Mrs Karen Tan
CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity
It is indeed a blessing and privilege for me to return to the CHIJ family to serve in Catholic education at CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity. As an IJ girl myself, I have benefited from 10 years of Catholic education, which have played a key role in forming me into who I am today. As each child enters the gates of CHIJ OLN, special in her God-given uniqueness, we aim to develop her talents, abilities and potential, and we want to do the same for our staff, who bring to the table their particular gifts. Faith formation will strengthen the faith experiences of our Catholic pupils and staff, and plant seeds of love and goodness within the community. My hope for CHIJ OLN is that the staff, pupils and parents become beacons of light and hope in the school, home and community. May they be instruments of peace and blessings to all those they meet.
Ms Phyllis Pham
CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace
I am inspired by the words of Blessed Nicolas Barré: “Have great courage and great hope in God.” I am blessed to be called to serve in a community rich in traditions of faith, hope and love. At CHIJ OLQP, we are committed to providing an education that shapes character, in a place where the dignity, worth and talents of each person are respected and developed, and where each is encouraged to become a person for others. I hope our pupils will grow into compassionate leaders who think critically yet act kindly. By exploring their passions and contributing to our community, the girls will develop a sense of purpose. With faith and perseverance, we will guide our girls to be enthusiastic learners, humble leaders and gracious ladies who will make a positive impact on the world.
Ms Winnie Tan
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School
Pope Francis said at the interreligious dialogue with young people in Singapore on 13 Sep 2024: “My wish is that all young people will go forward with hope, and not go backwards! Take risks! In the future, when you are elderly and grandparents, teach all these things to your children!” The Pope’s call for young people to move forward with hope and courage deeply inspired me. His words remind us that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also nurturing a spirit of optimism, resilience and possibility. In a world where challenges seem overwhelming, hope is the key. We are blessed to see the transformative power of hope in our schools daily – when a student learns something new, a teacher innovates to reach all learners, or when parents see their children’s potential. Pope Francis’ words challenge us to instil in our girls the courage to dream big and the wisdom to pass on their experiences to future generations.
Mdm Yvonne Teo
Catholic High School
My primary and secondary school years were spent in mission schools where I had fond memories of growth, not just in my academic learning, but also in my character and faith. I am grateful for the privileged responsibility to lead and serve at Catholic High School, which is celebrating her 90th anniversary this year. This milestone is a testament to God’s blessings over the years, and a call to be steadfast in our mission to nurture the next generation of leaders, gentlemen and bilingual scholars. Psalm 92 says: “The righteous will flourish like palm trees; they will grow like the cedars of Lebanon. They are like trees planted in the house of the Lord, that flourish in the Temple of our God, that still bear fruit in old age and are always green and strong.” I pray that all our students, their families and our school community partners will experience a new season of fruitfulness in our shared experiences, and in turn be blessings to others with gratefulness and love.
Mrs Janice Lim
Montfort Secondary School
There is a season for everything. The call to lead Montfort Secondary this season is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am grateful to the school leaders and staff who have served with passion and commitment through the years. They inspire us to sow diligently in this season so we too can inspire the next generation. We are very heartened by the steadfast support of our Archdiocese, St Gabriel’s Foundation, the School Management Committee, alumni and parents. As one Montfortian family, we anchor our lives on God and endeavour to build up the lives of our Montfortians so that each young man can live a life worthy of his calling (Ephesians 4:1) to be a man for others – a scholar, sportsman, gentleman and leader.
Mrs Sharon Clarissa Foo
St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School
“Canossian educators should try to handle each one in the way she is made, valuing the benefit of education in the formation of the heart.” These words from St Magdalene of Canossa resonate strongly and remind me that every child matters, no matter her starting point. I am blessed and humbled to be called to lead St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School, and to build on the work of past principals of the school. Where there is faith, there will be hope, and it is with hope that I embark on this journey to inspire the staff and pupils to continue being agents of change and multipliers of positivity, so we can strive to do things better and do better things. Just as the Canossian saints Magdalene of Canossa and Josephine Bakhita have done, I will embrace the foundational values of faith, charity, humility and forgiveness as I offer myself as God’s instrument to form hearts, enlighten minds and empower the spirits of all who pass through the gates of St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School.
Mrs Malini Raj
Good Shepherd Preschool
I feel hopeful, embarking on this new journey with Good Shepherd Preschool. The opportunity to engage with new pupils and colleagues is exciting, and I’m eager to contribute to a positive learning environment, helping the pupils grow academically and personally, encouraging curiosity, confidence and resilience. My wish is for the school to cultivate a culture of collaboration, inclusivity and mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and supported. I look forward to learning from the students, parents and staff as we work together to achieve success.
Ms Nithiya Kalyani
Marymount Preschool
As I move into my new role, I feel a sense of both humility and excitement. The responsibility of guiding a school community is a privilege, and I am honoured to have been entrusted with this opportunity. My hopes and wishes in this role are rooted in a deep desire to create an environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth and a genuine love for learning. I am inspired by the words of the philosopher Aristotle, who believed that educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. I am committed to leading Marymount Preschool with unwavering dedication to the well-being of our children, staff and community. I am filled with a sense of purpose and a resolve to make a lasting, positive impact, and I look forward to the challenges and joys that lie ahead, trusting that with God’s grace and the support of this wonderful community, we will achieve great things together.
