Here’s another memorable event as I reflect on my school days at Hartley College - the school move of 1989. It was a time filled with anticipation and excitement akin to moving into a new home. Our beloved school, nestled in its original location for over a century and a half, had to temporarily relocate to Puttalai due to military expansions. The return to our historic grounds was a momentous occasion, brimming with nostalgia and significance. Stepping back onto the familiar pathways and classrooms that held generations of memories felt like coming home. The spirit of our ancestors who laid the foundation of this esteemed institution seemed to echo through the halls, inspiring both faculty and students alike. As I reminisce about that pivotal moment, it's evident how deeply rooted Hartley College is in our hearts and history. Today, with a new generation at the helm, we continue to uphold the vision of our forebearers, propelling our alma mater towards a bright future. The school move of 1989 remains etched in our collective memory as a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring legacy of Hartley College.

Reflecting back on my days at Hartley College in the late 1980s, there's one memory that remains vivid even after all these years. It was a typical afternoon in my year 8 class when the unexpected unfolded before us. The whole classroom fell silent as we witnessed a scene that left us in shock and awe - the school principal administering caning to A-level boys right in front of our eyes. The atmosphere was tense as each boy lined up, bracing themselves for the inevitable whack on their back. It was a stark reminder of the strict disciplinary measures in place back then. Whether it was for academic underperformance or tardiness, the consequences were swift and often public. Looking back now, I can't help but question the necessity of such extreme measures. While they may have been intended to instil discipline, I wonder if there could have been more effective and humane approaches. Times have certainly changed, and so have our methods of managing student behaviour. But as we reminisce on the past, it's worth pondering whether our current practices are truly any better. Here's to the memories that shaped us and the lessons we continue to learn, even decades later. ~ GY

My favourite school memories revolve around the joyful time spent with friends. From swapping food from our lunch boxes (sometime eating thier food without them knowing), sharing the latest gossips and talks about our crushes 😍, endless fun in the playground, getting detention together and kneeling outside the classroom 😀, running to canteen to stand in line with friends 🧡 walking home after school with friends, getting into unwanted trouble and laughing about it later 😀. The list can go on forever and ever. School days were the best days in my life and the friendships and shared experiences are the ones I cherish deeply ❣️