It was a joyous occasion when St. George's School, Bandar Seri Begawan held their kindergarten graduation and merit awards on 20 November 2015 at the Multipurpose Hall, Fire and Rescue Department, Old Airport in Berakas. The occasion was to celebrate the completion of the kindergarten education program for the 63 Kindergarten 3 pupils before their commencement to the primary school education program. A total of 86 Merit awardees were also recognized for their academic achievement in school based examinations, co-curricular activities and leadership qualities.
Dayang Nadia Lee Siew Hoon Binti Abdullah, the Acting Director of Schools Inspectorate, Ministry of Education, was the guest of honour while the principal of St. George's School, Janidi Jingan, delivered his welcome address. Also in attendance was Anthony Liew Vun Chiang, the Chairman of the School Board of Governors who was also one of the presenters of the awards.
In his welcome speech, Principal Janidi Jingan stated, "Graduation is a time for celebration and triumph, and marks the end of one phase and the beginning of the next phase of education. It is also a special day that marks an important milestone in a person's life." The principal congratulated the 63 Kindergarten pupils with these kind words, "To these children, each day we plant tiny seeds of love, kindness, dedication and tender care. We provide them with knowledge, character, and self-confidence with strong values and beliefs, so they can bloom with creativity, curiosity and intelligence." He reiterated that over the past three years, their compassionate and dedicated kindergarten teachers have given them the nutrients of knowledge, character, creativity, curiosity and intelligence. They have been nurtured, guided and equipped with the necessary skills in preparation for their primary school education. The principal promised that teachers of St. George's School would continue to nurture these fine young boys and girls as long as they are at St. George's School.
Also in his speech, Principal Janidi Jingan said, "At St. George's School, we encourage our students to challenge themselves intellectually and physically. We take pride and give special emphasis on the achievements of our students by creating a positively competitive environment, thereby making them recognize the value of hard work. We are committed in instilling the passion for learning, and also the moral, social and cultural values to our students. We aim, in the words of our school's Vision Statement, to strive to become an excellent and reputable centre of learning."
In celebrating the achievements of the students, academic merit awards were presented to 72 students, from the Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary School, who achieved excellent results in their examinations and 5 primary school students received the 'Cemerlang Dalam Matapelajaran Pengetahuan Ugama Islam' merit award. Co-curricular activities merit awards were also presented to 5 outstanding students who represented the school and won in various co-curricular competitions. Dominic Cayetano Santomin of Year 10B won a silver medal in Shot Put (above 15 boys) and Lavinia Christabel Manacap of Year 9B won a bronze medal in Shot Put (under 15 girls). Both competed in the Brunei National Inter-School Athletics competition for Secondary Schools and Colleges 2015 organized by the Ministry of Co-Curricular Department. Kon Yee Hung of Year 9A won the silver medal in the under 15 boys singles category in the Brunei National Inter School Badminton competition for Secondary Schools and Colleges 2015. The fifth recipient was Sandra Joyce Joseph of Year 7B for her invaluable commitment to the Cooking Club in 2015.
The Leadership Awards were also presented to the four out-going student leaders; head boy Nathan Lim Lian Chun, assistant head boy R Mathan Charkkravarthy, head girl Alexandra Jacklya bt Dakius and assistant head girl Geena Roslyna.
The graduation and awards presentation ceremony also saw performances by the graduating pupils, and the Kindergarten 1 and 2 pupils. An active and engaging modern dance number by both the primary and secondary students further entertained the enthusiastic audience.
Before the ceremony came to an end, four representatives from Kindergarten 3 delivered a speech to thank their dedicated and loving teachers. The joyous and meaningful ceremony ended with the graduation song, Tomorrow, by the Kindergarten 3 graduates.
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