This year, three new principals take the helm at Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road), Fairfield Methodist School (Primary), and Geylang Methodist School (Primary). With the first school term completed, they share their thoughts on their schools with Methodist Message.
Mr Khoo Tse Horng
Principal
Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
I am both humbled and honoured to serve the ACS family. I am deeply cognizant that I am standing on the shoulders of many strong leaders who came before me. Leading the school would mean growing the legacy they have gifted us. I believe that the ACS family has grown because of the favour of the Lord (Psalm 90:17). Our Alumni and its network are testament of how God has established the work of our hands.
Through my interaction with many of the old boys, I can see they have much gratitude and pride for the school. Many have assured me that I can approach them for help should the need arise, for which I am deeply grateful.
Having led two Anglican mission schools before, one of the most important lessons I have learnt is to place my faith in God alone. I look forward to partnering the chaplaincy provided by Barker Road Methodist Church in introducing some ideas I have learnt from these schools so that our gentlemen are equipped to face an increasingly complex world.
This year’s theme verse is Micah 6:8 (NIV), “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” We want to nurture our students to be servant- leaders who demonstrate these qualities.
Mrs Soh Mei Foong
Principal
Fairfield Methodist School (Primary)
It is an honour and privilege to serve at Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) with its rich and long history. I have much to learn and have faith that God will empower and provide the wisdom and skills to build on the good work done by my predecessors. I look forward to working with the staff, parents, the Board and Alumni, to anchor our students in strong values and competencies. Together, we can prepare them to be leaders of the future, to serve God and the community.
I’ve learnt that one must appreciate the history, culture, and context of each school for no two schools are the same. Only then can decisions be effective and meaningful for individuals and the school.
It is also important to ensure that staff are well taken care of, not just in terms of their physical and mental well-being but also their professional development and growth. While it is important to focus on student well-being and outcomes, the recent pandemic has reminded me that teachers need to be valued and appreciated or else they would not be able to give of their best to their students.
The theme for our school this year is “Laying Strong Foundations”, and the theme verse is Luke 6:47–48. We shared with our students that for them to be successful in their pursuits, they must first lay strong foundations in their character. Only with strong character traits such as honesty, respect, love and care for others, diligence, and perseverance, can they then face challenges in their schoolwork and life.
Mrs Daphne Yeoh
Principal
Geylang Methodist School (Primary)
I am honoured to be posted to Geylang Methodist School (Primary) as Principal on its 100th anniversary, a momentous year that resonates with the school’s rich history of resilience and growth. Reflecting on the journey that brought us to this milestone, I marvel at God’s faithfulness, a theme echoed in our 2024 celebration, “Celebrating God’s Goodness”, inspired by Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Having led three very different primary schools before joining the Geylang Methodist (GM) family, the need for adaptive strategies tailored to each institution’s unique heritage and student profile is imperative. I will need to develop a deep understanding of the school so that I can leverage her strengths to meet her needs for the future. One of the evident strengths of GMS(P) is the caring and enabling culture built by a team of dedicated staff and supportive partners. I will certainly leverage this strength to nurture the future-ready qualities needed by our students.
As we commemorate a century of God’s goodness, I am excited to blend GM’s rich history with a forward- looking vision. Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain,” serves as a guiding principle, reminding me of the importance of divine involvement in building a lasting legacy. Together, with the collective dedication of the GM family, we will navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring the next 100 years are marked by continued excellence, innovation, and a profound commitment to shaping the future.