c e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 y e a r s o f g r o w t h t h e p c f s t o r y

THE PCF STORY c e l e b r at i n g years of grow th the pcf story c e l e b r at i n g 2 5 y e a r s o f g r o w t h Vision A charitable organis...
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THE

PCF STORY c e l e b r at i n g

years of grow th

the pcf story

c e l e b r at i n g 2 5 y e a r s o f g r o w t h

Vision A charitable organisation founded by the PAP, committed to nurturing a multi-racial, fair, just and inclusive society by providing educational, welfare and community services. Mission To enhance the well-being of the community, by providing quality educational services at affordable cost, as well as through welfare and community services.

PAP Community Foundation

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PHOTO SPH library

Prime Minister’s Message The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. But actually, the PAP had started running low-cost kindergartens since the early 1960s. We saw an urgent need to educate the population, and especially, to help children from poorer families prepare for primary school. So community leaders and volunteers got together to set up small PAP kindergartens in any available space they could find, from shophouses to “wayang” stages. Despite the humble settings, these classes were popular with parents eager to give their children the best start in life. More centres were set up as the population grew. When PCF was established in 1986, the PAP kindergartens became PCF kindergartens. Over the years, they have nurtured and taught over a million Singaporean children. Today, PCF has become a brand name for preschool education, operating 239 kindergartens and 63 SPARKLE*TOTS childcare centres all over the island, mainly in HDB void decks. PCF has also expanded beyond preschool education, and now runs student care centres for primary school pupils, plus an aged centre and several senior activity centres. PCF supports needy pupils through the PCF Headstart Fund for preschoolers, the PCF Study Awards for polytechnic students, and PCF Assist – a new scheme for post-secondary students launched last year – for which we raised $1 million. Altogether,

PCF services benefit more than 45,000 young and elderly Singaporeans each year. It was fortunate that PCF could count on a committed leadership, diligent principals and teachers, as well as strong community backing, which enabled it to overcome challenges and strengthen itself over the years. I thank everyone for their hard work and firm support. PCF should resolve to do even better. Whether as Government or through its charitable arm, the PAP has always believed that education is the key to uplifting our population, especially those from lower-income families. Today, parents are better educated, have higher expectations, and are just as committed to their children’s education as a generation ago, if not more so. Therefore, PCF should continue to upgrade its kindergartens, update its curricula, improve its programmes, and most of all, raise the knowledge and skills of its teachers. It should also build more childcare centres and make the most of government support to enhance the quality of its centres, while keeping fees affordable. Only then can PCF serve the needs of future Singaporean families well. Congratulations, and all the best for the future!

Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister

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PHOTOs SPH library

PCF Council Chairman’s Message The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) celebrates 25 years of achievements in its mission to enhance the well-being of the community through its educational, welfare and community services. Established in 1986, the Foundation has made great strides in the last 25 years with many significant charitable works and remarkable achievements, particularly in the areas of early childhood education. As the largest provider of preschool places in Singapore, the PCF kindergartens and SPARKLE*TOTS childcare centres provide good-quality preschool education that is affordable and accessible to Singaporean families with young children. PCF also offers several financial assistance schemes for our pupils and their families who need the extra assistance. In addition, PCF provides services in student care and aged care. It has participated in community outreach like the community children’s libraries, community health screening and various community programmes initiated by our branches and volunteers. Beyond offering services that care for the community at large, PCF is actively involved in raising funds to support charitable causes, such as study awards for polytechnic students, financial assistance for polytechnic and

ITE students, and annual fundraising and donations to support a range of charities in their good work. A unique feature of PCF is its organisation. We have more than 300 centres in the 84 branches, with more than 4,000 well-trained and dedicated teachers, staff to support our educational programmes, and over a thousand volunteers. Our volunteers continue to play an important role alongside the full-time staff, providing them with guidance and community support. At times, they also help raise funds to cover the operating costs of running the centres. Looking back at its development and growth, I am proud to see that PCF has come a long way. PCF will continue to improve on the quality and range of its services, always bearing in mind that we must remain accessible and affordable to all Singaporean families. I would like to thank each and every one of our branches, staff and volunteers for their support and dedication to the vision of PCF. PCF will continue to do its best in its mission to serve our people. Happy 25th Anniversary!

Teo Chee Hean Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and

Chairman, PCF Council of Management

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PCF EXCO Chairman’s Message PCF has grown immensely over the last 25 years, from providing basic kindergarten classes in the early 1960s to offering a full suite of educational programmes for our young children, as well as other community services today. Our early childhood programmes are now available in 239 PCF kindergartens which cater to children aged two to six. We have introduced several special and niche programmes to provide diversity and cater to the needs of different children. We will continue to develop more of such programmes. We now have 63 SPARKLE*TOTS childcare centres, and the majority of them also offer the Infant and Toddler programmes which take in children from as young as two months old. Thirty to 40 more centres will be added to the stable over the next two years to better serve these young families. Our PCF student care centres continue to cater to the older children of primary-school age by providing them with after-school care and meaningful activities. For the elderly, we provide day care service and senior activity centres to keep them active and engaged. Over the years, training opportunities for our staff have increased significantly. I encourage our principals, supervisors, teachers and staff to continue to upgrade themselves so they are well-equipped to deliver high-quality preschool education programmes. Our early childhood practitioners have also

ventured abroad to learn from counterparts from around the world. All these have benefited our pupils ultimately. The Foundation is very proud to be able to play a part in the national effort to provide affordable and high-quality preschool education. PCF strives to remain relevant to the community it serves. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I would like to thank our branch leadership, volunteers and staff who have worked hard and contributed to our progress over the last 25 years.

Gan Kim Yong Minister for Manpower and Chairman, PCF Executive Committee

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PCF Council of Management Chairman

1999 - present

1990 - 1999

1986 - 1990

Mr Teo Chee Hean

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam

Mr Goh Chok Tong

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PCF Executive Committee Chairman

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Dec 2006 - present

Mr Gan Kim Yong Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee 3

1993 - 1997

Mr Teo Chee Hean 4

1990 - 1993

Dr Tay Eng Soon 5

1986 - 1990

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Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam

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PHOTOs (Except Dr Tay Eng Soon) SPH library

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1997 - 2006

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A Journey Of

Milestones From their humble beginnings as PAP Kindergartens, PAP Communit y Foundation’s (PCF) Kindergartens have taken on a whole new life 25 years on. We invite you to take this journey with us as we chart the eventful process of discovery, learning, teaching and growing.

1986 On May 17, 1986, the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) was established as the charitable arm of the PAP. All PAP kindergartens were then renamed PCF kindergartens.

1987-1989

1990

To meet the needs of the community as well as to improve the standard of kindergarten education, PCF launched Project Kindergarten. Centres were upgraded with better facilities and an updated curriculum which was aligned to the principles of early childhood education.

Young Families magazine, a quarterly publication for parents of PCF kindergarten children, was launched on November 9, 1990.

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f Growth 19 60s

19 70s

In the early 1960s, some of the government’s most pressing concerns were the educational and social development of Singaporeans and their children. PAP kindergartens were set up to give preschoolers a headstart in life and prepare them for primary school. These early kindergartens occupied all kinds of locations that could be turned into educational centres – from “wayang” stages to shophouses!

1991-1994 PCF kindergartens underwent another major revamp through Project Pre-School (PPS). There was further upgrading of physical facilities and the curriculum was reviewed and improved upon too.

The PAP kindergartens became very popular among Singaporeans. More and more centres were established islandwide to make preschool education accessible to all walks of society.

1991

1996

In April 1991, PCF launched its first childcare centre SPARKLE*TOTS at Telok Blangah. It was a significant step forward in meeting the needs of the community.

The Early Childhood Institute (ECI) and Resource Centre were set up in 1996 to support staff training. Overseas professors, lecturers and trainers from the UK, US, New Zealand and China were invited to conduct workshops and seminars for PCF staff.

1992 Many series of training programmes, like the PCF Orientation Courses, PCF Fundamentals Courses as well as Music and Movement Workshops for Kindergarten Teachers, were conducted to enhance PCF teachers’ skills.

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19 80s

PAP kindergartens were renamed PCF kindergartens. This period saw a wave of upgrading at PCF centres, with the introduction of new facilities, equipment and teaching methods to stay on top of early childhood education principles. PCF also became a leading provider of preschool education in Singapore.

1999

2004

The PCF Study Awards scheme provides monetary study awards to deserving polytechnic students every year.

The PCF Alumni Book Prize was introduced that year to recognise the achievements of former PCF preschool pupils studying in Primary 5 in the year of the award.

Established in 2004, the Headstart Fund provides financial assistance to young children from lower-income families. The money received can be used to pay kindergarten, childcare and student care fees as well as transport expenses, and to purchase uniforms, books and food.

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19 90s

PCF introduced childcare centres under the SPARKLE*TOTS brand to meet the rising needs of the community. Programmes were also implemented to train and upgrade in-house teachers, and support early childhood education training in tertiary institutions.

The PCF Educational Quality Assurance (EQA) Unit was set up, and EQA officers visited all kindergartens to guide the leaders in conducting selfappraisal and benchmarking themselves against other kindergartens.

2006

2007

PCF celebrated its 20th anniversary with a dinner graced by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

Preschool Initiatives to Develop Excellence (Project PRIDE) ushered PCF into its next phase of growth. In this developmental blueprint, PCF roped in a team of dedicated professionals to champion progressive management practices.

The PCF Excellence Award and PCF Achievement Award were introduced to motivate and recognise the contributions of teaching staff.

Project Effective Restructuring of Kindergartens (PERK) was implemented. It saw the upgrading of certain older centres to enable them to better support the new curriculum.

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20 00s

Financial assistance schemes were set in place to support needy students, while progressive systems and practices were implemented at every level to bring PCF centres into the 21st century. A sea change in learning approaches took place and the schooling experience in PCF centres became impressively vibrant, caring and child-centred – a far cry from the traditional classroom teaching of the early years!

2008 Under the Family Kindergarten Assistance Project (FKAP), PCF set aside $1 million to help pupils from needy families during the economic downturn.

2009

2010

The Cluster Department helped raise the quality of education at PCF by building the capacity, capability and professionalism of kindergarten leaders. Cluster principals, who are retired MOE school principals, are assisted by a group of Quality Assurance coaches.

PCF worked with the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports to support the government’s plan to have 200 new childcare centres by 2013. PCF had to raise some 60 centres as its share. Thus, a rapid expansion plan was crafted and “New Generation Childcare Centres” evolved.

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20 10s

PCF kindergartens and childcare centres continued to upgrade aggressively. Across all 84 branches, PCF offers a variety of modern, integrated teaching approaches, and upto-the-minute facilities for children that are comparable to most private kindergartens and childcare centres. As it rolls out more programmes to support the wider community, PCF still holds true to its original aim of providing affordable preschool education for all Singaporeans.

2011

On February 28, 2010, PCF established the experiential kindergarten called KidzHaven at PCF Boon Lay (Blk 207), which aims to create a creative and caring learning environment for children to develop self-confidence and the love for learning and discovery.

PCF worked with LEGO ® Education to pilot the use of LEGO ® Education materials for teaching in two centres – PCF Marine Parade and PCF Chua Chu Kang. On September 1, 2010, PCF was appointed as the LEGO ® Education Academy’s Regional Training Centre for South-east Asia (SEA), an exclusive training partner in Singapore.

The PCF Aid Fund for Post Secondary School/Institution Students (PCF ASSIST) was introduced in 2011 to provide financial support for post-secondary school students from lowincome families.

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No Time To Play “I was born in a pre-war house in Jalan Besar in 1972. During the years I attended preschool, my aunt would take me to the PAP kindergarten at an HDB block about a 20-minute walk away. The teachers often wrote on the blackboard at the front of the classroom. We had our own small green board too and we sometimes practised writing on it using pieces of chalk. There were eight subjects altogether, including singing, drawing, Chinese, numbers and penmanship. We did simple sums and were given counters to use.

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We had homework almost every day, weekly spelling tests and examinations too! I remember getting 100 per cent for every subject, including colouring, and I received a prize for it. There was no outdoor play in those days and the public playground was not near the kindergarten. Each session lasted only two hours and I remember many parents waiting for their children outside the classrooms. I still have my graduation photograph. Everyone wore a nice gown, put on a mortar hat and held a scroll in our hand. We also had a class photograph taken. Today I live in the US. My children

go to childcare centres and enjoy a curriculum that emphasises the total development of the child. There is much time and space given to the child to play and learn through exploration. I also found out that today’s PCF kindergartens are continually striving to deliver quality education to the preschoolers and that children are given time to play every day. I wish PCF all the best in its journey towards excellence as the main Early Childhood Education (ECE) provider in Singapore.”

Sandra Walker Vice-President, US Bank PCF kindergarten 1976-1977

Memories ofa The PCF alumnI come from all walk s of life. And now all

First Taste Of Teamwork

“Kindergarten days were memorable because they weren’t just about attending lessons and seeing your friends every day. The kindergarten was also where I had my first experience in teamwork and motivation when we trained for our telematch.” Loh Sok Fang Tax Auditor PCF kindergarten 1992-1993

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My Blue Uniform “I remember my kindergarten days fondly. I attended a PAP kindergarten in the 1980s. It was very near my home in Telok Blangah Heights, which allowed my elder sister, who was only in primary school then, to walk me from home to the kindergarten and back. Sometimes, on our way home, we would drop by the playground to have fun on the slides and see-saw. I liked my blue uniform and the little red tie and I would try not to dirty them when I played. I remember having many friends in school. There was serious work in school. We read, counted and wrote. Of course, there were also

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singing, drawing and colouring. I remembered that my mother would check on my homework every day. We used the exercise books with big squares for writing the Chinese characters, numbers and letters of the alphabet. I believe attending kindergarten had helped many children like me when we reached Primary 1. Very few of us cried in my P1 class. Most of us could hold the pencil properly and were not worried about having homework to do.”

Cynthia Tan Specialist Writer PCF kindergarten 1983-1984

PCF Childhood

grown up, the y reminisce about their kindergarten ye ars. The Best Moments

“A memorable childhood experience started with attending PCF. This is where I learnt to interact, build self-confidence and be independent. Waking up in the morning to attend kindergarten and meet my friends and caring teachers were among the best moments I ever had.” Wong Jin Feng Polytechnic Graduate with Diploma in Accountancy PCF kindergarten 1995-1997

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Grounded Foundations “I have two children. One is a teacher at a local junior college and the other is working with the Port of Singapore Authority. They attended PCF kindergartens when they were young. The school fee was very low. The teachers were less qualified and they spoke mainly in Mandarin. I remembered that my children had Indian and Malay classmates and they chose to learn Mandarin too. The pupil-teacher ratio was high and there was much emphasis on cognitive development rather than the social, emotional and physical development of the child then. The teachers were strict and less caring than today’s kindergarten teachers. Corporal punishment was allowed, and the children could be punished for not completing their homework! There were some church kindergartens and private kindergartens around. However, when I compared my children with my neighbour’s kids who attended a private kindergarten, they were as ready to enter Primary 1 upon completing K2. I believe kindergartens, whether PCF or private ones, are striving towards delivering a quality curriculum through better-trained teachers. Today’s ECE has grown by leaps and bounds. This is certainly the right direction, as the importance of a well-grounded preschool foundation cannot be understated.”

Stephen Chua

First Field Trip

Lifelong Impact

“My PCF kindergarten education definitely left an impact on my life. I enjoyed my two years there and it gave me a head start in my primary school education. Many fond memories which I cherish are from my kindergarten days. I always feel nostalgic whenever I pass by the kindergarten. To date, I am still in contact with my teacher and some of my friends. I love PCF kindergarten!!” Dinesh S/O Balakrishnan Managing Partner of Reecom System PCF kindergarten 1991-1992

Businessman Father of former PCF pupils

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“Earlier this year, I passed by the National Library at Toa Payoh and immediately remembered a kindergarten excursion we had to that same library, watching a Disney movie I’ve now long forgotten. All I remember now was our excitement about going out as a class, without our parents, and being able to bring our own little container of snacks. That’s learning outside the classroom – a rare opportunity, I am sure, in the late 1970s!” Wileeza A Gapar Legal Service Officer PCF kindergarten 1970s

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Learning The Alphabet

First Friends

“Kindergarten was where I made my first friends and learnt the basics of everything I needed to know. There was no concept of stress back in those days… except when it came to the time when Ms Lee (Phek Yan) gave out our report cards!” Kwan Eng Ling Kenneth

“Although it has been almost 40 years, I still recall the simple existence of the PAP kindergarten at Old Airport Road which I attended. This was where I learned my alphabet and to count from one to 10. It was also a place where I had fun. Lots of it. Some images never left my mind. One of them is the black and white graduation photo taken with my teachers, with all the pupils in their splendid gowns. In this little kindergarten, when Singapore was a young nation, I commenced my journey of discovery and learning. Thank you, PAP kindergarten, for giving me a start.” Alex Tan CEO, Collins Stewart, Singapore PCF kindergarten 1972-1973

Full-time National Serviceman PCF kindergarten 1989-1991

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Rigid Teachers “I attended a PCF kindergarten in the 1970s. I remember how difficult it was for me to sit in the classroom with rows and rows of tables and chairs. The teachers spoke mainly in Mandarin, and they were fierce and rigid. My classmates and I did not have time to play much, but we enjoyed chatting as we played with plasticine. The class was rather noisy as there were at least 35 children in a small room. To keep us occupied, the teachers gave us a lot of colouring to do. Our art and crafts lessons mostly consisted of paper cutting. As a child who loved outdoor life, I did not particularly enjoy the hours I spent in school. Today, I am a preschool leader. My own preschool years have made me more determined to ensure the children who come to my kindergarten enjoy their learning and interaction with peers. My teachers and I role-model care and compassion and we make it a point to look every child in the eye and to try all ways to bring on that sparkle and smile in the children!”

Elsie Tan Kindergarten Principal PCF kindergarten 1963-1964

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Not Scared At All

“My mother walked me to the kindergarten on the first day, and like many other parents, stayed outside to wait for me. On the way home, she asked me if I was scared and had wanted to cry. That was because several other kids cried. I said, ‘No, I wasn’t scared. I liked the teacher and the other children.’ I thoroughly enjoyed my time in kindergarten.” Heng Chee How Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, MP for Jalan Besar GRC (Whampoa) PCF kindergarten 1967

Sugar-topped Cookies

“I spent one year in a kindergarten run by Barisan Sosialis in 1973 and another year in a PAP kindergarten in 1974. Both the kindergartens were located in Nee Soon Village. One was along Nee Soon Road and the other was near the junction of Mandai Road and Sembawang Road. I remember clearly there was a clock in the kindergarten run by Barisan Sosialis as I was looking at the clock all the time, hoping for class to end so I could go home. For the year in the PAP kindergarten, I don’t remember seeing any clock on the classroom wall as I enjoyed the class so much. My favourite part of the day was, of course, when we were served hot Milo with colourful sugar-topped biscuits and sometimes, alphabet biscuits. That was how I learnt my ABCs!” Lim Wee Kiak, PBM

images SPH library

MP for Sembawang GRC (Canberra) PCF kindergarten 1973–1974

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A Far Cry From Today

What A Dancer!

“My grandmother was responsible for enrolling me in PAP kindergarten at Geylang Serai market. In the early 1970s, the classrooms were dark and dingy, a far cry from the bright and cheerful rooms in use today. There were few learning aids and instead of learning through play, we were given written assignments. I ‘graduated’ without even knowing how to write my name, unlike the students today who not only read and write but perform song and dance items with great confidence! I’m glad PCF has really moved with the times!”

“I went to preschool for only one year at Lorong Malai PAP kindergarten in 1969. In those days, it was a novelty to go to a ‘sekolah makan’ (literally a school where you eat) before you go to a proper school. The idea, I suppose, was to get you used to a school-like environment so you get used to being away from Mum and home. How similar this concept is today as it was then! Most of the time, we were playing with building blocks, singing, dancing or drawing. I vividly remember how we were preparing for the graduation concert and I was quite a dancer until they paired me with a girl. I ran out of the hall to hide and refused to come back to continue the practice. Thinking back, I must have looked real silly for being so timid with a girl!”

Josephine Teo MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC (Toa Payoh East) PCF kindergarten 1973

Masagos Zulkifli Minister of State for Education and Home Affairs, MP for Tampines GRC (Tampines West) PCF kindergarten 1969

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Long serving In this 25th Anniver sary issue, we chat with some of PCF’s long -serving staff and find out what inspires them to keep working with the children.

Through A Child’s Eyes One of the pioneers of PCF, Woon Li Fong has played a significant role in the preschool education of countless children and helped to mould their character. As she marks her 25th year as a staff at PCF kindergarten, this passionate educator feels it is the children who have taught her the most. And it is this same reason that has kept her working within the organisation for such a long time. “Their childlike innocence is something that you can never find in another job and it always gives me a fresh perspective on certain things,” enthuses Li Fong, who finds a quiet sense of accomplishment when she witnesses her pupils maturing and growing in confidence and capabilities. It is also this interest in teaching children that persuaded Li Fong to give up a higher-paying job in the arts back in 1986, to take up this preschool teacher position at PCF which only offered a nominal salary then. It was a decision Li

Fong has never regretted, despite the challenges thrown her way – including dealing with difficult parents and finding ways to help children from broken or lowerincome families adapt to the school environment. “This job has taught me patience and appreciation,” shares Li Fong. “The constant exposure to the kids has helped me value life’s simplicity. Their immense optimism has also influenced my perspective and attitude towards life.” Looking back, one of her most memorable experiences was when she received a wedding invitation from one of her pupils whom she taught at the start of her teaching career. It was a heartwarming invite because they had maintained contact all this while, and watching her pupils grow and mature into fine adults was a touching moment for her. “I am glad that I am remembered and respected as one who has helped to build the children’s character and knowledge foundation in the early stages of their lives.”

Woon Li Fong Principal, PCF Toa Payoh East (Blk 45)

What Parents Should Know “PCF schools’ improved environments are safe and conducive for teaching. Our teaching curricula, with a strong holistic approach to learning, are comparable to international standards. The teachers are also better trained, constantly attending seminars and workshops for further professional upgrading. The kindergartens also make use of progressive teaching resources and methods such as laptops, overhead projectors and IT (such as interactive boards).” Sim Sye Hoon Betty, Centre Principal, PCF Nanyang (Blk 934), Best Practice Award for Learning Centres (Merit)

“If only parents support and accept the ‘learning through play’ activities in kindergarten, their children would enjoy learning much more through varied teaching pedagogy. In fact, I am thankful to all parents as they accepted my way of getting the children to learn Chinese characters through art collages instead of spelling.” Vivian Chew Yoke Heong, Teacher, PCF Nanyang (Blk 825), Outstanding Kindergarten Teacher Award (Distinction)

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The Switch

“In PCF kindergarten, we aim to develop our preschoolers to their fullest potential and instil in them a passion for learning. We focus on their academic, character and skills development and this makes teaching in PCF kindergarten more challenging and exciting every day. We believe that a child with good character will excel better when they progress in life. In the earlier years, children’s learning took place only within the classroom. Now, they are encouraged and given the opportunities to learn beyond the boundaries of the classroom.” Adelene Won Wai Heng, Principal, PCF Macpherson (Blk 54), Kindergarten Innovation Award (Merit)

“PCF has taken a stand to move from academic delivery of lessons to the provision of multimodal learning experiences which enable children to learn through their five senses.” Carene Teo Su-Lyn, Centre Principal, PCF Nanyang (Blk 825), Kindergarten Innovation Award (Merit)

From nondescript classrooms with simple tables and chairs to interactive learning corners and from conventional textbook-based teaching approaches to thematic, project-based methods – these are some of the major transformations that PCF has undergone in the last 25 years. One of its pioneers, Norijah Bte Ahmad – who is also in her 25th year working with PCF – has witnessed all these in her teaching career here. Having made a midcareer switch from the more glamorous hospitality industry, Norijah was successfully employed by PCF back in December 1986, despite having no professional qualifications in early childhood education. “I wanted a job dealing with children,” she recalls. “The management sponsored me in various training programmes back then and they are always willing to invest in teachers’ training and professional upgrading. This culture is still ongoing and this is one of the reasons why I’ve stayed for so long.” From a preschool teacher to principal, Norijah is responsible for the daily operations of the centre.

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She works closely with teachers to provide the best learning opportunities for the pupils, and establishes strong relationships with parents to garner their support for various programmes. “This job has allowed me to see things from a different angle and made me realise that there is a solution to every problem if you bother to look for it,” says Norijah. The go-getter is constantly looking forward to challenges and new ideas to stay relevant. “Some of the kids these days have travelled more widely than us. Their outlook is different and they are very IT-savvy too!” This means the traditional top-down approach in teaching no longer works. “The children are a source of input too, and the teaching needs to be more interactive.” For this versatile worker, being able to stay on top of her job means moving in tandem with the trends and evolving with change.

Norijah Bte Ahmad Principal, PCF Tampines East (Blk 261)

PHOTO (Sim Sye Hoon Betty) Frenchescar Lim

Inspirations

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When Work Is Not Work While some people drag themselves to work, Veronica Rozells relishes every single day at her PCF kindergarten. “When you get to do what you truly love to do, it is no longer work. It is passion,” she enthuses. “Finding your purpose – what you were made to do – unlocks all that potential inside you and allows you to live your life in a real and beneficial way!” Veronica began her journey at PCF Sembawang 16 years ago as a teacher and became branch administrator a year later. When she first started, there were only three centres and the enrolment rate was low, forcing one centre in the old Sembawang area to shut down. But soon after, two new centres opened in Woodlands. “I recall these two centres were bursting at the seams and we had to run classes way past 6.30pm every day,” she recounted. Eventually, more centres were set up to meet the sudden surge of pupils and Veronica was elated to be part of the project. “It was a very exciting time because I played an active role in the set-up of the centres,” she said. “To me, preschool education is a very rewarding career because I know I will be shaping the minds of young children during their most impressionable years.” As branch administrator, Veronica plans, oversees and coordinates the educational and non-educational activities at six of PCF’s centres. Together with the principals, they set standards and goals. Veronica is also responsible for handling the financial aspects and budgeting, as well as

A Helping Hand

recruitment of teachers and other staff. The latter, she says, poses the biggest challenge. “It is increasingly difficult to get good teachers to join the kindergartens,” she shares. Unlike the past when professional qualifications and training were not the norm, teaching staff these days need to be well-qualified. Even while on the job, they need to constantly pursue upgrades via seminars, workshops or courses to improve the quality of their teaching. An added challenge presented to them is the personality of children these days. “Pupils now are more independent and vocal compared to 10 years ago when no one really argued or talked back,” she explains. “Hence, there is a need to set ground rules.” All said, the most important quality is to be able to handle today’s children with the right approach. And the reward – when the child, especially one with learning difficulties, displays even the smallest achievement – is all worth it!

Veronica Rozells Branch Administrator, PCF Sembawang Branch

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Even after many years, most of Faridah Bte Abdullah’s pupils would return to visit the kind and affectionate teacher. Hardly surprising, as she is one teacher who would go all out for her pupils – including using her own money to pay for their textbooks. “Most of my pupils come from low-income families and this is just a little gesture to help them out,” she said modestly. For her selfless giving, Faridah received “The Best I Can Be” award by Tanjong Pagar Community Development Council and Buona Vista S21 Action Committee in 2000. This dedicated teacher, who has been with PCF for 36 years, is constantly pursuing ways to hone her teaching skills. “Our role as teachers is to ensure we are adequately prepared for every lesson. By being well-versed in the curriculum and lesson plans, I am able to prepare the teaching materials and resources in a more effective manner.“ To keep up with the changes in preschool education, Faridah attends training and professional development courses to better herself. “They enable me to stay current with the latest teaching methodologies. They also give me a chance to network as I get to meet friends from the same industry whom I can share ideas with.” She hopes PCF would send more teachers for upgrading as it will “not just be useful to teachers, but also benefit our pupils”.

Faridah Bte Abdullah Teacher, PCF Buona Vista (Blk 4)

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From Strength To Strength Through her 21 years with PCF, Rajminderpal Kaur d/o Mehars Singh says her journey has been dotted with enriching experiences. For her, the strength to persevere despite the ups and downs comes from the support of her mentors like the late Dr Ong Chit Chung (Advisor) and her Senior Principal Angelina Tai (PBM), as well as the “little stars” she works with. “My inspiration comes from the children,” she says. “Just seeing them makes me want to do my best for them.” Looking back, she notes that teaching methods have changed tremendously. Kids these days learn through exploring the world around them, and are more vocal and independent. This poses different challenges for teachers. But Rajminderpal always looks to the rewarding aspects of the job to keep her focused. The rewards are simple gestures from people who have touched her life, and whom she in turn has made an impact on. One of her first pupils visit her every Teacher’s Day without fail, while a mother of another former pupil also visits every year. Her wish list for PCF on its 25th anniversary is “to have an ‘open-door policy’ with parents to set the stage right at home, and to help support children’s healthy development and learning”.

Rajminderpal Kaur d/o Mehars Singh Principal, PCF Bukit Batok (Blk 118)

Full Circle The lives of Centre Supervisor Kelly Ang and teacher Nisa d/o Syed Ismail are intert wined as they started off as teacher and pupil and ended up colleagues at PCF Telok Blangah. While Kelly Ang has little impression of Nisa d/o Syed Ismail as a little K2 girl back in PCF Telok Blangah Blk 78A in 1986, the quiet pupil had a vivid impression of her strict teacher who would “make sure they finish their work on time”. For strict as she was, Kelly, who has been with PCF for more than 25 years (“since the PAP Education Centre days”), commanded utmost respect and admiration from the young Nisa. “I would go home and pretend to be her, and role-play as a teacher in front of my younger cousins,” recalls Nisa, who loves to be around young children. This trait was evident even when she was at a young age, so much so that her parents used to say she would make a good teacher. “I used to draw on the wall, pretending it’s a blackboard and my mum used to reprimand me every single time!” she adds. Fast forward 25 years and Nisa, now all grown up, has a proper board to teach with, along with a class of preschoolers. Ironically, life has brought her back to PCF Telok Blangah, the kindergarten she grew up in, but this time as a teacher. And the most amazing part of this happy story – she is now colleagues with her ex-teacher Kelly, who has since become the centre supervisor! “I consider myself very lucky because few would get a chance like this,” smiles Nisa. “She laid a strong foundation in my learning, and now as a colleague, she continues to play an important role in my teaching career, guiding me and constantly inspiring us with new ideas.” For Kelly, it is a great feeling to see her pupil following in her footsteps to become a preschool educator. “Having worked in this line for more than 25 years, I have seen many children grow up to become what they want to be, turning into reality the childish images they had drawn of ‘my future occupation’ during preschool. I’m very happy Nisa shares this same passion for teaching the young,” says Kelly. “The role of a preschool teacher is more important than most people realise because she is the child’s first teacher. We are more than just educators, but also nannies who try to understand what the children are going through as they cry and mumble inaudibly, and caregivers who cheer them up.”

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Teachers’ Voices

The countless teachers who form the backbone of PCF kindergartens comprise dedicated individuals who each have a valuable insight or touching tale.

Touching Lives

“I think that 25 years on, PCF kindergartens will become full-fledged educational establishments in the heartlands with facilities such as IT access in every classroom, a swimming pool, a field with running track and more. It would be a place for every child to develop his uniqueness and talents, while retaining its affordability.” Josephine Ho Sau Kuen Centre Principal, PCF Nee Soon East (Blk 408), Best Practice Award for Learning Centres (Merit)

Cheerful Inspiration “The smiles I see every morning, the hugs I receive every day, the excitement and bursts of laughter every time we read a funny story together – these are the things I look forward to each day. After years of teaching, I have learnt that children are capable of big things. Very often, adults underestimate their abilities. In fact, I am certain that children are capable of achieving big dreams if given the appropriate resources, guidance and encouragement. They taught me that while it is important to teach the mind, it is equally important to listen to the little voices in their hearts.”

Ang Ying Hui Sheena Teacher, PCF Punggol East (Blk 143), Outstanding Kindergarten Teacher Award (Distinction)

“In my early years of teaching, I remember a special needs pupil. She was hardly in the classroom as she would be running around the centre. I bumped into her years later when she was in Secondary 4! When she saw me, without even thinking, she called me by my name. It was then that I knew I’d touched a life!” Adeline Koh Mei Ching Teacher, PCF Tampines East (Blk 261), Outstanding Kindergarten Teacher Award (Distinction)

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Close Observations “When I first came onboard as a teacher, there was this child whom I struggled to handle. He liked to say: “Yepen, yepen.” Initially, I could not figure out what he wanted and he would throw tantrums in frustration. Lost, I left him alone and observed him closely. Only then did I realise what he actually wanted was a red pen. From that day, I have used observation as my tool to deal with children. They are innocent, adorable beings who never fail to light up a person’s life. They are very interesting to observe too – their actions give you insights into their character.”

Mdm Norhayati Bte Mohamed Noor Teacher, PCF Tampines North (Blk 443), Outstanding Kindergarten Teacher Award (Merit)

PHOTO (Ang Ying Hui Sheena) Dan Ong

A Place For Every Child

Heartiest Congratulations to

PAP Community Foundation on your 25th Anniversary Here’s to many more years of Inspiring Millions of Learners and Caring for the Community

With compliments

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Student Life What a typical school day is like for a PCF K2 pupil..

8am

Schoo

l sta rts

Bright and early on Monday morning, the entrance to PCF Nanyang is abuzz with activity – children greeting their friends and teachers, parents chatting among themselves, teachers guiding the eager K2 pupils into the centre. They are some of the 170 pupils who attend this kindergarten, which is managed by six dedicated teachers who inspire a love for learning in them. Little wonder, as the kindergarten, split into three decentralised spaces, is a welcoming and cheerful venue equipped with impressive facilities – from the junior gym to the thoughtfully planned and expansive classrooms brightened by home-made decorations.

11.30am Chicken

8.15am Let’s learn chinese

8.15am

Chinese Lesson These six-year-olds start the day with an hour-long Chinese lesson. Gathered on the floor with the teacher, they learn about houses around the world and get a chance to design their own!

9.15am More porridge please!

9.15am

Snack Time After putting on their shoes, they proceed to the dining room for a snack of porridge, prepared by Auntie.

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hous n w o g our n i d l i m Bu 8.30a

e!

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rice, anyone?

10.20am Spelling time

After that, the teacher helps them get organised in the learning corners. Five get to act as hawkers, selling chicken rice and satay made from foam. None of the items are bought, thanks to the ingenuity of the teachers who made these themselves. Meanwhile, some pupils complete “postcards” at the drawing area, others construct a road and bridges at the construction corner, while a few like some quiet time at the computer and toys section.

10.20 am

Phonics Class

11am Role-playing with “satay”

9.40am

11am

Then, it’s off to music and movement class, where they get a chance to express their creativity. First, they recite the rhyme Humpty Dumpty, then expand it with extra verses, rhythms and actions. These youngsters also get to hone their balancing and coordination skills with rock climbing and spanking new gym equipment.

The K2 class returns to their classroom for large group learning. The theme for the day is food – local cuisine please! The pupils like their satay and roti prata. Breaking up into groups, they turn home-made salt dough into colourful plates of food, and get a chance to present them to their classmates. There are lessons to be learnt in this integrated teaching method – in the areas of language, cooperation, presentation skills, planning and more.

Music & Movement

Behind the Scenes While kindergarten sessions last about four hours here, the teachers work through two sessions of energetic kids every

Large Group Teaching

day. They teach with love, incredible patience and often with a smile on their face. It takes plenty of effort when you see how they have to observe every child in their class, while they nurture, counsel and

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teach the youngsters. With just one hour for lunch before the afternoon session starts, these teachers also have to prepare their lessons, make props for the class, develop teaching

12pm

Good

bye!

material and put together the children’s portfolios. It must be a labour of love for the teachers who do so much to educate children in a happy and assuring environment every day.

PHOTOS FRENCHESCAR LIM

9.40am Having fun with music

In phonics class, the kids have to sit down at desks and practise some simple spelling and penmanship. But, this does not take place before a little competition to see who can spell best. Can you spell the number that comes after nine?

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Learn International Conference On Early Childhood Education 2010 PCF’s first early childhood education conference reached out not only to educators, but also to parents.

The inaugural International Conference on Early Childhood Education (ICECE) was co-organised by the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) and NTUC First Campus, and held on March 19 and 20, 2010. The ICECE had the following objectives: to raise the profile of preschool education in Singapore, promote higher standards of professionalism in the preschool sector and provide a platform for educators to review issues and developments in preschool education methodologies. On another level, it also aimed at strengthening connections with parents. More than 700 preschool professionals and guests attended the Teachers’ Programme on the first one-and-a-half days, while over 360 parents attended the Parents’ Programme on the second afternoon. Tertiary students also came for the conference and enjoyed hefty subsidies on conference fees. A total of 10 exhibitors participated

at the ICECE as well. With the theme Engage and Inspire, the conference covered a range of topics by renowned educators from around the world, including Dr Stephanie Feeney (pictured left), Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Hawaii, Professor Zhou Jing from the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education and Dr Audrey Lim, Deputy Head of the Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Academic Group at the National Institute of Education, Singapore. There was a wide range of topics, like how to appreciate children as thinkers and teaching in a digital world. Parents listened to insightful talks on how to communicate effectively with their children and how they could build a firm foundation for their kids. The ICECE was graced by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and PCF Council Chairman Teo Chee Hean, Manpower Minister and PCF Executive

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Committee Chairman Gan Kim Yong and Minister of State (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Yu-Foo Yee Shoon. The success of ICECE 2010 could be best summed up by the following: 74 per cent of the participants indicated good overall content and usefulness of the Teachers’ Programme, 77 per cent of the participants stated that they found the concurrent sessions “good” and “excellent” in terms of the content, clarity and usefulness, while an overwhelming 90 per cent indicated they would attend the next conference. The organising committee looks forward to returning with the second edition of the ICECE in 2012. They are grateful for the support of Ngee Ann Kongsi, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Lee Foundation and the government agencies committed to preschool education and the professional development of preschool teachers.

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Overseas Learning Experience Programme (OLEP)

Educators venture forth to enhance teaching methods and standards at PCF kindergartens.

Learning gives organisations a competitive advantage, innovative edge and greater effectiveness. With this as a fulcrum, PCF Cluster Department (CLD) initiated and embarked on our Overseas Learning Experience Programme (OLEP) in 2009 with the aim of enhancing the professional practice standards of PCF centres. It also offers PCF kindergarten leaders relevant global exposure via educational conferences and best practices at renowned preschool institutions overseas. As part of the OLEP 2009 programme, 62 centre leaders from the 10 clusters went on various learning journeys

to Washington D.C., Auckland, Beijing and Hong Kong. In 2010, 63 other centre leaders visited preschools in London, Frankfurt, Japan, Taiwan and China. In the course of these learning journeys, participants learned about the need to continuously scan the horizon and conduct self-evaluation through reflective practice. Participants saw the need to have high expectations and were convinced about the importance of balancing competing interests and demands. The overseas school visits enabled participants to observe different preschool models, study their key success factors, leadership principles, organisational behaviour, culture and the overall learning environment. Lessons brought home inspired participants to adopt and adapt such winning qualities at their respective centres. This generated ownership and a greater commitment to “ground-up” approaches towards school

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Reflections of Participants “OLEP has taught me to think of possibilities instead of problems.” Mdm Juriyah Bte Sjamsoeddin, Principal, PCF Admiralty

“The education conference offers a platform for educators to learn from each other. The school visits offer insights into successful initiatives that we can adopt to improve teaching.” Ms Chua Lay Mui, Branch Administrator, PCF Teck Ghee

“The OLEP experience made a deep impact. No wonder the Chinese have a saying: Travelling a thousand miles is better than reading a million books. The OLEP has proven it to be true.” Mdm Lim Chui Chui, Principal, PCF Sengkang West

“After OLEP, I have walked out of my nutshell with an open mind.” Ms Karen Tan, Principal, PCF Potong Pasir

improvement efforts. On the other hand, the educational conferences provided opportunities for academics and professionals from various fields to bridge the knowledge gap, promote research and development on curriculum and pedagogy. A balanced view of theory and practice was emphasised. A fruitful experience for participants, OLEP has enhanced the professional capabilities of our kindergarten leaders. As a follow-up, the OLEP team members are required to share their experiences at their own branch, centre and cluster meetings or at the Cluster Department Kindergarten Leaders’ Sharing Day. They have translated their learning into practical ideas and initiatives which are now at various stages of planning and implementation. Future plans include collaborations with the view of providing work attachment opportunities for staff to enhance professional practice.

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Investing In Talent

Journeys Of Learning

PAP Communit y Foundation (PCF) boosts the qualit y of early childhood education by providing scholarships for their promising teachers. To attract the best employees and help them stay relevant, it is important to invest in their training and development. With the support of the Ministry of Education, PCF offers scholarships to their most deserving kindergarten teachers and principals to improve their professional skills and raise the standards of our preschool services. The scholarships include: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (with Management) and Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education – Teaching. To date, there have been 46 recipients of these scholarships and teaching awards. With the support of the Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports (MCYS), PCF also offers scholarships to in-service childcare centre staff to upgrade their qualifications. These scholarships are for pursuing the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (with Management) by UniSIM, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood

PCF leaders expand their knowledge with insightful study trips abroad.

Education (Focus on Literacy) and Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education – Teaching by Seed Institute. Since 2009, 16 childcare supervisors and teachers have been awarded the PCF MCYS Scholarships. PCF Study Awards are also given to students from the five local polytechnics, which help pay for their tuition fees. Recipients are either Year 2 or Year 3 students who have done well in their academic studies and are actively engaged in campus activities or community services. In 2009, 22 such scholarships were given out, while 36 were presented in 2010. Since 1999, 540 scholarships have been awarded – amounting to over $1 million. The PCF Scholarship Committee identifies potential employees for PCF too. Scholarship applicants are assessed on aspects like personality, aptitude and commitment. Shortlisted candidates are subject to final approval by the Scholarship Panel.

Two Overseas Learning Journey (OLJ) study trips to the US were organised for our PCF childcare leaders in 2009 and 2010. As part of the study trips, participants attended the National Training Institute’s (NTI) Zero to Three Conference and went on industry visits, which offered opportunities for them to enhance their knowledge and networks. The 24th NTI conference held in Dallas, Texas in 2009 featured sessions such as “Down and Out in the Nursery” and “Helping Infant Practitioners Self-identify and Overcome Their Compassion Fatigue”. In 2010, the sessions included “Supporting Parents through Early Challenges in Parenting” and “Consultative Coaching Program

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for Early Childhood Educators”. Industry visits also provided insights into the practice and implementation of childcare centres across the US, with regards to the physical environment, safety, health and nutrition, staff training, curriculum and more. With these visits, childcare leaders gained practical knowledge on the centres’ daily operations and curricula. In 2009, participants visited Lake West Head Start and Triangle Tots Child Development Centre, among others. The following year, they visited the Children’s Creative Learning Centres: Families@1st Cisco, Stanford Arboretum Children’s Centre and KinderCare Learning Centres. Says Ms Selene Neo Seow Bee, Centre Supervisor, PCF Tampines East (Blk 205): “The insight I gained from this trip is that establishing positive relationships with children has a great impact on their learning.”

Our Heartiest Congratulations to

PAP Community Foundation on your 25th Anniversary

Here’s to many more years of Inspiring a Million Learners and Caring for the Community!

With compliments

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Community Booked For Life PCF kindergartens help cultivate a nation of voracious bookworms through the annual Joy Of Reading campaign. The love for literature can be nurtured from a very young age. Before they begin formal education, children who have been exposed to reading activities and books are better prepared for school and learning. This is because reading not only boosts language development, it also builds concentration skills, helps a child follow storylines, as well as instructions in group situations, such as in the classroom.

Early Learning Under Project WINGS, the women Members of Parliament initiated a campaign, Joy of Reading, to foster good reading habits in 2005. This campaign is supported by the National Library Board (NLB) and Lee Foundation and is in essence, a nation-wide storytelling competition which aims to inspire and inculcate good reading habits in preschool children. The panel of judges comprises professionals with outstanding backgrounds in literacy. For six years, this initiative has been growing from strength to strength – thanks to the efforts of PCF teachers and parents in motivating children. Themes in previous years have included “A family that reads together, learns together” – which was targeted at forging closer family relationships through reading. In fact, library trips and reading together have been

proven to be effective ways for parents and children to bond. Different generations can be brought together through book discussions, reading aloud and play-acting. Community and central libraries offer many activities and programmes for different age groups in a family.

Getting Involved The Joy of Reading campaign targets children between the ages of four and 10, in the hope that reading will enrich their lives. All PCF kindergartens are involved in this National Library Board initiative, which is carried out in two stages: district (North-east, North-west, South-east, South-west and Central) level and national level, where competitors represent their respective districts.

Storytelling Comes Alive Since its inception, the Joy of Reading campaign has always brought parents, teachers and pupils together in concerted efforts to help the children do their best. For practice, each young participant would tell his story in front of the school during the mass assembly.

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Behind the scenes, teachers collaborate with parents to help pupils prepare for the competition. This enables parents and teachers to bond and better understand each other. Parents assist in training and preparing props and costumes, while teachers fine-tune children’s presentations, coaching them on storytelling techniques like intonation, movement and expression. Participating kindergartens are extremely proud to be part of the Joy of Reading initiative. Pupils who took part in the competition were observed to have developed their potential during the experience. PCF kindergarten teachers fully support this programme, as they believe reading to children provides a positive influence and builds a foundation for a lifetime of benefits. Besides significantly increasing children’s potential for academic success, it also improves general knowledge and family bonding.

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Preparing For Primary School Primary school can be a daunting thought for preschoolers, but PCF Kindergarten goes the extra mile to ensure a smooth and reassuring transition for their lit tle charges. While preschoolers may be academically prepared for primary school by the time they complete K2, they still need to be mentally prepared for this important transition. Recognising that this jump from kindergarten to primary school is a very significant change for the children, PCF kindergartens have taken that all-important step to introduce their pupils to a primary school setting.

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On Our Way Often, the school that the K2 pupils visit is located so close to their own kindergarten that the cohort simply walks to their destination, with teachers accompanying, of course. This offers a good opportunity for them to learn about the importance of road safety, such as traffic rules, pedestrian crossings and road signs. Armed with notebooks and pencils to record their impressions, the preschoolers are often impressed by the size of the school compound as they enter. Indeed, for many, it would be their first experience in a primary school setting.

Eat, Ask, Learn

Introduction Basics How do they do that? Many PCF kindergartens collaborate with primary schools nearby to jointly organise P1 orientations, so the preschoolers can see and experience for a day what primary school life is like. Before the visit, K2 pupils are encouraged to share their thoughts on primary school life – what a “big school” may look like, the various areas they can explore and what they’ve heard from older siblings and friends. The teachers would then show the children some pictures related to the visit to prepare them for it.

This is where the active involvement of the primary school comes in. During such visits, it is generally the school prefects who guide the kindergarteners and their teachers around. As part of the tour, K2 pupils get to sit in during a P1 class in session to experience a typical lesson. They also get a chance to participate by answering questions or asking some of their own. In this way, fears of a bigger classroom setting or new teachers would be addressed, and hopefully, minimised. In between ‘lessons’, they may even enjoy a performance by pupils of the host school. Walking through the school, teachers point out the colourful artworks displayed in classrooms and along corridors. The children learn that in primary school, good

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work will be acknowledged and put on display for future visitors like themselves!

School Facilities The little visitors are encouraged to bring some money during the visit to get a taste of the canteen experience. They learn to queue up to buy food, choose from the variety of meals available, and most importantly, work out the total cost of their purchases and the change they can expect to receive. As part of the programme, the K2 children also get to see the other facilities in the school. The eco-gardens are often a hit among the little ones, with lush plants and ponds filled with fish. Then, it’s off to the school library which often brings about much excitement. Children who visit their community libraries may draw similarities between the two, but an eye-opener would definitely be meeting the school librarians – upper-primary pupils rather than working adults!

Afterthoughts The K2 children are appreciative of the chance to explore a primary school while they are still safely ensconced in the cocoon of kindergarten. Back in class, they would share and discuss their impressions of the visit and are encouraged to draw and write about their ‘dream primary school’. After such tours, parents have reported that their children are more enthusiastic about attending the ‘big school’. As a vivid introduction to primary school, these visits help PCF kindergarten pupils see, feel and experience primary school life. By opening the children’s eyes to what lies ahead, the experience certainly helps reduce any fear or uncertainties about primary school and prepares them for the next level of their learning journey.

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Behind Every Successful Kindergarten... ...is a Parent Support Group. PCF Kindergartens’ Parent Support Group is helping parents bet ter understand their children’s learning journey. The PCF Kindergartens’ Parent Support Group (PSG) consists of parents banding together to get involved in their child’s school activities. Principal of PCF MacPherson (Blk 53/54) Adelene Won shares: “The main objective of the PSG is to develop close ties with parents and work hand in hand with them for the benefit of the children.” While not all branches and centres have formed PSGs, the setting up of these groups was advocated in 2009 by Cluster Principals from the Cluster Department at PCF headquarters. Ms Won notes: “Through the PSG, parents have the opportunity to learn about supporting their children’s learning and understand the teacher’s role in education. At the same time, this fosters closer bonds with their children.” The teachers also benefit from PSGs as the support group has been an invaluable help in the planning and preparation of various kindergarten activities, according to Ms Won. Activities include assisting in festive celebrations at the school, helping out in enrichment lessons like cooking classes and taking on roles in unique centre activities like Entrepreneur’s Day. This enables teachers to do more for the pupils under their charge, and enrich the children’s learning journey. In the long run, the PSGs hope to increase the level of parental involvement and collaboration with

the community, so as to enhance the preschoolers’ learning experiences. Another aim is to equip parents with skills to support their children’s learning. The groups also hope to provide learning platforms for the kids to showcase their talents and social skills. Indeed, parental involvement in a child’s learning is important and its benefits are manifold. Research in education have shown that when parents are involved in their children’s education, the youngsters tend to have higher grades, are better behaved at home and in school, possess better social skills and are better adapted to school life. Hence, PCF encourages parents to get involved in their children’s preschool education. Wherever possible, parents should make an effort to attend school events and meetings. This shows your child that you take an interest in his life and helps create a better working relationship with his teachers.

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Under One Roof When the young and old are brought together in a family care set ting, a unique care centre is born. Different generations living and spending time together can pose many operational and daily challenges, but it can offer a host of unique opportunities for young and old to interact, too. In 1995, a radical idea was born – to set up an organisation housing young children, students and the elderly under one roof. This inter-generational day care centre was still untested in Singapore, but the main motivators from Tampines East PAP Community Foundation and the Citizens Consultative Committee persevered to overcome any initial hiccups. Eventually, the three-in-one family centre quietly started at the Tampines East Community Centre along Tampines Street 21. On March 7, 1999, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong officially launched the Tampines East three-inone Family Centre. In his speech, he noted that this centre “pooled scarce resources into a common facility for the benefit of the residents”. The family centre’s aims are threefold – to provide affordable day care arrangements, meet the developmental needs of preschoolers and students through educational support and various creative activities, as well as keep senior citizens socially active.

Living Together These three age groups carry out varied activities while mingling with each other and being cared for by professionally trained staff. At the family centre, the elderly, preschoolers and preteens spend

most of their time in a communal setting. Each group has an almost common curriculum which focuses on socialising and interacting with others in the community, while enhancing personal skills. At the start of the day, the old and young mingle before breakfast. Once the meal is over, they proceed to their own special programmes. In the afternoons, they come together again for games, storytelling, cooking lessons and crafts. Residents share many activities which transcend age barriers – karaoke sessions, excursions and outdoor activities. The young entertain their elders with mini performances, while both young and old share tools and skills during craft sessions. Even the simple sharing of TV programmes is a chance for intergenerational bonding at the centre. In seemingly simple daily acts, the residents learn to care and support each other physically and in spirit. Activities for the elderly include eye-hand coordination therapy programmes which focus on developing their motor skills and physical fitness. They feature activities such as writing, conversational Mandarin lessons and music therapy.

Imparting Life Lessons We’ve all heard how wisdom comes with age, so putting the young and old together is an ingenious way of imparting values and life lessons on a sustained, day-to-day basis. For the elderly, they are refreshed by the enthusiasm of the youth, and feel a sense of purpose in imparting values and life lessons to the young. Occasions like National Day and events such as Sports Day are high points in the centre’s annual calendar, where young and old gather and celebrate.

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Facilities For All Some of the facilities at the threein-one family centre, like a gym and karaoke room for the young and old to mingle, would make many want to sign up as residents. Preschoolers enjoy classrooms with computer facilities, and even a music and movement room. When it’s time to play, there’s the outdoor playground which they share with the older students. The centre also provides computer programmes, handson cookery, music and movement lessons, on top of its preschool education programme. Meanwhile, older students can do their homework in airconditioned study rooms and have some downtime playing indoor games in the activity rooms. There’s also a library and a computer lab for research, as well as a TV area to relax in once homework is done! The seniors enjoy facilities like an activity-cum-function room with fitness equipment, a reading corner and a multipurpose hall which also doubles as a dining room.

Engaging The Wider Community In 1998, the three-in-one Friendship Club was launched to attract volunteers, mainly housewives and retirees whose time and talents help support the centre. They help out in the kitchen, accompany the elderly on strolls, lead the morning workouts for both young and old, and even stand in as DJs during the daily karaoke sessions! The involvement of volunteers pulls in the wider community too, and fosters a greater sense of belonging to the centre, making it a place for meaningful socialising across the different generations and backgrounds.

c e l e b r at i n g 2 5 y e a r s o f g r o w t h

Checking Up On Health

A Library Just For Children

Health screenings are accessible to singaporeans and PRs above 40 – thanks to an initiative by the Health promotion board and PCF branches.

While big libraries can offer a veritable feast of books, audio and video materials, smaller branches like Clementi Communit y Children’s Library serve the neighbourhood at its doorstep.

Regular health screening should be a vital part of good healthcare. In 2000, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) introduced Community Health Screening (CHS), a form of subsidised screening for those 50 years and above. In 2007, it was extended to those 40 years and above. This was because HPB studies had shown that this ‘pre-senior’ group was seeing a higher incidence of high blood pressure, sugar levels and cholesterol. PCF kindergartens, a major partner in this programme, helped plan and implement the sessions.

Affordable Healthcare Each screening session costs $2. Screenings are done on selected days at venues like PCF kindergartens, open void decks and at community centres. It includes testing for one’s Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol. Each participant gets a health booklet. Those with abnormal results would be advised to see their family doctor or visit a polyclinic. The CHS was discontinued in 2010.

Spacious libraries have much to offer, but these centrally located branches may not be accessible to younger readers. In 1993, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong broached the idea of community-based libraries run by volunteers. These would attract younger readers who needed to be accompanied by their caregivers. The National Library Board (NLB) planned to set up 100 Community Children’s Libraries (CCL), with PCF as the community partner. A large part of the funding came from NLB. PCF branches would run the CCLs and pay recurrent costs like rent, utility bills and telephone lines. This underpinned PCF kindergartens’ educational role and promoted the pleasure of reading among young children.

A Library At Their Doorstep The first CCLs to be built were in Mountbatten, Clementi, Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok. Just like PCF kindergartens, these were situated in void decks so that they were easily accessible – literally at the doorstep of many households. This brought the libraries and a world of books to the little ones. Occupying a cosy 300 sq m of space each, these cheerfully decorated ‘literary nooks’ were maintained by PCF branches and manned by volunteers. They were filled with storybooks catering to children under 12 years old.

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More Members, More Staff As they grew in popularity, more staff were hired, which added to each CCL’s operating costs. NLB introduced a monthly membership subscription of $2. While some CCLs boasted large memberships, others had more modest numbers. Some branches gave memberships to kindergarten children and integrated library visits into their educational programmes.

They Were First! Clementi Community Children’s Library was officially opened on June 17, 1993. However, this CCL will close imminently because a new NLB community library will be opened in the vicinity. This CCL has the distinction of being one of the first to open and the final one to close – notching up 18 years of having brought reading pleasure to children. In recent years, the proliferation of libraries and the accessibility of reading material on the Internet have slowly eroded the need for CCLs. But one thing is for sure: the CCLs had provided an important and delightful service to the youngest members of society and had contributed to building early foundations for childhood learning!

Photo SPH Library

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Heartiest Congratulations to

PAP Community Foundation on your 25th Anniversary

Here’s to many more years of Inspiring a Million Learners and Caring for the Community With compliments

EDNOVATION Pte Ltd

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Gallery Love For Learning Creativit y is a central theme each school day at PCF. Here, the kids express what they love

Chong Xiu Ning Celeste

about school through art.

Joy 1/K2 • PCF Bukit Panjang (Blk 422)

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Nur Adrianna Ulfa Bte Abdul Roslie

Rasyiqah Firzanah

Peace 1/K2 • PCF Bukit Panjang (Blk 422)

Diamond 2/K2 • PCF PIONEER (BLK 642)

Ng Jing Ting

Leong Zhan Ming

Cypress/K2 • PCF CLEMENTI (BLK 330)

YE 1P1/K1 • PCF Yew Tee (BLK 608)

Mao Li Ya

Fahimah Bte Abdul Karim

YF 2P3/K2 • PCF Yew Tee (BLK 690D)

YF 2P3/K2 • PCF Yew Tee (BLK 690D)

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Tan Xin Yi

Faris

YF 2P3/K2 • PCF Yew Tee (BLK 690D)

YH 1P1/K1 • PCF Yew Tee (BLK 625)

Junise Neo

Joyous Koh

K2 Flamingo • PCF Telok Blangah (BLK 2)

K2A • PCF CHuA CHU KANG (Blk 10)

Chua Wen Zhe

Chee Yi Hui

YF 1P3/K1 • PCF Yew Tee (BLK 690D)

K1 Dragonfly • PCF Telok Blangah (BLK 78A)

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Heartiest Congratulations to

PAP Community Foundation on your 25th Anniversary

The Mapping Pte Ltd warmly congratulates the PAP Community Foundation on 25 years of outstanding dedication to community service and education. With compliments

Wishing you many more years of Inspiring Millions of Learners and Caring for the Community www.themapping.com.sg

KT Digital Imaging Pte Ltd

Heartiest Congratulations to

PAP Community Foundation on your 25th Anniversary Here’s to many more years of Inspiring a Million Learners and Caring for the Community

With compliments Beacon Educational Supplies Pte Ltd www.beaconeducational.com.sg

Heartiest Congratulations to PAP Community Foundation for 25 glorious years of excellence

With compliments

A partner of PAP Community Foundation for Hampton Pre-School

Heartiest Congratulations to

PAP Community Foundation on your 25th Anniversary

Here’s to many more years of Inspiring a Million Learners and Caring for the Community

With compliments

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary. We are proud to be your partner and look forward to working with PCF in designing and exploring new ideas to inspire children.

Carrey Construction Pte Ltd [email protected]

With compliments

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Core Values Professionalism

Commitment

Fortitude

We aspire to ensure quality and high standards in our services through continual learning and development.

We commit to delivering quality care and services through building competence and excellence.

We meet challenges together with perseverance and courage.

Integrity

Compassion

Accountability

Nimbleness

We value and respect people by being honest and open.

We value, care and nurture every individual to realise his/ her potential though our programmes.

We take pride in personal excellence and responsibility in all our endeavours.

We promote creativity and innovation in response to change.

Publisher PA P Communit y Fou ndation Publishing AGEN T S PH Maga zines P te Ltd Ma n aging Direc to r Dennis Pua gener a l ma n ager C hristo pher C han group edi to r Joanna Lee - Miller con t ribu t ing edi to r Sim Ee Wau n sub - edi to r Winnie Fong cre at i v e Direc to r Alex Goh a rt Direc to r Bernard C hia a ss t ma n ager , clien t ma n agemen t Loo Pei Hwa accoun t ma n ager Jo bina O ng cov er photogr aphy Frenc hesc ar Lim

• The PCF Story is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd (Registration

No: 196900476M) for PAP Community Foundation (Registration No: 198601011Z). Copyright of the materials contained in this publication belongs to SPH Magazines Pte Ltd and the PAP Community Foundation respectively. Nothing in here shall be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written consent of SPH Magazines Pte Ltd or PAP Community Foundation. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of SPH Magazines Pte Ltd nor PAP Community Foundation and no liabilities shall be attached thereto. All rights reserved. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers (Registration No: 196700328H).

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PAP Community Foundation

Inspiring a Million Learners, Caring for the Community

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