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Education Symposium A Symposium entitled ‘Mission Schools - Meeting the Needs of the Nation’ was held on Saturday, 16 August 2008 at the Methodist College, Kuala Lumpur. It was organized by the Malayan Christian Schools Council (MCSC) of which the Diocese of West Malaysia is a member. Other members of the Council are the Brethren, Roman Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian. The event attracted a hundred and nineteen participants from all over the country. They comprised Members of the Clergy, Heads of Schools, Teachers, Educationists, School and Mission Administrators, and Members of School Boards of Governors and Managers, Parent-Teacher Associations and School Alumni. Representing the Diocese of W. Malaysia were Bishop Ng Moon Hing, Mrs. Glo Rajendran, Mr. David Joseph, Rev Lee Kon Yim, Mr. Chay Yew Choon (Principal of St. David’s, Malacca), Miss Goh Hai Bee (Principal of St. Mary’s Secondary School, Kuala Lumpur) and Mrs. Susila Packianathan (Education Secretary for Anglican Mission Schools). · Explore how Boards of Governors, PTAs, Alumni, Heads of Schools and other stakeholders can work together and realize their commitment and responsibilities to meet the needs of the nation. · Provide a platform for educators to learn from each other on how to maintain the quality and prestige of mission schools and teachers · Explore how mission schools can exert a positive influence on society · Revisit the spirit of the founding missionaries of our mission schools. The programme began at 9.30 a.m. with an Opening Prayer said by Bishop Ng Moon Hing. This was followed by a Paper delivered by Miss Yin Kam Yoke, Honorary Secretary of the MCSC, entitled: ‘Mission Schools: Current Status and Issues’. Matters espoused were the sacrifices made by early missionaries and the community in founding mission schools and the ensuing struggles with regard to land leases, maintenance, basic furniture, issues and the principle of maximum consultation in the appointment of heads of schools. Appeals made were summarily reflective of the memorandum dated 13.02.2008 sent to Dato Seri Hishamuddin bin Tun Hussein Onn by the MCSC: The next item in the programme was a Forum moderated by Mrs. Gloriosa Rajendran. Panellists constituted illustrious members from the academic and socioeconomic domains, namely Dr. Lim Teck Ghee, Dr. Patricia Martinez and Mr. Goh Keat Seng. They spoke animatedly, informatively and anecdotally of the impact mission schools have had in influencing and fulfilling national policies and spiritual needs. Next on the agenda was the launch of a promotional resource: Teaching as a Vocation and Mission. It was a short video clip featuring educationists and teachers testifying to the joy they have found in the profession. After lunch came the Workshops. Seven workshops were run concurrently and participants attended the one they had selected upon registration. The parallel sessions held are listed below:
The participants then came back together for a plenary session on the workshops facilitated by Mr. A.R. Peter. At about 4.30 p.m., the eagerly awaited guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Education YB Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong arrived. He brought cheer to the audience when he declared, among other assurances, that the Ministry:
The symposium was brought to a closure by the Chairman, Mr. Yap Kok Keong. Bearing in mind the invaluable contribution of mission schools by way of fostering racial integration and character building, he hoped that the government would continue to lend support in cultivating the influence of mission schools. Note: Full texts of speeches and video clips of the symposium are available at: www.assuntaalumni.com Reported by Mrs. Susila Packianathan |
