PTA questions school being listed as disciplinary ‘hotspot’
KUCHING: The SMK Sungai Tapang parent-teacher association (PTA) has questioned why the school was listed as one of 402 disciplinary ‘hotspots’ nationwide.
The leaked list from the Ministry of Education, which was published by the New Straits Times on Thursday, quickly went viral online.
“This list is clearly untrue as for the past 10 years, this school has been the focus of so many parents, who wish to send their children to study here,” said the PTA.
The statement pointed out that SMK Sungai Tapang is among the top 10 national-type secondary schools nationwide and the only Sarawak school to have International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Authorisation recognition (www. ibo.org/programmes).
It called the ministry’s list “a shock and disappointment” that failed to paint a true picture of the school.
“Each year, SMK Sungai Tapang receives numerous awards both academically and via co-curricular activities. Besides that, SMK Sungai Tapang has become the point of reference and benchmarking for outsiders, who came relentlessly to this school, be it from the state Education Office or even the Ministry of Education,” said the statement.
The statement said principal Bekon Jenet is often invited to share how he turned a once laidback and sleepy school around.
The PTA said it felt a responsibility to defend the school as the ministry’s list tarnished its good image, and put the reputation of the teachers, parents and students into question.
“Had SMK Sungai Tapang been riddled with so many disciplinary issues, we would not have wanted to send our children here as this means that it is not a conducive place to study,” said the statement.
The PTA called on the relevant parties to conduct a proper empirical study in a fair manner before coming to a conclusion that could jeopardise the school’s image and dignity.
It also invited all parties to go to SMK Sungai Tapang during school hours between 5.45am and 2.30pm to experience for themselves what the school is like.