SEREMBAN: SK St Paul, a school with a rich history spanning 125 years, has welcomed a significant change as it opens its doors to female pupils for the first time in its history.
The school’s Board of Governors chairman, Dr Mahadevan Deva Tata, said the admission of the 10 girls yesterday had been an initiative long sought due to the declining number of pupils over the past five years.
“Usually, there are over 100 Year One pupils, but for the past five years, it has decreased to about 70.
“So, the former headmaster wanted us to do something because we don’t want this school to close down due to a lack of pupils. We need to make changes before the situation worsens.
“Most parents who sent their daughters here also have sons studying in this school.
“Many want to register for Years Two and Three, but we are only accepting Year One for now,” he said when met by reporters here yesterday.
Headmistress E. Margret said girls account for about 10% of the 102 Year One pupils this year, but their percentage is expected to increase in the future, Bernama reported.
“We want changes for their future success; today, I see them happy and excited to come to school.
“There are no objections from parents; our goal is to increase the number of pupils in this school,” she added.
Year One pupil Ashley Vianna Mattheus said she was excited to attend school to meet new friends.
“I woke up at 6am. I ate breakfast before my father dropped me off at school. I am a bit nervous because it’s a new school session, but I’m glad to meet many friends,” said the seven-year-old.
Negri Sembilan Education director Datuk Dr Roslan Hussin said 174,110 primary and secondary school students started the new school session in the state on Monday.
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