SPEECH BY MR CHAN SOO SEN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION, AT THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY THANKSGIVING DINNER OF THE KUO CHUAN PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLS, ON FRIDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2004, AT 7.30 PM AT SUNTEC CONVENTION CENTRE , BALLROOM 1 TO 3 (2ND LEVEL)

The Right Reverend Henry Hong
Moderator, Presbyterian Church in Singapore

Elder Kok Siew Hoong
Chairman, Board of Governors, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools

Members of the Board of Governors, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools

Mdm Kew Mee Ying
Principal, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School

Mr Goh Lay Guan
Principal, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School

Staff and Pupils of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening

1.      I am honoured to join you this evening to commemorate the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools’ 80th Anniversary.  Let me first congratulate you on achieving 80 years of admirable history and outstanding achievements. Over the years, the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools have nurtured and prepared their students well for the future. You have given them a well-rounded education and groomed them into responsible citizens.

History of the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools

2.      In 1924, two Christian Ministers founded Katong Girls’ School.  It had a modest enrolment of just 11 students, and only English and Chinese classes were conducted. Numerous name changes and important milestones later, the co-educational full school developed into two schools – Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School and Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School. The primary school moved to its current location in Bishan in 1987, with the secondary school following in 1988. The schools today boast a healthy enrolment, with more than 1800 students in the primary school and more than 1000 students at the secondary school.

3.      Under the Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing Schools (PRIME), Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary will also be launching a Heritage Centre that will house school artefacts such as old school bells, street signs, trophies and photographs of yesteryear. The Centre will be an important link between the past and the present, a reminder to current students and staff of the history and tradition they have inherited, and an inspiration, I am sure, to do even better with the opportunities they have been given.
 
Beyond Commemoration To Celebration

4.      Your accomplishments lie not just in the growing community of students who have passed through the doors of the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools, but in the distinctive spirit that has been lit in them, a flame of steadfastness and commitment to lifelong learning that has shone bright and unwavering for generations of students. It is a spirit that is testimony to the tireless efforts and selfless giving of the Schools’ leaders, teachers and support staff over the years.
 
5.      Tonight’s celebration is much more than just a commemoration of an anniversary.  It is a celebration of three things. First, it is a celebration of the Schools’ continued commitment in providing quality education for generations of students, and for producing responsible citizens of high calibre who make valuable contributions to our nation.  For this, we acknowledge the past and present staff of the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools, for your time and efforts in nurturing the child, both in imparting knowledge and skills, as well as in inculcating the values of honesty, discipline and uprightness that have stood the test of time.

6.      Second, tonight is a celebration of the longstanding cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders – the Schools, the Board, the community and parents. With your foresight, commitment and determination, you have played a part in shaping the history of the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools. Your contributions have enabled the Schools to enrich the quality of education they offer and built them into strong institutions.
 
7.      Third, tonight is also a celebration of the success of our education system.  The success story of the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Schools is a testament to the robustness of and strong support given to our education system.  Our teachers, parents and students take education seriously, and set high aspirations for themselves.  Our schools are well-provided with resources, staffed with capable and forward-looking leaders, and well-motivated, innovative teachers.

8.      In fact, the recently announced findings of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2003, which surveyed the Primary 4 and Secondary 2 students of 49 countries, put Singapore at the top for both Mathematics and Science. The study also found that among all participating countries, Singapore had the highest percentage of students with high availability of school resources for Mathematics and Science instruction.  Although our country lacks natural resources, we have created a competitive edge for ourselves through our comprehensive education system and policies. Moving forward, we will build on our strengths in education, so that our children will be well-prepared for a future of innovation-driven growth and a changing social and economic environment.

Beyond Celebration To Commitment

9.      Tonight, we also recognise the contributions of several members of the Schools’ Board of Governors who have demonstrated this commitment by presenting them with the Ministry of Education Service to Education Awards. Among them is Elder Kok Siew Hoong, Chairman of the Board of Governors, who has tirelessly served the Board for 20 years.

10.     I am confident that the next 80 years will continue to be as exciting and colourful for the schools. The changing societal landscape and new education initiatives will present challenges.  But the fundamentals of bringing out the best in our children and preparing them to confidently journey across the uncharted terrain of the future remain unchanged.
 
11.     The Schools already have in place several programmes for the holistic development of their students. Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School has pastoral care, physical education (PE) and CCA programmes to nurture their charges. For instance, its pastoral care programmes, which are structured for all levels, incorporate lessons on lifeskills and character development, and help build confidence and self-esteem among students. Its PE programme is comprehensive and integrates gymnastics, sports and traditional ethnic games. I understand that Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary is also striving to build a niche area as a centre for the teaching and learning of the English language. I believe that with the sound support and teaching system you have in place, this will definitely become a reality in the near future.
 
12.      Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary has also created opportunities both within and outside the school for students to challenge themselves and test their boundaries. For instance, students have an active say in designing their student handbook. Each CCA group also owns a plot of land in the school to create and upkeep, making it uniquely their own. Not only do these opportunities deepen students’ sense of belonging to the school, they help to create a distinctive school culture and environment.
 
Conclusion

13.     There is a strong drive and determination within the Kuo Chuan Presbyterian family, from the Board, to the Schools, teachers, students, alumni and many well-wishers.  This augurs well for the Schools as you boldly take on the future challenges and strengthen the quality of education for our future generations.
 
         Thank you and have an enjoyable evening.