For the second time, on March 26, 2021, an exciting and fun event is to be held among the four schools named after St Joseph in Kuching – Josephian Day. It will be different this year with the new normal precipitated by the virus Covid-19; the event will be virtual.
This event also marks a meaningful and memorable culmination in the restoration of the historical Mill Hill Blocks of SMK St Joseph. The completion which is due at the end of April is made possible by the RM2.5 million grant given by the state government and the RM1.5 million contributions by the ex-Josephians as well as the present students. The timely grant was expedited by Old Boy, YB Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Art, Youth and Sports in an effort to ensure that the project completes on time for the reopening of the school. He has speedily approached another Old Boy, the Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg to discuss the matter at hand and thereafter, to act promptly on it.
The titular event spells out communal effort and participation by all students, parents, alumni and teachers of the four schools, namely SMK St Joseph, St Joseph’s Private Primary School, St Joseph’s Private Secondary School and St Joseph`s International School. They will gather virtually for a line-up of pre-recorded performances and many interesting activities.
There will be a live telecast of some activities in school because students are physically in school in the primary and international schools. Of course, strict SOP will be followed in these activities. However, most of the activities will be in the form of pre-recorded videos. As all secondary school students are learning from home at this time, they can participate in the comfort of their home.
Students and the public can also take part in online games, competitions, quizzes, various virtual challenges, etc. Links to the games can be found on this webpage: https://stjosephkuching.edu.my/josephian-day/
The online event is honored with the appearance of prominent alumni, for example, Yang Berhormat Prof Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, the Minister of Local Government Sarawak, who is also the President of the Old Josephians’ Association (OJA). OJA has generously sponsored the prizes for the online games. Another illustrious alumnus is Archbishop Simon Poh, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching. He will officiate the blessing of the new Prayer Room of St Joseph`s Private Primary School on that day.
A segment on the on-going renovation of the Mill Hill Block and a video on the history of school will also be featured. The on-going restoration and renovation are indeed an opportune preparation for next year’s celebration of the 140th anniversary of St Joseph’s School.
As with any event, food plays an important role. Since most students will be at home, food can be ordered online and delivered. Grab Food has graciously sponsored some promo codes just for that day and these will be announced during the live telecast.
Josephian Day 2021