961)

Fellow Kirkbyites,

My warmest greetings from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada where I have been residing with my family since 31^st May 2004. I recently returned from a three months’ vacation in Malaysia (Nov 18/07 – Feb 17/08). My last visit was in 2004 after I had served the Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam for 36 years, 1968 – 30^th April 2004.

What fantastic moments I had meeting Kirkbyites, especially my Seniors and my batch in Penang, Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur/Selangor. I am amazed at the bond of friendship among the Kirkbyites, regardless of colour, race or creed. We Kirkbyites are the living examples of truly what Malaysia is.

I wish to thank the organisers who arranged lunch and dinner functions and for giving me the opportunity to meet my Seniors and others from my batch after 47 years. I never dreamt such occasions will ever come my way. I am thrilled to see what physical changes we have all gone through over the years.

I had the good fortune to meet a lot of Kirkbyites when I attended the Kirkby College Golden Anniversary Reunion at Concorde Hotel on 15^th September 2001. Since then many friends have passed away too. Their memories will always remain in our hearts.

I am anxious to hear from Kirkbyites residing in Canada or the U.S. so that we can communicate by e-mail. Now I work for the Child and Family Services in Winnipeg counselling teenagers below 18 who are sexually or physically abused and those who had been addicted to drugs,etc.
I have a collection of Photos of Kirkby which I am forwarding to Low Sau San (Australia). I am grateful to her for hosting Kirkbyites Website.

It is pity I will not be able to attend the Kirkby Reunion in July 2008 to be held in Malacca. I wish to thank the treasurer, Yoong Chew Hing for acknowledging receipt of the Canadian one hundred dollars that I handed over to Cheah Phee Eng in Ipoh (SMS on my cell). I wish the organisers every success in their undertaking.

Love & best wishes,

Chandra Ratnam