Namaste, Swami Muktirupananda.
Ms Pushpa Narayanasamy, Principal, Sarada Kindergarten
Teachers
Parents
Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and Girls
Good afternoon.
Introduction
1. I am very pleased to be here this afternoon. It brings back wonderful memories for me. In 1991 and 1992, I was privileged to be involved with SINDA and the Ramakrishna Mission in spear-heading the formation of Sarada Kindergarten.
2. In 1993, Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Kindergarten opened its doors for the first time to 126 pupils in this multi-purpose hall. At the time, Sarada Kindergarten was one of the few kindergartens offering Tamil as a second language, a facility appreciated by the Indian community. Over the years, Sarada Kindergarten has grown from strength to strength and kept pace with the latest developments in pedagogy, curriculum and facilities. Sarada Kindergarten has also held on to its aim of promoting all round development of its pupils and this has been made possible by a team of dedicated and professional teachers who are guided by the wisdom of the swamis.
Importance of Preschool Education
3. The children graduating today will begin formal education in a few months’ time when they start Primary One. Even though formal education in Singapore begins at primary school, quality preschool education will provide a strong foundation for our children. This is why MOE has committed considerable resources to further improve the quality of preschool education. We want to provide the best for our children and develop a love for learning from the start of their educational journey.
4. Besides developing our children academically, our preschools also need to develop them in other critical areas of learning, such as in aesthetics and creative expression, environmental awareness, motor skills development and self and social awareness. I am heartened to note that Sarada Kindergarten is founded on the importance of developing each child holistically, and giving each child time to enjoy their childhood. There is much emphasis in Sarada Kindergarten on interactive learning approaches. This involves catering to the children’s interest areas and engaging all their senses with hands-on activities. The children of Sarada Kindergarten nurtured in this positive environment are happy and confident individuals and this was evident in their performances at the concert.
5. The success of any education programme very often depends on an important group of people, the teachers. This is why MOE believes that it is crucial that we continue to upgrade our preschool teachers. This is being done through raising the minimum requirements of new preschool teachers and encouraging current preschool teachers to attain higher qualifications. There are various upgrading opportunities, for example, scholarships and teaching awards. Teachers should also continue to upgrade their skills and knowledge by attending workshops and seminars, so that they can continually bring out the best in their pupils and share their ideas and resources with their colleagues.
Conclusion
6. I wish to commend the principal and teachers of Sarada Kindergarten for their dedication in giving their pupils the foundation for learning and preparing them for their next phase of learning. My hope is for Sarada Kindergarten to continue to bring the best learning experiences to its pupils such that they become eager learners who are excited to explore new ways of doing things.
7. I would like to congratulate the parents present today on this happy occasion. As your children move on to the next stage of their education, continue to love and support them on their educational journey.
8. For the boys and girls graduating today, let me congratulate you on your achievement and wish you a bright future ahead!
9. Thank you.