Go! Go! Graduating Class of 2024!

By Dayang Arifa Zaheen Binti Abang Asmadi

KUCHING — On 15 November 2024 (Friday), St Joseph’s International School (SJIS) held its annual graduation ceremony for its 2024 batches of students for Year 11 and Year 13 at Borneo Cultures Museum. It was the very first time the momentous event was held outside of school, attended by students, teachers, staff, family members of the graduates and a few VIP guests.

The international school, managed by the Marist Brothers, an international religious community of Catholic Brothers, first opened its doors to a small batch of students in the year 2017. Since then, the school’s population has grown to over 300 students, with batches of Year 11 and Year 13 students graduating each year.

Previously, all graduation ceremonies of the school were held within the school itself. However, with the growing student population over the years, the school management decided to take a chance at its first ever graduation ceremony outside of school.

The Graduation Mass was presided by Father Felix Au who represented His Grace, Archbishop Simon Poh, the Chairman of the Board of Directors. All graduates received their blessings at the Mass, upholding the school’s religious traditions and encouraging the students to forever remember God’s graces.

The graduation ceremony came after, with VIP guests – Mr Christopher Chua Boon Hua, Chief Executive Officer of St Joseph’s Private Schools (SJPS); Mr Ng Kim Huat, Cambridge International Country Director; Mr Thomas Huo, SJPS Teacher Training Consultant; and Br Robert Teoh FMS, Principal of SJIS – attending the event. Graduates then received their certificates of graduation, with some students winning awards such as ‘Best Student’ and the prestigious ‘Harvard Book Award’.

Next, speeches were given by batch representatives followed by a heartwarming performance sung by representatives from each graduating class. The ceremony later concluded with a photo-taking session with all the VIP guests, homeroom teachers and graduating classes.

“In school, facilities are limited whereas in proper function rooms like the one here in Borneo Cultures Museum, we think that it will be more enjoyable for the students, teachers and other guests,” said Mr Christopher Chua. “The students have done a very good job persevering through the years and we think that they deserve recognition for their hard work.”

When asked about the graduation ceremony, some students mentioned how they still could not believe that they’ve finally completed their secondary school journey. “It feels surreal,” said Evonne Wong, a Year 11 graduate who won the Harvard Book Award. “It’s the expectation that tonight I’ll go home and tomorrow I’ll go to school again.”

As for David Sim, Year 13 graduate and the Best Student award winner, said that he found the ceremony to be a highly anticipated event, calling it “a massive win”.

It is likely that the school will continue to hold the graduation ceremony outside of the school compound as it signifies a new beginning, bringing excitement and creating unforgettable memories to students, staff and guests alike.