16 November 2002

SPEECH BY RADM (NS) TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION
AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, AT ST MARGARET'S SCHOOL'S 160TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER ON SAT, 16th NOVEMBER 2002 AT THE PAN PACIFIC HOTEL @ 8 PM

Associate Professor Lawrence Boo
Chairman, St Margaret's School Management Committee

1 It gives me great pleasure to join you in celebrating the 160th anniversary of the founding of St Margaret's School. It is indeed fortuitous that the celebrations coincide happily with the completion of the primary school's PRIME project at its historic Mount Sophia site, and the official opening of the new secondary school's campus at Farrer Road. Indeed, the modern buildings with their state-of-the-art facilities stand as proud testimony to the progress St Margaret's has made since it was founded in a tiny shop-house at North Bridge Road in 1842.

2 Education is about serving the needs of society. When British missionary Mrs Maria Dyer graciously founded a home and school for orphaned girls that year, it was to help the children build decent lives for themselves. The girls were given an elementary education in English. They were also taught to be good homemakers, and to be upright, judicious young ladies of sound values and character. These were considered desirable skills for girls within the context of society then. And St Margaret's School did provide its young ladies with the appropriate form of education -- so highly reputed was the school's character building efforts that many young men wrote to it in search of suitable wives!

3 Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, society and the environment have altered dramatically, and in tandem with these changes, so, too, must the role of education. We have entered the knowledge-based economy, where economic growth is increasingly driven by the ability to innovate rather than to simply produce. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that we deliver the best education to our students to ensure that they are equipped with the relevant skills to contribute meaningfully to society. Singapore needs enterprising, creative individuals with the drive to excel. To achieve this, our education system has to go beyond just imparting knowledge, to imbuing students with the mindsets and values that will help them to be more resourceful and innovative, with the courage to take risks and to persevere in adversity.

4 I am pleased that St. Margaret's School has been consistently mindful of the need to ensure that its programmes and activities are relevant to the needs of its students and Singapore. The school remains committed to a broad-based education, ensuring that students enjoy a wide breadth of educational experiences in an environment that fosters a love of learning, enquiring mindsets and a dynamic interest in the world around them. I am told that through the Innovation Programme organised by the Gifted Education Branch, St. Margaret's Secondary School's students have devised 14 novel gadgets and systems that have practical use in everyday life. It also has regular exchange programmes to broaden students' horizons and allow them to venture beyond the confines of classroom learning. And both the primary and secondary schools continue to nurture in students a passion for sports.

5 Indeed, St Margaret's is a flourishing example of a school that has successfully reinvented itself to meet the changing needs of society. It can count among its alumni distinguished leaders in diverse fields such as medicine, law, education and commerce, many of whom are present tonight. It is important for the school to sustain its efforts in this direction - to continue to be innovative in thinking, to have the courage to explore new ideas in education and new ways of implementing these ideas, and to stay at the forefront of educational development. I understand that both the primary and secondary schools have identified Performing & Creative Arts as one area they would like to develop further. This is a step in the right direction, as Art Education is one area where students' natural creativity can be stimulated and unleashed.

6 The demands of a knowledge-based economy aside, education is also about imparting sound principles and values in our students. I am heartened that amidst its quest to equip students with the relevant skills, knowledge and attitude to succeed in the new economy, the school has never compromised on the importance of imparting core traditions and values to its students. The hardware may be important, but the "heartware" is just as critical. Sound principles and values are important as they provide our young girls with an anchor amidst constant change.

7 In keeping with its tradition of helping the less fortunate and needy in society, St Margaret's continues to be proactive in Community Involvement Projects. I understand that it has even extended its programme beyond our shores, to regional countries like Thailand and China. Another important initiative is the all-night Singathon, 'Sing to the Dawn', on 29 November, to raise funds for the President's Challenge 2002. Indeed by encouraging a culture of sharing and giving, the school is sending a clear signal to its students that academic success alone does not make for a worthy individual. Compassion, love and concern for fellow Singaporeans are equally important.

8 A school cannot, on its own, succeed without the active support and participation of parents and the community. I am heartened to note that tonight's celebration is a combined effort by St Margaret's Primary School's Parent-Teachers Association, St Margaret's Secondary School's Parent-Support Group, and the Ex-Students' Association. This demonstrates St Margaret's School's ability to successfully develop strong and close bonds with parents and alumni. Allow me to congratulate the secondary school for attaining the Inaugural PARTNERS Merit Award, presented this morning by COMPASS (COMmunity and PArents in Support of Schools). I am confident that the award will encourage the school to further promote and strengthen collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.

9 I would also like to commend the 26 staff who will be receiving Long Service Awards this evening. Some have served for as many as 40 years. Such loyalty and faithfulness serve as moral and social anchors for our young. I note that the school will also be conferring its own 'Partners' award to its key stakeholders. Indeed, this joyous occasion is an opportune time to honour important stakeholders in education.

10 As St. Margaret's marks its 160th anniversary, it can look back on its rich heritage with pride and joy. The school is now a living, thriving, bustling community, within which all pupils are offered support and encouragement to develop to their fullest potential.

11 I congratulate St Margaret's School on its 160th anniversary. I wish the school every success in the years ahead.