FRIDAY FLYER-Issue 120

These are probably two of my favourite quotes by Mahatma Gandhi. I have been speaking to the girls at our Crawfurd Assembly about Gandhi and how he changed the future of India with a completely contrarian approach to achieving liberation from oppressors. This approach was remarkable in his time and indeed in any time, and was a demonstration to the world of a very different approach. To those familiar with his methodology as it were, it was an approach that was one of gentleness, graciousness, and humility. He didn’t come with a sword or spear, but he chose the path of nonviolent resistance. In many ways perhaps similar to the current expressions of marching or protest synonymous and accepted in western democracy, but carried out in a time and context where such activities were not necessarily tolerated by those in power.

In the context of our world today, we likewise have the choice to demonstrate a greater degree of grace with our peers and acquaintances. When someone wrongs us, it is easier to respond in kind, but it requires a greater strength of character to take the higher moral ground and choose grace as the response. The exhortation of ‘turning the other cheek’ has perhaps lost its appeal as a value in today’s generation, but I wanted the girls to be aware that much has been achieved to alter the course of history for the better by pursuing a path of peace and grace, rather than conflict. As our girls deal with the context of their current environment and eventually mature into adult society, I hope that this approach to life is one that the girls will always keep in mind when facing life’s more difficult moments as one surely will.

I wanted to spend these next few moments summarising the past year in the lives of the Crawfurd girls. I remember with fondness when early in October 2021, Terry and a few others approached me with excitement in their eyes, asking if they could organise the very first social for Crawfurd House. What started off as a twinkle in their eyes, later came to fruition on October 31st as a Halloween Night Social at the Sports Hall together with the boys from Carr House. A carousel of games was set up by the girls and all the Key Stage 3 pupils, broken up into 4 groups, played and participated in the games, culminating in pizzas and drinks for all. A fun and entertaining evening indeed!

Next came the Roti Canai and Dim Sum breakfasts on the last day of each half term. The whole House gathered at the green in front of the House, nicked a few picnic tables from our closest neighbours from across the green, much to their bemusement, and savoured the food under the Malaysian morning sun. Our new Japanese, Chinese and Korean girls got the opportunity to taste the Malaysian-favourite roti canai without which one cannot claim to have experienced Malaysian food!

I would like to mention a special thank you to Ms. Masako and Ms. Seti, whose Japanese cooking and ice-lolly making sessions respectively, were always something the girls looked forward to. It was a taste of home for the Japanese girls and a new skill to be picked up by the rest.

We celebrated many birthdays in the House and for this, I need to give a special mention to Chow Wing, who, although one of the youngest members of the House, led the birthday committee, reminding me of upcoming birthdays. She would mobilise a team to bake a cake and decorate it with lots of sprinkles, love, and attention.

The second term of the year saw the launch of the annual Crawfurd House Charity Term. This would probably be one of my most humbling experiences as a Housemistress.  The moment I mentioned the commencement of the charity term, the floodgates flew open and there was no stopping the girls! The amazing and creative ideas just came pouring out, from as young as the year 7 girls and right up to the year 10 girls. It was heartwarming to see how they were willing to give up their time and effort to raise funds for our chosen charity, Myanmar’s Kahrenni Humanitarian Team (KHT). The Year 7s, led by Callista and Ee Xynn, organised a well-attended Bake Sale – thanks to all our wonderful parents who donated a delectable menagerie of sweets and desserts which went down very well with the community of pupils. The Year 8 girls, led by Alyson and Rin, worked very hard to source and assemble lovely little pink pouches of sweets that were sold on Valentine’s Day. Year 9s, led by Alesha and Terry, completed this with a sale of flowers with messages. The Year 10s were instrumental in supporting and guiding the younger members of the House with their quest. Maya, Aisha and their team thought out of the box and for the first time in the history of the College, organised a KL City Tour open to the community of the whole college. They were taken by the school bus to a number of landmarks in the city and enjoyed a running commentary of the history of the city. A final stop at the KL Bird Park was the icing on the cake. Kizuna and Viviana, also flanked by the rest of the year 10s, put together the Park Fun Run called the Holi Fun Run, after the Indian tradition of throwing colourful flour at each other at the end of the race. It was evident from the faces of the pupils, the sheer enjoyment of both these events.

 We have raised a generous sum which we are donating via Kaith’s parents in Myanmar, who are keen supporters of this cause.  A huge THANK YOU to our parents who supported us in this cause too. You can be very proud of all your daughters!

Finally, not forgetting to mention the various Inter-house competitions. From the various sports fixtures to the House Band and House Drama, what stood out was the team effort of the girls. I remember with fondness, how Kaith and Shan Nie gently guided and repositioned the fingers of the little year 7s on their violins, or how Aisha and Woorin steered the path of the younger girls so that they knew what to do on the stage. Bravo, girls!

In summary, words are not enough to express how immensely proud I am of my girls and all that they have brought to the House and the College.  I feel extremely blessed to have had the privilege of looking after them. After spending a whole year with them, I see the uniqueness of each one, how they each bring their own set of strengths and gifts to the House, and this has enriched my life personally, and of course,the lives of their peers. It is this, their strength of character and beauty, that inspires me each day.