Speech by RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, at CHIJ Primary and Secondary Opening of New School Building on Saturday, 18 August 2007, at 5.30 pm

SPEECH BY RADM (NS) LUI TUCK YEW, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT CHIJ PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OPENING OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDING ON SATURDAY, 18 AUGUST 2007, AT 5:30PM

1 Today is a significant milestone in the history of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Primary and Secondary schools – and I am pleased to be here with all of you to share this momentous occasion.

2 The trinity of Faith, Hope and Love has been the schools’ guiding principles throughout their history; in their dedication to their mission and their commitment to the community. Aptly, this is also the theme of this evening’s celebration.

3 In 1662 Father Nicolas Barre convinced the poverty-stricken parents in France to place their faith in his order to give their daughters a better future through education. Under these difficult circumstances, CHIJ was born. Under the leadership of Mother St Mathilde, the CHIJ schools in Singapore were established in 1854. From their humble beginnings in Victoria Street, the schools have grown in stature and are today among the schools of choice for girls in Singapore.

4 At present, CHIJ Primary and Secondary have 3,000 students in their ranks. The demand for places in the schools year after year is testimony to the schools’ strong tradition of excellence in both academic and co-curricular endeavours.

5 CHIJ Primary and Secondary’s growth is mirrored in the story of Singapore’s progress from a third world to a first world country. Singapore’s success is a result of the resilience of our people. The whole community worked together at each stage of our development, and created a land of opportunities for all, regardless of race, language or religion.

6 We have also seen education steadily progress in Singapore since our independence. It is an education system that has gained international respect and recognition for its high standards and ability to evolve and innovate with the changing global landscape. Our education system has expanded to provide more choices and to develop fully the different talents and potential of individual students. With greater flexibility and diversity, every student is encouraged to discover his or her talents.

7 In the same vein, CHIJ Primary and Secondary have constantly refreshed and rejuvenated herself to keep pace with the changing needs of education. Yet, some things have remained unchanged. The CHIJ motto, “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty”, is a simple yet powerful motto that has and continues to inspire and guide each cohort of students and the teachers who nurture them towards their fullest potential.

8 To be part of the IJ Family here is to partake in an educational experience that is forward-looking yet steeped in tradition. I am heartened that CHIJ Primary is focusing on Teaching and Learning as the South Zone Centre of Excellence, whilst CHIJ Secondary is committed to the promotion of Language and the Arts as their Centre of Excellence in the South 3 Cluster. Both CHIJ Primary and Secondary pursue specialist objectives in their pedagogy and I must commend both schools for their commitment to be top value-added schools.

9 As we look to the future, revise our strategies and occasionally reinvent ourselves, we must never lose sight of the fundamental objective of education – to nurture students with strong values. This is crucial in our competitive and modern economy, where we may be tempted to compromise in order to get ahead and social norms are revisited and tested. We must therefore continue to help our students stay rooted and confident of their identity ever as they face pressure to conform and succumb. This, I am glad to note, is the cornerstone of the IJ Brand of Education; a values-based education that promotes universal and abiding values of truth, justice and love!

10 CHIJ Primary’s Zonal Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning recognises the school’s strength in pedagogical experimentation to meet the needs and abilities of the pupils. It also hopes to encourage and support teachers in collaborative and innovative pedagogical practices and to provide a platform to network and share inventive classroom strategies at the cluster and zonal levels.

11 With this focus on teaching and learning, teachers will continue to engage students in interesting and stimulating learning techniques. Two note-worthy examples are the school-wide Cooperative Learning strategies that the teachers have successfully implemented in their lessons as well as the use of differentiated instruction in the lower primary – a TLLM prototype that won the Educational Research Award. Both programmes have already enjoyed the first fruits of success.

12 The Learning Hub, equipped with the appropriate IT hardware and software as well as the specially-designed furniture that can be reconfigured according to the different needs of the pedagogy being used, are part of the infrastructure built into CHIJ Primary’s Architecture for Learning. These are but some examples of the exciting changes that have taken place. I take this opportunity to congratulate the community of teachers in CHIJ Primary for leading the way in their commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

13 CHIJ Secondary’s Cluster Centre of Excellence for Language and the Arts is an affirmation of its strong foundation in the teaching and learning of Language, Drama, the Visual and Performing Arts. Students undergo courses in music appreciation, performing arts and video production. Two notable programmes in the school are the Art Elective Programme and the Drama Elective Programme. These programmes have produced students who are creative, confident and articulate in their language and communication skills. In 2008, students will be given the exciting opportunity to offer drama as a GCE O-Level subject.

14 Up-to-date facilities in the school make teaching and learning for teachers and students exciting in CHIJ Secondary. The school’s recording suites, the ArtsBox@IJ, the iMAC and teaching laboratories are well-equipped with cutting-edge technology to support the school’s stimulating programmes. With its state-of-the-art equipment and innovative curriculum, the launch of the school’s Centre of Excellence allows students to embark on in-depth exploration in the language, arts, journalism and aesthetic fields.

15 Another example of CHIJ Secondary’s incisive commitment to widen its educational horizon and stay connected globally is the opening of its doors to scholars and foreign students from Asean, China and India. I applaud the school for successfully establishing a lasting relationship and strong partnership with its foreign counterparts. These are excellent examples of how the school has ventured to keep abreast of the rapidly-changing educational landscape in Singapore.

16 Aligned to its 153-year-old mission, the schools’ out-reach to aid the less fortunate in the community remains strong. I am delighted that CHIJ Primary and Secondary have incorporated the spirit of sharing and caring as one of the objectives of today’s celebration.

17 Noteworthy initiatives such as CHIJ Secondary’s partnership with the Down Syndrome Association in raising funds for the 4 IJ Homes through the school’s IJ Fiesta, mission trips to Myanmar and book donation drives exemplify CHIJ Secondary’s engagement with those in need in Singapore and abroad. As part of the school’s Opening of the New School Building, students, teachers and parents of CHIJ Secondary have kicked-start the ‘Beanie – Adopt Me’ fund-raising programme for the school’s IJ Bursary Fund.

18 CHIJ Primary’s recent reading culture project saw the school opening its doors to children from 10 homes to a movie premiere at the theatres and in so doing, promoted the love of reading not just among her students but among many other children from less privileged homes. This and other student-initiated projects remind the students in CHIJ Primary to be considerate of the needs of other children.

19 It is THE CHIJ EXPERIENCE which nurtures a CHIJ girl to be lolyal, confident and competent, and one who is ready to love, learn and serve. Both CHIJ Primary and Secondary have created a milieu that nurtures the students’ well-being and character development through a kaleidoscope of activities, both in the classroom and beyond.

20 Nice buildings alone do not quality school make. The key to a quality education lies in the commitment and dedication of the teachers. I am pleased that CHIJ Primary and Secondary have, through the years, assembled a committed team of staff who believe in and have high expectations of their students. I honour these teachers who tirelessly seek to infuse in our students the values and lifelong skills that will prepare them well for the challenges ahead.

21 I also pay tribute to the Infant Jesus Board of Management, parents and a co-operative community network for lending their fervent support to the schools’ efforts. Your presence here tonight affirms and underpins the bond and strong links you cherish and preserve with CHIJ Primary and Secondary.

22 I congratulate CHIJ Primary and Secondary for consistently providing a myriad of opportunities for their students to develop their skills, knowledge and talents, pursue their aspirations and realise their dreams. Under the present leadership of Mrs Magdalene Bheem and Mrs Regina Lee of CHIJ Primary and Secondary respectively, I’m confident the schools will achieve greater heights and keep the CHIJ flag flying high.

23 On this note, I congratulate the CHIJ Community on the opening of the new school building and the launch of the schools’ Centres of Excellence. Thank you.