Gracious
"No Apologies For God"
The Alma Mater of Madam Kwa Geok Choo or better known as Mrs. Lee Kwan Yew, the Methodist Girls' School is well-known for grooming future "godly women of excellence with a heart of love " to serve the community.
In her own words recorded in the school bulletin Vol. 19/2 July 2008, the Principal, Mrs Shirleen Ong lives out the spirit of the school vision by "reaching out to peers beyond Singapore" . She and her zealous team mates greeted us with such warmth and hospitality that we could only even until this very moment say '"thank you" - most gracious host.
Not only that; the lovely gifts they gave us as we left the school grounds were precious and dear to our hearts as they speak volumes of the heritage of this lovely school. In this invaluable publication below are articles and memoirs brought down from the 19th century which include writings like 'Steps of Determination, Cross-Stitch Stool, Life Story Of A Tiffin Carrier' and many more. They reminded me of 2 dear children of mine in 4 Budi 2002 -Eu Shen and Ann Gee who are both pursuing Law Studies in the NUS presently. Both love reading and wrote well in class. I also remember Jocelyn Toh...Little Women ...acting out it in class. Had fun with them.
They would have love these articles ; I am sure.
I left the premises with this lingering taste ...exactly how you would feel after a cuppa of 'black kopi - O kau'! You want more. Sleepless; remembering every moment.
Well, MGS is MGS.
A group of ladies grooming another generation of protegee in the best possible fashion in godly measures and teachings...passing down what is good in God's sight. For it is unto Him that they serve. In her endeavour to produce well-rounded citizens among the girls she takes effort to have the best practices.
An inquisitive and scientifically-inclined group of Sec 2 students setting up projects on tissue culture and willingly staying behind after school hours to get what they are out for is a commendable effort.
Determination. Pride. Ownership.
Dendrobium Sophia Blackmore
As a result of the endeavour , the above known as the Dendrobium Sophia Blackmore , a hybrid developed in the MGS Orchid Hybridisation Programme, became a reality. Named after the Australian missionary who first founded MGS with nine little Indian girls in a house in Short Street, it would have been hard for her to believe that her humble service had championed such success down the road.
The latest passion is the emergence of a Clot Blood Bank and we all know how important it is in the the field of oncology...YES to the SOPHIA BLACKMORE CLASS!
Another best practice is culminated in a very interactive Parent-Teacher partnership in which the parents also become part and parcel of school functions and activities for deeper and more meaningful gelling.
The annual Zany Brainy Games day see parents taking over the helm of the school giving the teachers a breather after the exams. There is keen competition, cooperation and sharing in the spirit of love during the games.
Also, mothers and daughters have intimate moments through their beauty workshop sessions. Some parents even initiate fund raising through the cutting of song albums when seniors train the juniors.
Parents chip in further when they give consent to their children to engage themselves in holiday activities such as 'finding their roots' across the straits into rubber and oil palm estates, mangrove swamps and cultural partnerships with sister school in Penang. St Georges Girls' School provide them the venue in the exchange of new ideas in education and local culture.
Another partnership is seen in the camaraderie with Wesley High School in Taiwan culminating in learning adventures including homestays to foster deeper global understanding and skills.
The Alumni is strong and they love MGS. Their affection is always demonstrated in their annual get together as teachers meet students and the strong bonding firmly confirmed as at times they also help raise funds for pressing needs.
When is Seafield starting her Alumni??? Calling all Seafieldians, hear ye, hear ye.
MGS has good sports facilities too which include a field, squash courts, badminton courts and a multi-purpose hall. They have plans for additional facilities. They produce sports women in swimming, athletics, netball, ten-pin bowling, skating...all in all ...holistic.
Sports Facilities
I was impressed with the chapel. So special and important for the nurturing of the spiritual needs of the children. MGS has a spread of children right from year 1 to sec 4 and students leave school with O-level qualifications. Everyday they assemble for prayers and out-going seniors have the privilege of worshipping in the chapel weekly. The chapel also functions as a church on Sundays, I was told.
The Chapel
One of her Vice Principals in charge of sourcing potential girls from good old Malaysia told me they were down in Kuala Lumpur the previous day conducting interviews for the keen and interested. If you are interested why not contact the school yourself? You may be in for a surprise cos our God is a God of surprises! You may just be the right candidate. It's on a scholarship basis and boarding is provided as well.
I was also glad to meet Mrs. Bong who happened to be an ex Assuntarian and she told me that after completing her A -levels in one of the JCs, she did a degree in teaching in the NUS, met a local chap, got married, had sons and that's it. Singapore becomes her home and MGS her work place - like in Assunta. Tastes never change. Sister Enda must be super proud of her.
MGS Staff and Mrs. Bong is second from left.
The staff room is also the envy of many. A little kitchenette and a pantry makes it a home away from home.
The lovely kitchennette
Every teacher has a unit of workplace attached with a personal laptop and a telephone. I casually asked Mrs. Ong if the phones were for incoming calls and she replied no. It's also for outgoing ones. Hmm...sigh. Don't compare la.
A personal laptop and a telephone for every teacher
We were given a round up at the conference room with a sumptuous lunch and some final exchanges. Of course, Malaysians and our famous Penang Tau Sah Piah is our offer of peace...all thanks to the thoughtfulness of Indy.
Making final exchanges
We bade our goodbyes and this photo taken at the start of the visit was ready to be given to each and every participant before we left the gounds of the school. Talk about hospitality, gifts, warmth, thoughtfulness...MGS has everything that spells GRACE. On top of that a special thanks to Ms Diana Goh for diligently sending us e-mails on the latest findings of the tissue culture project and future news...?
Goodbye
Should I have grand daughters in Singapore...off to MGS you go! Ya?
MGS I know, hopes to churn out mothers and daughters close to this :
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full of confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10 - 12
