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Kota Kinabalu: St Agnes Likas (M) which recently marked anniversary, is ranked 128 out of 7,862 primary schools in Malaysia.

Headmaster Jennifer Peter Balang, at the jubilee dinner, credited the top school status to “the vision and dedication of our founders who laid the foundation of our school for what St Agnes has become today”.  

School Board Chairman Ir Pan Ket Cheong had earlier credited the “noble vision” of the Church of England (Anglican) that traversed 10,000km from London in 1914 just “to bring education to a little town, Jesselton”.

“Our theme ‘Journey of Faith’ captures the spirit and essence of this remarkable journey marked by resilience, growth and a steadfast commitment to our values,” Jennifer said, citing efforts by everyone over more than a century – teachers, alumni, board members, Anglican mission.  

“One-hundred-and-ten years ago, St Agnes school began with a vision to create a space where education and faith came together to nurture young minds not only knowledge but also value, compassion and a sense of purpose,” she said. 

Cake cutting ceremony: Jennifer with Melter, Pang and others. 

“She said despite numerous shifts and challenges “our faith has remained unwavering, remained the anchor of our journey, a beacon of hope, love and learning.”  

She said the school would continue to adapt, innovate and grow, ensuring that students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, remain dedicated to educate mind, heart and spirit, while ensuring our faith remains the guiding light for generations to come.

Guest of honour, Rev Datuk Melter Jiki Tais, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sabah, paid tribute to the foundation on which St Agnes was built to nurture not only academic excellence but also mind and spirit rooted in godly values. 

He said faith enabled the learning institution to remain steadfast through all the trials, social changes and even global uncertainties. 

Pupils performing the Sumazau dance.

He thanked all who continue that journey, no less the financial assistance from the State Government past and present, individuals, parents, principals, teachers and NGOs. 

Board Chairman Ir Pan Ket Cheong said St Agnes is a very mature lady now. 

“One can only imagine the struggles and obstacles the pioneers had to endure and overcome more than a century ago,” Pan said and urged  everyone to read up the special report  about the school and its many milestones published in the Daily Express on Oct 13 (Sunday).” He also thanked the writer Kan Yaw Chong.

On whether St Agnes school is still relevant today, he said the answer is definitely “yes”. 

Pupils performing Indian dance. 

He said St Agnes is rated one of the elite schools in the country, whose students have won many awards in both national and international competitions. 

He said the emphasis of the school and Anglican Mission is education to everyone regardless of background and upbringing. 

“We know  it’s through education that we can cultivate knowledge about the world , love, respect, tolerance in the  heart and mind  of children so that they grow up to be useful young men and women.”    

“Over the years, St Agnes has produced many outstanding graduates who went on to become doctors, lawyers or businessmen or simply law abiding citizens.” 

“I am sure the many who have passed through the gates of St Agnes have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for their alma Mater be it in 1914 or 2024. 

All have become useful citizens serving the country that we all love,” Pan opined.

The Anglican Diocese of Sabah is the land owner on which St Agnes sits while the School Board of Management is entrusted with looking after the property. 

Rebana – a tambourine welcome dance comprised of mothers and children.  

The Board has upgraded facilities such as repainting al the classrooms, replaced classroom tables and chairs, extended the canteen, provided more chairs for the astaka, rewired the whole school, installed more fans an lights, provided each classroom with digital TV.

Like all mission schools, St Agnes in its own way contributed to the melting pot of the diverse cultures, races, religions typical of a traditionally tolerant Sabah. Archdeacon and a School Chaplain, Rev Moses Chin, said: 

“St Agnes was founded to educate the young people of North Borneo regardless of race, creed, class or culture to create a community that is uniquely Sabahana and Malaysian.”

He recalled his heydays in the 1960s when he was once a head boy. He said his Malay and SinoKadazan friends shared class, learnt together, played together, ate together and competed in games together as St Agnesians.