"I was so happy when I got to know I'd be reporting to SMKAM!"

The ESL Teacher
1 January, 2007

SMK AGAMA MIRI, PIASAU: LITTLE SCHOOL IN THE PRAIRIE

Even though SMKAM was a very small school (back in the good old Piasau days), the number of students who applied to enter the school increased with each passing year. That was due to the fact that SMKAM was well-known for its good-discipline as well as for its reputation for getting good results in national examinations. Plus, its strategic location (10 mins from Miri town but sheltered from the hustle and bustle of city life due to its location in the centre of the beautiful Piasau neighbourhood) made it even more attractive to parents who were very concerned about their children's well-being.

For a small school, it was very interesting to note that it managed to rival other bigger schools in certain competitions such as choral speaking, speech and softball. In fact, for many years, the school softball team managed to emerge as the winner at divisional and state level championships.

Although the school was small and lack certain modern equipment and facilities, the teachers had no problem in carrying out their lessons. That was because the students (bless their innocent hearts) were very obedient, respectful and hardworking. In fact, SMKAM teachers were always envied by other teachers because they did not face behavioural problems in the classroom. The worst crime that a student would commit in the classroom (and that was very rare) was to fall asleep at his/her desk! And that, my friend, was NOT an exaggeration.

And being a small school with only about 500 students, it was not difficult to recognize the faces and names of the students. As such, a special bond existed between the teachers and the students (I'm getting nostalgic and sentimental here so I may unintentionally exaggerate things beyond this point!). Carrying out school activities such as food sale, 'gotong royong' (cleaning the school compound) etc was a joy for it allowed the students and teachers to get to know each other better.

Another interesting fact about SMKAM was: teachers from other schools loved to invigilate national exams in SMKAM. They said, one: the students were well-behaved; and two: they were always well fed! Although not a requirement, SMKAM had always made sure that any visitors did not leave with an empty stomach! 'Nuff said about that!

I've really enjoyed my time at SMKAM Piasau. A small school with a big heart. I think, that was what made the school so special.

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