The
Staff Dedication Service held at the Barker Road Methodist Church
Sanctuary on 07 January 2005 was a fitting start to the year, as all
staff from the ACS schools were reminded to give praise and honour
to God in their work and in their own lives. The Service commenced
with a welcome from Mr Ng Eng Chin, Principal of ACS (Barker Road),
followed by a time of singspiration and worship led by Mr Peter Tan
Chong Tze, Principal of ACS (Junior).
In his address, Mr Tan Wah Thong,
Chairman of the Board of Governors had the pleasure of introducing
the staff from ACS (International), who were warmly welcomed by the
entire congregation with resounding applause. This latest addition
to the ACS family marked a new milestone for ACS, as it will serve
as a springboard for the establishment of such international schools
elsewhere in China and the region. Mr Tan congratulated Dr John
Barrett, Mr Richard Lim, Mrs Kathryn Koh, Mrs Grace Choo and Ms
Christine Bok on their appointments as Principal of ACS
International, Principal of ACS (Primary), Vice-Principal of ACS
(Barker Road), Vice-Principal of ACS (Primary), and Vice-Principal
of ACS (Junior), respectively. He also congratulated Mrs Goh Chi Lan
on her appointment as Executive Director of ACS (International)
In the course of
the Service, the ACS staff took time to observe a moment’s silence
and to pray for the victims of the Tsunami disaster. The offering
collected was donated to aid in the relief effort of this
catastrophe.
Bishop Dr Robert
Solomon’s message on ‘Working with the Master Teacher’, expounded
from Luke 5: 1 – 11, was definitely an inspiration to all present.
Through the message, the teachers and educators present were once
again encouraged to rediscover the joy and passion of teaching, and
to renew their vocation and sense of mission. By working with Jesus,
the Master Teacher, one would never feel alone, but would instead be
always blessed with hope and encouragement all through the way. Then
they will be equipped to press on in the education of the ‘heart,
mind and soul’ of the charges under their wings.
Indeed, the Staff
Dedication Service helped to foster the sense of unity among the ACS
schools and reaffirm our sense of mission in the teaching vocation.