By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 14: St Joseph’s Private School today honoured legendary educator Datuk Polycarp Sim by dedicating a gallery in his name within its newly completed RM5 million extension block, a project funded by the Sarawak government and officially launched by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Archbishop Dato Dr Simon Poh described the gallery as a tribute not only to Datuk Polycarp Sim, but also to a generation of dedicated teachers who helped shape Sarawak through education.
“As you enter this building, the lobby has been dedicated as Datuk Polycarp Sim’s Gallery,” he said, recalling the late educator’s years of service and his humble life in a wooden house that once stood on the corner of the school compound.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the new extension block of St Joseph’s Private School, Poh noted that many alumni from the 1970s and 1980s fondly remembered Polycarp’s kindness, guidance and unwavering commitment to students.
“He represents a generation of dedicated teachers that have given Sarawak so much blessing,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Premier for also naming the road in front of the school Jalan Datuk Polycarp Sim in honour of the respected educator.
Tracing the history of the St Joseph’s family of schools, Poh said the institution’s roots stretch back to the De La Salle Brothers, who developed the school in 1950, while the private school has been administered by the Jesuits since 2012.
The St Joseph’s educational network today comprises SMK St Joseph, St Joseph’s Private School and St Joseph International School, continuing a long tradition of providing holistic education and producing future leaders for Sarawak.
“What started with 150 students has grown to 1,600 students in St Joseph’s Private School today, while St Joseph International School joined the family in 2017,” he said.
Poh reflected on the school’s 144-year legacy and the growing need for additional facilities to support learning beyond the classroom.
“Our performing arts programmes, marching band, orchestra, string ensemble, sports, robotics and laboratories were flourishing. New spaces were urgently needed,” he said.
The Archbishop, himself a former student of St Joseph’s from Primary One to Upper Six between 1970 and 1982, shared personal memories of the site where the extension block now stands.
He recalled playing basketball on the former primary school court that occupied the area, as well as marbles with friends on nearby trails.
“Life was much simpler and friendships were very deep,” he said.
Poh also thanked the Sarawak government for its continued support of Catholic mission schools, including funding for the restoration of the historic Mill Hill Block at SMK St Joseph during the Covid-19 pandemic when resources were scarce.
“We could not find the money and were short of funds. The Sarawak government stepped in and helped us restore the historical building,” he said.
According to Poh, the new extension block provides much-needed facilities, including new halls and learning spaces, music and dance rooms, multipurpose learning centres, science laboratories, a smart hall for STEM education, an expanded library, the Datuk Polycarp Sim Gallery, a canteen, a 100-metre athletics track and a basement car park with 76 parking bays.
“With the resources provided, we are able to create facilities that will benefit generations of students. The purpose is only one thing — for the good of the people of Sarawak,” he said.
Poh stressed that schools are more than physical buildings, describing them as places where lifelong friendships are formed and values are nurtured.
“School prepares the young for responsibility, leadership, teamwork, respect, perseverance, creativity and service to society,” he said.
He added that schools also play a vital role in fostering harmony among people of different races, cultures and faiths, helping to build a united and progressive Sarawak.
“This is our St Joseph’s legacy that we will pass on to future generations of anak-anak Sarawak,” he said.
The ceremony marked a new chapter for the St Joseph’s family of schools as it continues its mission of educational excellence while preserving the values and traditions that have defined the institution for more than a century. — DayakDaily
