Professor Christine Goh, NIE Director,
Distinguished Guests,
Colleagues,
Graduands,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good morning.
1. Thank you for inviting me to officiate this Investiture Ceremony. Graduands, I offer you my heartiest congratulations, for having completed your training at the National Institute of Education.
2. After two years of conducting the Teachers' Investiture Ceremony online due to COVID-19, I am thankful that we are able to gather together again for a physical ceremony, to mark this very important occasion in your journey as educators. Your family members and loved ones must be very proud of your achievements and are here today to share your joy!
3. More than two years into the pandemic, the world has evolved and we have adapted to so many changes; from the way we work, to the way we learn and interact with one another. This journey, however, is not without its challenges and it requires our collective efforts as a nation to turn these challenges into opportunities.
4. Digitalisation, for example, has been at the forefront of how we have managed to function well in the new normal. However, this has also highlighted the gaps in digital access amongst different groups. Mental wellness is another area of concern that the pandemic has highlighted. We have recognised that as a community, we can do more to strengthen protective measures by supporting each other better so that no one is left behind. We are building up our schools as communities where staff and students support one another, beyond academic pursuits. To do this well, working alongside the teachers, we need specialised personnel such as our school counsellors and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Officers, and have been actively recruiting them to support our students with additional needs.
The Singapore Story is still being written
5. I am confident that you will help build a more caring and cohesive school community, and certainly, Singapore. Amongst you are beginning teachers of mainstream and Special Education (SPED) schools, SEN Officers and school counsellors, who will have the opportunity to shape our students' character and impact their lives positively. This is both a privilege and an important responsibility, which you must discharge to the best of your ability.
6. In education, our goal is for our students to thrive and be equipped with life skills and values, that will help them become their best selves as they navigate uncertain terrains in the future. In the journey towards this goal, you will meet a wide diversity of students with different family backgrounds, abilities and needs. While some could excel with less support, others with additional needs may require extra attention in our mainstream schools; or perhaps a customised curriculum in our SPED schools. Some could be experiencing social-emotional or mental health challenges and may require support in building healthy coping strategies and learning ways to better regulate their emotions. Journeying with our students along this continuum of support, would not only require you to work as a team within our schools, but also alongside their families and our partners in the social sector and the community, towards a better tomorrow for these students.
7. Your students are embarking on the story of their lives. Their stories and ours are all part of the Singapore Story. It is one which is characterised by seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges through personal struggle and support by others. To enable our students to lead meaningful, dignified and productive lives in school and beyond, we also need to role-model and equip their peers to know how to interact and appreciate them. Every child is an asset with strengths. Build strong relationships with your students, hone their strengths and interests, and equip them to achieve their own measure of success. It would also mean that you have to work with parents, manage their expectations, empathise with their emotions and appreciate their aspirations. More importantly, establish a partnership with them with the child at the core.
8. What you say and do will help to grow the next generation to be courageous, compassionate and resilient. These traits have always characterised our education fraternity. Do allow me to share some stories from your own cohort, that illustrate the very characteristics we want to nurture in our young Singaporeans.
The Singapore Story is made up of all our stories – stories of courage, resilience, and looking out for one another
9. Let me begin with Lim Jing Fen's story. The last couple of years have been particularly tough for Jing Fen. Coping with the challenges of the pandemic, working hard in her career and studies, Jing Fen also serves as the sole caregiver for her mother who has cancer. These challenges did not prevent her from doing her best and being a good team player to her peers. Graduating with a Diploma in Special Education, as a Special Educational Needs Officer, I know Jing Fen will impart the same courage and compassion to the students in her care.
10. Another inspiring story is that of Neemika Rai, who will be graduating with a Diploma in School Counselling. From a young age, Neemika witnessed her parents' selfless nature in helping the people around them. This inspired her to first become a social worker, and then a school counsellor, as she wanted to come alongside young students and their families – to get to know the families and to partner the parents to nurture socio-emotional competencies in their child from a young age.
11. Charlene Diana Batchelor is another educator who exemplifies passion, resilience and lifelong learning. Charlene has hearing loss, but that did not prevent her from equipping others. Formerly a staff of TOUCH Community Services, Charlene organised volunteer initiatives, to raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion of persons with hearing loss in the community. She also supported seniors in lifelong learning and ran enrichment programmes for children. Guided by her passion for teaching and her heart for students, she joined the Lighthouse School and embarked on a new career in Special Education. To manage both her studies and family commitments, Charlene wakes up at 4am daily to complete her course assignments, before helping her three children get ready for school. Today, Charlene is graduating with a Diploma in Special Education for SPED teachers.
12. Charlene's journey during this diploma programme at NIE has been made possible by many unsung heroes. Classmates helped her take notes when her interpreter was not around, welcomed her in group work, and learnt basic sign language as well. Likewise, Charlene's classmates benefited from her insights into teaching and learning, her years of working experience and her can-do spirit!
The Singapore Story is one where "We are Stronger Together"
13. Graduands, your NIE studies have been rigorous. You would not have been able to complete them without supporting each other. Likewise, in your career in education, we can only succeed collectively if we work together. Indeed, the Singapore Story is one in which we are and have always been "Stronger Together".
14. Anjanaa Sankar, from the Diploma in Education (Tamil) programme, has put herself at the service of her peers. As the Vice-Chairperson of the Tamil Language Club, she had helped organise the Mother Tongue Symposium 2021. At the same time, as the Sports and Recreational Officer of the NIE Student Teachers' Club, she was actively involved in the organisation of the first inter-school E-games as well as the Back-To-School Week 2021, amongst other student activities.
15. Likewise, Muhammad Zulkhair bin Mustaffa, from the Diploma in Physical Education, did his part during the pandemic by using his free time to deliver food to those in need and to reach out to migrant workers. Zulkhair believes his actions would contribute to a more caring nation and motivate the young ones in contributing to the community.
Conclusion
16. In our mission to develop our students holistically, every one of you graduating today plays a critical role. Education continues to evolve in our fast-changing society. Let us embrace these changes with hope and determination and continue to grow professionally to keep up with the challenges ahead. Rest assured that you will have the support that you need to thrive professionally. More importantly, do look after yourself. Take time to rest and recharge, so that you will have the strength and capacity to continue this journey.
17. Welcome to the education fraternity and I wish you the very best in your career! I hope that you will continue to encourage and inspire one another, and to make a difference in the lives of Singapore's next generation.
18. Congratulations again and thank you.