By Fr Francis Lim, SJ
KUCHING — On 22 December, teachers from both SK St Joseph and St Joseph’s Private Primary School were on hand to witness the official handing back of the school building along Jalan Were, Kuching, by the outgoing Headmaster of SK St Joseph, Richard Kawi to the Archbishop of Kuching, Simon Poh.
An official letter addressed to the Director of Sarawak Education Department with the historic date of 22 December 2020 to designate the handing back of the school building, was presented by Archbishop Simon Poh to Richard Kawi. In his letter to the Director, the Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Education Department and the Ministry of Education Malaysia, for having provided quality education through SK St Joseph since 1963. Archbishop Simon Poh also thanked Richard Kawi, teachers and staff who have served in the school.
Archbishop Simon Poh said: “I have fond memories of having studied in this school in 1970–1975. Today with gratitude, I still hold this school in my heart for the educational opportunities and formation that I have received. Likewise, I invite all teachers who have taught at SK St Joseph to keep the wonderful memory during their time of service in the school.”
SK St Joseph stopped receiving Primary One students in 2015. The last cohort of Primary Six students studying in SK St Joseph completed their primary education on 18 December 18 2020. Over the years since 2015, St Joseph’s Private Primary School has been using parts of the building for their classes.
“I am confident that with the handing over of the premises, St Joseph’s Private Primary School will continue to educate the young and to ensure that the Josephian Spirit will continue to live on with the School,” Archbishop Simon Poh said.
Also present to witness the handing back of the school building were the chairperson of the Parent-Teacher Association of SK St Joseph, Khairuddin bin Abdul Kadir, Senior Assistant of SK St Joseph, Roseline Ak Rongi, Headmistress of St Joseph’s Private Primary School, Shirley Chong, and the CEO of St Joseph’s Family of Schools, Christopher Chua.
