The 105-year-old SMK Canossa Convent Melaka stands majestically by the side of the sea in the Portuguese Settlement. Its proud history has continuously bred students of exceptional calibre.

The school volleyball team was the state champions many years in a row. Not to mention many of the school’s squash players, swimmers, rhythmic gymnasts and tae kwan doe exponents who went on to represent the state and have won many accolades and awards.

I remember participating in the Malacca Drama Competition and we were champions for many years as well. However, the fa ç ade of the school has seen better days. The school’s building suffered significant structural defects which threatened the safety of the students.

In 2007, a freak storm blew off the roof of one of the main buildings. But it was all taken in good stride by the school as the teachers and students believed that as long as they gave their best, God will provide the rest.

Heeding the call for help, donations came in from far and wide. Even the state government took note of the school’s condition and provided some funds to give the school buildings a new coat of paint.

Three years down the road, SMK Canossa Convent has at least restored some portion of its past pride. All along its history, the school has always maintained a ‘No child left behind’ policy. Some of its students might not be able to excel academically compared to other elite schools but traditionally, the school has never failed to instill a sense of confidence and worthiness in its students.

Teach a woman to fish and she will provide for the community. Educate a woman and she will educate a nation. Many of its students are now the pillars of the nation. Wayward students are given a sense of hope, a light at the end of their tunnel. The dedicated teachers have always treated the students as their own children. Delinquent students are given care, love and support to help them turn over a new leaf.

The Poor and underprivileged students were given financial assistance by the school to provide for their schooling needs. Food, clothing, extra classes etc, were given voluntarily by the teachers and students to help those in need. The school seeks to provide a holistic education for its students. Nothing is too difficult or impossible for the students to achieve.

Today, the school is once again making a call for help to all good Samaritans out there. For the past ten years, the tables and chairs used by the school students were donated by other schools. They have seen better days and are in need of replacements. The walkway leading to the school canteen is now quite hazardous for the students especially during rainy days.

The school’s science labs are really ancient and badly need to be upgraded to meet the safety requirements of the education ministry. On top of that, due to their age, the school’s wiring and piping systems need to be replaced before any untoward incidents happen which threaten the safety of the students.

Not to mention that part of the school buildings suffer leaking roofs. We can’t possibly wait for another freak thunderstorm to happen for the authorities to sit up and take note of the school’s condition, can we?

In order to reach out further to meet the needs of the community and its students, the school hopes that this call for help will touch the heartstrings of all fellow Malaysians.

It is not an easy task having to stretch one’s hand out to ask for handouts. But rest assured, SMK Canossa Convent Melaka’s students will remember those who have helped them in time of need and later, somewhere along the journey of their life, they will pay in return to those in need.

SMK Canossa Convent Melaka is organising its 105th Anniversary Charity Dinner 2010 with details below:

105th Anniversary Charity Dinner 2010 - ‘Because of You’

7 pm, July, 3 2010, Saturday

Pay Fong Middle School Hall, Melaka

Contributions/cheques are most welcome. Please contact Pn Doris Teo (016 2055780), Pn Lee Siew Len (012 6186770), Pn Christina Ng (012 3927970), Mrs Chee (the Principal - 012 – 6218909)

or e-mail: siokhoon.chin@gmail.com   or phone 06-282 2522 for further information.

Former students of the school can join other ex-Canossians here and here .