KUCHING: Datuk Lee Kim Shin gave a grant of RM10,000 to the SMK Merbau Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) on Friday (Aug 20).
The Sarawak Transport Minister said the money would be used to assist the school in upgrading its learning and teaching facilities, namely the ‘Smart Board’.
“This will improve the quality of teaching and learning sessions (T&L) in the school, especially for Form 6 students during their hybrid T&L lessons through physical and virtual classes.”
Meanwhile, PTA chairman Dr Maurice Utap explained that the ‘Smart Board’ teaching aid was needed to support T&L lessons, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“For instance in 2020, the school used the ‘Smart Board’ so that students stranded in other areas could also participate in T&L sessions.
“Although the students are unable to physically attend classes, they are able to present their course work and adapt to distance learning.”
He also said the school’s overall Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) was outstanding for four consecutive years.
“The school recorded a CGPA of 3.02 in 2017, CGPA 3.07 in 2018, CGPA of 3.08 in 2019, and the latest CGPA of 3.09 in 2020. So far, it has recorded the best achievement in Miri District.”
He said the percentage of STPM students who successfully went on to further their studies at public universities was 73.33 per cent in 2018, 82.98 per cent in 2019, and 92.86 per cent in 2020.
The school also expressed its gratitude to Lee for allocating a fund for the purpose of repairing as well as buying 600 chairs.
Also present at the brief ceremony were principal Jumari Hashim, teachers and two STPM 2020 best students.
