Principals share insights on nurturing community and change

“Heart is what drives you,” says one principal. And this simple philosophy, which three other principals also subscribe to, has helped shape their communities – whether it’s turning school gardens into calming spaces, cultivating inclusivity through sports, or giving teachers space to innovate.
Former Radin Mas Primary School Principal Mr Farizal is proud to see how the school has grown into a community where students and teachers thrive.

 

“We aim high while staying humble.” – Mdm Yvonne Teo, Principal

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Mdm Teo believes that when teachers feel valued and supported, students thrive together.

Joining Bedok View Secondary School at the height of COVID-19, Mdm Teo found her greatest joy in guiding and growing with her staff. “What was most rewarding was that we didn’t just overcome challenges – we reached new heights.”

Under her leadership, the team charted new paths. 

“We strengthened our partnership with APSN Katong School, extending our shared ‘fence’, joining sporting events as one team, and even taking the stage at the National Day Parade 2023 together,” she says.

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Staff bonding through sports, learning journeys and community service keeps the team spirit alive.

Known for her genuine way of connecting with people and helping both staff and students shine, she believes every school has its own unique qualities waiting to be nurtured. Her approach starts with understanding what makes each school community special, then working alongside students, staff, and alumni to build on these strengths together.

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The school team make memories and meet macaws.

Mdm Teo’s leadership style centres on balance. She believes that success comes from blending achievement with joy. For her, nurturing great teachers starts with genuine appreciation. “Sometimes the smallest, most sincere gestures make the biggest impact in helping teachers feel valued.”

As Catholic High School’s new Principal, Mdm Teo begins by getting to know what makes her school community special, partnering with students, staff, and alumni to grow these strengths together.

“Have a heart for your people – support and help them grow.” – Mr Muhammad Farizal, Principal 

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Mr Farizal shares a cheerful moment with students as he reflects on seven years of watching them bloom.

Looking back on his seven years at Radin Mas Primary School, Mr Farizal takes pride in the steps taken to help students discover their talents and interests. 

“I have witnessed how each student has grown, not just academically, but also as better individuals and learners.”

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For Mr Farizal, supporting teachers’ well-being and growth is key to the school‘s success.

Nurturing growth applies to everyone in the school community. He sees teachers as the heartbeat of any school, with their dedication and passion shaping its impact. 

“Taking care of my staff’s well-being is key,” says Mr Farizal. It’s about helping them balance work and home, supporting professional growth, and enabling them to make a greater impact in the classroom.

The spirit of lifelong learning applies as well, guiding his role as a principal.  

“The learning never stops,” he says. “How can I be a better leader? How can I support my teachers to teach more effectively and lead them to learn?”

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Besides connecting with students during recess, Mr Farizal also makes daily walkabouts to get to know them.

As he embarks on a new chapter as Principal of Ang Mo Kio Primary School, Mr Farizal reflects on the one quality essential for principals.  “Heart is what drives you and keeps you going, no matter where you are.” 

“Find and celebrate school values in daily moments.” – Dr Lim Siew Yee, Principal

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”Building camaraderie and teamwork reflects the values we instill in our students,” says Dr Lim.

Throughout her time as Vice-Principal of Hua Yi Secondary, Dr Lim saw the school’s values come alive, particularly during a learning trip to Cambodia.

She watched proudly as students took responsibility for their tasks, adapted creatively to challenges, supported one another throughout their journey, and cared for the local children.

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Students in Cambodia. 

These moments, she says, capture the heart of why education is so meaningful. 

Dr Lim’s passion lies in helping both students and staff grow.  

She takes a personal interest in mentoring new teachers, guiding them through meaningful conversations to find clarity and confidence in their roles.  

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Teachers’ Day Celebration at Hua Yi.

This hands-on approach extends to all her staff – she recalls working with a teacher who was hesitant about trying new teaching methods. “We planned lessons together, and I joined her in the classroom,” she shares, demonstrating her belief in leading by example. 

Soon, the teacher was confidently using technology to engage students in their learning.

For Dr Lim, these transformative moments fuel her passion: seeing teachers flourish and students thrive, all while staying true to their values.

As Hua Yi’s newly promoted Principal, her vision is clear: to make the school a place where both educators and students find purpose and joy in their journeys.

“Help your students and teachers see possibilities.” – Mr Francis Foo, retired Principal 

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For Mr Foo, character development is the foundation of every student’s success.

A chance encounter on the grounds of Blangah Rise Primary School shaped Mr Foo’s perspective on learning spaces during his tenure as Principal.

“When I noticed how a simple garden walk helped calm a distressed student with special needs, I saw the therapeutic potential of nature.”  

This insight inspired his team to create peaceful garden spaces near the lower-primary classrooms, providing natural havens for young learners. 

For Mr Foo, true success in education is about playing the long game. 

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Mr Foo finds joy in students’ excitement for learning.

“You have to figure out what you’re willing to give up now to get something better down the road,” he explains, comparing school leadership to how teachers guide students through complex subjects – step by step, not all at once.  

His patient approach extends to nurturing innovation among his teachers by creating space for them to share successful strategies and experiment with new teaching methods. 

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To preserve the joy of teaching, Mr Foo prioritises time for teachers to collaborate and innovate.

This ongoing investment in their growth ultimately leads to what matters most to Mr Foo: students who genuinely love learning and feel excited about coming to school. 

“We all have only one past but there are many futures,” he says.

As he retires, we thank him for this legacy and wish him the very best ahead.