Chairman

School Advisory Committee

Mrs Elsie Lim

Principal

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Boys and Girls

It is my pleasure to join you today to celebrate the official opening of Wellington Primary School.

An excellent school provides its pupils with an education that maximises their talents and potential, develops them to be active citizens and prepares them well as lifelong learners for the future. Schools should aim to provide a broad based learning environment that nurtures the talents of the pupils in line with the overarching goal of an Ability Driven Education.

Every pupil has talent and ability and schools should work to implement a customised curriculum and special programmes to bring out the best in each pupil. These are factors that contribute to a quality education for pupils.

Wellington Primary School has certainly taken on the challenge to prepare its pupils to become confident and responsible citizens of Singapore. With its emphasis on joyful learning in an inviting school environment, the school has provided invigorating learning experiences that mould the pupils’ character and attitudes.

Wellington Primary School is growing well in the Sembawang Community. When the school first started functioning in January 2001, there were only 300 pupils in 9 classes. In the space of just over 2 years, Wellington’s pupil population has grown to more than 650 pupils spread across 17 classes. This shows that the community has placed its trust in the school to provide quality education for the pupils.

The theme that the school has chosen for today’s official opening "Partnerships in Harmony" reflects the school’s desire to continue to build on its partnership with the community. The school’s effort to involve parents as partners in education is an important and significant factor in making a positive impact on the pupils’ learning. Parent volunteers have contributed their services at various school functions including the school’s Open House, the Primary One Registration and Orientation and the COMPASS (COMmunity and PArents in Support of Schools) Visit to the cluster.

I would also like to commend Wellington Primary School on its effort to reach out and serve the community through extending and sharing its facilities and expertise. The school collaborates with the North-West CDC in conducting National IT Literacy and English Language classes for residents in the community. The school also works with the North-West CDC and the National Parks Board on a number of service learning activities that contribute to the pupils’ character development. These efforts have strengthened the school-community link.

The future will be filled with risks, but also there will be great rewards for those who are able to take advantage of the opportunities. Thus, it is important that schools have future-oriented programmes and innovative teaching methods that cater to the different needs of the pupils. Pupils should also be encouraged to ask questions and be willing to take risks by experimenting with new ways of doing things and testing out new solutions.

In this regard, I am encouraged that Wellington Primary School is customising its programmes to better cater to the needs of the pupils. The school’s emphasis on language teaching and learning will ensure that pupils develop their communication skills of speaking, listening and writing. The infusion of thinking skills, such as decision making and creative problem solving, across the curriculum and the focus on innovation and entrepreneurship will prepare pupils well to be flexible and nimble when they face new challenges in future.

The use of group and pair work as well as peer teaching by pupils will develop their ability to interact with one another. The many engaging and invigorating CCAs that the school provides will help to develop in pupils strength of character and resilience. These attributes will help them to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and make the most of opportunities that come their way.

I am confident that with the commitment and enthusiasm of school leaders and staff, and the close collaboration with parents and the community, the school will achieve its vision of "Inviting School, Creative Learners".

I congratulate the School Advisory Committee, Principal, staff, pupils and parents of Wellington Primary School on the occasion of the official opening of the school.

It is now my pleasure to declare Wellington Primary School open.