The NorthLight School in Singapore uses the acronym "STAR" to represent their students to remind them that they are "Special, with Talents, Aspiration and Resilience". These are children with low self esteem as they have repeatedly failed their PSLE (Primary 6 or Grade 6 education in USA). They are also low in social emotional competencies and many lack strong home support.
The school’s Principal, Ms Chua Yen Ching, tailors its programme to forge a living and learning community. It is conducted in smaller groups so that relationship is given lots of attention. It's mission is to provide education with values and career-oriented. That it should be engaging and relevant for these children to promote lifelong learning and enhance their employability.
The "SHINE" core values the school has adopted are:
Sincerity
Honesty
Innovation
Network
Excellence
Parents of the students are encouraged to "SMILE" for their children and that is to
Support
Make time
Interact
Love & Praise
Encourage
While the teachers "SERVE" with
Sincerity
Exemplary conduct
Real in their relations
Valiant efforts
Engaging thoughts
The efforts of Northlight School have attracted communal support. A doctor from a clinic near the school has been providing free medical consultation to pupils who are in financial need. A manager of an in-line skating school is coaching students of the school at cost because he could relate to them being a late bloomer himself.
As I read about the school, I am reminded of one of the natural law of the universe that one will go through and, that is, "The Law of Rhythm". As night follows day, there will always be good times and bad times. Just know that good times will come and think of them.
Monday, January 7, 2008
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