KUCHING, Oct 30: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has acknowledged that a new school building is needed to cater for the growing population of Form Six students at SMK Pending.
It is understood that the school has catered to Form 5 students entering Form Six from three schools, namely SMK Pending, SMK Seri Setia and SMK Kuching Town No. 1, since 2016. There is currently a total of 240 Form Six students.
“The combination of these schools and the increased population of Sixth Form students (both Lower and Upper Six students) with the existing lower and upper secondary students has create an unpleasant teaching and learning environment such as limited classrooms; insufficient facilities, appliances and equipment for the science laboratories; limited resource rooms and library.
“All this has hindered a conducive teaching and learning environment as the current situation of sharing classrooms and floating classes creates lots of inconveniences for both teachers and students,” she said at SMK Pending’s Sixth Form graduation ceremony, today.
Since the promise of building a new block for Form Six students has yet to materialise, Yong hoped that it will be a reality in the near future.
In congratulating the Form Six students who graduated, Yong said it was a tough challenge to complete the two-year course, acknowledging their perseverance, hard work and accomplishments.
She also thanked teachers and parents for working hard to give their students and children moral support which has produced hard working, well-disciplined and smart young adults.
“You all have enriched your children’s lives. We are truly proud of what you have accomplished so far for your children’s future. To all the graduates, as you embark on the next phase of your lives, please remember the school motto, “Berkesan dan Cemerlang” which means “Effective and Excellence”. Demonstrate your excellent character and ability not only by what you say, but also by what you do to benefit your family, your friends, your community and your nation,” she said.
As the graduation day marks an important event in the students’ lives and the beginning of another chapter, Yong reminded them not to leave behind the personal competencies which got them to where they are today, such as passion, commitment, tenacity, humility and open minds to learn.
“Nurture them. These core values will be even more important than what you have learned. Remember, everyone has a different timeline, everyone here has a unique story. Therefore, it is up to you to maximise the reality of your situation. Find your purpose and do your share in shaping the new world.
“Life is a series of lessons and those who are patient, open-minded, and are willing to work hard to adjust to the new environment will succeed. It is never going to be smooth sailing so do not be afraid of making mistakes,” she advised, adding that everyone learns from mistakes and move on. — DayakDaily
