KUALA LANGAT: Excitement filled the air at SK Saujana Putra, as pupils returned to school for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For some, it was the joy of reuniting with old friends, learning new stuff in class and embracing new academic goals.
Siblings Danish Rayyan Nor Hafizan, 11, and Dhiana Nur Elena Nor Hafizan, 10, were overjoyed to see their friends again after the four-week school holiday.
The pupils, who will each be in Years Four and Five this year, said they felt nervous, yet excited, and could not wait to start their lessons.
“If there is going to be a new pupil joining us this year, I can’t wait to meet him or her, and see if I can expand my friend group,” said Danish Rayyan.
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Sarvesh Arul Mohan said he made sure he had breakfast before arriving at school to help him maintain his focus in class.
“My mother prepared a slice of bread with some kaya (coconut jam) for me this morning, and I ate it alongside a cup of Milo.
“She said I had to eat well so I can stay focused in class, and I think that is very important for everyone going to school,” he said.
Khayla Keisha Mohd Nizam, 11, was most excited about achieving new goals this year by enhancing her skills in mathematics and pushing herself to try new extracurricular activities.
“I am also excited to join the badminton club this year because most of my friends will be joining it,” she said.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek who visited the school yesterday said approximately five million students nationwide started their new school session on Sunday for Group A states and yesterday for Group B states.
Group A comprises Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, while the states in Group B are Selangor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and the three Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
She said 3.6 million students – from pre-school to Form Five – are from group B, including 927,528 in Selangor, while about 1.4 million are in Group A.
Fadhlina also said that there are more Year One pupils and Form One students starting school this year.
She said of the total, 466,799 pupils are enrolled into Year One, while 478,594 students enrolled into Form One.
Schools in Selangor have the highest number of Year One pupils, totalling more than 97,000, while approximately 91,000 students are in Form One this year, she added.
“Overall, the enrolment of Year One pupils is high, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to ensure our children receive the best possible form of education,” she said.
She also said classes would need to be adjusted to accommodate the growing number of students, including reorganising them if necessary.
She added that it was the responsibility of the District Education Offices and State Education Departments to prevent overcrowded classrooms and ensure a comfortable and conducive learning environment.
On another matter, Fadhlina said school canteens will operate throughout the month of Ramadan, which begins today, for the benefit of non-Muslim students.
“Canteens must remain in operation.
“There needs to be awareness and respect for the needs of non-Muslim students as well.
“The process of teaching respect and mutual understanding between each other is crucial during the holy month of Ramadan,” she said, adding that teachers would have the experience to manage any issues arising.
