Final Chapter Of St Michael's School
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - Yesterday marked the final chapter of St Michael's School as it closed its doors after 51 years of serving Seria students.

The last prize presentation was held for 38 outstanding students, from primary one to upper sixth form. Report books were also handed to all students.

Principal Vincent Sumping delivered a heartfelt speech during the ceremony, thanking parents for their tremendous support.

"Please do not take this day as a sad day; take it as a positive step forward, and I am sure your children - they've got a good foundation - will go to another school and do well."

Sumping also noted success stories of the school including taking a mature student, who had been rejected by other schools for disciplinary problems, under its wings, adding that considering the student had been absent from school from quite some time, he showed tremendous improvement in his studies, most notably in his PSR examinations.

"These are success stories; all different but share common characteristics. St Michael's School gave them a chance. If not for the scholarships, they would not have studied here... they received tremendous guidance from our teachers and I would like to salute to our teachers this morning. Well done."

He also said, "I have been a principal here for seven years. Over the years, I have seen some amazing things... The greatest education that we have seen is the development of another human, being, and we don't see our students as mere statistics but living beings who need to be nurtured to succeed." To conclude his speech, Sumping urged students to be on their best behaviour in other schools next year, and to remember that St Michael's School has and will always be a part of them.

Meanwhile, present as chief guests at the ceremony were director of St Michael's and St Angela's schools Fay Sim and chairman of the school's board of Governors Andrew Wong.

On September 27 this year, the school's board members announced the shutdown of the school, citing staggering decrease in students and financial difficulties as the main reasons of closure. Learning equipment such as computers will be handed over to St Angela's School. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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