Greetings from the Principal
Dear Parents
'KONG XI FATT CAI'
Last Saturday, January 28, marked the Year of the Rooster. Last year was the year of the Monkey. For our knowledge, the Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve year cycle. Each year in that cycle is based upon each animal's character and living habits. The Rooster is tenth in the Chinese zodiac. According to Chinese astrology, "Roosters" are hardworking, resourceful, courageous, and talented.
On January 30, the school held a Chinese New Year celebration to mark the special occasion for our school's Chinese community as they are able to share the festive merriness with all of us in this school. Chinese New Year has been the most important Chinese festival over thousands of years with the richest Chinese culture, and is also a family-reunion festival most cherished by Chinese people.
His Excellency the Right Reverend Bishop Cornelius Sim, President of the School Board of Governors; Anthony Liew, Chairman of the School Board of Governors, members of the school Board of Governors, Deputy Principal NM Mubarak, teachers, parents and students joined in celebrating this auspicious occasion.
Our students are very much privileged that they are able to witness and to some extent participate in major celebrations such as Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri organized by the school.
I was once asked on why SGS celebrates major events such as Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.
These are a few reasons that I can share with you.
First, our students' population itself is made up of various nationalities, ethnicities and along with it are the different beliefs, culture and traditions. We have students from the ASEAN countries, the Indian Sub-Continent, Africa and even Timor Leste, and I believe that the school is the best venue where the diverse perspectives, cultures and values are shared, accepted, appreciated and celebrated.
Second, cultural celebrations foster respect and open-mindedness for other cultures, broaden our own, and to fully experience and educate ourselves. Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us. By spending time together celebrating an event like this, helps us understand and appreciate each other's cultures more!
Third, promoting understanding, awareness of the similarities and differences amongst us in this school at a young age, will lead us to tolerance. Knowledge is the key to tolerance and I believe once you are aware of such differences and have tolerance about it, you will have a peaceful relationship with others once you are out there in the "real" world.
I am proud to say that St George's School is indeed promoting tolerance amongst the school's population as evident in the performances presented, whereby students from the various races participated.
At this juncture, may I take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and donors for their generosity. Wishing you prosperity, good fortune, and abundance year after year. Congratulations to the organizing committee for their hard work and commitment in ensuring the function is carried out smoothly.
Last but not least, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone here "KONG XI FATT CHAI" and a happy New Year of the Rooster. May the New Year bring the spirit of friendship, good health, wisdom and freshness into our lives.
Thank you and God Bless.
St. George's School (SGS) once again held a joyous celebration to welcome the Chinese New Year of the Rooster together with the school community, parents and invited guests. The school was honoured to have His Excellency the Right Reverend Bishop Cornelius Sim, President of the School Board of Governors, Anthony Liew, Chairman of the School Board of governors and spouse and members of the school Board of Governors to grace the event.
In his speech, the Principal, Janidi Jingan, noted that the festive day was indeed a special day for the school's Chinese community as they are able to share the festive merriness with everyone in the school. Chinese New Year has been the most important Chinese festival over thousands of years with the richest Chinese culture, and is also a family-reunion festival most cherished by Chinese people. He further commented that SGS students are very much privileged that they are able to witness and, to some extent, participate in major celebrations such as Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri organized by the school.
Mdm Koh Bee Moi, the spouse of Anthony Liew, contributed to the festive spirit by melodiously delivering two festive songs whilst students of different races, from kindergarten, primary and secondary levels, danced traditional Chinese New Year dances. The highlight of the celebration was the Lion Dance performance by four 'lions' which left the students, both juniors and seniors, enthralled and mesmerized.
Also joining in the celebration was the Deputy Principal, NM Mubarak and all Heads of Sections.
The celebration ended on a happy note with refreshments served to all guests and the school community.
*Check out this event gallery by click here.