by.

K D. Arasaratnam

Mv memories of my school days are quite pleasant and remember my teachers with respect and gratitude. 1 was at St. John's College from the 1st year B Class to the Matriculation during the years 1929 to 1938. I had a steady progress in my studies and took a modest part in the extra curricular activities. Being a quiet student at that time I was fortunate enough not to fall into any groups and thus escaped the stern disciplinary punishments. But thanks to this disciplinary and code of conduct enforced by this instituition many of the mischievous lads turned out to be leading citizens.

The first teacher into whose hands I was handed over was Miss Lembruggen a very kind hearted old lady burt a strict disciplinarian.

Then there was Mrs E M Ponnudurai a second mother to all the primary students and the Baby Boarders. Miss Lorna Vanden Driesen a stylish young lady whom all students admired for her spruce ways.

Mr Jell, the kind hearted giant, Mr Jansen quick of speech, pretends to be stern but very understanding. Mr Newton the fatherly teacher who made who made no difference between his two sons at college and other students. Mr A C Charles who was famous for his tall yarns. He used to boast to the small boys that once in a Cricket match he scored a six where the ball hit the Principal's bungalow and the bat flew into the old park.

Mr Thambiyah the stern and steady character in nationals who will never allow one step to be scrapped in the Arithmetic sums and will never dismiss the last period without prayers.

Mr. Chinniah famous for his cycle speed which never exceeded 4 miles,an hour and his base court strokes at Tennis.

Mr .J.C. Chelliah the fierv tempered school master who will never allow St John's college boy to be bullied by other school boys. could vet remember the day when he lend the St John's boys to rescue some Johnians who were being bullied by the rival school boys after a cricket match. Mr. Chellappah short of stature usually canes the boys under the knees. Mr. V.C. Canagaratnarn with his eternal jokes and cracks at students. Mr. Gunasekaram with his mastery over Shakespeare and his philosophy. Mr K Nesiah the historian, philosopher, politician and social worker. Mr Supramaniam the wizard in Latin and Tamil always proud of the Tamil culture and its National costume.

The three Mathais P.T.,P.I & TM from Trivandram . who like all the Keralites 1 have come across were very dedicated to their profession and loyal to their employers.

Mr P T Sivapragasam who made the dry subjects interesting with his interesting anecdotes. Mr A M K Kumaraswamy the very emblem of patience and understanding and with a profound knowledge of varied subjects.

Mr E M Ponnudurai famous for his weekly tests and interests in sports. Mr K C Thurairatnam another handsome sportsman and English teacher joined the staff of Jaffna College.

Mr.A.W. Rajasekaram the sensitive Maths teacher who later succeeded as principal. My school principals were Rev. Henry Peto the stern disciplinarian. Many a student who. have been publicly chastised by him for their school boy pranks had done very well in public life. He died a hero's death trying to save a teacher who was in difficulties while bathing in the Thondamannar sea. Rev. J.T. Arulanandam a heavily built but kind hearted principal who applied his knowledge of psychology to understand the problems of the student. One and all these teachers and principals took a personal interest in the progress of the students Their dedication to duty and their disciplined behaviour helped to mould the character of the students at St. Johns and I am sure every Johnian is proud of his Alma-Mater.