More than half of the student population at this Chinese school are made up of non-Chinese.
SINCE it relocated to Masai, Johor Baru from Tangkak three years ago, SJK (C) Ladang Grisek has always had more non-Chinese pupils.
Its headmistress Goh Sew Chyn said that 63% of the 770 pupils currently enrolled in the school, consisted of Malay, Indian, Iban and Kadazan communities.
“Pupils from Sabah and Sarawak make up almost half of the 283 Chinese students at the school, probably because Pasir Gudang has a sizable population from the Borneo states.
“From what the parents tell me, they choose to send their children here as they have the impression that Chinese vernacular schools emphasised more on discipline.
“They also want their children to learn a new language to gain a competitive edge in the future.
“No matter what the reason, we always welcome all pupils with open arms,” she told StarMetro.
Goh said that due to the significant Muslim population at the school, a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration was recently held, complete with a karaoke contest and fashion show.
SJK (C) Ladang Grisek pupils during the school’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri do.
“The activities were warmly received by the pupils and teaching staff.
“At the same time, we ran a video competition where the pupils got their family’s help to produce a video of them doing a dance or festive greeting, which also helped to promote better family ties.
“I believe the event also enabled the pupils to better understand each other’s culture and practices as we organise major celebrations annually, such as Chinese New Year and Deepavali,” she added.
Goh also said the increasing number of enrolments had led to a lack of space in the school.
“The Year One seats for the next school year have been all filled up and there are about 30 names on the waiting list,” she said, adding that there are five classes each for Year One and Year Two, four classes each for Year Three and Year Four; another five each for Year Five and Year Six; and one special education class (Pendidikan Khas).
Meanwhile, school director Ang Tun Chek said a fundraising dinner would be held at its multipurpose hall on June 16 in conjunction with its 70th anniversary celebration.
They aim 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 sick bay, and installing closed-circuit television cameras and fans in the multi-purpose hall.
“Our pupils will perform at the event and we hope all parents and members of the public can join in the celebration,” said Ang, who is also the event’s organising committee chairman.
“Since the school has a good mix of pupils, we hope the non-Chinese community will also show their support as the school is semi-government subsidised and has limited budget allocations to maintain and upgrade school facilities,” he said, stressing that it takes community effort to ensure the school is run smoothly.
SJK (C) Ladang Grisek opened its doors on March 1, 2020, and caters to pupils from Kota Masai, Taman Scientex and Taman Nusa Damai.
Those interested in the fundraiser can contact Ang (019-7720 906) or the school (07-2556 337).
