Pride and joy: SXI students holding the giant Jalur Gemilang before it is hoisted onto the school’s main flagpole. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: A massive Jalur Gemilang now flies proudly at St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) in Lebuh Farquhar symbolising national pride as the school prepares to mark Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Measuring 2.7m by 5.5m, the flag was hoisted on the school’s main flagpole in a ceremony yesterday by students from the school’s Malaysian Combined Cadet Force while others sang the national anthem.
School senior counsellor James Koay, 59, said the flag was raised as Penang will be hosting this year’s national-level Malaysia Day celebration.
“It was in 2017 when we last raised a giant flag.
“This flag celebrates the day our country of diversity came together as one nation and also marks a milestone for the school with the appointment of our first female principal in 172 years,” he said.
The school’s new principal, Janestanstein Stephen, 55, who took office on Aug 18, said the initiative was aimed at instilling patriotism among the 1,400 students.
“Parents are leaving it to schools to nurture the spirit of patriotism.
“With students from various ethnic and state backgrounds, the Jalur Gemilang reinforces unity and love for the country,” she said.
She added that the SXI brass band participated in the state-level National Day parade in Batu Kawan on Aug 31.
But there will be no additional programmes on Malaysia Day as it falls during the school holidays.
Alongside the giant flag, three smaller ones – Jalur Gemilang, Penang state flag and the school flag – will continue to be flown daily at the assembly ground.
The giant Jalur Gemilang will remain hoisted until after Malaysia Day.
Malaysia Day marks the formation of Malaysia in 1963 when Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak came together as one nation.
It honours the unity and diversity of the federation, distinct from National Day which commemorates independence in 1957 for Malaya.
Celebrations include official ceremonies, cultural performances, parades and community events across the country, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
This year, the national-level Malaysia Day celebration will be held at the PICCA @ Butterworth Arena Convention Centre.
