Deal !

The deal is on !
Meeting our partner in Solo City brought us complete joy for the day as we were sure we will be of help to them in the teaching of English.

Slapped in the heart of Surakarta, SMA Negeri 4 boasts of a history of more than 5 decades. SMK Seafield is only 18 years old but we were not afraid to tell our story too.

The historical pact was held at her library.

The principal of SMA Negeri 4 was grateful for the partnership as they were also looking for an international school to partner with in their quest for future development. Like us, they have to make effort for international partnership to win any credential for recognition in the local education field.
We must admit although the schools from both countries share similarities in the Malay Language and culture, there were also moments we felt we could not understand each other thoroughly. Many pauses were made to ensure what we shared was well understood. But our mission for the trip was well explained by the principal and it was understood that we wish to offer our expertise in the English Language to the school.
The rich history and culture behind the Borobudur ruins was also hoped to further enhance the history department of SMK Seafield.

Teachers and members of the PTA of both school met on this eventful day. In fact, a personnel from the local education district joined us at this inaugural meeting.

The exchange of gifts and an MOU was finally established for the next course of action. SMK Seafield will be sending a group of teachers during the Chinese New Year break to start the pact in SMA Negeri 4.

Very immediately we had a special session with the English Head of Department to gather further information about the level of English practised here. We did grasp the needs and help needed for the students... I hope so. This was important for the teachers to plan a programme for them . We hope this partnership will see a fruitful venture.

Teacher Indy will be our main contact.

Ms Tan was quick to study the content of the history taught here. She was impressed by the syllabus and hope to feed the Malaysian Ministry of Education on it when she next goes for a meeting with them.

We look forward to a meaningful time of sharing in the learning of English and History.

We also noticed the school has many feathers on their cap and the corridor reminded us of our own corridor of achievements in Seafield.

The staff room is roomy and the teachers were humble and friendly.

Similar to local schools in Malaysia, SMA N4 has rooms like the counseling room to cater to the needs of students whom they call 'siswa'.

The room is spacious and ready to offer services to students of the school.

Outside the counseling room, we saw them playing games and sharing thoughts.

The school cooperative store is manned by 'siswa-siswi' who seem very enterprising. The cooperative teacher of SMK Seafield considered it a privilege to see them in action.

A section of the library has this carpeted area for reading and learning.

The youngest delegate of the group was also quick to grasp the opportunity and while the adults were busy negotiating away, she kept herself busy by reading.

We learnt that SMA N4 has a van to themselves. It is a good idea to possess one with all the co curricular commitments of the school. The principal hastily pulled the chief of our PTA and cheekily told him that this should be the next project to work on !

Yes, perhaps it is time that SMK Seafield has a van to herself too ?

Next, we saw what we wanted for the school. A building to allow co-curricular activities to be carried out under shed in times of need. We are still working at it but the cost is huge ...

SMA N4 also has a cultural centre where cultural activities are held. Cultural dances and expressions are held here.

On another note we also noticed something we share in common, students who come late to school. Here the students were told to use another gate...

This caught my eye. The vehicle is unique as a garbage collecting device.

Outside most public schools, students gather for social activities and the food vendors are similar to ours back home.

Above everything else, we really hope something good will come out of this collaboration and the desires of both schools accomplished. This is only the beginning and we wish for a meaningful partnership in the days to come .

Mission accomplished; for the moment.