61 schools to have new principals next year

SINGAPORE - Sixty-one schools will be getting a new principal next year (2017), as part of the Ministry of Education's (MOE) annual reshuffle exercise.

Of the 61 schools, 13 will have principals who have been appointed for the first time. These include Mr Chan Choon Loong, currently vice-principal of Bukit Panjang Government High School, who will head Northbrooks Secondary School.

In a statement on Friday, the MOE said the appointment for these 13 new principals is an important milestone as they assume major responsibilities as leaders in education.

"For the 48 serving principals and headquarter officers who are assuming new principalship appointments, it is an affirmation of MOE's confidence in their abilities to continue guiding our teachers and our students in our schools."

MOE said the process of appointing and rotating principals allows schools to benefit from fresh perspectives and experienced principals to share their best practices across schools.

"It also gives these principals the opportunity to take on new challenges as part of their career development."

Mr Chan, who will head Northbrooks Secondary next year, said he is excited to lead a school for the first time. "I'll spend the next few months getting to know the school, and I hope to continue the good work done by the school."

The 38-year-old, who had also been a vice-principal at National Junior College for four years, said he hopes to guide secondary school students in their post-secondary education choices, and help teachers improve their craft through professional development.

Mr Kwek Hiok Chuang, who has chalked up 38 years in the education service, said he is "very satisfied with the experiences gained over the years".

The 61-year-old, who spent 26 years as a principal across four schools, his latest being Nanyang Junior College, is the longest-serving principal among those retiring this year.

He had also been principal of North View Secondary , Anderson Secondary, Pioneer Junior College. "I counted the number of students I've met from my teaching days all the way until now - it's about 22,000 students," he said. "I like education very much because it's how we influence young people."

This article was first published on October 21, 2016.
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