Heads of Private Methodist Schools Consultation

The Methodist Church runs five private schools (in Ipoh, KL, Klang, Seremban and Melaka) and the Methodist College Kuala Lumpur in Peninsular Malaysia. The heads of these institutions came together on 9 October for a one day consultation organized by the Council of Education (Peninsular Malaysia). Mrs Judy Wong, Principal of Institute Methodist Pilley, Sibu was also invited to this gathering with the theme, "Provision of Christian Holistic Education in our Private Methodist Schools."

At an earlier Planning Retreat on Methodist Education the vision of "impacting lives and nation for Christ through holistic education" was adopted. In relation to our private institutions, Miss Yin Kam Yoke, the Education Secretary, explained how our Methodist Private Schools should exhibit characteristics of a Christian school. These include:

• Provision of chapel services and inclusion of Bible Knowledge within the timetable.
• The establishment of Christian uniformed bodies, Christian Fellowships and other Christian elements.
• A Christian identity and adherence to Christian principles in administration and management.

Earlier, Rev. Hwa Jen shared a devotion based on Psalm 19. From it he highlighted that holistic education includes the spiritual aspect as an important component. Created nature and the Law of God give us knowledge of God. Holistic education is to recover this and the inner consciousness, to inculcate moral courage, to love God, self and neighbours.

Dr. Seow Siew Hua, Principal of Sri Pelita School, Penang shared on the teaching of social emotional learning as one aspect of holistic education. This struck a chord with the principals there. Why teach social emotional learning? So that youths can,

• Recognize and manage their emotions (love/passion, fear, anger, anxiety, etc.)
• Care about others and develop positive relationships
• Make good decisions
• Behave ethically
• Avoid negative behaviour

The ultimate aim:
Our youths who can manage their emotions will become strong spiritual leaders.

The day was also given to establishing a closer link between the different institutions. Miss Moey Yoke Lai, CEO of MCKL, appealed to the heads to direct their students for 'A Levels' and AUSMAT (Australian Matriculation) to the College.

She also held discussions with Mrs Judy Wong on cooperation and linkages between their respective institutions.

These are steps towards making Methodist Education once again a positive contribution to quality and excellence in our nation.

Based on the report by
Miss Yin Kam Yoke
Education Secretary
Council of Education (P)