170 th Anniversary Edition - St. Margaret`s Primary School

ISSUE 43
A PUBLICATION BY ST MARGARET’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
99 Wilkie Road,Singapore 228091
•
Tel: 6339 4247
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Fax: 6339 4264
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NOVEMBER
2012
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Page
3
Our Alumni Teachers
Page
10
3-Generation Students
Page
12
Green Dot Fiesta
Milestones of SMPS
Foreword
From Principal &
Vice Principal
1842
Mrs Maria Dyer started
the first Girls’ School at
North Bridge Road
1861
The second issue of Footprints focuses on our school’s
170th Anniversary with the theme “Blessed to be a
Blessing”. This issue attempts to capture a glimpse of what
St Margaret’s Primary School (SMPS) means to those who
have passed through her doors. We are most proud that
many ex-students have returned to serve in our school
and to pass on the joy of learning to future generations of
girls. Many have also insisted that their daughters, granddaughters and other loved ones join the St Margaret’s family
to enjoy the same meaningful experiences they had before.
We are most glad to feature 4 families with 3 generations of
St Margaret’s girls. We hope that you will be inspired as you
hear their voices and sense their commitment to the school.
School relocated to
134 Sophia Road and was
named the Chinese Girls’
School
1900
School renamed CEZMS
(Church of England Zenana
Missionary School)
School became a Grant-in-Aid
school and a day school for
girls of all races
1949
School renamed
St Margaret’s School in honour
of Queen Margaret of Scotland
1960
Separation of the Primary
and Secondary sections
1974
School adopted green and
white polka-dotted uniform
1984
We celebrate our 170th year with a thankful heart and a
resolute spirit to carry on the good works of those who ran
before us.
Old building at Sophia
Road demolished.
Occupied a holding
school in Anthony Road
1986
School shifted back to the old
site with a new address –
99, Wilkie Road
1987
Wee Mian
Official opening of the new
building by the Member of
Parliament for Ulu Pandan,
Dr Dixie Tan on
St Margaret’s Day, 16 Nov
It struck me deeply that 170 years is a long time for an
institution to be ‘one family unbroken’. This was only made
possible by principals, teachers, staff, alumni and partners
who came before us. They had identified with and remained
steadfast to the call to educate and nurture young girls, that
each may develop in body, soul and spirit, and be trained
in righteousness to become a woman of God, equipped for
every good work. The baton is now in our hands and it is
incumbent upon us to run our leg of the race well for us
to be found faithful in nurturing well the girls entrusted to
us. Truly we have been blessed to be a blessing. May the
school continue to inspire generations to come. Blessed
170th Anniversary, St Margaret’s.
1999
School underwent PRIME
(Programme for Improving
Existing School) on site.
School’s site marked as a
National Historic Site by
National Heritage Board
on 16 Nov
Reveries of a Thousand Dots –
By Mrs Cheong-Dio Denise
2001
7
A lone banyan tree stands
Surrounded by a sea of green
Weaving in and out of her gnarly limbs
Coaxing reluctant earthworms into jars
Giggling among her ethereal shadows.
Invisible cicadas drone
A warm, comforting melody
On yellow, sticky afternoons
Spent under the hum of fans
Whirring as the teacher speaks.
1939
Maria Dyer founded the school in 1842 and she would not
have imagined the school to grow from the initial 19 Chinese
girls to a student body of nearly 1,300 and still stand firmly
at 170 years old. Her mission of equipping girls with sound
character, relevant knowledge and skills and a heart that
desires to serve others is still upheld by the school.
Our Alumni Teachers
6
9
10
11
12
13
14
8
2
1
3
4
1. Ms AK Lim 2. Ms Kok 3. Mrs Ong 4. Mrs SH Tan 5. Mrs Cheong 6. Ms Mogan 7. Mdm Bama
8. Mdm Lee 9. Ms Ong 10. Ms Goh 11. Mrs Vithia Siva 12. Ms Huang 13. Mrs Teo 14. Ms Lian
(Absent : Mrs Pamela Yeo)
“Hello, Mummy? What is 7 plus 9?”
SOS, I would like to call a friend.
“Don’t ask so much, mummy. I have 10¢ only.”
Help is no help
I return, defeated, to face the merciless task.
Hokkien mee beckons
Newton’s irresistible gravitational pull
Foodie writers we become
Eagerly savouring each morsel
Under the teacher’s watchful eye.
The tapestry of time woven
Intricately over one hundred and seventy years
By the blood that coursed through her veins,
the laughter that filled her walls
And the weavers devoting their lives to the loom
Strengthening our collective psyche
Undaunted by the unyielding passage of time.
Mrs Cheong-Dio Denise
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 2005)
The inevitable murky moat deepens
Under the relentless pounding rain
Swallowing up the classroom floor,
field and driveway
Meandering towards our pristine white shoes
Inviting us to jump in, frolick, splash!
The stately schoolhouse is no more
Pristine walls, cavernous halls loom
The scent of newness, freshly cut grass
and varnish waft down the corridors
Punctuating each breathless gasp
As the green spots go marching in.
Completion of PRIME
2012
Celebration of the School’s
170th Anniversary with
the theme ‘Blessed to be
a Blessing’
Elaine
But the plans of the Lord stand firm
forever, the purposes of His heart
through all generations.
Psalm 33:11
Editorial Team
Advisors:Ms Pang Wee Mian, Mrs Elaine Yeo
Team:Ms Chen Sew Fhoon, Mdm Rozita Sulaiman,
Ms Siti Aisyah Aris
2
Blessed to be a Blessing
Bittersweet is the home-coming
For departure is as imminent as
day dissolving into night
Flanked by wise men, angels descend
Upon us forged in His image
While we sing as the curtains fall
On this chapter of our lives.
5
Mrs Denise Cheong with students
at the library.
Denise, during the laying of the
foundation stone at 99, Wilkie Road,
just after performing the fanfare with
the Band.
3
Blessed to be a Blessing
Our Alumni Teachers
Our Alumni Teachers
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay
awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never,
ever the same.”
St Margaret’s holds a special place in my heart not just
because it is my alma mater but it is where I grow and
develop in body, soul and spirit. The mission of the school
to nurture young girls was one that motivates me to become
a teacher and be a blessing to others. Serving in the school,
I am heartened to see how girls remember the qualities that
were instilled in them within the sound walls even after years
have passed. The qualities of Charity, Patience & Devotion
will continue to equip many women for every good work.
“Oh, I studied at St Margaret’s!” would be an understatement. For what happened
to me in the girls’ school was much more. The foundation for the woman that I am
today was built in the 4 years when I was a secondary school student.
St Margaret’s was never just about grades. It taught me to share, to give and
most of all, to love – like Christ did. It tickled my best laughs and gave hope for
my worst failures. I forged my best friendships in St Margaret’s – many I hold
dearly till today.
Ms Adeline Goh
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 2000)
When I graduated from NIE, I was asked if I wanted to return
to SMPS to teach. I decided against it because I wanted to
experience teaching in a government school as I had only
studied in mission schools. I thought that the experience
gained from teaching at a government school would help
me to add value to SMPS when I did decide to return to
the school to serve. These past 4 years at SMPS have
been wonderful years of giving back to my alma mater and
growing in the way I teach. I wish St Margaret’s many more
years of developing girls in Charity, Patience and Devotion.
Mrs Pamela Yeo
Ms Goh (left), Mrs Yeo (right)
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 2009)
St Margaret’s has always had a special place in my heart
as the best times of my life as a young girl was spent here.
There was never a question where I had wanted to be
posted to as a new teacher. St Margaret’s is the place that
has nurtured me to become who I am today. Its values of
Charity, Patience and Devotion have become such a big
part of me. Coming back here as a teacher, I want to return
to the school all it has given me. I hope to groom the pupils
of St Margaret’s today into kind, confident and virtuous
girls when they graduate and leave her doors. May every
girl who leaves these sound walls
always have the motto embedded
deep in her heart.
I will not trade anything in the world for the
invaluable moments and lessons I have gained
in St Margaret’s School.
Ms Mogan (left), Mrs Vithia Siva (right)
Those memories and lessons that I have gained will never be forgotten.
4
Mrs Vithia Siva (row 1, right 2) with
her teacher, Mdm Bama (row 2, right 2)
in 1994.
Mrs Vithia Siva
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 2011)
Whenever I meet a new class of girls, I will always share that I have been in
polka dots for 10 years and I am proud of it. My fondest memories are my days
in St Margaret’s Primary School. When I graduated, I made up my mind to return
as a teacher in the hope that my juniors would enjoy their childhood as much
as I did. I thank God that He made the way for me. I pray for those who left that
you will share your cherished memories of your school days, thus keeping our
school culture and tradition alive. For those who are still
in the school, may you make wonderful memories for
yourselves as St Margaret’s girls.
170 years is a long time and I pray that there will be
many more years of laughter and smiles to come for all
who walk through the doors of St Margaret’s School.
Praise the Lord for His goodness to us.
Mdm Joanne Lee with the students at the zoo.
Blessed to be a Blessing
Ms Mogan with her dad
Being an ex-student of St Margaret’s Primary and Secondary was never just
about the education. It taught me, “Charity, Patience, Devotion.” The woman that
I am today is definitely because of my education in St Margaret’s. The best times
of my life and the best friendships that I have made were during my stay in St
Margaret’s.
(Student @SMPS & SMSS,
Teacher since 2003)
• Before 1930s, students could wear anything they like.
• In 1930s and 1940s, uniform is in the form of ‘anything white’.
• In 1946, a white blouse and green pinafore was used. Prefects
wore green skirt and matching green tie. Pinafore was
subsequently replaced by green skirt.
• Since 1974, the green and white polka-dotted uniform was
adopted.
(Student @SMSS, Teacher since 2010)
“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and
knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”
Ms Michelle Kok
Ms Michelle Kok, Ms AK Lim & Mrs Gerry Ong in the 3 school uniforms
Ms Rajeswari Mogan
Mdm Joanne Lee
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 2004)
5
Blessed to be a Blessing
Our Alumni Teachers
Our Alumni Teachers
Ms Ong at the Story Telling Competition in 1987
Ms Lynnette Lian (right 1) with her friends at the P6 graduation party
I am most glad to be sent back to my alma mater as a
teacher after my graduation. I still remember how nervous I
was when I performed in the school brass band during the
school’s 150th anniversary concert. When I attended the
170th anniversary concert this year, I was deeply moved
by the performance of my juniors, some of whom are my
students. It is awesome to see the school’s growth and
achievement. I learnt a lot from my teachers and I hope to
inspire my students with my knowledge and values that I
have gained from St Margaret’s.
It is my honour to be given the opportunity to come back to
St Margaret’s Primary School to teach. I chose to teach at
my alma mater because it gives me a sense of belonging
as my childhood began here. Both the school and I have
a commonality that we have grown stronger despite all
adversities. 170 years is a long time and I am proud to be
an ex-student and now a teacher. I wish that our pupils will
be proud of our school’s rich heritage and more people will
come to know and love St Margaret’s.
I have always envied my teachers and looked up to them
when I was a young girl. My teachers have made an impact
on me during my formative age. I enjoyed their teaching and
was encouraged by my teachers to take up teaching. I have
been proud of my school since young. Reminiscing on the
polka-dotted uniforms, the sight of all the mischievous but
smiling pupils and the grand old school have brought me
back to my alma mater.
The past has given me the foundation to achieve the best for myself and the present has
taught me to persevere for the best of the school. The grand old dame is now 170 years
old. As a pupil, I have spent a better part of my life in the school than any others who have
left to pursue their interests in other fields other than teaching.
Mdm Bama d/o Govindaswamy
(row 2, right 3)
SMPS has a done a great job in educating the girls. Imparting both knowledge and the right
values to the girls has always been SMPS’ missions.
Mdm Bama d/o Govindaswamy
(Student @SMSS, Teacher since 1992)
Ms Lynnette Lian
Mdm Bama at the garden.
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 2012)
Ms Ong Cheng Bing
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 2003)
It was 1993 - a significant year that had marked a new
chapter in my life. My heart was filled with excitement and
joy as I stepped into my alma mater not as a pupil but
as a teacher. Fond memories of my primary school days
constantly flashed in my mind. I would like to thank all my
primary school teachers - Ms May Chew, Mrs SC Ong, Ms
AK Lim, Mrs SH Tan, Mrs Sim, Mrs SL Wong, Mrs Su for
their encouragement and guidance throughout my teaching
years. They were dedicated, caring, nurturing mentors and
good role models.
After more than a decade of being a student, I am still in
school. Not as a student but as a teacher – proudly a St
Margaret’s teacher.
I had my most unforgettable 4 years in St Margaret’s
Secondary School where the friendships forged in school
continue till present day. The values of respect for others,
the necessity of discipline and the all-important love for
God established its roots then.
I chose to enter the gates of St Margaret’s Primary school 2
decades ago, hoping to return the good my alma mater has
inculcated in me. My 2 lovely girls are also in St Margaret’s.
I believe and stand by the school’s vision and emphasis
in character building with God as the center. May God be
glorified in my humble impartation as a teacher. To many
more 170 years ahead, St Margaret’s.
Teaching in my alma mater has indeed moulded me into
the person I am today and has provided me with the
opportunity to be a blessing to the next generation. I am
proud to be part of the St Margaret’s family – the oldest
girls’ school in Singapore and the Far East.
Ms Ong (left), Ms Lian (middle) & Ms Huang (right) at the netball court.
I spent the best of my childhood years at St Margaret’s Primary School and till
today, I still have fond memories of it. It was here that I met some of the best
teachers I have ever had. It has been more than 10 years since I graduated from
SMPS. Though many things have changed, we still hold fast to our school values
of ‘Charity, Patience, Devotion’ and nurture girls of strong character. It is my
greatest honour to teach in my alma mater, serving alongside my fellow teachers,
some of whom were my teachers when I was a student.
Mrs Angeline Teo
(Student @SMPS & SMSS, Teacher since 1993)
Mrs Gerry Ong (Student @SMSS, Teacher since 1992)
Mrs Angeline Teo with her
students in the classroom.
Mrs Gerry Ong with her students
in the school hall.
As the school enters her 170th year, I wish that we will continue to embrace
learning in light of a rapidly changing society, with Christ at the center of all that
we do.
Ms Chloe Huang
(Student @SMPS, Teacher since 2012)
Ms Chloe Huang in her P1
6
Blessed to be a Blessing
Mrs Angeline Teo
7
Blessed to be a Blessing
Mrs Gerry Ong (right) with her
friend.
Our Alumni Teachers
Our Alumni Teachers
St Margaret’s is very rich in her culture and spiritual values. I am most proud to be
part of her. The school is strong in character building, emphasizing and imparting
the values of ‘Charity, Patience, Devotion’ to the pupils. I told my brothers, “All
your daughters must go to St Margaret’s” and they did send my 4 nieces to
SMPS, and now my grand-niece too.
I find great joy and satisfaction being with my pupils, seeing how they grow
into young successful adults and eventually great parents. It is my passion for
teaching and love for the kids and school that has brought me through my 51
years in teaching (since 1961). I have never looked back or regretted taking this
path. Teaching is a calling when we can touch the hearts of our pupils and make
a difference in their lives.
I want to thank and praise God for His graciousness, giving me the strength,
guidance and good health to enable me to contribute towards education and St
Margaret’s all these years.
I hope our pupils will cherish their most memorable years in SMPS. When they
walk out of the school gate, I hope they will come back and serve the school
and to bless others as they have been blessed by the school. May St Margaret’s
continue to be steadfast in her character development of the young ones and
guiding them ‘to become women of God, equipped for every good work’.
Ms Lim Ai Kiok (Student @SMSS, Teacher since 1961)
I am very proud to be part of the St
Margaret’s family and most honoured to
have the opportunity to wear both the
pinafore and polka-dotted uniforms. May
St Margaret’s continue her good work in
nurturing girls to be charitable, patient
and devoted.
Lim Li
(Graduated from SMPS in 1979)
I feel really proud that the school is still
standing firm after 170 years. May St
Margaret’s celebrate many more 170
anniversaries.
Lim Miin
(Graduated from SMPS in 1981)
My experience with St Margaret’s started when I joined the
secondary school in 1957. I hold several fond memories of
the time when I joined the school as a student and then as
a teacher.
My epic relationship with Ms A.K.Lim started as we were
in the same class throughout our primary and secondary
schools and as colleagues of SMPS ever since we
completed our studies. It is a long standing friendship that
has spanned more than 62 years. I wonder who else can
claim a friendship as ours.
Through the encouragement of my principal, Mrs Holloway, I
joined the teaching profession at SMPS as a trainee teacher
in 1961. The staff was small and we were a close knitted
family, helping each other in need, living out the school
values of integrity, graciousness, humility and showing
care and concern for one another. We also had very close
contact with the parents, one of whom was Mrs Elizabeth
Choy, the war heroine. Her three daughters followed by her
grand-daughters were also educated in SMPS.
I feel great pride and honoured to be a member of the oldest
girls’ school in Singapore. I feel greatly gratifying that I have
helped to nurture students to become successful in their
respective careers, equipped for every good work. I hope
to give of my best
to the school for as
long as possible.
Mrs S.H Tan
I have been teaching in St Margaret’s Primary for more
than half a century. It is most rewarding to see many pupils
I have taught coming back to teach as teachers or have
become successful professionals. I am also teaching some
of their children today.
(Student @SMSS,
Teacher since 1961)
SMPS has given me the best years of
my life. The bond that my daughter,
Valerie and I share from having similar
school experiences and even the same
teachers is priceless. May St Margaret’s
remain steadfast in building the
foundation of the girls’ characters and
providing opportunities to all regardless
of their abilities. Let every girl who
passes through her gates lift their heads
high and have their hearts in the right
places.
Mrs SH Tan, formerly known as Ms Tay,
(in her early 20s) in the grounds of SMPS,
Sophia Road.
Lim May Yee
(Graduated from SMPS in 1984)
Ms AK Lim with her class in 1962.
Ms AK Lim (row 2, right 1) (Netball Team)
I want to thank all my dedicated and
caring teachers in SMPS. I will always
cherish the fond memories and the many
friends I have made in the school.
3
4
Lim Jia
(Graduated from SMPS in 1997)
5
2
6
1
Ms AK Lim in her early 20s.
A Truly St Margaret’s Family – Ms AK Lim, together with her
nieces & grand-niece.
1. Ms AK Lim, 2. Lim Miin, 3. Lim Jia, 4. Lim Li, 5. May Yee
6. Valerie
8
Blessed to be a Blessing
Long Service Teachers
Our school will like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following teachers, namely Mrs SC Ong, Cikgu Jamilah and
Mrs SK Lim, in appreciation of their long services, strong commitment and passion for teaching in SMPS and giving
their selfless and altruistic contributions to the St Margaret’s family.
I am very proud to be in St Margaret’s
Primary School because this is the
first girls’ school in Singapore and the
Far East. I love my school and enjoy
spending time with my friends. I am
fortunate to be in a school with such a
rich heritage.
Valeria
(3 Charity)
Mrs SC Ong (since 1962)
Cikgu Jamilah (since 1978)
9
Blessed to be a Blessing
Mrs SK Lim (since 1978)
3-Generation Students
3-Generation Students
My experience with SMPS goes a long way; my father was
the caretaker and we lived in the school. Having only learnt
the ABCs on my first day, I have since been empowered to
speak and write to the best of my ability. My best years in
school were spent not only studying, but growing up as well.
My time in SMPS has been exciting and I have formed many
lasting friendships. SMPS is a very good school and I wish
that it will always stand for the qualities of LIGHT: Lifelonglearner grounded on the values of Integrity, Graciousness,
Humility and Tenacity.
I wish SMPS great recognition as the oldest girls’ school in
Singapore. The school has provided her students with not
only a good education, but the basic foundations of humility
and mannerisms which has moulded many women into
great mothers and grandmothers. The last 170 years has
been good; and I wish for the next 170 years to be fantastic!
Karisma Sonia Vijay, Child (5 Devotion)
After World War II, my neighbour, a teacher from St
Margaret’s School, persuaded my father to enroll me
into the school. I enjoyed my time there and received an
education that went beyond textbooks. I learnt about God,
being a good person and helping those in need. I entrusted
my 2 daughters into this esteemed school; confident that
they will receive an education that not only prepares them
for work, but for life.
As I reminisce my years in SMPS during the 1970s, a
certain warmness fills my heart. The school has indeed
blessed many girls who had passed through her doors. I,
for one, have been a recipient of its blessing. May SMPS,
led by the vision of a few missionary ladies who loved God,
continue to be a place where every girl is taught to live out
such distinguishing qualities of Charity in heart, Patience in
life and a heart Devoted to God. Such is the mandate we
all must carry.
Mdm Ho Yuk Hsia, Grandmother (SMS 1945-1955)
Mdm Priscilla Pong, Mother
(SMPS 1972-1977, SMSS 1978-1981)
Leelavathi Duraisamy, Grandmother
SMPS is my second home. It is a place of my many loves: my
friends, teachers, even the school song and hymn. I come
from a lineage of ex-St Margaret’s girls; my grandmother,
mother, aunts and cousins were once students here as well.
And like my family, I will strive to bring pride and honour to
my school.
(SMPS 1960-1966, SMSS 1967-1971)
Thinking back to the six wonderful years spent in primary
school brings back nostalgic memories, and I had wanted
my daughter to gain the same experience as I had. Back
then, I was a prefect and had amazing friends with whom
I had good fun with. I am very proud to see my school’s
achievements that has far exceeded expectations. I hope
for SMPS to carry on her wonderful heritage and mould the
students into successful, young women filled with passion,
love and joy.
2
Karisma with Mother, Tina Devi (left)
Karisma with Grandmother,
Leelavathi Duraisamy (right)
3
4
5
6
Janna Lim, Child (4 Kindness)
1
A family proudly bonded to St Margaret’s School.
1. Janna, 2. Janna’s cousin (Alyssa), 3. Janna’s grandmother (Ho Yuk
Hsia), 4. Janna’s aunt (Clara), 5. Janna’s cousin (Leanne), 6. Janna’s
mother (Priscilla)
I feel blessed that my grand-daughter is attending the very
school that has embodied me with her three exemplary
values of Charity, Patience and Devotion.
Tina Devi, Mother (SMPS 1990-1996, SMSS 1997-2000)
The memories I have of SMPS are etched in my mind; the
friendships, everlasting. Thus, I chose to put my 2 daughters
in SMPS. I wish for the school to persist in cultivating
students of virtuous character, so that they will grow up to
be worthy and contributing citizens to the society.
I had many outstanding teachers who taught and moulded
me into the respectable person I am today. My hope is for
SMPS to continue nurturing their girls into young women
and influence the world in a Christ-like manner in whatever
spheres of influence they are in; be it at home, in school or
at the workplace.
Fok Siew Bee, Grandmother (CEZMS)
My life-long friends from SMPS and SMSS have planned for
a big reunion on 16th November 2012!
Wee Bong Yeo, Grandmother (SMS 1947-1955)
Angeline Teo Su Lin, Mother
(SMPS 1974-1980 & SMSS 1982-1984)
My experience in SMPS has been
wonderful. I enjoy learning with my friends
in a very caring environment. I have very
good experience with my P4 buddy sister
during my first few weeks in school, and
this has inspired me to be a good buddy
sister in future.
1
2
3
4
5
1. Alyssa’s mother (Angeline), 2. Alyssa, 3. Alyssa’s grandmother (Wee Bong Yeo), 4. Alyssa’s
cousin (Isabel, 2 Patience), 5. Alyssa’s aunt (Joanne)
10
Blessed to be a Blessing
Alyssa Leong Ai-Min, Child (1 Kindness)
Mary Rachel Yee, Aunt (SMPS, SMSS)
Gabriella’s Grandmother (Fok Siew Bee) and Aunt (Mary Rachel Yee)
My days in SMPS were delightful and my time in SMSS was
memorable. The closest friends I have today are the same ones I
had known then. I enrolled my daughter into the school as I wanted
her to have the same experiences I had - a good balance between
learning, developing strong friendships and knowing our God.
Sandra Yee, Mother (SMPS, SMSS)
SMPS is awesome! My wish is for the school to remain faithful to its
mission and preserve its simplistic yet unique polka-dotted uniform.
Gabriella Teh, Child (6 Patience)
Gabriella and her mother, Sandra Yee
11
Blessed to be a Blessing
Green Dot Fiesta
Overseas Trips
Vienna Choir Trip
It was a memorable experience to make a speech in
The Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival
started in 2007 and is held annually in Vienna, Austria. Our
choir’s main objectives of participating in the Festival are
to allow our pupils to experience a variety of musical styles
and to raise their confidence and awareness on stage.
front of 1001 people – Amelia Lee, 5 Kindness
I learnt that we must be gracious even when we lose
– Reisha Lee, 6 Kindness
Our 28 choir members put in extra practices in school
and at home. Our pupils’ hard work was paid off when
our Choir came in 2nd (out of the 17 participating choirs),
in the Children’s Choir Category and was awarded with
Excellent Success. It was our honour when our Choir was
invited to perform at the Gala Winner’s Concert at Wiener
Konzerthaus Great Hall. This trip has also given our pupils
a fun, happy and positive experience that will become the
highlight of their primary school lives with SMPS.
2012 is a special year for St Margaret’s Primary School
(SMPS) as we celebrate our 170th Anniversary with the
theme ‘Blessed to be a Blessing’. As the underlying theme
is for a charitable purpose, all the students, teachers and
parents come together with a common and noble cause
for the Green Dot Fiesta (GDF). The School has invited
40 elderly members from PEACE-Connect Neighbourhood
Link, 40 children from Townsville Primary School and 40
mothers and children from the Family Care Centre. The
event saw a total of 32 stalls which far surpassed the
numbers in previous years. Our effort was paid off when
we raised a princely sum of about $81,478 which was
donated to the Singapore Anglican Community Services. It
is heartening to see parents, teachers and students working
together at all the stalls and to see parents enjoying the
games and activities with their children.
It is heartening to see my daughte
& Kristin, 2 Joy) enthusiastically
rs (Jolene, 3 Charity
involved in their duties
during the GDF. I am most glad that
they have learnt that
all their efforts, however small, goe
s a big way in helping
others – Jennifer, Parent
Having all the St Margaret’s girls participating in the GDF
had truly enhanced the meaning and purpose of the
School celebrating its 170th Anniversary. My daughter
The charitable theme of this year has a very positive
influence on our children who have worked hard for charity
while having good fun at the same time. It is inspiring to see
our girls’ desire to serve and to do their best for GDF
- Pamela Kwan, PTA President
(Grace, 4 Patience) and I had a memorable day
was extremely
Climbing the Great Wall of China
nificent world’s
exhausting and to conquer this mag
is truly rewarding. We
longest human-made architecture
ging us through this
are thankful to our teachers for brin
meaningful learning journey
- Amy Poh, Parent
I loved making the cupcakes and selling it to raise funds
for charity – Zara, 2 Joy
Giving what we have and being able to bring joy to
others makes me feel good during the GDF. I am proud
to be in SMPS as I have learnt to share my joy and
happiness, and more importantly, the moral values that
are taught in school – Shannon, 6 Patience
12
Blessed to be a Blessing
Beijing Immersion Trip
To immerse our 61 students in the Chinese language and
cultures, our school has organised the Beijing Immersion
Trip for the Primary 5 pupils this year. Our pupils interacted
with the students from Beijing Beiwalu Primary School.
Through the learning journey and classroom experience,
they learnt how to make new friends and foster closer
bonding with their own teachers and friends. The trip has
also given our pupils the opportunities to become more
independent.
ss
– Sim Shang Hong, 5 Kindne
The students in China are very pas
sionate in singing
their National Anthem loud and clea
r. Their respect for
their teachers and their attentivenes
s and enthusiastic
participation in class are things that
we should learn from
them – Victoria Ong, 5 Patien
ce
13
Blessed to be a Blessing
School Events
CIP-Learning Journeys
Teachers’ Day Charity Tea @ SMSS
P1 Learning Journey @ Changi Airport
P2 Learning Journey @ Jurong Bird Park
Teachers’ Day is a special day when we honour our
teachers and recognise their calling to lead, care for and
inspire our girls. In line with our 170th Anniversary theme
“Blessed to be a Blessing”, the teachers have chosen to
bless others on this day instead of having a Teachers’ Day
dinner. With the sponsorship of SMC1 and the partnership
and support of the PSG2, PTA3 and SMESA4, SMPS and
SMSS5 staff were able to come together and hosted a
Charity Tea in SMSS for 120 elderly members from PEACE
Connect Neighbourhood Link (Kampong Glam). The Tea
was enlivened by performances by Jack Neo and Wang
Lei, as well as table games. The smiles of joy on our elderly
guests made our effort worthwhile.
The Primary 1 students made their way to the Changi
Airport for their learning journey. They were exposed to the
activities available and on top of forging close bonds as a
class and a cohort, they learn the importance of working as
a team.
The Primary 2 students had the privilege to visit the Jurong
Bird Park. Students were also made aware of the need to
maintain ecological balance in all environments and also
the pressing need to conserve natural resources.
P3 CIP @ PEACE Connect
P4 CIP for Home Visits
For CIP, the Primary 3 students went to PEACE Connect
Activity Centre. While interacting and carrying out activities
with the elderly, the students exercised the values they
learn in school – Charity, Patience, Devotion.
Home visiting was what the Primary 4 students did for their
CIP. By carrying out this activity, students learn how to
appreciate the little things in life and to always be thankful
for what they have.
SMC – School Management Committee
PSG – Parents’ Support Group
3
PTA – Parents Teachers Association
4
SMESA – St Margaret’s Ex-Students Association
5
SMSS – St Margaret’s Secondary School
1
2
Performance by our teachers, Ms Liang, Ms Low and Mrs Teo.
P4 Camp @ MOE Adventure Centre
Our Primary 4 pupils attended a 3-day, 2-night camp at
Dairy Farm MOE Adventure Centre. The objective of the
camp is to immerse our pupils in purposeful, intentional
activities that engage the mind, body and the environment.
Our pupils challenged themselves at rock-climbing, zip-line,
abseiling and challenge rope course stations. They have
to work together as a team at the various team building
stations and also to observe safety during outdoor activities.
They also learned to appreciate the flora and fauna found in
the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
For some of our pupils, it was the first time they had a go
at tidying and cleaning up their sleeping and dining areas,
and serving their peers during mealtimes. All pupils were
engaged in a daily critical dialogue and reflection on how
they achieved their personal and team goals, and how they
could transfer their experiences to their learning.
14
Blessed to be a Blessing
15
Blessed to be a Blessing
Awards
Our pupils’ devotion and determination to perform well in
competitions has earned them the respectful achievements
in various fields at the Cluster, National and International
levels.
We are very proud that our teacher, Ms Charissa Chan, is
one of the 9 winners of The 5th Inspiring Teacher of English
Award. The Award honours outstanding teachers of English
Language, who are passionate about making English
interesting and are able to kindle in each student a love for
the language through innovative and engaging methods of
teaching.
, one of the
Ms Charissa Chan th
Inspiring
5
e
Th
9 winners of
sh Award
gli
En
of
r
he
ac
Te
Ms George together wit
h
Geraldine Wong (left)
&
Sarah Chan (right)
The school is also very honoured to have 3 ex-SMPS pupils
receiving Teaching Awards from MOE
• Wong Jia Yi, Geraldine - Teaching Scholarship (Local)
• Chan Si-Yi Sarah - MOE Teaching Award
• Amanda Foo Limin - Teaching Scholarship (Local)
P6 Team for
Animate@S4
We are most pleased that our CSO, Ms Maggie Lee, was
awarded the Excellent Service Award EXSA (Silver Award)
managed by SPRING Singapore, in recognition of her
excellent service and commitment to the school.
Choir Team @ Summa Cum Laud
e
International Youth Music Festival
piad Team
tics Olym
ma
P5 Mathe
Jia En & Chiok Yan
(Swimming Team)
Bowling Senior Team
Bowling Junior
Competitions @ International,
National & Cluster Levels
Team
Awards & Achievements
Team / Student
Summa Cum Laude International
Youth Music Festival
2nd place Excellent in the Children’s Choir
Category (as featured on page 13)
28 Choir members
National Mathematics Olympiad
of Singapore
1 Silver, 6 Bronze & 5 Honourable Mention
12 P5 students
11th National Inter-Primary Schools
Tenpin Bowling Championship
1st place in Girls’ Senior Division
3rd place in Girls’ Junior Division
Bowling Teams
53rd Milo National Inter-Primary School
Swimming Championship
3rd place (Bronze medal) for 50m Butterfly
4th place (Bronze medal) for 100m
Backstroke
Koh Jia En, 5 Charity
Yeo Chiok Yan,
5 Patience
Animate@S4:
Breaking the Boundaries Challenge
1st place
12 P6 students
16
Blessed to be a Blessing