The CHIJ uniform with the huge box-plaits pinafore and white inner shirt is not exactly practical for tropical Singapore. Although the aesthetics of the uniform is rather attractive with the artistic crest of white marguerites and spindle set against the royal-blue pinafore, the uniform sits best with tall, lithe and willowy figure types. But just how many of us fit that archetypal figure? CHIJ girls come in all shapes and sizes! In Katong Convent, and I suspect in other CHIJ schools, girls creatively ‘modify’ the uniform to suit their style, dispositions and motivations! The standard CHIJ uniform was far too warm, too nerdy and too confining for the likes of, shall we say, image-conscious types? There was the popular ’sarong-party-wannabe’ look. This meant that the girls adjusted their pinafores to expose their often long legs to their advantage. That look would not be complete with the mandatory ankle-length socks. The ‘sporty’ girl look was also popular. Here, girls folded up their white shirt sleeves to expose well-toned arm muscles. And there is also the “loose-belt-hack-to-any-shape” look. This look was favored by a certain alumnus who is now a prominent politician. It has been observed that these looks are still enjoying some following as of today. Some things never change. Besides the nuns, clerical/liturgical staff could be seen along the corridors as these groups assisted the school in various ways. Sister Jo, Father Aroo or Father Vaz, now Monsignor Vaz, were welcomed speakers or guests. Word would get around with extreme rapidity and the girls knew just what to do! Hair brushes would magically appear. Shirt collars became buttoned. Pinafores were straightened and sock lengths were adjusted. Each CHIJ girl was now a picture of sublime neatness and modesty as they faced less ephemeral and greater issues, of life, death and God. “Memories collected from the School Reunion Contest held from 15 July to 9 Aug 2012 in collaboration with SPH and sponsored by Singapore Flyer.”