28 October 2001

SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE & ADVISOR TO PASIR RIS GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS AT THE PCF PASIR RIS SOUTH & LOYANG CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY CUM KINDERGARTEN CONCERT
AT KALLANG THEATRE ON SUNDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2001 AT 10.30 AM

1. I am happy to join all of you this morning at the Certificate Presentation-cum-Concert organised by the PCF Pasir Ris South and Loyang Centres.

2. Today's Certificate Presentation Ceremony marks the completion of kindergarten schooling for over one thousand K2 students. They have just crossed one of the first milestones in their young lives and will soon begin a new phase of their schooling experience - going on to Primary One. I congratulate all of them and their parents who, I am sure, are very proud of their young children's accomplishment.

3. I am sure, too, that you, parents, are anxious about your children's stint in primary school. I hope that you will continue to guide and support your children as they go on to primary school. I hope you will also work with the teachers of your children's new school so that your partnership and co-operation will help your children to make a smooth transition from pre-school to Primary One.

4. Children will find going to Primary One a big change, because their new classroom, the new school compound, the learning environment are all different and somewhat larger than what they have been used to. Their classmates are also new and different.

5. This is why schools organise orientation sessions for their new Primary One students and their parents to help them cope with and adapt to the changes. I would like to urge parents to be patient as your children need time to settle down, to make new friends and to get to know their teachers. Listen to your children, encourage them and show interest in their new school activities.

6. While academic achievement is important, so too is your child's physical, social & emotional development. It is important to stimulate your child's imagination, creativity and inculcate in him a love for reading, exploring and learning. Give your child room to learn at his own pace and time to develop his talent and interests. Encourage him to interact with his peers as this will help him to develop social and communication skills and build up self-confidence. These are valuable life skills that will stand your child in good stead even in adult life.

7. Someone once said, "The best inheritance a parent can give to his children is a few minutes of their time each day." Parents, your children are starting on an exciting journey of learning new knowledge, life skills and character values. I wish you and your children a fruitful and fun journey together.