SM St Joseph in dire need of additional classrooms
Published on: Monday, December 08, 2014
.jpg "SM St Joseph in dire need of additional classrooms")
KOTA KINABALU: St Joseph's Secondary School, Papar (or SM St Joseph) is in dire need of additional classrooms in view of its increased student enrolment.The Most Rev Archbishop John Wong of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu revealed this when officiating at the St Joseph's Alumni Association's Annual Dinner & Dance cum Fund-Raising Night held at a leading restaurant, here, Saturday."In the early seventies, after Mr Albert Tien took over as Principal, the student enrolment began to increase steadily. Now, 40 years down the road, if you have a chance to visit your alma mater, you would notice that the present space has become inadequate to cater for the increased student population.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Logically, we would need more classroom space and more area for co-curricular activities," he said.In this regard, Archbishop Wong, who witnessed the swearing-in of the St Joseph Alumni Association Executive Committee (2014-2016), was glad to note that the School Management Board has taken the initiative to plan a much-needed extension of the existing school building."However, since the school is still very much part of the parish, I hope you will not forget to include Fr Thomas Yip (the new parish priest of Papar) in your planning and undertakings. I know he will be of great help," he told the School Management Board.He was also visibly pleased with the offer of assistance from St Joseph's Alumni Association and the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG). "It is a good omen that all the important stakeholders can collaborate in a good cause and for the benefit of the school."
ADVERTISEMENT
In retrospect, Archbishop Wong said the Mill Hill Fathers from England started St Joseph's Secondary School some 60 years ago."I think you would remember names like Fr de Wit, Fr Heusen, Fr Gilaspe, Fr Walter and Fr McDonald. These priests believed that in order to develop a progressive society, it was necessary to have an educated population.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Many Paparians would agree with me that without the commitment and dedication of the Mill Hill Fathers, they would probably not have the chance to acquire secondary education during the period before the formation of Malaysia," he said.Noting that the fund-raising event had a lot of support from former teachers, ex-students and friends, Archbishop Wong said this was a welcoming sign for the association.President of St Joseph Alumni Association, Datuk John Anthony said their alma mater has shaped their future and moulded them into what they are today."The school has continued to produce academic achievers who have gone on to succeed in their endeavours in life."Do keep the St Joseph's spirit alive. The least we can do to show our gratitude to our Mother School is to make a donation within our capacity," he said.John, who is also Chairman of St Joseph School Building Fund Committee, commended the Alumni Association's Deputy President, Kong Tsen Pean and Advisor Albert Tien for having kept the association ticking all these years.Earlier, Organising Chairman Stephen Tsen appealed to ex-students to lend a helping hand so that the proposed new building would materialise in the near future."We want to work together with the St Joseph School Building Fund Committee in putting up a new block to cater for the increasing student enrolment," he said.Meanwhile, Tsen suggested that from next year, the first week of December be dedicated to the annual reunion of St Joseph alumni. who are scattered all over the world."Over the last 60 years, the school has produced successful businessmen, professionals and community leaders, among others," he said, adding that they are scattered all over the world.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
