SINCE moving to Masai, Johor Baru from Tangkak three years ago, SJK(C) Ladang Grisek has always had more non-Chinese students.
Its principal, Goh Sew Chyn, said that 63% of the 770 students currently enrolled in the school consisted of Malay, Indian, Iban and Kadazan communities. Pupils from Sabah and Sarawak make up almost half of the school’s 283 Chinese students, probably because Pasir Gudang has a sizeable population from the Borneo states.
From what parents tell me, they choose to send their children here because they get the impression that Chinese vernacular schools emphasize discipline more. They also want their children to learn a new language to gain a competitive advantage in the future.
No matter what the reason, we always welcome every student with open arms, he told StarMetro. Goh said that due to the large Muslim population at the school, a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration was recently held, complete with a karaoke contest and fashion show.
The activities were very well received by students and teachers. At the same time, we ran a video contest where students enlisted the help of their family to produce a video of them doing a dance or holiday greeting, which also helped promote better family bonding.
I think the event also allowed students to better understand each other’s culture and practices as we host major annual celebrations such as Chinese New Year and Deepavali,” he added.
Goh also said that the increasing number of enrollments had led to a lack of space at the school. The Year One slots for the upcoming school year have been filled and there are around 30 names on the waiting list, he said, adding that there are five classes each for Year One and Year Two, four classes each for Year One. three and fourth year; another five for year five and year six; and a special education class Pendidikan Khas.
Meanwhile, the school’s principal, Ang Tun Chek, said a fundraising dinner will be held in its multipurpose room on June 16 in conjunction with the 70th anniversary celebration.
Its goal is to raise RM150,000 from 80 tables to upgrade the school’s facilities such as the library, music room, art room, three smart classrooms and the infirmary, and install CCTV cameras and fans in the multipurpose room.
Our students will be performing at the event and we hope that all parents and members of the public can join in the celebration,” said Ang, who is also chair of the event’s organizing committee.
Since the school has a good mix of students, we hope the non-Chinese community will also show support as the school is subsidized by the government and has limited budget allocations to maintain and improve school facilities,” he said, stressing it requires the community effort to ensure that the school runs smoothly.
SJK (C) Ladang Grisek opened its doors on March 1, 2020, serving students from Kota Masai, Taman Scientex and Taman Nusa Damai.
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