I AM a former student of Dunman Secondary School who graduated 1977. I am extremely upset that so many of us, alumni members, are criticising the principal because of the new badge and motto.

It is great deal, I agree, but do you know that by posting hurtful remarks about the principal on the website petitiononline.com, you are hurting current students as well? What happened to the strong values our Dunman teachers inculcated in us years ago?

We have great memories at Dunman. I spent one of the best years of my life there. I could not bear to see the old badge go but Mrs Edelweis Neo, the current principal, has done so much for Dunman to transform it into one of the best schools in the district.

Does this matter when the school is moving up the ranks? Alumni members whose children are studying in Dunman, ask yourselves - has the school done much for your child? The teachers have slogged their guts out for the students but you alumni members criticise not only the principal but also the school. Have you any idea how hurt some of the students are? What happened to the Dunman spirit? Have we all, in the midst of this chaos, forgotten the Dunmanite creed?

Together you and I will leave

As Distinctive Dunmanites,

Discerning in our choice of right from what is not,

Disciplined in mind, fitness and conduct,

Daring to experiment and forge breakthroughs and

Determined to succeed in all that we do

As it is our Duty

To serve and better our school, community and nation.

Josephine Sea (Mrs)

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 6 Nov, 2008.