Kuen Cheng High School 2025 New Teachers Training and Orientation Days
Reported by:
Yong Bei Sheng
(Mathematics Teacher)
Photography by:
Gan Shi Qi
(Chinese Teacher)
Tan Jie Xi
(Art Teacher)
A Legacy of Excellence: Welcoming New Educators to Kuen Cheng High School
As we approach the end of the year, Kuen Cheng High School proudly continues its enduring commitment to education by welcoming new faculty members. Under the leadership of Dr Wong Cheng Yoke (Teachers’ Professional Development Executive), a dedicated team of 14 volunteer teachers organized a comprehensive two-day training and orientation program for the 2025 cohort of new teachers on December 30th and 31st, 2024. This initiative aims to equip them for the exciting journey ahead.
The training was meticulously designed, reflecting Kuen Cheng High School’s ethos of mentorship and collaboration.
Day One: Foundations of Teaching
The first day commenced with an engaging ice-breaking session, where new teachers shared their aspirations, symbolically recording them on a whiteboard to foster encouragement. Vice Principal Koo Lai Ping, a 29-year veteran of the school, expressed her heartfelt sentiments regarding the ongoing legacy of education. She recounted the history of Kuen Cheng High School, highlighting its early challenges, including financial constraints, wartime adversities, limited enrollment, and inadequate facilities. Despite these obstacles, the school has remained steadfast in nurturing talent and achieving remarkable success. During a Q&A session, Ms Koo reflected on the institution’s evolution, noting its transition from an all-girls’ school to a co-educational environment. She emphasized, “The primary duty of a teacher is to nurture students, a timeless principle of education, irrespective of the era.”
(Photo 1: Vice Principal Koo sharing the rich history of Kuen Cheng High School)
Following her address, Assistant Admin Head of the Academic Department, Teacher Jane Chan Mei-qi, elaborated on teachers’ responsibilities and the significance of fostering harmonious teacher-student relationships that embody both professional integrity and personal virtues. Ms Cheah Yuen Pheng, Admin Head of the ICT Department, introduced a variety of multimedia tools designed to enhance daily teaching practices. Vice Principal Chong Siew Fah, with 27 years of teaching experience, addressed the importance of maintaining a positive professional image, cautioning against neglecting online presence in our digital age. Her thoughtful insights resonated deeply with the new educators.
(Photo 2: Vice Principal Chong Siew Fah offering valuable insights on curating a professional teacher image)
In the afternoon, volunteer teachers guided the newcomers on a campus tour to familiarize them with the school’s environment.
(Photo 3: Participants enjoying the campus tour)
Following the tour, Madam Chuah Ang Leng, Head of Human Resources & Finance, presented an overview of teacher benefits.
(Photo 4: Head of HR & Finance Ms Chuah presenting an overview of teacher welfare and benefits.
Before the Day 1 session ends, Dr Wong Cheng Yoke revisited key mindsets essential for effective teaching, highlighting three pivotal aspects: first impressions, cultivating good habits, and prioritizing student growth. This concluded the first day’s training.
(Photo 5: Dr Wong emphasizing three fundamental aspects for effective teaching)
Day Two: Embracing Educational Innovation
The second day began with an insightful forum featuring Principal Dr Chua Lee Lee, who discussed current trends in education and advocated for the school’s five core goals: fostering well-rounded development, promoting happiness, embracing inclusiveness, encouraging cultural confidence, and contributing to national progress. Principal Chua urged new teachers to move beyond outdated practices and adapt their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students, a message that resonated strongly with the attendees.
(Photo 6: Principal Chua discussing recent educational trends and the importance of adaptability in teaching)
After a short break, bonding activities and quizzes were conducted to reinforce the information shared over the two days. Madam Chua Wei Ling, Admin Head of the Discipline Department, provided an in-depth explanation of school rules and classroom management practices, emphasizing the need for balance between maintaining order and supporting student growth. This session clarified management strategies for teachers while underscoring that rules are fundamental to effective teaching.
New teachers expressed immense gratitude for the training, which enhanced their understanding of the responsibilities and values. Kuen Cheng High School remains steadfast in its commitment to educational excellence, ensuring that new teachers are well-prepared to continue this proud tradition. May all new educators find their footing and contribute to building a remarkable teaching team.
(Photo 7: A group photo with speakers, volunteers, and new teachers)
(Photo 8: New teachers writing their teaching aspirations on a whiteboard)
(Photo 9: New teachers placing their aspirations on display)
(Photo 10: New educators engaging in bonding activities with one another)
