History and heritage of Tanglin Secondary School will be preserved in merged school

We thank Ms She Shuhui ("Retain Tanglin Secondary's name to recognise school as one of the pioneers in education", 12 Apr) and Ms Chen Qiaoling ("My alma mater's name is disappearing", 12 Apr) for their suggestion on retaining the name of Tanglin Secondary School after its merger with New Town Secondary School.

In the naming of merged schools, the Ministry of Education (MOE) considers a broad set of factors and whether retaining the name of either of the merging schools would be suitable for the merged schools. In doing so, the schools take into consideration the stakeholders' sentiments and feedback through the Principals of the respective schools.

We understand that the school experience is an integral part of our common identity and memories. As such, the merged New Town Secondary School will encompass the identities, strengths and cherished distinctiveness of both merging schools. Future cohorts of students will continue to learn and celebrate the history and heritage of both schools through the school culture, symbols, events and alumni. The history and heritage of both schools will be formally documented and preserved at a heritage space in the merged school. The merged school will also explore naming a prominent building or facility at the merged school site with "Tanglin" to preserve the rich history and heritage of Tanglin Secondary School.

We know that school naming carries great significance and are grateful for the stakeholders' support and understanding. MOE will continue to work closely with the schools to forge a strong identity for the merged schools.

Mrs Tan Chen Kee
Deputy Director-General of Education (Schools) and Director of Schools
Ministry of Education

谨答复《联合早报·交流站》于4月12日刊登的陈巧玲读者投函《我的母校名字不见了》和佘淑惠读者投函《盼为东林中学留名肯定工艺教育先驱》：

我们感谢佘女士和陈女士关于东林中学在与光伟中学合并后保留校名的建议。

在为合并后的学校命名时，教育部会考虑多方面的因素，以及保留其中一方的校名，是否适合合并后的学校。在此过程中，校方会通过有关学校的校长，征求各利益相关方的意见和反馈。

我们明白，校园生活是我们共同身份和记忆不可或缺的一部分。因此，合并后的光伟中学将集合两校的特色、强项和所珍视的独特性。校方将记录两校的历史，并展示在校内的文化遗产角落，让学生通过学校文化、标志、活动、校友等，继续传承两校的历史与文化遗产。校方也会探讨在校园内以"东林"命名一处有代表性的建筑或设施，以保存东林中学丰富的历史和文化遗产。

我们深知学校的命名意义重大，也非常感谢各利益相关方的支持和理解。教育部将继续与学校密切合作，为学校建立鲜明的特色。

教育部
副教育总司长（学校）兼学校司司长
黄静琪