| Hakim Hayat and Izah Azahari |
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam brought cheers to Jerudong International School (JIS) yesterday as they graced His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel’s Year 6 graduation ceremony.
The event was organised by JIS Junior School at the JIS Arts Centre where Their Majesties were greeted on arrival by Minister of Finance II and Chairman of JIS Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah; JIS Board of Directors members – Deputy Minister of Education Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad and Datin Paduka Magdalene Chong; JIS Principal Barnaby Sandow and senior members of the school.
Also present at the ceremony was Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah who is currently in Year 5 in the school.
The Year 6 graduation ceremony was led by the Year 6 graduating students who each spoke at some stage of the event with students sharing with the audience their favourite memories in Junior School.
The event was enlivened by poem recitations by Wa’iz, Iman, Sakhawi and Yi Hui, a memorable photo montage and music performances, namely Chanson Napoliante on the trumpet by Caitlyn, Prelude by Yi Hui and Jordan accompanied by the Foundation Strings and All is Calm by Melodee on the piano.
Head of Junior School Paul Bannister gave closing remarks, followed by the graduating students singing a rendition of the popular hit Hall of Fame.
Following the ceremony, Their Majesties took a closer look at the creative artworks displayed by JIS students at the foyer of the JIS Arts Centre. Their Majesties later went on separate tours of the Junior School campus.
His Majesty visited the classrooms of His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, where the monarch met their classmates and teachers during a classroom session.
His Majesty, who takes a keen interest in the development of education in the country, was seen happily interacting with students who proudly explained and showed their work while in their learning sessions.
His Majesty also visited the classrooms His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah will study in for the new academic year which starts in August.
Meanwhile, Her Majesty enjoyed meeting early years students aged two-four years from the JIS Nursery and Kindergarten classes.
At the end of their visit, Their Majesties were greeted by students from the Junior School and class teachers.
With His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel graduating Junior School, His Royal Highness will be entering Year 7 of the JIS Middle Years, joining 132 other students in August.
On Their Majesties’ visit, JIS Principal Barnaby Sandow said, “Everyone at JIS is tremendously proud and honoured to have Their Majesties joining us today.”
JIS was established in 1997 and currently has around 1,650 international and Bruneian students aged two-19 years. Students study the British International Curriculum from age two. From 14-16 years, students study the I/GCSE programmes. Senior students may choose between the ‘A’ Level programme and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for their pre-university course.