14 July 2023

|

Tags: OYEA

|

Categories: News

Last Friday, 7 July, six young teachers received the Outstanding Youth in Education Award (OYEA) from Second Minister for Education, Dr Maliki Osman, at the National Institute of Education (NIE) Teachers’ Investiture Ceremony. Three of them were from Catholic schools:

  • Ms Shobana D/O Sreetharan, 29, Holy Innocents’ Primary School;
  • Ms Khairunnisa Binte Ismail, 30, St Gabriel’s Secondary School;
  • Ms Sum Kar Mun, 34, CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh).

Ms S. Purnima Janani from Catholic High School (Secondary) was also one of the ten finalists, from which the OYEA recipients were chosen by a selection panel comprised of representatives from MOE, NIE, the National Youth Council, and members of MOE’s COMPASS (COMmunity and PArents in Support of Schools) group.

These finalists were selected from 2,932 nominations from schools and members of the public, for 1,488 teachers from 241 schools.

The Ministry of Education reports:

“The OYEA is a national award that recognises young teachers for their commendable enthusiasm, energy, and for being inspiring role models for the fraternity. Since its inception in 1999, 102 outstanding young educators have received the award to date.”

MOE explains:

“These young teachers have worked closely with other stakeholders in achieving these educational outcomes, employing innovative pedagogical approaches, and leveraging technology to engage their students in meaningful learning experiences.

“Some of these experiences include designing activities and programmes for their students to make relevant connections to real-life contexts, using games and apps to assess their students’ learning, and creating opportunities for their students to have a deeper understanding of self and others, as well as to impart life skills in the process.”

OYEA recipients are awarded a trophy and certificate, along with sponsorship for an overseas professional development programme and a professional development grant of $1,000 to attend either overseas or local conferences, seminars, or courses.

OYEA commends young teachers who exemplify that education ought to form students in a holistic manner, fostering a love of lifelong learning, developing resilience and empathy, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. MOE states that OYEA is also meant to inspire youths to pursue the vocation of teaching as a “fulfilling profession”.

12 October 2022

|

Categories: News

Catholic Family Life (CFL) is undertaking a study funded by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), titled “Building Strong Families in Singapore”. It aims to help social service providers better understand families’ journeys, the realities of families at different life stages, and the current resources available to support families.

At the end of this study, CFL aims to create resources that guide families to focus and build on their strengths. These family-based resources and videos may be distributed through Catholic schools, catering for different life stages and possible transitions. They will also aid in the delivery of programmes to develop stronger children, parents, families and communities.

The survey, which is in English, takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Respondents sought must be at least 21 years old, Singaporean citizens or permanent residents, and may include dating or engaged couples, married couples, as well as single-again individuals.

Take the survey here.

 

For more information, visit www.familylife.sg/cflresearch or contact [email protected].

2 October 2022

|

Categories: News

Ms Tay Hui Cheng of St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School (SACSS) was one of eight recipients and Mr Kok Boon Siang of St Anthony’s Primary School (SAPS) was one of nine finalists for this year’s President’s Award for Teachers (PAT).

In her speech at the award ceremony in the Istana on Teacher’s Day, 1 September 2022, President Halimah Yacob said: “Our educators do more than teach subjects. Beyond the pursuit of excellence in academics, they also focus on the socio-emotional and mental resilience foundations for our students, and help to positively mould their habits, traits, and character. These will enable each and every student to grow holistically and achieve their fullest potential.

“The recipients of this year’s President’s Award for Teachers exemplify the qualities of what we mean when we say teaching is a calling, and the huge impact teachers can have in the lives of their students. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the eight award winners, as well as the 4000-over nominees. All of you have been an inspiration to your fellow teachers.”

Ms Tay developed a mobile game and videos to assist her students in their Chinese lessons during the pandemic. She averred: “This honour is thanks to the support of my school leaders and colleagues who believe in me and work alongside me to turn ideas into viable teaching and learning innovations. I have been teaching for almost 18 years and I find my work rewarding and meaningful as I have the opportunity to impact young lives.”

 

 

Outstanding Educators

The Ministry of Education (MOE) states: “The President’s Award for Teachers was established in 1998 to recognise excellent educators for their role in moulding the future of our nation.”

“They constantly adopt innovative approaches in their lessons, and are lifelong learners and mentors to their peers. They reach out to their students, affirm their strengths and efforts, and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Through their words and deeds, these educators are an inspiration to their students and colleagues.”

MOE elaborated: “This year’s recipients were selected from 17 finalists who were judged by a panel chaired by Mr Patrick Tay, Chairperson of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education. The panel included representatives from the Ministry of Education (MOE), as well as the Community and Parents in Support of Schools (COMPASS), a council established in December 1998 to advise MOE on strengthening and promoting school-home-community collaboration.

“This year’s award recipients will be able to participate in an overseas learning programme to further their professional development. Finalists will each receive a grant to attend conferences, seminars and courses, or to purchase resources for professional development.”

Ms Tay Hui Cheng is the Head of Department for Mother Tongue at SACSS and Mr Kok Boon Siang is the Year Head for Lower Primary in SAPS.

2 September 2022

|

Categories: News

In recent weeks, various teachers and alumni from Catholic schools throughout Singapore have been recognised with national awards.

Ms Tan Shu Tian (HOD Education Technology) of St Anthony’s Primary School was one of six teachers who received the Outstanding Youth in Education Award (OYEA) 2022. MOE explains: “The OYEA is a national award that recognises and honours the achievements of young educators who have shown admirable passion for teaching, and commitment to inspiring and nurturing their students. Launched in 1999, it seeks to recognise excellent younger teachers for their youthful idealism, enthusiasm, energy and active involvement in the development of youth beyond the formal curriculum.”

 

CHIJ Katong Convent teachers who received National Day Awards included Mr Tan Tak Thye Nathanael (The Commendation Medal), Ms Wahidah Bte Ahamad (The Long Service Medal) and Ms Zakiah Binte Subahan (The Long Service Medal).

CHIJ Kellock National Day Award recipients included Mrs Hannah Yuen (Commendation Medal), Ms Jeannie Ho (Commendation Medal), Ms Daphne Wong (The Long Service Medal) and Mrs Khoo Kim Kiow (The Long Service Medal).

At St Joseph’s Institution, educators awarded on National Day were Mrs Anne Tan (Public Administration Medal (Bronze)), Mrs Nevina Ho (The Commendation Medal), and for the Long Service Medal: Ms Boon Yen Ping, Mrs Nevina Ho, Mr Jude Tan and Mr Wong Ting Hsin. In addition, Mr Tan Chorh Chuan (Class of 1975), chief health scientist at Ministry of Health (MOH), was one of three public service veterans who received the Distinguished Service Order for their contributions to the country over the years.

Montfort Junior awardees consisted of Level Head Ms Siti Nur Hajar (The Commendation Medal), and for the Long Service Medal: Teacher Mdm Poongodi d/o Chinniah, Lead Teacher Mr Soh Chee Yong Alvin and Year Head Mdm Loh Ai Ling Irene. Montfort Secondary awardees were Assistant Year Head Ms Yeo Su Lynn Jaime (The Commendation Medal), and for the Long Service Medal: Ms Lee Boy San (Laboratory Attendant), Ms Ang Guat Hong (Teacher), Mr Yu Yang Ming Ernest (HOD).

Catholic Junior College recipients of National Day Awards were comprised of Mr Philip Alvar (Public Administration Medal (Bronze)), Mdm Dorothy Chua (The Commendation Medal), Mr Bernard Yeong (The Commendation Medal), Mr Ivan Yeo (Public Administration Medal (Silver)), and for the Long Service Medal: Mr Conrad Lee, Mr Lester Low, Ms Yoong Lian Teen and Ms Chew Tyng Huey.

CJC Principal Mrs Phyllis Lim said, “We are grateful for the many years of dedicated service and contributions by our staff, members of the CJ School Management Committee (SMC) and CJ alumni and we thank God for their continued service to the college, community and the nation.”

 

Do you know of more educators, support staff or alumni from your school who were recognised on National Day? Let us know if you do!

31 August 2021

|

Tags: Educators, Parents, Students

|

Categories: Events, News

For Catholic Education Sunday this year on 12 September, ACCS is inviting students and staff of Catholic schools across Singapore to contribute recordings for a virtual choir, singing the recessional hymn of our live-streamed Mass.

To enable young children to participate, they only need to sing the AMEN, as demonstrated in this video.

Catholic Education Sunday has been celebrated since 2017, bringing together our Archdiocese’s educational community, forming 50,000-over students from nursery, pre-school and primary school to secondary school and junior college.

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, we can still find creative means to maintain our communal ties and worship together from our homes – the domestic church.

With this song, we want to bless all our Catholic schools, religious families, students and educators, as well as the Catholic Church in Singapore, especially in our 200th year.

Instructions on how to participate can be found here, with the four main choir parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Current students are encouraged to wear their school uniforms while singing. Please upload your recordings by Saturday 4 September 2021, 11pm. Late submissions may not be used.

17 August 2021

|

Tags: Educators, Parents, Students

|

Categories: Events, News

At the turn of the 19th century, when only the nobility and middle class had access to education, St Magdalene of Canossa, the daughter of a marquis and a countess, spent her inheritance providing free education for the poorest of the poor.

She witnessed widespread suffering and unrest in her hometown Verona, caused by the Napoleonic Wars. Magdalene reasoned that educated Christian wives and mothers were the best way to form wholesome families, creating a virtuous society. For her, the aim of education was to lead people to experience God’s love.

In Singapore, the Canossian Sisters, or Canossian Daughters of Charity (FDCC, Figlie Della Carità Canossiane), founded Canossa Convent Primary School and Fatima Home on 15 August 1941, providing accommodation for thirty-one orphans.

Watch the Canossaville 80th Anniversary Commemorative Video here:

After surviving World War II and the Japanese Occupation, the Sisters established the Canossian School for the Deaf in 1956. That year, Sr Natalia Tasca FDCC gathered a group of six to work with her – this was the beginning of the Lay Canossians, who now number over a hundred.

Today, there are about 2,300 Canossians serving in 18 provinces on five continents. St Magdalene wrote that the Daughters of Charity are to be “detached from everything… and ready for the divine service and to go anywhere, even to the remotest Country.” Canossa Children and Community Services (Canossaville) continues the mission began by St Magdalene in Italy two centuries ago.

Learn more about what goes on behind the doors of the Canossian Village here:

28 May 2021

|

Tags: Educators, Parents, Students

|

Categories: News

Start the June holidays the best way possible—in prayer! On Tuesday, 1 June, from 8pm to 9pm, the ACCS will be leading an intercessory prayer session on Zoom, in conjunction with Catholic200SG, celebrating two hundred years of Catholicism in Singapore.

After the opening hymn, Sister Cecily Pavri will give an introduction to the session. She will speak about the missionaries who founded our Catholic schools, heeding the call of the Gospel to make Christ known and loved. Sr Pavri will touch on how the original missionaries inspired locals to follow in their footsteps and continue the legacy of Catholic education.

 

After Sr Pavri’s introduction, each religious congregation and their schools will give a short presentation, comprised of a scripture reading and quote from their founder, followed by prayers of the faithful. Together, the community will pray for our Catholic schools, school leaders, teachers, students, parents, sponsors, the Ministry of Education, the Catholic Church and our nation.

The session will also include hymns led by three teachers from St Stephen’s School.

Diocesan school representatives will close the session with a prayer to St Joseph and the Catholic200SG prayer. This will be followed by the final blessing and a closing hymn.

As we celebrate Catholic200SG, we invite parents, educators, and students to join us in prayer, giving thanks for the gift of Catholic Education, a legacy left for us by the early missionaries. Log in with the following details (please note that there is a 1,000-seat capacity for the Zoom event):

Zoom
Meeting ID: 944 2696 7285
Passcode: Faith200

19 May 2021

|

Tags: Educators, Parents, Students

|

Categories: News

Saint Max, the video production arm of the Archdiocese Communications Office, is producing a series of short videos meant for Catholic schools and parents to use freely in this season of Home-Based Learning (HBL). Particularly suitable for primary school students, these videos aim to inspire a focus on God as the children began each new day preparing for lessons at home.

Beginning with a song of praise, each episode contains a reflection on the day’s scripture readings or feast, with suggestions on how to incarnate spiritual truths through acts of love. The videos conclude with prayer intentions for the community and Spiritual Communion.

 

Each episode will be released at 7am every alternate weekday morning, beginning this morning. The five episodes will cover topics like God’s promises in times of uncertainty and fear, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, living the Christian life, and faith that moves mountains. The schedule is as follows:

  • Episode 1 – Wednesday, 19 May: God is One with Us
  • Episode 2 – Friday, 21 May: They were All in One Room
  • Episode 3 – Monday, 24 May: All Things are Possible for God
  • Episode 4 – Wednesday, 26 May: Persons for Others
  • Episode 5 – Friday, 28 May: Moving Mountains

 

Teachers and parents may access all five episodes via the Saint Max YouTube playlist.