By Susan Soh
MIRI — A combined graduation ceremony for three Miri Catholic kindergartens — St Joseph (Miri Town Centre), St Dominic (Taman Tunku), and Sri Cahaya (Senadin) — was held on the morning of 13 December 2025. A total of 139 six-year olds will enter primary school next year.
A spectacular Chinese lion dance performed by the graduating children of Tadika St Dominic, welcomed Rev Fr Kevin Chundi, who was representing the Bishop of Miri, and members of the Board. Children in traditional costumes and presenting traditional dances escorted the entourage into the hall.
In his speech, Fr Kevin stressed the importance of nurturing children’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being from a young age. He encouraged parents to enrol children from four years old, to develop both academic skills and spiritual values, and to adopt a screen-free lifestyle in early childhood. He opened the ceremony with a blessing prayer.
The importance of early enrolment for 2026 was also emphasised by the headmistresses of the three kindergartens. Many parents register children only at five or six years old, which can place them at a disadvantage compared to peers who start earlier.
The graduating speeches were delivered in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese by representatives of the three kindergartens.
Many performances were presented by the graduands. From Tadika St Dominic, there were energetic dances and solo singing. Tadika St Joseph impressed with a choral speaking performance and a Malay and Indian dance medley, while Tadika Sri Cahaya captivated the audience with a dramatic storytelling presentation “Cerita Lulu & Gembala”, narrated and acted by the children, providing much amusement and laughter to the audience.
It was surely a proud and memorable morning for parents when they witnessed their children’s confident display of talents in song, dance and public speaking in front of such a big audience.
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