Eighty-five kindergarteners as well as Years 6 and 11 students of St James’ School were feted during a graduation ceremony on November 23 at the school premises.
Chairman of the school’s Board of Governors Ravie Tajit anak Tarang, the guest of honour, was welcomed by acting principal Joseph Beriso Sarmiento on arrival.
The acting principal highlighted the graduating students’ achievements in his speech. “We are here to celebrate all of you. In thinking about how you will move forward, with the guidance of our teachers and parents, I ask that you do so with a kind heart, a stout work ethic and a positive outlook.”
The ceremony continued with the presentation of certificates to the graduates by the guest of honour followed by performances from the graduates.
Meanwhile, 437 students of Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology (CCCT) were feted during a convocation at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall, The Empire Brunei yesterday.
The convocation was themed ‘Innovative Generation, Employable Nation’.
Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad was the guest of honour.
CCCT executive chairman Dr Aziz Latip said the graduates are sought after by organisations in the Sultanate, evident in the MoE’s recent survey report confirming the college’s “employment success rate of 86 per cent in 2022”.
Students were also encouraged to explore opportunities or seek employment overseas, Dr Aziz added.
Graduate Muhammad Othmali Harlif Adie Firdaus bin Othman who received the Academic Excellence Award in Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Business said it had not been an easy journey.
“There were challenges I had to face, especially during the pandemic. It was difficult to study without physical interaction,” he said.
He added, “However, this did not hinder collaborations among friends and classmates as we shared ideas and resources.
“We helped each other despite the physical distance. With the help of our facilitators, classes were engaging despite the challenges.”
Another graduate Mohammad Tsaqif bin Hashim, who received the Overall Performance Award in Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Creative Media Production said, “As a creative media student, I enjoy video productions, visual and audio effects, shooting, editing and behind-the-scenes work. Looking back, I can’t help but smile at the time spent working with my friends and classmates.” – Daniel Lim & Azlan Othman
