NESTLED amidst lush greenery in the hills of Bukar Sadong in Serian, it has been serving as a beacon of learning and a pillar of community life. This year, SK St Barnabas Baru, commemorates its 75th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates not only its founding in 1950 but also the spirit of resilience, faith and educational pursuit that has defined its journey ever since.
A legacy rooted in mission and community
The history of St Barnabas Baru is closely tied to the arrival of Anglican missionaries in Sarawak, who first landed in Kuching on June 29, 1848.
Among them was Dr Francis Thomas McDougall, a surgeon and priest , who, together with fellow missionary Reverend William Bodham Wright, began their work in what was then a fledgling settlement.
Their mission, supported by the Society for the Propogation of the Gospel (SPG) and later by the Church Missionary Society, brought healthcare, education and spiritual guidance to the local population.
From early settlements along the Sarawak River, their work extended into the interior, eventually reaching the Bidayuh villages of Bukar, including the village of Baru.
In 1948, a century after McDougall’s arrival, over 200 Bidayuh villagers in Baru embraced Christianity. This spiritual transformation inspired local leaders — including William Rade, Assistant Bishop Peter Howes,Deacon Edwin Jaboh, Oscar Sindon, and St Barnabas School was born.
Originally, the school consisted of a single wooden classroom built through community effort. Parents and villagers contributed materials, time and labour — proof of their belief that education was a path to a better future.
Over the decades, the school has grown steadily, evolving into a fully operational primary institution by 2004, offering classes from Year 1 to Year 6.
Leadership and vision in the present day
In a recent interview by the Sarawak Tribune, current headmaster Nicholas Jana Bedindang spoke of the school’s continued commitment to quality education, spiritual formation and community partnership.
“We are proud of our heritage,”he said.
“But we are equally committed to preparing our pupils for the future — through a strong foundation in language, science and values.”
One significant initiative that marks the school’s current direction is its participation in the UP DLP Sarawak (Dual Language Programme Assessment), which will take place on October 15-16. This assessment, introduced by the Sarawak government, measures pupils’ performance in Science, Mathematics and English, all taught in English under the DLP programme.
“This is an important step forward,”Jana said, adding, “it strengthens English proficiency and opens wider opportunities for rural students.We are grateful to the state government for championing this initiative.”
The school’s development has also been made possible through infrastructural support since 2021, with both the Ministry of Education and UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions Affairs) under the Premier’s Department, providing consistent funding, allowing the school to enhance its facilities, learning spaces and teaching tools.
Voices of support and gratitude
Joining the conversation were Nyariq Ringis, Chairman of the School Board (LPS), and Royston Dunstan, President of the Parents-Teachers Association (PIBG), both of whom expressed their appreciation to the many parties who have helped the school thrive.
“We would like thank the Ministry of Education, JPN Sarawak and PPD Serian for their unwavering support,” said Royston. “Their guidance has made a real difference.”
Special thanks were also extended to Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, President of the Sarawak Missionary Schools, for his continued encouragement and support, as well as to Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, for his longstanding support of the school’s PIBG programmes.
In addition, Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu and Selangau MP Edwin Banta were also acknowledged for their generous contributions towards human capital development and co-curricular support.
A diocese’s continuing role in education
Speaking at the anniversary event, Father Robin Sabai, the Education Officer for Anglican Diocese of Sarawak, reflected on the school’s significance.
“St Barnabas Baru is more than a school; it is a place where generations have discovered their potential, built on the values of respect, humility and perseverance,” he said.
He added that the Diocese remains committed to the school’s mission and that SK St Barnabas Baru has been selected as a model institution under the Diocese’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 — a ‘showcase school’ for other missionary institutions across Serian and beyond.
Looking ahead with faith and confidence
As the school marks this important anniversary, the mood is one of quiet pride and forward momentum. Pupils, teachers and alumni alike gathered in celebration — not just to remember the past but to renew their commitment to a brighter future.
“We are deeply thankful to everyone who has walked this journey with us,” said Jana.
“Our founders laid a strong foundation, and it is now our task to build upon it — with courage and compassion.”
From a modest wooden classroom to a recognised mission school, SK St Barnabas Baru has withstood the test of time.
Seventy-five years on, it continues to inspire — a symbol of what is possible when faith, community and education come together in unity.
