Since the creation of the International Reunion (previously referred to as the International Conference) in 1988, it has become one of the most important events of the Wah Yan community. This get-together serves as the perfect occasion for past students from all over the world to reunite, catch up with each other and to share their memories of being part of this community. This year’s International Reunion has a special meaning since it is the 100th and 95th anniversaries of our two Wah Yans. As such, it is a true blessing to be able to celebrate together these important milestones and share the many beautiful stories of our schools’ rich history.

The theme of this year’s International Reunion is “Brotherhood Beyond Time.” Our two Wah Yans have a long-standing reputation of a strong sense of brotherhood. Although I have not been a part of the Wah Yan community for long, I have already witnessed and heard numerous stories about the past students of the two Wah Yans supporting their alma mater. These students have provided generous donations to the schools, helping their younger brothers in the two Wah Yans, and they have also reached out to offer selfless help to one another whenever needed. These actions truly exemplify living by the principle of brotherhood.

I had often wondered what prompted our Wah Yan gentlemen to develop such a strong sense of brotherhood. Then, I heard many stories shared by current and past students of our schools, ranging from collective memories of playing table tennis in the school basement, taking graduation photos under the Plumeria tree, and picking up the lost football on the slope, to learning English and how to become a better person from the Jesuit Fathers… It was then I realized that the dynamic human interactions between students, educators, and Jesuit Fathers helped to cultivate the strong bonds between Wahyanites, which eventually transformed into life-long friendships and the notion of brotherhood among them. I believe the companionship emphasized and demonstrated by Jesuit Fathers and educators is the key foundation of the caring social culture at our two Wah Yans.

This year, there are many past students who are traveling from all over the world to attend the International Reunion. Thus, we will have the opportunity to share even more beautiful stories encompassing our school’s rich history, which also serves as a great opportunity for our educators to gain many insights on how we can be good companions of our students and continue our work in supporting dynamic human interactions in schools. As such, we will uphold the strong sense of brotherhood, which will be passed on and continue to serve as a tradition of the Wah Yan community, which every Wahyanites will continue to carry with pride.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to every member of the organizing committee of the International Reunion. I look forward to hearing all the beautiful stories of Wahyanites living out our core values of brotherhood and mutual support at the International Reunion 2019.

Dr. Davis Chan
Principal
Wah Yan College, Hong Kong