Malaysiakini, 12 Feb 2010.
The 105 year-old SMK Canossa Convent Melaka stands majestically by the side of the sea in Portuguese Settlement. Its proud history has continuously bred students of exceptional caliber. The school volleyball team was the state champions many years in a row. Not to mention, many of the school’s squash players, swimmers, rhythmic gymnasts and tae kwan doe exponents went on to represent the states and have won many accolades and awards. I remembered participating in the Malacca Drama Competition and we were champions for many years as well.
However, the façade of the school has seen its hey days. The school’s building suffered significant structural defects which threatened the safety of the students. In 2007, a freak storm blew off the roof of one of its main building. But it was all taken in good stride by the school as the teachers and students believe that as long as they give their best, God will provide the rest.
Heeding the call for help, donations came in from far and wide. Even the state government took note of the school’s condition and provided some funds to give the school buildings a new coat of paint.
Three years down the road, SMK Canossa Convent has at least restored some portion of its past pride. All along its history, the school has always maintained a ‘no child left behind’ policy. Some of its students might not be able to excel academically compared with other elite schools but traditionally, the school has never failed to instill the sense of confidence and worthiness in its students. Teach a woman to fish and she will provide for the community. Educate a woman and she will educate a nation. Many of its students are now the pillars of the nation.
Wayward students are given a sense of hope, a light at the end of their tunnel. The dedicated teachers have always treated the students as their own child. Delinquent students are given care and love and support to help them turn over a new leaf. Poor and under privileged students were given financial assistance by the school to provide for their schooling needs. Food, clothing, extra classes etc were given voluntarily by the teachers and students to help those in need. The school seeks to provide holistic education for its students. Nothing is too difficult or impossible for the students to achieve.
Today, the school has once again made a call for help to good Samaritans out there. For the past ten years, the tables and chairs used by the school students, were used tables and chairs donated by other schools. They have seen better days and are in need of replacement. The walkway leading to the school canteen has now turned to be quite hazardous for the students especially during rainy days. The school’s science labs are really ancient and badly needed to be upgraded to meet the safety requirement of the Education Ministry. On top of that, due to its age, the school’s wiring and piping need to be replaced before any untoward incidents might happen which threaten the safety of the students.
Not to mention, part of the school buildings suffer a leaking roof and we can’t possibly wait for another freak thunderstorm to happen for the authorities to sit up and take note of the school’s condition, can we?
In order to reach out further to meet the needs of the community and its students, the school hope that its call for help will touch the heart string of fellow Malaysians.
It is not an easy task having to stretch one’s hand to ask for handouts. But rest assured, SMK Canossa Convent Melaka’s students will remember those who have helped them in time of needs and later, somewhere along the journey of their life, they will pay it forward to those in need.
Karen Lee Huey Shyan
Tel : 017-8810246
Email : karenleehs@yahoo.com
SMK Canossa Convent Melaka is organizing a 105th Anniversary Charity Dinner 2010 with details below:
105th Anniversary Charity Dinner 2010
“Because of You”
3 July 2010, Saturday
Pay Fong Middle School Hall, Melaka
7.00 pm
All contributions / cheques can be made to:
SM CANOSSA CONVENT FUNDS A/C
3099092711
Public Bank , Jln Laksamana, 75000 Melaka
Please contact Pn.. Doris Teo (016 2055780), Pn.Lee Siew Len (012 6186770), Pn. Christina Ng
(012 3927970), Mrs Chee (The Principal)(012 – 6218909), Email: siokhoon.chin@gmail.com or phone 06-2822522 for further information.
Former students of the school can join other ex Canossians at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2492083067&ref=mf or
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canossaconventmalacca/ (Alumnae)
