KUCHING: The Association of Wives of Ministers and Assistant Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati) yesterday donated RM50,000 to SMK St. Teresa to help it rebuild the school hall that was engulfed by fire last year.
The cheque presentation ceremony was held at the school; President of Sabati and wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Amar Dato Hajjah Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang handed over the donation to the Principal of the school, Mary John Duncan.
Prior to the presentation ceremony, Mary told Juma’ani and other Sabati members who were present that a total of RM6.1 million was needed for the rebuilding of the school.
“Inclusive of the donation by Sabati, as of today, we have raised a total of RM2 million. The total estimated cost of the project is RM8.2 million.
“To initiate the first phase of construction, tentatively in May, we need about RM3.5 million. If all goes well, the first phase will be completed by the end of this year.
“For phase two, RM4.6 million will be needed and construction should start in August this year. Construction work will continue until December, 2018 or latest by early 2019.”
Phase 1, according to Mary, covers the construction of the administration and classroom block which will house the staff room, library, science labs and classrooms.
Phase 2 covers the construction of the multipurpose hall block which will house the surau, Brass Band room, chapel and the multipurpose hall itself.
Both blocks will be three-storey buildings and green elements such as rainwater harvesting facilities, energy saving lighting and a garden are also incorporated. The old St. Teresa facade will be replicated to preserve its classic look.
Mary revealed that the Form One classes had been reduced starting from this year as the school did not have enough classrooms to accommodate many students.
Students from schools such as SK Merpati Jepang and SK Rakyat Bolhassan have been transferred to SMK Green Road and SMK St. Mary respectively.
Currently, the school houses 1,000 students compared to 1,200 previously.
“When both buildings are fully completed, the old building will be given back to the convent fully, for the Sisters to utilise,” added Mary.
Also present during the cheque presentation ceremony was the Assistant Minister of Early Childhood Education and Family Development, Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
