Extracted from Squareface's blog:Formidable Ms Heng steps down28 December, 2006 (20:40)
YOUNG girls cowered at the sight of her, pranksters knew better than to set off stink bombs in her class and a former Defence Minister once declared she had the better army.In a black and white photo, Miss Rosalind Heng looks formidable in army uniform, beret and boots.
As a teacher in charge of the National Cadet Corps at the Singapore Chinese Girls School (SCGS), she came in for praise when the late Defence Minister Lim Kim San inspected a drill put up by her girls in 1969.
He told then principal S.K. Tan: ‘You got a better army than I!’
Miss Heng had joined the school that year after graduating from the then University of Singapore. She became principal in 1979 when she was 34, stayed 38 years, devoting her entire career to the school.
‘She was very hardworking but rather loud,’ a retired SCGS teacher, Mrs C.O. Lee, 64, recalled with a laugh.
‘When she scolds, the whole school knows!’
The towering headmistress with a weakness for floral-print dresses became synonymous with SCGS, which was founded in 1899 as a school for seven Straits Chinese girls. It has about 2,200 students now.
Today, she is stepping down and giving way to the new SCGS principal, Madam Sim Ay Nar, formerly head of Xinmin Secondary.
Miss Heng, 61, is among the last of Singapore’s legendary principals who stayed at their posts and became identified with their schools.
To Ms Sie Siok Hui, 45, a former SCGS teacher, Miss Heng’s retirement marks the end of an era.
She reflected: ‘When I was a trainee teacher 20 years ago, we heard of principals by word of mouth. ‘Fearsome’, ‘awe-inspiring’, ’slave-drivers’, ‘uncompromising in standards’, ‘undying dedication’ were usually associated with principals of prominence.’
But many of that generation of principals have retired and the Education Ministry rotates principals so that they bring new ideas to schools and learn from their new environments.
Today, 50 principals, including 17 being made heads for the first time, will receive their new appointments.
Miss Heng is among 20 who are retiring. The others include Mrs Goh Hwee Choo from Tampines Junior College, Miss Chan Mee Leen from Chestnut Drive Secondary and Mr Loh Ai from Yuhua Secondary.
Miss Heng stands out also for heading a full school with primary and secondary sections.
She declined to be interviewed, but those who know her well related the successes chalked up during her years.
SCGS produced nine President’s Scholars, gained independent status for its secondary school in 1989 and moved from Emerald Hill to its Dunearn Road location in 1994. It has also won many fitness, dance and value-added awards.
In the 2006 school achievement table for secondary schools, the school was ranked in the top band with five other schools.
But Miss Heng’s legacy goes beyond facts and figures.
As she has said before: ‘What I want for the girls when they leave school is that they have confidence in themselves, that they are emotionally stable girls, happy that they’ve had a happy school life.’
More than anything, students and staff say she stands for integrity.
Nothing infuriated her more than parents who thought they could get their daughters into the popular school by offering a hefty donation or trying to impress with their connections.
School registrar Julie Lee, 52, said: ‘I tell them no, but some insist on seeing the principal.
‘So I say, ‘Sure, but let me do you a favour. Please do not mention anything about donating or drop any names. It’s sure to throw you to the back of the line’.’
Despite competition from other top-ranked schools for bright students, Miss Heng decided against introducing the Gifted Education Programme or starting an integrated programme to bypass the O-level examinations.
There was pressure from old girls and parents for the school to have these programmes, but Miss Heng insisted that she did not want to cause divisions among her girls.
And where other independent schools worked at raising the cut-off for enrolment at Secondary 1, SCGS retained all its primary pupils who qualified for the secondary Express stream.
So this year, for example, it took in girls with Primary School Leaving Examination scores of 201 to 265.
Some might criticise Miss Heng for being conservative, but Mrs Lee, who was taught history by Miss Heng, begged to differ: ‘She’s a historian, and makes decisions with a good understanding of where the school has come from.’
The school emphasises character development and good values and aims to produce ‘kim geks’ - a Peranakan-Hokkien metaphor for women who are treasures because they embody the virtues of filial piety, gentility, kindness, propriety and diligence.
SCGS board member Euleen Goh, who is chairman of International Enterprise Singapore, said of Miss Heng: ‘She has left a deep imprint as a principal in the way she has cared for each student, so that they have a confident, well-balanced life.’
On a lighter note, Miss Heng’s reputation of being fearsome is such that some swear she has eyes in the back of her head.
An SCGS legend has it that one class who tried to play a trick on her received a taste of their own medicine instead.
The girls had planned to ambush her with a stink bomb in class. Miss Heng turned up, wrote a few history questions on the blackboard and said, without turning her head:
‘I think I have a cold. Could you close the windows?’
After the windows were shut tight, she said: ‘Okay, girls. Do the questions, and I’ll be back.’
She left, slammed the classroom door shut and left the pranksters with a lesson to remember.
Beneath her no-nonsense persona, staff and students say, there lies a good sport prepared to laugh at herself, and someone who never fails to give support to staff or students in need.
Once, she arranged for an entire level of girls to visit a drug rehabilitation centre to help a girl who had gone astray, and to show them the harmful consequences of drugs.
Even though she has retired, Miss Heng plans to help out at SCGS as an adviser as long as she is needed.
But one thing not on the cards, contrary to a hot rumour in circulation, is marriage.
Mrs Lee said with a laugh: ‘That rumour follows her with every long holiday she takes.’
Squareface's personal thoughtsBoth my alma maters have progressed beyond recognition, and both principals have changed. All those “I’ve gotta pay a visit to
SCGS/NYJC one of these days” will not form on my lips again because there is hardly any reason to. The few teachers who are still there, or the even fewer that recognize me won’t really pay attention to my minimal past existence as a schoolgirl-in-blue, do they? The meepok uncle has passed away too, providing one more reason not to visit…but I guess it’ll be nice to just take a look, and reminisce in the happy times…the hydroponics garden, the koi pond that we all stoned in front of from time to time, the amphitheatre where we always played scissors-paper-stone, the spiral staircases, our own auditorium where we had countless performances & talks, the canteen that was rampant with crows (that ate our food too) the band room (that used to be the music room which we had to share with the choir, which caused some disagreements), the courtyard where I have done push-ups with the trumpet section, as well as waited furtively for the ‘O’ levels, and pubescent girls in their armpit-perspiration-stained uniforms.
If I didn’t read this article about Ms Heng stepping down, some emotions might have remained unstirred for a long time. I’m glad Ms Heng is gonna be like a Principal-mentor. Ms Heng has been like the hallmark of the spirit of SCGS, so without her, I don’t know if it’ll be the same.
No distinctively-coloured bras showing under the PE shirt or exposed under the pinafore, no fingernails that shows white parts when the palm faces you, no outrageously-coloured hair accesories, no earrings more than 0.5cm in diameter (and only one pair of earrings allowed i.e. no multiple piercings), skirts must not be more than 3 fingers above the knee, no ankle socks, etc etc. I loved the fact that we could wear our PE shirts for the whole day instead of having to change in and out of them for PE lessons like most of the other schools. Okay, I don’t miss those rules, I just miss having that sense of belonging to the mass of people who had to follow them. I miss sitting in the canteen with a group of buddies at every recess time. I never really had to worry about sitting alone because I always had good friends around. I didn’t care much about the crow snatching my drumstick away, because heck, I had pals. But now…
Us SCGS girls will probably meet again in 2050, when the time capsule will be opened…
By the way, I didn’t know Mrs CO Lee retired too!
10 years in that skimpy blue dress. Okay, although I’m not part of the typical SCGS kimgek calibre, nor do I identify myself as very SCGS-fied, my love for SCGS, is.
Piggishpig's personal thoughtI miss SCGS.
Sincerity-Courage-Generosity-Service
This is what SCGS means. We are kimgeks... we are known for our peranakan culture and our poise. We, represent the new-age women of the century.
Being a student of SCGS for 10 years, I carry with myself a bagful of memories when I graduated in the Year 2001. I remember the many happy times I had with my friends, the sad times, the naughty ones, the rebellious us.. every bit and pieces.. all seemed to have just happened yesterday...
I feel proud being part of SCGS's history. More so when I tell others that I'm from SCGS and they will be like 'wah, clever.. one of the top schools...' all these remarks made me feel very honoured.. serious... though many pple have told me i have missed out on alot of things in a mixed school, i beg to differ. They have also missed out on a single-gender schoollife. It is the same. The culture, environment and teachings being imparted from not only our teachers, but even the office staff or just the cleaning lady, all these made a difference in our lives. I believe every SG girl who reads this post will be feeling the same.
My only regret when I left SC was that I was not proactive during my Sec school days. Though I must admit that I have made many blosom friends, but it is something which I feel regretful about. Speaking about this, there is also something else which I regreted... and that is not making frequent visits after I graduated. I just didn't have the time, the mood, the spirit. And when I meet teachers on the street, I simply just continued walking. I assumed that they have forgotten me. Or did they not? That's why people always say 'live life without regrets'.. regrets can be a torture...
BUT... i still do keep in contact with my SC buddies.. something which i am very thankful for.. I love you girls.. i love SCGS...
I am currently, seriously, contemplating, if I should apply for a SPH scholarship in Journalism.
1) Do I really like the job scope of a journalist?
2) Am I into current affairs?
3) Is my grasp of the English language strong enough?
4) How am I going to support my house loan if I take up and am accepted for this scholarship?
5) Do I want to be bonded for 4 years?
I kept asking myself these questions. Whether I should or should not. Like what shakespeare said: To be or not to be. That is a question.
I sought advise from a couple of people. Encouragement was what I got. Some even said I have the kind of look and personality of a journalist. Hey! Is that a compliment or an insult? But looking at the fact that I do enjoy reading, writing, and the media. It is really worth thinking... any advice?
On the other hand, I am also looking at whether I should apply for a SIA scholarship. Of course it's not being an air stewardess but more administrative, either dealing with Marketing or Business Development. I have a keen interest in travelling, but since my preference is not with flying onboard, I am considering a second option.
Options there are.. bringing me to think if I should continue with application for a part time course for A. Marketing and Management OR B. Marketing & Advertising. See! Contradicting right? Diverse interests. That's the problem! We want alot, but are we able to shoulder the responsibility? I am totally confused. Confused with what I should decide on, uncertain about my future if I chose this option over the over, and if I will 'live happily ever after'... with satisfaction, with peace, and without regrets...
"Are you happy?"
Apparently, it seems that everybody started 2007 on a wrong note. Is this a prelude or is this 'bitterness before sweetness'? I pray for the latter.
Into the new year, I believe we have all grown up- seen more, did more and felt more. Some of us may have a better picture of what lies ahead of us and what path we should take. Whereas some of us are still vividly living our days off, doing our daily routines,simply just passing each day as it is and not accomplishing anything which we could have.
New year resolutions... ha.. my friend's resolution is to make one for next year. I laughed. I thought 'Good one my friend! You might be the one in a thousand who fulfills his/her resolution.'
This is reality.
We want to do certain things.
We jot it down.
We make an attempt.
We are not self-motivated.
We give up without even trying harder.
The new year comes again.
I would like to share the new year with everyone by introducing a book I've been reading recently- Tuesdays with Morrie."When you learn how to die, you will learn how to live" Extracted from the book.
Have you all wondered what you can do to make a difference?
I have thought about it. I have made plans. Though it will not be done within this year, but at least for the future, I hope to leave my footprints around. I hope to see yours too...
Go free some of your time to read this book. Highly recommended! 5/5! It teaches you alot about life and what you ought to do with it. Are you really living it to its fullest, or are you plainly lost? This book speaks of various topics:
1) The World
2) Feeling Sorry for yourself
3) Regrets
4) Death
5) Family
6) Emotions
7) Fear of Aging
8) Money
9) How love goes on
10) Marriage
11) Culture
12) Forgiveness
13) The Perfect Day
14) Goodbyes
Each and every topic made me reflect on my life. The connections. The false impression. The ultimate result.
I just spoke to some of my friends about my problems at work.
My problem: The whole feeling is just not right. Though I might be earning quite abit, and that there isn't really any big issue, the feeling is just not right. I am not happy.
Passion VS Money
Are you looking for the passion in a job or going for the dollars?
I am a person looking for passion. I believe that without passion, you will not be able to exercise your capabilities to its maximum. Though I still have to admit that bread is equally as important and that when we consider a job, money is still one of the priorities, my see-saw tends to fall more onto passion. We have to make ourselves comfortable and satisfied with whatever we are doing. If we are not, what is the point? Imagine spending one year working on something you never have much interest in. You are wasting one full year which you could have pursue your dreams or have accomplished something else which is more satisfying.
I have a friend who is now in the Entertainment line. She struggled to make people believe that her dream will succeed. That she prefers passion to money. Here is what she emailed me when I consulted her about my problem:
For each of us, our progress usually depend on our power to dream and secondly, our faith that the dreams will come true. Dream is actually faith taking its first step but one that must be taken if we gonna progress. Greatest power in the entire world is the power of a creative idea. All success begins with a dream; someone said “There are no great men, only men with great ideas” and than we begin to see those ideas and those dreams turn into desire. If you want your dreams badly enough, you will plan and organize and re-organize and work until you get what you desire. And you will risk! Risking is a necessity if you want to see your dreams come true. Faith is making your decision without guaranteed success but faith without risk is a contradiction. Every time you make a choice, you take a chance and every indecision is within itself a decision. The absence of fear does not prove of courage, the play-it-safe people may not be afraid but it doesn't mean that they are brave. This priceless gift of courage can only acquired when u succeed being expose to possible failure. If your dreams are to come true, it is because you risked and than you have to begin, it's not enough to dream, you gonna act on it. "Beginning is Half Done" The most difficult thing of all however, is to wait for the dream to come true.“Endurance” Men who really succeed are men who really know that in every project that will be phrases where there's nothing to do but wait. When you expect success and you hold nothing back and you spend your last dime and gamble your reputation, confident that you will make it; you can expect to be successful. Many people never rise above their negative expectations; never become the person that they are capable of becoming, that is when their dreams begin to die. The higher achieving people continue to draw their confidence in themselves and believe in successful outcome. It's the prophecy of what can and will happen when you keep on dreaming.
"When plans are broken; God often has to allow our plans to be broken so that we, with him, can build bigger and better ones"
加油吧! 失望與挫折只是人生中的一段插曲 不要沮喪 努力走過它 生命仍是無限寬廣"Work Hard. Disappointment and setbacks are part of life. Dont be disheartened. Work hard to pull through it. Life consists of vast opportunities."
We have only one life. Live it the way you want it to be. Not stuff yourself with other people's views, thoughts, opinions etc. But as another friend of mine commented- reality sometimes does not permit us to live freely. Part of us have to live for other people. Yes, this is true to a certain extent. Cos' no matter what we do, we will always affect someone else. But what can you do to make the best out of the whole situation and most importantly, enjoy the moments.
On the other hand, when I was feeling all stuffed up and bothered about whether to resign or not, an article depicting my situation appeared. It states:
You want the job. You went for the interview, impressed your interviewer, got it and can't wait to start operations. However, it gradually got mundane and boring. There are no challenges and you lose interest. You start to think that the grass is greener elsewhere. What should you do? Should you move on? But can you be certain that history won't repeat. That you will be feeling better in another place? You will never have an answer. It is a risk. Rather than gamble this risk, why not try out the position. Make the best out of it.
This was what some pple told me too. Give it a shot, give it a chance. Things might change for the better. Which prompted me to stay on and try out for another 1-2 weeks. However, friends who know me can already tell me that I've decided to leave. Haha... I guess I am just not willing to admit defeat to myself. Speak about me being stubborn!
We always brush by death. Even as we cross the road when a car is approaching, that is also considered as brushing by death. There have been so many reports recently, capsize of a ferry, Taiwan earthquake, Bangkok bombing, plane went missing etc. How peculiar that a plane can go missing! What exactly happened to it? What is the world becoming? Things are dead, but not humans. It is up to us to manipulate situations and decide what should happen. But we are simply misuing this privilege or right issued to us. I have came in contact with death. From my grandfather, to my mum and myself. All health-related. It is indeed scary. Scary because I am beginning to feel immunized to death. I suddenly felt that if it is time, it is time. There is nothing we can do about it. So while we are still alive, we should capitalize and make full use of the time that we have. So that we won't live without regrets. Even as the day comes when you have to go, regardless of how, you can close your eyes in peace and without regrets.
What do you really want to achieve in life? What can you do to make a difference in the world?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's 2007! Finally! Been anticipating for this year to come! 2006 have not been very smooth-sailing for me.. but come to think about it, it's not that bad. Except for some hiccups with my previous boss. My episode in the beauty industry is over... it's now the hospitality and tourism field.. wonder how I will fare in this line. Hopefully it'll be better.
Anyway, my previous blog reflected that I was bored on my first day of work.. but guess what happened for the next few days? I worked from 9am to 10pm for the next 4 days till countdown... to be precise, it's 2am on 1 Jan 2007! My weekends were burnt... but thankfully the 1st and 2nd were public holidays.. otherwise i'll collapse.
Seriously, after a few days of work with them, I realised that they need to make some changes.. especially with their working speed and preparation process. They should get all printings done much earlier prior to the event. Not wait till a few days, or even the day before to clarify and get the decos set up at site. This way, they won't have to work till 5am in the morning! I'm not sure if I can change their perception but I'll try.. cos I myself personally do not want to work till so late at night! Or rather.. in the morning!
Other than the working hours, the people there are basically nice and friendly. Been introduced to quite a number of colleagues, but can't remember their names. Faces yes, but names no. Oh well.. I'll give myself 3 months to access if I am suitable for this job. If yes, I'll continue. Otherwise, I'll resign...
But whatever it is, I must say that the Siloso Countdown Beach Party was an eye opener to me. I've learnt quite abit about equipments and how a big company organizes events. I've also received comments and praises about the VIP area, which also set up and coordinated by me. Hence, the job satisfaction.
One thing I've definitely learnt... is that you better get your own transport on new year's day. No cab! I waited for 2.5hrs just to get a cab! Totally crazy!
Anyway, wish me luck for the new year.. 2007!
