SANDAKAN: A legacy of faith, resilience, and academic excellence was celebrated on August 23 with the launch of the book Blazing Trails, Impacting Lives: A Tribute to the Anglican Schools in Sandakan. The historic St Michael’s Church Hall, a site once home to St Monica’s Primary School, provided a fittingly nostalgic backdrop for the event.
The momentous occasion was marked by Sister Margaret Yong Lin-Din, the revered former principal of St Monica’s, unveiling the new publication. She was witnessed by a distinguished group of community leaders and educators.
The book, edited by Henley Liew and published by the Anglican Schools Alumni Association Sandakan (ASAA), chronicles the profound and enduring impact these institutions have had in shaping generations of students. It serves as a spiritual successor to ASAA’s 2013 publication, Michaeleans Around the World, and stands as a testament to community pride and collective effort.
The launch was made even more significant as it coincided with Sister Margaret’s 93rd birthday. In a moving tribute on behalf of the alumni, editor Henley Liew praised her for her selfless dedication and unwavering love.
“Her labour in the Lord was not in vain,” Liew remarked. “Her legacy remains a guiding light and a blessing in the lives of all those she taught.”
The article details the rich history encapsulated within the book: St Michael’s Secondary School, founded on Elton Hill in 1888, continues its mission of service and education, St Monica’s Primary School, established in 1903, grew from a small school for girls into one of Sabah’s leading institutions and St Gabriel’s Primary School was established in 1961 to alleviate overcrowding and served the community faithfully until its closure in 2011.
Today, this tradition of excellence is carried forward by two new institutions: Vision Primary Sandakan (2017) and Vision Secondary Sandakan (2022), under the leadership of Ho Sui Ting and Archdeacon Emeritus Moses Chin.
More than just centres of learning, these schools represent living foundations of faith and hope. Their mission—to ignite curiosity and unlock the potential in each generation—continues through the tireless work of educators and administrators.
Blazing Trails, Impacting Lives beautifully honours this enduring legacy, transforming cherished stories of the past into an inspiring record for the future. – James Leong
