APS

CELEBRATING A GROUNDUP INITIATIVE

PRINOPIA 3

"With his help, we were not justencouraged to amalgamate ourprofessional associations, but to goon to a higher form of existence asan Academy," says Belinda. "Tothis end, he was instrumental in

MOE was very supportive. Belindais grateful to then PS (Education)Chiang Chie Foo for his unstintingsupport as principals embarked ona new chapter of learning andcontinual improvement.

II princiPals often do notrealise how valuable

their experiences are.It's been so rewardingto discover such atreasury of expertise,and to share the manydifferent pathways tosuccess."Belinda Charles (right), PresidentAcademy of Principals

Mrs Lysia Kee, the Academy's 1stVice-President and formerPresident of SSSPA, was involved indrafting the constitution for theAcademy. She looks back on it asone of the most significantmoments. "I took the constitutionfrom the three associations, putthem all in front of me, and piecedtogether a draft constitution for theAcademy based on what wouldwork best for all of us. It was clearwe wanted to involve everyone,and therefore had to haveex-officio members on the board torepresent NIE and MOE. Theobjective was simple: we wereinterested in the professionalconcerns of principals and the wayschools were managed. Based onthis, we submitted a proposal toMOE, outlining our intent andprogrammes."

Mrs Lim Chye Tin, the Academy'sDean and former chairman of SEASsays, "We had reps from all threeorganisations forming a Protemcommittee and we spent manymeetings over many monthsdeliberating. We drew up aconstitution and had a lawyer runthrough it."

It is this collegial spirit that hasbeen the hallmark of the Academy.

Belinda says, "There was nochallenge in coming together. Thatwas the nicest bit. Some of uswere already members of morethan one association. When weorganised AGMs and other events,we had to try to avoid clashes.After a while, we asked ourselves,'Why don't we just do it alltogether?'"

Over time, members of the threeassociations found themselvesworking closely together andgradually, boundaries werecrossed. It soon became clear thatefforts for professionaldevelopment and sharing could bebetter served throughconsolidation.

IIT he rubbing of shoulders with thegiants in the profession with many

years of principalship experienceencouraged me as there is no betterplace where I can serve as well asimbibe the wisdom and experience ofthe board members."Michel SawPrincipal, Innova Primary

In January 2002, the Academy of Principals (APS) was formedwith the amalgamation of three separate associations of schoolprincipals in Singapore. Today, we reflect on the significance ofthis milestone and celebrate the passion and collegial spirit thatis the hallmark of the fraternity.

T he founding of the Academyrepresented more than anamalgamation of three

associations. It was testimony tothe common ground that allprincipals share, and a story ofinnovation, entrepreneurship andthe empowerment of principals.

Each association had differentroots, and was founded underdifferent circumstances but even inthose early days, the can-do spiritand the passion to build a strongerprofessional identity was evident.

Previously, there were threesepa rate associations: theAssociation of Principals of PrimarySchools (APPS), the SingaporeSecondary Schools Principals'Association (SSSPA) and theSingapore EducationalAdministration Society (SEAS).

The Academy's President,Mrs Belinda Charles recalls, "SEASwas started by a group of peoplewho were passionate aboutteachers and educational leadersbeing a class of their own. Wecame together and deCided that wemust improve the efficacy ofprofessional development.Mr John Yip and Mr EugeneWijeysingha were instrumental inthe setting up of SEAS."

PRINOPIA 2

securing a physical centre fromwhich to operate as well as a grantto help us through the first fewyears of formation. Above all, hehelped us clarify our core businesswhile encouraging us to learn frombeyond our own boundaries," sheadds.

Peer learning, networking, andtapping on the tacit knowledge ofprincipals have been high on theAcademy's agenda. Belinda says,"Principals often do not realise howvaluable their experiences are. It'sbeen so rewarding to discover sucha treasury of expertise, and toshare the many different pathwaysto success. Everyone's journey is avalid one. Through Principia, wehave celebrated the success ofmany unsung heroes, who havegone to the more challengingschools and did a good job of it."

Reflecting on the roles that APScould take on in the future,Belinda's wish is for the Academyto grow a more research-orientedculture in schools. "We could be alot more research-focused in someof the educational decisions wetake. Our schools produce a lot ofresults, but we do very littleresearch on our processes andoutcomes. One of my long term

PRINCIPIA 4

"I'm absolutely delighted to see theAcademy doing so well. It has come

a long way and I'm thrilled to see theAcademy grow under the leadership ofBelinda, the President and Ezra, theExecutive Director. I love challengesand so I took up the invitation to beinvolved. We initiated programmes toprovide principals with a broadervision of leadership."Carmee Lim, founding Executive DirectorAcademy of Principals

ambitions would be to grow theresearch base in schools. To dothat, principals need to giveteachers the space to do research,so that we're thinking practitioners,not just achieving practitioners.

Another area that is close toBelinda's heart is for principals tomake more global connections andto better understand thechallenges that their overseascounterparts face. "When lookingfor overseas partners, principals

either consciously want to partnerwith top schools to leverage ontheir reputation, or with schoolsthat are in need, so that they canassist as a CIP project. I think weare missing out by not linking upwith more ordinary, averageschools. There are many ways wecan learn, and the average schoolsmight help us see gaps in our ownsystem, which we may not beaware."

The appointment of the Academy'sfirst Dean, Mrs Lim Chye Tin, in2008 was another boost for theAcademy in spearheading theleadership development of thefraternity. Having retired asprincipal, Chye Tin relishes hercurrent role, alternating herschedule between attending tobusiness meetings at the Academy,sourcing for talented trainers andspeakers to conduct workshops forteachers and principals, andextending the Academy'sinternational network.

"My work is to look into areas thatpromote the professional growth ofprincipals and to see how theAcademy can service principals inthe running of their schools. For along time, these were looked afterby a committee of principals, butbecause principals nowadays are sobusy, it is thought that a Deanwould help manage this area,"explains Chye Tin.

II The Academy has made aconsiderable difference as a

representative body of principals inSingapore. While the number ofprincipals we have in Singapore issmall, the impact principals haveon nation-building as well as innurturing our young is tremendous.The Academy has begun to helpstakeholders have a betterunderstanding of the roles whichprincipals play."Puvan Ariaratnam, Deputy DirectorNational Education & Planning, MOE

Reflecting the passion that binds alleducators, Chye Tin says simply,"The Academy exists for theconnectivity of the fraternity. Whenwe have conferences and talks, it'sall for the purpose of connectingand building relationships with ourpeers. Even when we receive acopy of our newsletter Principia,we experience the sense ofconnectedness."

PRINCIPIA 5

Connecting m.any m.indsThe 9th World Convention of the International Confederation of Principals broughttogether educational leaders from all over the world for networking and professionalsharing in Singapore.

rep 2009

Behind thescenes

From 6 to 10 July, theAcademy was proudto host the largest-ever

gathering of principals inSingapore - the 9th WorldConvention of theInternational Confederationof Principals (ICP). Principiatakes a look at what went onbehind the scenes to makethis event a resoundingsuccess ...

fj) I3E spoV\taV\eous\:::) aV\d creativeAcademy President Mrs BelindaCharles, who led a delegation tothe ICP Council in Cape Town in2005 to present the Academy's bidfor ICP2009, said Singapore wonthe bid with a song, and hadMrs Carmee Lim to thank for this.

"In Cape Town, we were up againstToronto and Cairns. Like them, wemade our case with powerpointslides. But we went one stepfurther, and literally sang anddanced our way into the bid with asong that Carmee composed whenwe were on the plane to SouthAfrica."

Sung to the tune of Singapura, thesong is based on the Malay wordJumpaan hati meaning "with oneheart". It won the hearts of the rcpCounCil, which awarded the hostvenue for the 9th ICP to Singapore,bringing the event to Asia for thesecond time in its history.

Carmee recalls, "We were on theplane and Belinda was thinking ofthe theme for the bid. r rewrote thelyrics of Singapura to tie in withBelinda's theme. Jumpaan is aplace to gather or to meet. SoJumpaan hati would metaphoricallybe a place where our hearts meet."

Singapura, Oh Singapura,Where our hearts meet, Jumpaan Hati,Singapura, Oh Singapura,Land of beauty, peace and harmony.Join the 9th rcp World Convention,Jumpaan Hati, in mind and spiritSingapura, Oh SingapuraLand of beauty, peace and harmony.The song which helped Singapore win the bid to hostICP 2009, with lyrics by Carmee Lim

PRINCIPIA 7

f2) WOW with studeVlt\6J perfol'"WlaVlcesWay back in 2007, the SteeringCommittee had decided that therewould be performances to kick offeach day's events, and a welcomeconcert at the Esplanade to openthe conference, graced by thePresident of Singapore.

The programme committee workedclosely with CCA Branch of MOE toselect the best groups whichparticipated in the Singapore YouthFestival.

Mrs Lysia Kee, Chairperson of theProgramme Committee, knewexactly what would impress. "Iknew I wanted the welcomeconcert to end with a performanceby a primary school band," shesays.

Her persistence in making sure thatthe best performances wereshowcased even kept her awake till2am one night, in her quest tocontact the principal of one of theschools she had in mind.

Delegates also enjoyed a diversedisplay of artwork by students fromvarious schools in the mainconvention foyer.

@ THINK biB pictul'"e,~ but dOVl't fOI'"Bet

the detailsDelegates were all praise for thehospitality they enjoyed and theprofessionalism of the organisers.

Keynote speaker Michael Furdyktold his audience about hispleasant surprise on receiving abirthday cake upon his arrival inhis hotel, thanks to thethoughtfulness of the organisingcommittee!

Surprises such as lucky draws heldevery day of the convention alsodelighted delegates, who wonprizes such as mini netbooks anddigital cameras.

@PLANead!jThe convention venue was bookedthree years in advance, and theSteering Committee met regularlyto update each other on progressmade.

VIPs, speakers and sponsors wereidentified and invited two yearsbefore the event to secureattendance. Schools were alsoidentified early to host learningjourneys.

~ HAVE iVltuVlatioVlal~ l'"epl'"eseVltatioVlWhen bidding for the convention, ithelped that Singapore promised toget more South-east Asianrepresentation from participants.As a result of this success, theAcademy has been appointed theregional representative for !CP.

Right from the start, the SteeringCommittee also decided to have agood representation of speakersfrom the region, as well as onefrom each continent. The choice ofkeynote speakers won manyaccolades from delegates and ProfKishore Mahbubhani, Dean of theLee Kuan Yew School of PublicPolicy, received a standing ovationfor his address on the final day.

~ N~CiOT/ATE\!!:V drSCouVltSHotels were secured anddiscounts negotiated for overseasdelegates.

The Academy also arranged forrestaurants close to theconference venue to offer specialdiscounts for delegates, anddiscount coupons were includedin the kit prepared forparticipants.

PRINCIPIA 9

The 9th World Convention of the ICP brought together...

131 principals and vice-principals who contributed to the successof Iep 2009

31 exhibition booths featuringeducational publishers, IT providers,and more

21 schools which hosted learningjourneys

169 presenters in concurrent discussion sessions

46 schools with 600 studentperformers in performance andvisual arts displays

1500 participants from 40 countries

The sight of students listeningattentively to lessons in class,teachers passionately speakingabout their work and principalsarticulating their vision for theirschool truly showed the delegateswhat makes Singapore's educationsystem tick.

@ VISIT sc/-l.ools

Nothing beats seeing the realthing. After three days ofdiscussions and reflections at theconference, delegates were mostimpressed by what they saw in theclassrooms and playing fields of theschools they visited.

Above: Principals from differentcountries gather for a memorableevening against the Singaporeskyline; ICP Steering Committeefinalises preparations for theconvention.

Student roving reporters fromInnova Junior College were alsopresent to cover stories for a dailynewsletter produced by theorganizers.

A commemorative website wasalso set up after the convention toshare speeches, photographs andfeedback from delegates.

® BE cOVlVlectedAside from a dedicated website,ICP 2009 also had a presence onFacebook and Twitter. Delegatescould share photographs andreflections on Facebook and amicroblog on Twitter updateddelegates with the conference'slatest updates.

® ENCiACiE aVldcreate aWareVleSS

Extensive press coveragegenerated buzz and excitement forthe event. To support the mediainterest, the Steering Committeeset up a dedicated press room forinterviews and Chairperson of thePublicity Committee, Ms Yeo HongMui was appointed the press liaisonand spokesperson.

A medical centre was set up at theconvention venue, which provideddelegates with easy access tomedical assistance - thankfully forminor ailments and not H1Nl!

f7' BE prepared forV W\edical

cOVltiVlgeVlciesJust a week before the event, theSteering Committee had to dealwith an unexpected development ­the spread of H1Nl flu inSingapore. Measures were put inplace to ensure that containmentmeasures were adhered to, withoutcompromising a warm welcome fordelegates.

PRINCIPIA 10 PRINCIPIA 11

Notes froW\Q sW\Q{( ;s(QYld

Charting the NewEducatio dscape

~.

lW\.pressioV\.s ofICP 200Q

Inspiring and impressiveThis is the Illost impressive and inspiring start toany ICP convention I've ever experienced. Tohave both the President and Prime Minister atthe opening highlights the seriousness of theSingapore leadership on education. Theprogramme was absolutely professional and Ihave come here to learn what Singapore hasachieved. Truly an inspiration to me and otherheadmasters!

Johann Burger, HeadmasterBredasdorp Primary School, South Africa

PRINCIPIA 12

Setting benchmarksI am absolutely impressed by Singapore.l washere four years ago for the Asia-Pacific MathOlympiad with students from the Australianteam. We stayed at the Chinese High Hostel andworked and interacted with students fromSingapore, China, India, and other Asia-Pacificcountries. I'm back to learn more and be part ofthis international network of sharing andlearning. The benchmarkshere are really high.Here I am, looking atthis artwork, askingmyself, can my Year 2students do this?

Michele Beal (right), PrincipalDoncaster Gardens Primary

Australia

Knowing Your StudentAs teachers, we have the whole world in ourhands. One of the messages I heard from thisconference is the importance of knowing yourstudent. Every child is an individuaL If youdon't understand the individual, you won't beable to readl out.

Hadiza Yem (left), PrincipalEcwa Staff School, Nigeria

Sharing a visionAPS as the host has gone out of its way toprovide a diversity of sessions for participants.I've learnt as much in between sessions asduring the sessions, just by engaging inconversations with other delegates. We comefrom different lands, but all of us share a similarvision in education.

Kathy Perez, Programme Director

School of Education, St Mary's CoUege of California,USA

Camaraderie and unity inmissionHaving so many principals and educators fromdifferent lands coming together, learning,thinking and exchanging views, left me with aprofound sense of professionalism, camaraderieand unity in mission. And to see all thishappening in Singapore, knowing that we haveorganised this conference, and hearing manyglowing references to Singapore's educationphilosophy and system, gives me an immensesense of pride.

Boo Chong-Han, PrincipalBedok View Secondary School, Singapore

PRINCIPIA 13

j

MENTORINGPROGRAMME

Sharing the JourneyWhat do pets, plants and paintings have in common? They're allingredients in stories that inspired principals to learn from eachother.

Three years since the launch of the mentoring programme,principals pay tribute to colleagues who have shared their journeyand recount stories of simple ideas that led to lasting change ...

A Story onGrowing PeoplTat Chuen shares a storyfrom his mentor Tony Low

My mentor is ...Tony Low, Principal, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary.

PRINCIPIA 15

The idea has since evolved to reach outnot only to the at-risk group of students,but also to grow young entrepreneurs andresponsible leaders. What started out asa simple idea by one teacher has turnedinto thriving opportunities for all students.

This idea supported and built upon byTony soon had the unused rooftop spaceof the school transformed into a garden ofactivity called Innofishion where studentslooked after their fishes, hamsters, rabbitsand plants.

Each student would take charge of a petor grow his/her own plant. Apart fromlearning about responsibility, the studentsalso opened up to the counsellor as theytalked about their projects.

M any of Tony's stories revolvearound growing people.

Once, Tony's school counselor had an ideato reach out to at-risk students via animaland horticultural therapy.

Z7.t/f LfJreTKuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary

I chose him because ...He was the vice principal when I was a Head of Department alFairfield Methodisl Secondary School. He is a leader who is apeople developer, possesses a keen sense of humour and canalways be counted on to provide his thoughts on variousleadership situations. I was looking for a mentor who wouldprovide a listening ear and is willing to share his personalleadership stories.

What I admire most about him is...His belief in his staff and his dedication to building up his teamnot just [or the sake of the school, but also to develop themaccording to their strengths and passions.

What I have learnt as a mentor ...J have learnt a lot from just listening. Tat Chuen often asksthought-provoking questions and shares insights on issues ofcommon interest. The mentoring sessions haveturned into sparring sessions where iron sharpens iron, allowingme to crystallize my own thinking and take on vilrious issues.

My advice to Tat Chuen...To set the stage for others to taste success. To do that well, wemust know our people, build relationships based on mutual trustand respect, look beyond the obvious and the now.

PRINCIPIA 14

What I admire most about her is ...Her drive for personal development. She has demonstrated thal as school leaders,we need to be connected with new knowledge through reading, interaction andnew experiences. An effective leader then translates passion and new knowledgeinto the school context and makes a positive impact. Grace h<ls helped me to seethat in the way she leads Oeyi.

What I admire most about him is...His willingness to share. He always has a smile and a hearty laugh which makeshim extremely approachable. His ideas are very practical and it helps greatly that heis an excellent communicator.

My mentor is...Grace Chua, Principal, Oeyi Secondary School.

I chose him because...I knew Lucas was very experienced but I had never worked '''lith him. I thereforechose Lucas so thal I could have the benefit of fresh perspectives from someoneknown for his wisdom.

I chose her because ...I was captivated by her clarity of thought and her rich ideas on developing herstudents in the aesthetics.

My mentor is...Lak Pati Singh (aka Lucas), Principal, St Patrick's Secondary.

My advice to Martin...You cannol save the world. There are some situations which you must detachyourself from. By the same token, you cannot make everyone happy. In thisjob it is not your objective to make everyone (or anyone) happy but to makethe right decision no matter how unpopular that decision may be. You mustplace your pupils' well-being first as they are children who need guidance,care and motivation. You must be guided by your values in your decision.

PRINCIPIA 17

What I have learnt as a mentor ...It has helped me re-evaluate my position as a principal. I "vant to helpother young principals who are starting out. The complexities of the jobcan sometimes be overwhelming. Another benefit is that I found a friendin Martin Tan.

My advice to Mui Tuan...To be cleM of what guides her decision-making. Knowing what is important toher as a school leader and the current reality of her school and stakeholders' needsmay help to identify strategies to meet her challenges as a new leader.

What I have learnt as a mentor ...Mui Tuan come with a wealth of knowledge, the passion to learn and acommitmenl to serve. I am heartened and inspired to learn and lead.

""'"­~~ ......~

7' '!II! IVlII i '[(,({1/Clut aLtllt h disl Primaryfairfield Mel 0

IVI(ufi'l 7d1/Anderson Primary

It's inspiring to see Ai Ling's creative use ofspace, for example having an art galleryunder the staircase. Small changes canmake a big impact on the learningenvironment.

My mentor is...Wai Yin Pryke, Principal, St Andrew's Junior.

I chose her because ...I knew Wai Yin when I was a Special Assistant in Schools Divisionand she was a newly appointed principal. I remembered her to bean energetic and confident school leader.

My advice to Ai Ling...The first piece of advice I gave myself is never give advice, because thecontext of every school is different! What I try to do is to encourage Ai Ling,keep in touch and be there for her. Beginning principals need a listeningear. My role is to help them attain clarity through a questioning process.

What I have learnt as a mentor. ..I've learnt to ask good questions and help my mentees move towards theanswer for themselves. When I first started, I was anxious and wanted toimpart my experience. I've learnt to be more patient. It's important forthem to go through the thinking and struggling process in order to learn.

What I admire most about her is ...She has absolutely no airs, she never fails to acknowledge and greeteveryone she meets with her chirpy voice and a happy smile. Asschool leaders we must be cheerleaders and energy-givers to ourpupils and colleagues. I also appreciate her sincerity in herinteractions with others, her sense of humour and the ability to seegoodness in everyone. Our profession requires a balance of bothhead and heart.

It's exciting to share her success and seeher school being transformed. One of thefirst things Ai Ling did was to spruce up theschool canteen. It's more colourful andcheerful now, you can even feel the energyof the kids as they bounce into school!

Walking TogetherWai Yin Pryke, thrilled to share the journey with menteeThian Ai Ling.

PRINCIPIA 16

W alking along with someone who hasjust begun her journey, I'm reminded

of what it's like to be a new principal again.It spurs me on because she's so creative.Just listening to her makes me start lookingat things in a different way.

If music be the food of

Loe Lai Pink relates how a 'Singing PSG' forged new bonds inBroadrick Secondary

Broadrick's vision, mission and values. Togetherwith the PSG, the teachers performed and taughtthe graduating classes the song. The studentswere touched and encouraged by their parents'involvement, The 'Singing PSG' also performed todistinguished guests who visited the school. Theirsinging often lightens the mood and easeseveryone comfortably into social interaction,During the inaugural Partners Award Ceremony,the PSG was also invited to present one of theirsignature pieces on stage, It has been sevenyears since Chwee Kee left Broadrick but the'singing PSG alumni' still gathers annually at herhouse during Chinese New Year for a round ofsing-a-Iong,

Chwee Kee leveraged on this passion forsinging and supported the PSG in the creation ofa motivational song which encompassed

M rs Kok Chwee Kee was instrumental indriving the formation of the strong

Parent-Support Group (PSG) in BroadrickSecondary School. Understanding that musiccan bring people closer together, she seizedthe opportunity and tapped on the talent ofa music director in the PSG, She createdplatforms for the PSG to have singing sessionsduring PSG meetings and sang along with them,This light-hearted interaction helped all to breakthe ice and with this, they began to enjoy theirwork in the PSG even more,

love, play on...My mentor is ...Kok Chwee Kee, Principal, Woodlands Ring Secondary School.

What I admire most about her is ...She seizes challenges and turns them into opportunities.Without fail, she would ask you to reframe, use a different pairof lenses and value the perspedives. When Mrs Kok discoveredthat singing could potentially be a way to bring members of herPSG doser, she acted on it. Her legacy of 'singing PSG" still ringsin my ears after all these years.

I chose her because.. ,Mrs Kok was my principal when I took on the role as ScienceHOD. She painstakingly guided me to make educationallysound decisions by asking fundamental questions, so as to helpme clarify my thoughts. Mrs Kok shares her views candidly yetshe leaves you to reOect over the issues on your own. Herseeded belief thal all children can learn has been translated inloa compelling school tagline, 'Through the gate, Walk the Best!"says it all. It motivates everyone, staff and students to striveharder.

What I have learnt as a mentor...Mentoring has provided me with theopportunity to listen and share my personalexperiences with Lai Pink. It has honed mylistening and story-telling skills, and it hasbeen a great learning experience!

My advice to Lai Pink...My first piece of advice to Lai Pink was theimportance of being values-driven and havingclarity of purpose in serving others.

.L(fC .L({l' Pill{Farrer Park Primary

PRINOPIA 18

By November 2005, more than 1000 applicantshad registered for the test, which had to beheld at a much bigger hall at the SingaporeExpo. The registration fees for the testgenerated revenue for PAl, which roped inretired teachers to administer the tests.

More than 100 schools have participated and10,000 students have received certificationfrom PACT since its launch in 2004. PACT was awin-win situation for all concerned.

ThiS process was time consuming, expensiveand laborious for both the applicant andschools, which had to set, administer and marktheir own entrance tests.

Once, if an international student wanted tostudy in Singapore, he had to take a differentadmissions test for every school he applied to.

Academy Dean Mrs Lim Chye Tin recalls, "Theidea of a centralised test germinated when agroup of us were commiserating how inefficientthe decentralised tests were. We askedourselves: 'Why not have a centralised one?'The idea was implemented in June 2004 andabout 30 students registered for the firstPrincipals Academy Certification Test (PACT)held at St Andrew's Junior College."

A story of educationalentrepreneurship

"Principals soon realised the benefits of the newtests, which allowed them to compare individualapplicant's scores with mean scores. Theinitiative was also welcomed by internationalstudents."

"Furthermore, the PACT test isone of the most novel andinnovative projects which we arevery proud of, and which hasserved schools well," adds Ezra.

"Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, wehave since extended our training services to

Singapore educators in the formof specialized workshopsconducted by leading educatorsin their respective fields. Sincethen, thousands of principals andteachers have benefitted fromregular workshops by expertsincluding Dr Kathy Perez, who isknown for her research onbrain-base teaching, and DrRobin Fogarty for her experiencein curriculum, instruction andassessment strategies."

Excited about the possibilities,Ezra looks forward to actively

purSUing new education-related businessopportunities within the Asia Pacific region. "Thismay take the form of joint ventures withreputable institutions, collaborative tie-ups withstrategic partners, or collaboration withuniversities, examinations and assessmentboards to administer and offer professionalqualifications," he says.

"When we first started out in late 2003, our initialfocus was to draw on the strengths of Singapore'seducation system to promote training anddevelopment among our regional educationcolleagues. Currently, we still run coursesdesigned by our own principal consultants, whohave first hand experience of running schools inSingapore, and they have been very wellreceived."

PAl

Not only does the testing service considerablyease the once-laborious administrative processfor schools, it also helps to save costs and timefor international students in their schooladmission process.

CEO of PAl, Mr Ezra Ng, is proud of what hasbeen achieved so far, and wants to build PAl tobe the premier educational resource in theregion.

Few outside the teaching fraternity might beaware that principals started up a businessenterprise known as the Principals AcademyInc (PAl).

Incorporated in 2003 as a joint venture betweenthe Academy and Singapore's EconomicDevelopment Board, PAl has been instrumental inpioneering initiatives to position Singapore as aglobal educational hub.

One of the most successful projects started byPAl is the Principals Academy Certification Test(PACT) - a centralised admissiontest for international studentswho wish to study in Singapore.

EDUCATIONTHE BUSINESS OF

IIT he PACT testis one of the

most novel andinnovativeprojects which weare very proud of,and which hasserved schoolswell."Ezra Ng (right), CEOPrincipals Academy Inc.

PRINCIPIA 20 PRINCIPIA 21

Successful strategies cut acrossoceans and cultures

Kathy's enthusiasm for teaching is infectiouswith the audience. She usually conducts a weekof training in Singapore during the March, Juneand September school holidays, either atopen-registration workshops or school/cluster­based ones.

"I consider it an honor and privilege to workwith the teachers and principals of Singapore.Quality educators are key to the academicsuccess that Singapore is known for worldwide.I am so delighted to be part of this!" saysKathy.

"I firmly believe that successful strategies cutacross oceans and cultures. What works, workseverywhere. When you consider high-qualityschool systems, it really depends on the qualityand competence of the teachers. Teachers arelifelong learners (as I am) and they need tocontinuously challenge themselves to providethe most relevant education for their pupils."

Kathy explains her interest in brain-basedlearning, "The most effective learning occurs inan environment that accommodates and fostersvarious ways of being intelligent. Therefore,teachers need to use a variety of strategies andtechniques to engage their students' brains."

Kathy recalls how she was 'discovered' byAcademy Dean Mrs Lim Chye Tin.

American educationist Dr Kathy Perez has beenconducting PAl workshops on brain-basedteaching since March 2004. To date, she hastrained almost 5,000 teachers in Singapore overthe past five years.

"I was a featured presenter at the National StaffDevelopment Council's conference in Boston in2004:' she says. "Chye Tin had signed up formy session on brain-based teaching. At myworkshops, I have an interactive communicationboard for participants where participants canpost their comments, questions and concernson sticky-notes. Chye Tin posted: 'Would youlike to come to Singapore?' At first, I thought itwas a joke, and I inquired who had posted thisand please meet with me after the session. Wemet and exchanged contact information. Shecontacted me soon after and I was booked formy first week of training that March inSi nga pore."

Building on this idea, Suan Fong developed hisown philosophy on three qualities needed in aschool leader, summed up in characters alsopronounced as 'jing': "For a school to progress,a school leader needs to have lIi 'strength' tocontinually seek improvement to reach a higheriJi! 'development phase', and to understand andactualise the jij' 'essence' of education."

"For example, the notion of 'jing' is central toChina's educational philosophy. There are threedifferent characters with the samepronunciation: m. which means'peace/serenity', \i)( for 'respect' and ;!Jt for'purity/cleanliness'. The Chinese believe that allschool environments must have these threeaspects."

What gives Suan Fong satisfaction is knowingthat despite differences, the essence ofeducation remains the same across cultures."In Singapore, like in China, people are ourfocus. Managing and inspiring people is whatleadership is about."

\\ I n Singapore, like inChina, people are our

focus. Managing andinspiring people is whatleadership is about."Dr Faa Suan Fang (above), Principal of Nan Hua

High School and consultant for PAl's leadershiptraining programmes

Suan Fong says what most impresses educatorsfrom China is Singapore's policy of bilingualismand its holistic approach to studentdevelopment, staff development and evaluation.

Dr Foo Suan Fong is one of many Singaporeschool leaders who are increasingly sought afterfor consultancy and advice by their international(au nterparts.

PRINCIPIA 22

He is the principal consultant for a leadershiptraining programme designed for teachers fromZhengzhou, China, organised under the auspicesof PAl. Effectively bilingual and an avid reader,he relishes integrating western-style approachesto leadership and management with ideasgleaned from Chinese philosophy.

Suan Fang's interactions with principals andteachers from China have given him newperspectives.

Leading andlearning fromthe best of bothworlds

"Like Singapore, China's education system isexam-oriented. Teachers and students feelcompelled to produce good results. But like us,China's school leaders are also aware thatgetting good grades does not equate topreparing students for life. Principals fromdifferent parts of China are increasingly comingto Singapore to learn how we provide holisticeducation for our students," says Suan Fang.