“Imagine a school conceived as a laboratory.” Let’s journey to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Petaling. It began its life on January 6 1969. Back then it was called Sekolah Rendah Universiti. This translates to University Primary School. The school initially aimed for four language streams. However only Bahasa Malaysia and English streams were implemented. Despite this the student body was remarkably multi-racial.
Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Petaling functioned as an experimental school. It operated under the University Malaya’s Faculty of Education. Experimental programs included Mathematics and Science. Also Remedial and Enrichment plus Health Education featured. Bahasa Malaysia English History and Geography rounded out the curriculum.
Dato’ Baharuddin designed the school. Its design differed from other government schools. The construction cost RM300000. The school’s motto was Hidup Berjasa meaning A Life of Service. YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahman Yaakub officiated the school on October 28 1969. He was the Education Minister at the time.
During his speech he requested a name change. He wanted to avoid public misconception about the school’s status. Many thought students would get priority for university placement. Therefore the school became Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Sri Petaling. It is also known as SSP.
A canteen and dental clinic opened on March 27 1976. YB Datuk Abdul Kadir Bin Talib officiated. He was the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education. The PTA AGM on March 23 1985 gave the go-ahead to build a multi-purpose hall. YBhg Dato’ Mohd Desa Pachi was PTA Chairman then. Peremba Berhad won the construction bid.
This two-story hall measures 60′ x 130′. The upper floor houses four badminton courts. A canteen is below. The PTA fully funded the RM1 million construction cost. Fundraising activities included a Gala Dinner at PWTC. It was called Malam Jamuan Perdana. A Walkathon Family Day Food Fair Treasure Hunt and Golf Tournaments also helped. These events continue today.
Many VIPs worked hard for this cause. These included YAB Datin Paduka Rafidah Aziz and Datin Sri Nila. Also YABhg Toh Puan Dr. Hajah Aishah Ong and YAB Tan Sri Hj. Muhammad Bin Hj. Mohd Taib helped. YAB Tan Sri Hj Muhammad Bin Hj Mohd Taib later officiated the hall. That was on November 5 1988. It now stands proudly in the school compound.
The PIBG has since initiated many fundraising efforts. These have led to the Dataran SSP’s completion. This is a covered assembly area. They also replaced student and teacher furniture. Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Petaling continues to evolve. It serves its community with dedication.