SPEECH BY MR GAN KIM YONG, MINISTER OF STATE , MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, FOR GONGSHANG PRIMARY SCHOOL’S 85TH ANNIVERSARY ON SATURDAY, 19TH NOV 2005, 7.00 PM AT GONGSHANG PRIMARY SCHOOL HALL

INTRODUCTION
1. I am pleased to be here with you tonight at your 85th Anniversary celebrations. Let me first congratulate you on this auspicious occasion. This is a historical moment in your school’s proud heritage, and I hope it will inspire your students and staff to strive for greater achievements.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION
2. I was here two years ago for a CDAC education committee workshop and I took the opportunity to have a quick tour of the school. I was excited by the nurturing environment your school had in place for effective learning and sharing.

3. Education is a partnership among the school, the family and the community. While the school delivers the curriculum, the family and the community must provide the support. I am pleased to note that the principal, Mrs Yip has steered Gongshang according to her firm belief that it takes a whole village to raise a child. She is guided by the belief that education is an ongoing process that takes place not just in school, but also at home and within the community. Gongshang’s goal is to foster multi-pronged partnerships with the community. The proactive approach Gongshang has taken in forming partnerships with its various stakeholders is inspiring indeed. Efforts to involve the larger community in students’ education and upbringing can be seen in the school’s collaboration with the CDAC to reach out to pupils who are in need of assistance.

4. The school has also involved the parents in taking ownership of the transmission and inculcation of core values. I was told this is done through an assessment method at home by using a set of interactive cards. Parents would sign on the card to serve as affirmation of each core value that their children have acquired. This interesting system allows for quality dialogue between parents and their children, as parents assess the individual values that have been taught to and manifested by their children. Children are then awarded a set of badges to recognise their efforts and chart their progress in character development. The cards also provide students with ample avenue to self-reflect on the values they acquired.

5. Gongshang’s efforts in partnering with the community and the parents have earned the school the PARTNERS (PARents, Teachers and Neighbourhood Resources in Synergy) Award presented by COMPASS (COMmunity and Parents in Support of Schools). It won a Merit Award in 2002 and the Outstanding Award in 2004. I trust that the school will not rest on its laurels, but will make even greater strides forward in promoting and strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders.

6. To uphold the culture and tradition of seeking continual improvement, Gongshang has endeavored to attain standards of quality in service and management. Having been awarded the ISO 2000 and Singapore Quality Class certification, I am confident that Gongshang will continue to move closer to realising its vision of being an excellent institution that others look to for inspiration.

PREPAREDNESS FOR THE NEW ECONOMY
7. The world is changing very rapidly today. Our education system must evolve continuously to stay relevant to the changing environment. For this reason, the education landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years. The primary objective is to offer greater diversity and flexibility to our children so that they can each pursue their dreams according to their interests and abilities.

8. While we equip our children with skills and knowledge, we must also impart to them our core values and deepen their roots to Singapore. We must work together, the school, the parents and the community, to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. Instill in them, the Singapore spirit.

9. Gongshang has a long history of 85 years, longer than our independence. It has developed its own unique culture and rich traditions. It has a strong alumni that carries on the Gongshang Spirit. Shortly we will be unveiling the 85th anniversary commemorative Coffee Table Book that captures Gongshang’s rich history and traditions, and celebrates its spirit. It also pays tribute to the many individuals who have made significant contributions to the school over these 85 years. It will serve as a constant reminder of the Gongshang spirit for many generations to come.

CONCLUSION
10. Finally, it leaves me to extend my warmest congratulations to Mrs Yip, teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni and partners of Gongshang on your collective achievements.