When the BEST is NOT GOOD enough
Congratulations STAR. Finally we made it!
However, being one of the High Performance Schools is just recognition by the Ministry in terms of monetary support. What is important is with the extra budget we strive to become the BEST school in Malaysia.
Reading about SK Ulu Lubai’s achievements is nothing compared to our achievements. I’ve got a chance to visit this school en-route to a Penan and Kelabit’s resettlement village of Long Napir, about 60km deeper into the Sarawak Rainforest.
However, SK Ulu Lubai is not the most remote school in Sarawak. SK Long Napir, with 39 students holds that record. However, being in both schools, I can sense the commitment of the students, teachers and parents of SK Ulu Lubai compared to SK Long Napir. This school wants to achieve greatness.
These schools are also the feeder schools for the most remote secondary school in Malaysia – SMK Ulu Mengdamit which is located a bit up river from SK Ulu Lubai but about 2-3 hours (uncomfortable) drive from Long Napir. The Principal, Mr. Christopher Kelabit (an Old Putera) is proud of his achievements. After 2 years there, he managed to produce the 1st Penan University student. (now that is what i call greatness)
STAR is lucky; the students are chosen among the best students in Malaysia based on their UPSR results. No other schools can boast of having 3 rugby/football pitches and I was told by a friend of mine that our ground is the best oval for cricket in Perak.
The infrastructure is there. What we need now is the commitment from the students, teachers, parents and us, the old boys to guide the school towards greater achievements. We want STAR to be known as a school that produce all rounder students and great leaders.
To be one of the best 43 schools in Malaysia is just not good enough. We want to be the best of the best ... number ONE ... Nombor SATU ... TOP of the pyramid.
In order to achieve greatness we need to be innovative. Please do not stop. Please don't think that we're there. We are now playing catch-up.
So ... are we ready for the challenge?