Birth Of School

In 1896 when the Federated Malay States were formed, the government
decided to found the Government Girls' School in the newly established
Capital, Kuala Lumpur. It was known as Government Girls' English School '
and was situated on Damansara Road in the Masonic Hall.
Classes began in August with an enrolment of only a few children
and though it was a girls' school, it had very young boys, who it was
thought would not be able to withstand the rigours of a boys' school. In
November 1896, it moved to its own premises, a simple wooden bungalow
built on stilts. It was on an acre of ground at the corner of Kampung Attap
and High Street. The building had an attap roof with 3 rooms and it was
built on stilts, the floor below was cemented and used as a shelter for the
pupils from both the rain and the sun. It later formed the basis of the
school hostel. A bungalow for the Headmistress and one assistant was
also erected on the premises.
The concept of education for girls was revolutionary and the
pioneers of education for this country met with various obstacles, both
social and cultural. It took a great deal of grit and determination and a
complete dedication on the part of these early pioneers to encounter,
cope with and conquer the prejudices of the populace.
A 100 years ago education, if sought at all, was sought for itself
without any question of leading on to employment for women. The first
few Headmistresses, had to storm, gently but firmly, the homes of girls,
coax and persuade the conservative parents into permitting their
daughters to step out into school to be taught; not merely the three R's
but also to be exposed to sports and other extra mural activities. The
school curriculum besides the three R's, were dictation, scripture, hygiene
and needle work.
The school was begun for children of English speaking homes who
wished to improve their proficiency in English. Several of the pupils were
from existing private mission - run schools.
The enrolment stood a! 50 in 1896 with children of Chinese and
Eurasian origins. It included little boys who were considered too young to
face the rigours of a boys' school.
The first Headmistress was a Miss Strattop brought to the country
from the Education Department Of England. She served the school for
three years but due to the paucity of European women, many of the staf
brought down were lost to the profession when they entered the blissful
state of matrimony. Miss Stratton was similarly lost! She married a Mr.
Brown from Penang and could not therefore serve the school in Kuala
Lumpur.
In 1899, despite several attempts to replace her, the government

had to admit defeat and the Inspector Of Schools appealed to the District
Superintendent of the Methodist Mission,
Dr. Kensett to take over the running of the school. At this juncture, the
school had Miss Hodges as its first assistant teacher until the arrival of
Miss Rose Nuebronner. The staf was limited.
In December 1899, the Bishop of the Methodist Mission brought
over two ladies from America. They were Miss Mary Clayland Meek who
became the first missionary principal and Miss Louella Anderson who was
to take charge of music. The school was renamed the Methodist Girls'
School. Kuala Lumpur From just before the turn of the century, this girls'
school became the responsibility of the Methodist Mission and till
Independence in August 1957 was led by the shining light of the Christian
faith. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet". However, the Mission always
had a genuine respect for local tradition and religious beliefs and never
forced anyone into altering their faith. They merely inculcated good
human values such as loving each other in order to live in harmony.