Schools and Community Partnership at Singapore’s “Queen of Estates”
19 Oct 2012
One might not know it, but Queenstown was the first public housing estate back in the 1950s. In conjunction with Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation celebrations in 1953, Queenstown was named the ‘Queen of Estates’ as the town was considered to be the grand dame of satellite towns in Singapore.
With the rise of the town, Queensway Secondary School was one of the first English-stream schools that were built. It was opened in 1961 and many Queenstown families sent their children to the school.
For Senior Teacher Ms Lee Ley Lun, Queensway Secondary School has been her second home since she joined the school 35 years ago. “Being part of a community that cared and shared with one another, seeing neighbours coming together as classmates and schoolmates – this is a very precious memory that stayed with me, even till this day,” says the teacher.
The experienced teacher also quipped that our national football legends such as Robert Sim and David Lee are school alumni, something most students might not be aware of.
At the launch, students were fascinated by many interesting facts about Queenstown that they were previously unaware of.
Embracing A Rich Heritage
Mrs Annie Ang, the Subject Head for National Education and Innovation at the school, shares that from next year, some students will be trained as heritage ambassadors, to lead their schoolmates and residents on the Queenstown Heritage Trail. Some of the interesting pit-stops on the trail are popular food spots, places of worship and residential areas.
“Not only will these students be able to understand the heritage of Queenstown area better, they will also lead others as guides for the trail,” says Mrs Ang.
Besides enriching the students’ schooling experience, this initiative also fosters a sense of belonging as these ambassadors help to bridge the school and community. Students will be excited to know that the Queenstown Heritage Trail will be part of their National Education programme next year.
Speaking at the launch of the “Queen of Estates” exhibition held at the school on 18 October 2012, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education (SPS) Ms Sim Ann encouraged the students “to cherish and preserve this heritage so that future generations can share a similar sense of connection and belonging to the school and community.”
She urged the students to continue to bring Queenstown’s heritage to the community at large. Residents of Queenstown will then be able to identify with a school that has educated generations of Singaporeans.
Fostering A Greater Community Spirit
Through the school’s initiatives, students come to understand and appreciate the rich history of the estate their school is located in. And they don’t just keep it to themselves; they also share what they have learnt with the residents, thus strengthening the community spirit.
“I hope that students of the school will look back on their time in school and recall fondly those people who have shaped and influenced their growth. It is our parents, family members, friends, teachers and community leaders that have cared for and inspired us all to do our best, to do what’s right and good and go on to create a better future”, said SPS Sim Ann.
Indeed, as the school seeks to nurture caring and responsible citizens, students are reminded that being actively involved in the community also plays a big part in moulding one’s character to bring out the best in them.
